Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Menopause

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Testosterone - If you are on it/been on it, what side effects have you experienced

27 replies

Dollymixture17 · 21/02/2025 16:38

I have just been given the go ahead to take Testosterone. Obviously they went over the side affects, of which I knew most of them, I was a little concerned that two are irreversible, deeper voice and enlarged clitoris. They did say that they have never seen this as it would more likely happen to someone transitioning. Any other side effect would stop, in time, if you came off it.

I was just wondering what your experiences have been, if any.

OP posts:
Ilovelowry · 21/02/2025 20:48

A bit hairier on my neck and chin and bikini line. And massive increase in sexual desire. That's it. I don't even have increased hair on my leg where I rub it in.

Newmum738 · 21/02/2025 20:50

More hair on my inner thighs where I apply it but that's all. If you're using the sachets, I try to just use one every eight days or more.

Kissedbyfire1 · 21/02/2025 20:58

Been on it for donkeys years, no adverse / undesirable side effects.

TheOGCCL · 22/02/2025 09:06

No side effects at all.

Aparecium · 22/02/2025 09:13

None whatsoever. Not even sure it's having a significant effect on me. Maybe a slight increase in libido. I'll give it a year or so.

Because of the risk of body hair growth where it's applied, I apply on a circuit. Each sachet gradually works its way around a limb, say left thigh, right thigh, left shoulder, right shoulder. So each application area on each limb gets used only once a month.

HelenCurlyBrown · 22/02/2025 09:19

My libido and orgasms came back (this is why I wanted it). No other side effects.

Loveautumnhatewinter · 22/02/2025 09:23

Aparecium · 22/02/2025 09:13

None whatsoever. Not even sure it's having a significant effect on me. Maybe a slight increase in libido. I'll give it a year or so.

Because of the risk of body hair growth where it's applied, I apply on a circuit. Each sachet gradually works its way around a limb, say left thigh, right thigh, left shoulder, right shoulder. So each application area on each limb gets used only once a month.

I was told to apply it to lower body only and never to use it on my top half???

Whyherewego · 22/02/2025 09:25

Absolutely zero side effects. I alternate thighs for application and they are absolutely smooth and hairless.
The desired effects are more energy and increased libido which I do have

Aparecium · 22/02/2025 10:23

Loveautumnhatewinter · 22/02/2025 09:23

I was told to apply it to lower body only and never to use it on my top half???

Show quote history

I was told thighs, buttocks or outer upper arms and shoulders.

Original poster
Dollymixture17 · 22/02/2025 12:33

thanks all, quite reassuring that you haven't experienced too many side effects.
I will change the area I apply to avoid hair growing there. Quite interesting that some have received differing advice on where to apply it. HRT is all below the waist, so I did assume T would be the same.

OP posts:
olderbutwiser · 22/02/2025 12:57

I can’t remember where I was told to put it, but it goes on the front of my thighs. Only effects are positive ones. Could not be more delighted with it.

Planetmonster · 22/02/2025 13:01

50 here and not on HRT as no serious symptoms- but the testosterone does sounds helpful - I like the idea of increased libido and easier orgasms as mine has dropped little, can you just ask the GP for it?

stringbean · 23/02/2025 10:28

Depends on GP. I had a real battle to get it, very reluctant to prescribe (GP not had good experience of prescribing it previously), regular blood tests, concerns from GP to stop taking it as testosterone levels were too high and then more blood tests before I restarted. Delays in waiting to discuss blood test results with GP - couldn't get appointments - before they would prescribe more meant I never really got a consistent dose for any length of time and ultimately I didn't get any benefit from it anyway. Now wondering if I was fully oestrogenised from HRT anyway - for all the testosterone blood tests I had they wouldn't test oestradiol levels so I was never sure of this. I've recently changed HRT and feel better on it so wondering if I might get a better result now but not sure I want to go through all the aggro.

