Buddha belly be gone, weight stopped increasing- Miracle testosterone

[Peribuddhabod]

Ive been reading all your stories in desperation to manage Peri and its evils better, but had to join mumsnet today, to share my experience, there may be some hope still ladies! 😀

Peri since 40 (2 years), multiple GPs appointments and tests, HRT for 14 months, estrodiol and progesterone. 2 stone weight gain, particularly abdo and a myriad of typical and stranger symptoms (sensitive teeth, seriously, wtf is that one about?). Max Estrogel dose eventually fixed most bar weight gain, Buddha belly, hair loss, dry skin and muscle weakness (and libido if anyone asks 😜). All Health tests normal - and I had a laundry list, some of which GP was surprised at. I was unashamedly a 'Karen'!

Ordered testosterone via superdrug despite not being particularly low (0.8 to 1.2 ish from multiple bloods), had to quote libido to get it, and within a week or so of using it the fat has redistributed, stomach almost back to flat - it's amazing, I feel like a woman again!! Hair loss stopped, energy / zest back and I've stopped gaining weight, which was happening despite eating healthily, limiting carbs, and regular exercise!

I know everyone is different and it might not work for all but if my experience helps just one person in the torment of Peri I'm happy!

Thank you all for your insightful posts, they've helped inform my discussions with multiple doctors, to get me to this point 😀

Note, I'm really shit at replying, but will try to remember to check!

I feel that it's not usually legitimate complaints tbh
There is a behaviour (and not always middle aged women) of entitled people who spawned the slur, it will die out just like Sharon and Tracy slurs did in the 80s

It’s great that it’s working for you. I’ve actually been struggling to lose weight since I started testosterone treatment. It had previously been coming off nicely when I was just on E & P. My T was 6.4 last time it was tested and I feel STARVING hungry all the time. I have a pellet so I can’t even reduce it. At this rate I’ll soon have a beard and testicles. 🤦🏻‍♀️

@NewMe2024 - originally self prescribed but supported by Bupa consultant and NHS Meno specialist too now, given that I have symptoms and my levels are not high. There are possible side effects but ypu should have a blood test a few months in to check levels and adjust dose if needed. The doctors are confident that you would have minor temporary side effects which can be reversed via dosing adjustment long before anything permanent happens 😀

@Menomeno - shame it's not been the same for you, hope you get sorted with the right mix. 🤞

Wow! I never knew sensitive teeth were also a symptom - mine suddenly kicked off about a month ago after a lifetime of "insensitivity" (not sure that is the correct terminology but made me chuckle writing it). Thanks for the post OP - I'm going to look into this. Fed up with crap hair and chunky belly.

Thanks everyone for your insights, I've found it useful to understand your experiences.

Also your perspectives on my use of words, message heard, I will consider this for future posts if I post again, so as not to unintentionally cause offence or dilute the real issue that we are all struggling with.

@Peribuddhabod thanks for this thread. I hadn't really thought about it until you mentioned it but I definitely think my hair and nails are much better since taking the testosterone. A side effecting that I wasn't expecting!

@thenewaveragebear1983 - I've been using slightly less than the recommended dose, one sachet is supposed to last 8 days, my first one lasted about 10/11 days, with what I thought was a 'pea sized' blob daily. You get 3 sachets in the pack (testogel) ....The main thing my Bupa consultant wanted to verify was that my estrogen was high enough first - good luck on your journey 😀

OP, this is a very helpful thread, and it would be a shame for it to be lost because you were perhaps a bit over enthusiastic in posting, and didn’t consider your word choices.

Can MN edit your first post to remove the word, at least that way, we can focus on the advice?

I had no idea sensitive teeth could also be down to f'ing menopause! My oestrogen levels were 130, should be over 200 so dr has switched me to old style combined tablets instead of gel as obvs not absorbing. Would like my va va boom back, maybe I'll ask about testosterone next time. Dr asked me what my symptoms were and only half joking that I can't remember because of brain fog and lack of quality sleep!

I have long thought I might need testosterone. What has struck me is the experiences of others where you can only get treatment if it is to satisfy a man. I am single and have been told, in a roundabout kinda way, that I can't have an increase in topical oestrogen unless they can't access my cervix for a smear, then they will consider an increase. Pure misogyny.

How much was the testosterone please?

Oooh this is really useful thank you!

Am thrilled for you!! Thanks so much for posting 🌷Hopefully others (including myself) can benefit from your shared insights and advice. Thank you

It angers me so much that the only symptom they prescribe it to women for is loss of libido.

😑 doesn't take rocket science to figure out why.

Anyway. Yes it's great. Gave me more energy and yes my libido is much improved. But my arm pits smell like a dick worker

DOCK. DOCK WORKER 🫣

Thank you OP breaks leg running to the Superdrug website

Ditto

The wording has already been picked apart, apologised for, let's move on

Snorting at dick worker 😂

I can't believe it you are encouraging women to order testosterone from a private supplier. Why wouldn't your doctor prescribe it if it was necessary?

If the OP is anything like me, she doesn't have time to sit in a 90-minute hold queue only to talk to a GP who isn't even following NICE guidelines for perimenopause and tries to push sertraline for your symptoms. I'm 50, and I went private because I was refused even basic HRT.

Yup. Exactly that.

Because GP's mainly won't prescribe it. It's not licenced for women. Why? Not enough research. Why? Because it's something that helps older women who are seen as irrelevant in our society.

As referenced by the use of Karen as an insult in the OP. Internalized misogyny at work.

Read with interest. The second person I’ve heard of this week that has found testosterone to be the ‘missing ingredient’
I’m knackered ….. all the time. Things I have done in the gym for years, I suddenly can’t manage and my stamina for my normal not that active life (walk dog, work, walk dog again, bit of gym a couple of time a week) has decreased massively.

I’m going to give it a go with a private GP - thanks

Too perfect!