Testosterone levels

[Newmum738]

I've just had my testosterone levels tested and they have come back normal. Looking at what the normal range is, I've only just scraped a 'normal' result. Would a specialist be likely to give testosterone replacement treatment for this?

I managed to get Testosterone through NHS - my level was almost normal, but the decision seemed to based on prescribing for lack of libido.
Good luck - it does make a big difference

I was prescribed it in the normal range (lower end of). I think the key is to ensure you don't go out of that range when using it.

@LadyChilli have you noticed the difference since you've been on it?

I was in the lower normal range and got testosterone. I’ve been on it for about 4 months and not noticed any difference in regard to libido 😥 I honestly don’t know what else to do about this.

I think so. Libido is fine anyway (subject to where in my cycle I am so I will watch that one with trepidation when I stop having a cycle) but I was finding it very difficult to orgasm and that is resolved. Also the brain fog has cleared which was the main reason I wanted to try it. I know there isn't strong enough evidence for that but either it works or I'm getting a great placebo effect and I don't care which.

What was your result op? After 8 months I went up to 0.8, I believe 'normal' is 0.4 - 2 ( free androgen index)

I had an initial surge, then it fell back again, about 10 months in I felt a whoosh and a big effect.

@Droolylabradors it's 0.8. I've seen a scale that says 0.7 is bottom of normal. My confidence levels are very low so I thought this might be part of the problem. I've also got brain fog.

Mine hasn't helped with brain fog at all. But I do think it made a difference to my energy levels and also definite tingling libido wise.

What has your GP said about it?

Mine is 0.65 which is in range, is this considered low though? My doc never called me back so I assumed it was all OK. Still feeling tired and brain foggy

Just checked and two years ago mine was 0 .7 and GP referred me to a NHS clinic .
Definitely hopes with the brain fog , which affected my confidence particularly at work.

I'd ring my GP and say 'thanks for the blood test, I'd like to try testosterone'.

When mine got to 0.8 my GP called me to ask if it was making a difference seeing as the number was still so low!

My GPS were useless about this and said my level was fine. They wouldn't prescribe on the basis that I don't have a current partner and nhs guidelines is that it's for 'libido' but nothing else. (Another example of misogyny built into the system imho.) Newson clinic said it was on the floor and that that you also need to look at free androgen index and not just testosterone level in isolation. I've had to give up with GP on this and pay for it privately.

My test results were 0.4. My doctor still refused to try me on testosterone. So I ended up going through Superdrug. Libido hasn’t improved yet (it’s been 4 months) but brain fog, tiredness, anxiety and all the aches and pains seem to be vanishing.

I'm interested in this, my level was also 0.8 the other day but my SHBG (is that the right order?!) was out of the reference range at 131. This seems to suggest that something is off?

I'm waiting to see the GP (takes 6 weeks to get an appointment!) and I'll also talk to the Newson clinic who I went to originally.

It's probably a bit early for me as I'm just going into month 3 of HRT and I'm still getting to grips with the right oestrogen level and how to manage progesterone.

I'd be interested in how you get on OP

Yes, I think I'm going to get an appointment with the Newson clinic. It's impossible to have a sensible conversation with the GPS at our surgery. It's best to get a diagnosis through other means and then tell them what you want.

Oooh if it works for aches and pains, that would be fab. I've got terrible muscle pain and stiffness. I'm suffering from anxiety and yes have some good life reasons for that but I'm sure hormones are a factor.

If you do want to give it a try, tell the Dr it’s for libido, not brain fog. They’re only allowed to prescribe it if a poor man somewhere is going without sex. 🙄 It’s literally the only thing it’s licensed for.

What dose are you taking if you are using Testogel?

My GP grudgingly gave it me after asking at least 3 times and she insisted I had a blood test to look at my level (which was the lower end of normal).

It made a big difference to my libido initially but now not so much. However I've realised this is directly related to how much my husband is annoying me😂

@Topsyturvey10 a blob a day for 8 days. In reality I forget every few days and sometimes more comes out and sometimes less. I don't worry about it. I'm sure if all evens out!

Is this 8 days a month or 8 on/8 off? My GP said to use a pump everyday but I started to notice increased hair growth so I decided to go with alternate days.

It's a sachet every 8 days. I've had a look at my leg this week, I think there is slightly more hair where I rub it at the top of my thigh (and I started using it 12months ago).

But literally no one sees the top of my thigh so I'm not really that bothered!!!

Like I said I sometimes forget. And I'm recovering from surgery at the moment so I've stopped using it for a bit as the last thing I need is a tingly clitoris!

🙈

I had testosterone alongside my HRT for a good while to trial it after going into surgical menopause (ovaries removed) and it made absolutely no difference to mood, stamina, energy, sleep or libido.