If you take testosterone

[Piggles1979]

I've been on HRT since Jan. Great....except for having absolutely no libido.
I've got an appointment with the BUPA menopause plan tomorrow and I imagine testosterone will be the way to go.
I'm so worried about acne though! Having struggled with my skin, this is a real concern.
If you are on testosterone, has this been an issue for you?
Thanks.

This is all really helpful. Thank you for your messages.
So, I'll see how the increased patch goes and then get back in touch about the vaginal oestrogen when all of that has settled.
I'm guessing regular GPs are able/willing to prescribe the vaginal oestrogen. I know there's a reticence to prescribe testosterone, but oestrogen seems less controversial.
Thank you again. It's so useful to read real life experiences.

I tried it, and it did increase libido. I had no adverse effects on my skin.
However I did have excessive hair growing on my face, and the hair on my head became really thin, a male pattern baldness, it’s never grown back even after i stopped it.

I didn't have hair loss or spots, but I do have a much hairier chin and neck. But that's fine I pluck or use an eyebrow razor.

Massively helped libido.

If you have the sachets, cut them open rather than rip, they crystallise less.

Both,
estrogen patch (75) vagifem (3 per week) and Ovestin cream every other day ( use up around anus as well as it helps with itching)

@Whoops75 Thank you. It's good to know there are a couple of options to explore.

This has happened to me!, does oestrogen bring back the lubrication needed for sex?

I have the coil fitted and use 3 pumps of gel. I then added the pessary for oestrogen which as another poster said I didn’t feel that dry but it has made a difference. Everything feels more plump! No change to my libido.
I went on testosterone (I have a pump - not sachets- and I have 1 pump every other day). I’ve only been on it a month but wow! I have had no adverse reactions and I’ve got to say I’ve got the stirrings back. I’m so relieved. I wouldn’t have cared if I never had sex again and now I’m noticing it’s crossing my mind a few times a day. It’s caused such a strain on my marriage and I was worried it wouldn’t work. I’d def recommend giving it a try- I felt so lost. I found/find my husband really attractive but I just had zero desire. Not anymore!

I'm 52 and I think I must be shifting to the post menopause stage 🙏
I haven't used HRT, hot flashes and loss of libido were my worst symtoms.
I had been considering testosterone, however my libido has returned with a serious vengeance! Its taken me somewhat by surprise, I didn't expect it to return by its own accord, but it very much has. Hopefully it'll help some of you to hear that it can and does return!

@CremeDeSudo I have one of those clip things you get that you put on top of bags and leave it in the sachet and just clip it - I am rubbish at dosage though so know I need to be done after 8 days and probably have too much for half the week and not enough the rest.

In terms of side effects though, none.

Has anyone noticed their anxiety improving after taking testosterone? My anxiety was the main reason I started HRT but it hasn’t really helped at all.

@Piggles1979 and @dancemom , I’ve had only excellent results from Testosterone therapy, I’m positively evangelical about it and my husband has an almost permanent smile on his face. No skin problems, no excess hair, nada.

I didn't have any specific anxiety pre HRT so can't help on this one.

I would say though that for me oestrogen is the happy/calming hormone so you could consider increasing that which might help?

Is a loss of libido seen as a legitimate reason for HRT in doctor world. Im worried about being told to and go and to do some exercise...or something like that. I've got a telephone appt tomorrow and feel worried

@Cheese55 I went to GP. Said I wanted a libido. She checked I was 'fully oestrogenised' and gave me a blood test. This came back showing I had no detectable testosterone.

Even at the very least if they can't prescribe, they can send you for the blood test.

Did they act like you should just get on with it?

I'm in Wales and had to be referred to the menopause clinic. I just paid to go private because the wait is around 18mths!

Can anyone give an idea of how long it took their libido to return? Really hoping to have one!

No, they were so supportive.

Prescribed it immediately. I've had it without question since August 2023. My annual review asks if I'm still benefitting, which I am.

Happy days.

Three weeks for me

And I can increase or decrease it. Eg. Before a holiday 😉

Omg, brilliant! 😆

How much was this if you dont mind saying?

£250, plus £35 for the prescription. I'm lucky enough to have a cash plan in work so I could just claim it back. Have to go back for a follow up in 3mths

It’s the only symptom they can prescribe testosterone for, which surprised me as I was expecting nobody to give a shit about my sexual pleasure tbh!

I use 2 pumps of oestrogen gel, ovestin topical oestrogen cream and (when the pharmacy bothers to supply it) Vagifem oestrogen pessaries. I also use testosterone gel. I have a slightly hairy thigh where I apply it (I try to get as close to ‘where it’s needed’ as possible but it can sting if you get it on your actual vulva so avoid that!) It’s definitely improved both desire and function, my previously atrophied clitoris has plumped up a bit and my bush is back with a vengeance after looking very sad and straggly for a few years! No excess hair anywhere else - in fact I have less hair on my arms, face etc then I ever had. Recent blood tests show my levels are all within normal range, so hopefully it’s all doing its job.

@SnowflakeSmasher86 its systemic so doesn't need to be near sexual organs.

Try your inner upper arm. No hair growth there.

I'm really reassured by all of these experiences.
I'm trying the higher oestrogen dose, but am expecting a move to testosterone ultimately.
The stories here have really given me hope!

Oh that’s a handy shout thank you!