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[Noheroicsplease]

I tried to find my initial thread but couldn't, so I'm updating here.

I've got the mirena coil and use one pump of estrogel a day. I believe that I'm a good profile for testosterone - and private testing over the years showed an almost non-existent level of Testosterone.

Doc called today and said ok. She said she asked her colleagues, and there was ambivalence, especially around what it would do for libido - because this is what the NICE guidelines advise T is for, I pushed this, but actually i want it for well-being as well, but I didn't think the doc would understand this.

She's going to test my T levels next week, then prescribe testogel. She'll review after 6 weeks to see if there is any change.

I'm really pleased but also nervous. I don't know why! I worry that it might cause hair shedding, is my main thing. I've started to worry in the past few days that being on the coil has caused more noticeable shedding than before. But I guess a pea sized blob, in accordance with my results, should be ok?

And should I be asking for oestrogen levels to be tested at the same time so she can see how the 'balance' is?

Any advice welcome. I've had three days of unbearable fatigue, and I'm really desperate to feel less exhausted when I wake up!

[peri]

Yipee, well done you x

[Tempest]

Well done you! Try not to be too nervous starting it. Hugs! xxxx

[Annie0710]

Well done !

Personally I'd go by how you're feeling and not levels.  T gel didn't help with libido for me but did a tad for wellbeing but I was ever so stingy with the dose as I was worried too.  In hindsight if I ever went on it again I'd smear a bit more on, but start small and see how you get on.  So many women feel better adding testosterone in to their regime x

[Hurdity]

Hi

I answered your pm but also will post on here.

Although it is not usually necessary to test levels - it is important to be feeling good on your oestrogen dose before introducing testosterone.

I am also not sure of the wisdom of prescribing testosterone when you have a Mirena and especially if your oestrogen levels are not sufficient? Is this the gynae's advice? Levonorgestrel is one of the most androgenic of progestogens so not sure what adding testosterone to the mix would do. Not sure if there has been sufficient work on this. Also for some women the synthetic progestogens also dampen libido so this could be happening with you ( as well as low T).

My feeling would be that testosterone is best used once oestrogen levels are high enough (this is a difficult question too!) but only as part of a regime which uses bio-identical hormones - ie estradiol, progesterone and testosterone - so that all three are the same hormones structurally that we make in our bodies. That would be the best way of attempting to get a good balance. Also I can't imagine having testosterone if you are having progestogens continuously - as progesterone also dampens libido.

Like Annie0710 I am stingy with the dose - just a pea-sized blob. I feel as though I may need more as I am still very tired especially after exercise - but could be something else going on and also don't want to tip the balance into too much T relative to oestrogen and I can't increase any more at my age.

It could be the missing link for you - but only when you've got the main regime going properly (oestrogen and progesterone)

Hurdity x

[Wrensong]

Hurdity's advice re conti progestogens is interesting.  I was prescribed T with Evorel Conti a year ago (for disproportionate fatigue & muscle weakness/loss), but have yet to start the T, as symptoms continue to suggest insufficient oestrogen.  I hadn't considered that it might be unwise to use T with a regime involving a conti androgenic progestogen, so that's worth thinking about.  You learn so much useful stuff on here!  Would be interested to know how you get on Noheroicsplease, if you do start T with the Mirena in place.  Hope it goes well for you if you do though.

[peri]

That's Good to hear Thelongandwindingroad and glad it's working for you.  Off topic but can I ask if you've had any bloating with the mirena?

[peri]

Oh that's good to hear.  It's my main problem with the mirena but I'm hopeful it will resolve itself as it settles down (I've had it 4 months).