Do I need testosterone - On HRT but have zero drive - seeing GP tomorrow

[NoMoreLimbo]

Hi all
I was wondering what others experience is. I have been on HRT for about 1.5 years now. Mirena coil and oestrogel.

Started with two pumps of gel and at the beginning that was great. Got my energy back and mood balanced, joint pain vanished but no drive.

Then was told at review in May when I raised again that I had no drive to increase to three 'to see if that helped'. It has not. I just do not have any drive of any kind. My libido has all but tanked (and up to this I had a wonderful sex life with my partner that Iove), I feel 'switched off' and I do not have any drive when it comes to my job, that I actually enjoy very much. Just a feeling of 'nah' don't care but is not me at all.

I am not feeling low emotionally and am not depressed. I have read a bit about testoreno and it seems for some women this has been a game changer when it comes to drive. I would love to hear what others experience has been. I have an appointment with the GP tomorrow and would like to go fully informed.

I have personally found testosterone to be a game changer. I was suffering from ridiculous fatigue and low libido and it has definitely helped with both.
Oestrogen will not solve your sex drive other than if you sleep better and have better mood you may be more up for it! But my test levels were through the floor and that was the issue for me

My experience was that upping oestrogen (from a 50 Evorel patch to a 75 Evorel patch) sorted out my libido.

The 50 patch had sorted out the hot flushes, but not the libido. I had expected I might need testosterone for that, but the GP ordered a blood test, my testosterone was pretty good apparently (I know you can't necessarily rely on a single blood test, but hey), so the GP increased the Evorel dose instead and that did the trick.

I don't know what the oestrogel dosage is like compared with Evorel, but just wanted to share my personal experience. I was surprised that oestrogen sorted it out, but it did. Obviously it may be different for you.

Testosterone made me feel a bit less "meh" about most things and improved my concentration, but has not fixed my libido. So just be aware it may not work.

Thanks all. @paranoidmumdroid1 yes! Meh absolutely sums it up! I had really hoped that the increased oestrogel six months ago would have helped but it didn't. I will ask for a tesoterone blood test to see what that says. Just hope the GP will agree to do the test. Regarding the libido side of things it feels a bit such as (sorry TMI) that things below have shrunk?!?

I'm on it It works. 😬

Testosterone has done nothing for my libido but has been miraculous in terms of motivation so definitely worth it just for that.

Update. Saw the GP (female) who after listening to how I feel immediately said ‘it sounds like you need testosterone’. She booked me in for a bloodtest and is referring me to their in house menopause clinic. She also said I should increase the oestrogel to four pumps!
Anyone else on four pumps??

I’m on the same regime - oestrogel and Mirena. I only have one pump a day though.

Testosterone has been fabulous for me. It’s completely restored my sex drive and, more importantly, my orgasms which had become very elusive despite my poor husband’s best efforts. It also really helps my mental clarity.

That’s amazing @GetrudeCoppard I’m glad it’s working so well for you.
I am hopeful it will have a positive effect if I do end up getting it.

Those of you on testosterone, how much do you use and where in the body?

Is it your NHS GP prescribing the testosterone? Mine won't as it's not licenced, he says I need to go private.

I had a real battle to get testosterone on the NHS, and my private insurance wouldn’t cover it. I ended up being referred to a gynae and having to wait (about 4 months), but now the gynaecologist has prescribed it, my GP is happy to do the same.

My GP also said I cannot get testosterone on the NHS, but referred me to the menopause clinic to see a consultant (who apparently can prescribe it) and took bloods to check levels with the intention to prescribe.

Oestrogen fixed my “meh”; testosterone restored my libido. Luckily my GP was willing to prescribe it on the NHS.

OP, if things have “shrunk” then you may need topical vaginal oestrogen as well.

I use Androfeme 1%, 0.5ml/5mg per day, alternating sites - back of knees, inner elbow, inner thigh, buttocks, etc.

I was on 4 pumps of Oestrogel plus a Mirena but found the effects of the gel wore off over time, (although I reckon is was becasue they changed the formula, even if they insist they didn't!). I swapped to 100mg patches which are doing the job and are less faff to apply.
I also take Utrogestan - 1 capsule per day every day, for a bit of extra progesterone to help with sleep, but that doesn't seem to be working any more.

Going up to the maximum dose and adding testosterone really helped me, as did adding a vaginal pessary. My libido increased and my general drive did too ( not perfect but better)

4 pumps is still way less oestrogen than you made naturally.

Thanks all.

It is good to hear about your experience @Movinghouseatlast I was wondering about the vaginal pessary. I have heard there is one that can be bought over the counter without prescription.

@Analyst11 do you get Androfeme on the NHS?

The GP should prescribe it if you ask. It's Vagirux I have. Great name...

@Movinghouseatlast Vagirux??? Who thinks of these names I wonder

@NoMoreLimbo No, I get it privately. As far as I'm aware it's not available on the NHS - they only give the stuff designed for men and you have to adjust the dosage.

Four pumps is equivalent to a 100mg patch so not extreme OP!

What this poster said :)

Here is the BMS link showing how the different delivery systems are equivalent dose wise - thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/15-BMS-TfC-HRT-preparations-and-equivalent-alternatives-JAN2024-B.pdf