HelenCurlyBrown · 23/02/2025 11:29

Planetmonster · 22/02/2025 13:01

50 here and not on HRT as no serious symptoms- but the testosterone does sounds helpful - I like the idea of increased libido and easier orgasms as mine has dropped little, can you just ask the GP for it?

My GP wouldn’t prescribe it, so I had to get a referral to a gynaecologist. This took about 4 months. I spent approximately 2 minutes seeing the gynaecologist in a hospital (on a Sunday).

I said, ‘I’d like testosterone for my libido’. He said ‘here’s your prescription’. Ridiculous that my GP couldn’t do this and what did this charade cost the NHS?

Anyway, my GP will now prescribe it (but I had to ask the gynae to write to him to confirm he was agreeable 🤨).

Delatron · 23/02/2025 12:09

No adverse side effects for me. Slightly positive impact on libido and general mood is improved. Get the odd spot which I never used to so I just miss a day or so if that happens.

Had to go private and pay.

Waitingfordoggo · 23/02/2025 12:20

I tried it briefly but it brought back my acne around my chin (I had suffered dreadfully with this between the ages of 20 and 40) so I stopped using it. I was disappointed as I was hoping it would improve my libido, but I wasn't prepared to suffer acne again having had such a battle with it for so many years.

Almostwelsh · 23/02/2025 12:20

No bad side effects. Some increase in libido and sexual function.

It has made my skin and hair a bit more oily - but only to the level they were before menopause and my skin is less itchy because of it.

LaPalmaLlama · 23/02/2025 12:39

Better motivation generally. A bit of extra hair where I rub it in but possibly only noticeable as I am generally quite an unhairy person. When I first started it I got a few upper back spots but that’s stopped now. Slightly improved sports performance but that could easily be psychosomatic- I’m not suddenly running a sub 10 second 100metres or anything crazy like that 🤣

User1836484645R · 23/02/2025 12:45

My GP prescribed it to help lack of energy. I have been on it for over a year and haven’t noticed any side effects. No increase in libido either.

Original poster
Dollymixture17 · 24/02/2025 11:31

HelenCurlyBrown · 23/02/2025 11:29

My GP wouldn’t prescribe it, so I had to get a referral to a gynaecologist. This took about 4 months. I spent approximately 2 minutes seeing the gynaecologist in a hospital (on a Sunday).

I said, ‘I’d like testosterone for my libido’. He said ‘here’s your prescription’. Ridiculous that my GP couldn’t do this and what did this charade cost the NHS?

Anyway, my GP will now prescribe it (but I had to ask the gynae to write to him to confirm he was agreeable 🤨).

Show quote history

I agree, it's a waste of time going being referred then once agreed having to go back to Drs to get the prescription. It's also disgusting that they will only give this for women with low libido, although it can help with a list of symptoms

OP posts:
FannyBawz · 24/02/2025 11:35

Why can’t we just use it on hairline?

SedentaryCat · 24/02/2025 11:35

I was referred to the Menopause clinic by my GP. Once they had stabilised my Testosterone levels they handed my care back to the GP. No problems getting repeat prescriptions.

No side effects apart from increased libido and more motivation to do things, which was why I asked to be referred.

ethelredonagoodday · 05/03/2025 09:05

Hello, just popping on to say I've just started my prescription a week ago. Am alternating thighs as suggested by a PP. was prescribed for libido and general lethargy, so am hopeful. 🤞🏻

DameM · 05/03/2025 10:15

It can make you feel a bit jittery at first so start low and build up. If instructions are one blob every other day I'd start at twice a week then increase. Apply on a morning to avoid sleep disturbances.

Also I'd omit it on days that you may have a stressful event like an exam or similar as it can really make the nerves ramp up.

That said, it definitely returns libido and sexual response so I'd recommend.

ethelredonagoodday · 05/03/2025 10:28

I've been started on one pump (10mg) twice a week at mo. Doctor says she'll review after 3 months.