Can I have testosterone if my levels are normal?

[OnceMoreIntoTheBreachDearFriends]

Hysterectomy last year aged 39 due to severe endometriosis so sudden onset of menopause - in retrospect the worst decision I ever made, I'd rather have the pain every day than the weight gain, mood swings, hair loss and lack of sex drive that I've been experiencing but that's by the by. Currently on oestrogen and progesterone tablet HRT but thinking about asking to increase the dose when I have my next review.

In my discharge letter from the consultant he recommended that I also be prescribed testosterone - I hadn't mentioned it or asked for it previously but would like to give it a try (especially due to the sex drive issue!). I've had an initial blood test from my GP and levels came back normal - will they still prescribe it for me since it was recommended? Even if I don't technically 'need' to have it?

Do you know the levels? I understand more menopause specialists treat in symptoms since levels can fluctuate.

Dr Louise Newsome’s book had a big section about this, can’t remember what it said but think she may have recommended testosterone after hysterectomy.

To get testosterone say you need it for your libido which is true.
It is also very helpful for energy and bone density when you do your weight bearing exercises, but they don’t care about that.
Libido all the way and you should get it. Good luck.

I don't unfortunately, it just said 'normal range'

Sounds like your hrt needs adjusting too definitely

I was prescribed testosterone in Ireland for libido (On HRT as well). Apparantly libido is the only indicator for T in my case - not indicated for things like brain fog. But I found it very effective for libido 😎

I can't remember my T levels actually beibg tested

It’s only licened in the UK for women with low libidi and who are post menopausal. Most GPs follow the BMS guidelines, which ere here: https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/08-BMS-TfC-Testosterone-replacement-in-menopause-DEC2022-A.pdf this explains about the lack of RCT evidence in uses other than low libido

I got my testosterone from Superdrug online doctors, I had to do a blood test first which came back ‘normal’ and they then prescribed it. I think the blood tests are checking that you don’t have a testosterone level that is already high before they prescribe it, which could cause problems.