Pepperminty
I suggest you read the links that Bobidy gave in her posts as well as the long-running thread in private lives entitled "Testosterone Here We Go" which should have some useful information:
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,27959.0.html . Also the thread on doses might have some info:
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,39588.0.html although in the later parts of the thread there is quite a lot of discussion about hair loss etc and also products and approaches from outside the UK etc which are not relevant/available/advisable here (eg compounding pharmacy products and creams).
Also please DISREGARD Erika's advice re application of gel or cream to labia WHICH SHOULD NOT BE DONE. Also the advice just to go by side effects to determine dosage. None of this is correct nor advised by BMS or makers of the only T product for women - Androfeme:
Here is the extract from Androfeme info:
"
The usual starting dose of ANDROFEME® is 5mg testosterone (0.5mL of cream via applicator) applied once daily to the inner aspects of either the lower torso or upper outer thigh. Absorption may be more variable if applied to other areas of the body. The dose can be varied according to severity of symptoms and clinical response.The patient should have a follow-up blood test taken within three weeks of initiating treatment. Levels should be maintained at the upper end of the normal therapeutic range for females. The dose should be titrated as deemed appropriate. Follow-up should occur at 4 weeks and a full evaluation of the treatment be undertaken at the conclusion of the third month. Clinical trials have shown that there is a four to eight week time lag between starting testosterone treatment and an improvement in sexual motivation. If there is no improvement in symptoms after 6 months of continuous therapy then alternative treatments should be considered.The mode of administration is via the transdermal route (topically)
Do not apply to the genitalia or perineum, unless required for a specified purpose *
Women should be made aware prior to initiating testosterone treatment of the lack of long term safety data associated with testosterone use in women. Treatment with ANDROFEME® should be on a short term basis – 3 months with regular monitoring (see Directions for use) – and it is at the physician's discretion if treatment is to be continued.Caution should be exercised when patients are taking products that may decrease sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or increase free-testosterone levels."
*this is not specified in the leaflet. T gel also should NEVER be applied to genitals because there is no knowing how much will be absorbed and supraphsyiological levels could result (ie higher than occur naturally) with resultant side effects.
This is what I said on the "Testosterone here we go" thread about monitoring T levels:
"Notwithstanding the inaccuracy of single blood tests, in the case of testosterone - the "male" hormone (ie they have 10 x the amount we have) I would say it is advisable to get levels monitored to keep T levels within the physiological range for women. When I was first prescribed it by a gynae four years ago she said it can take up to 4-5 months for the effects to become fully implemented due to cellular changes, and I understand that some side effects can be difficult to reverse? Also some changes will be more subtle and the obvious side effects you mention may only become apparent (in some women) with free T levels much higher than normal (taking into account SHBG)?
This is what the British Menopause Society says:
"
Although it is not mandatory to perform testosterone level estimation prior to or for monitoring treatment, it can be useful. A low FAI < 1.0% in women with symptoms of low sexual desire and arousal, supports the use of testosterone supplementation. Repeat estimation at the 2-3 month follow up visit can be performed to demonstrate if there has been an increase in levels, though clinical response is of paramount importance. It is also useful to demonstrate that values are being maintained within the female physiological range, typically < 5%, thus making androgenic side effects less likely."
https://thebms.org.uk/publications/tools-for-clinicians/testosterone-replacement-in-menopause/In general I totally agree with the "Go by how you feel" philosophy when it comes to hormones - but I think we have to be a bit more cautios with testosterone replacement - not least because there is so very little research into its replacement in women as part of HRT"
Please do exert caution and treat this hormone with respect - after all we are women and we do not want to tip the balance too much towards T over oestrogen. And as said - long term data are sparse.
Having said all that pepperminty - good luck with it and hope it works for you! There are plenty of us here using it off-licence (either small amounts of T gel for men through NHS or Androfeme for women, privately) in the correctly prescribed way (ie through reputable gynaes - BMS etc) and there will always be someone to share their experiences.
Hurdity x
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Topic: Testosterone- the good the bad and the ugly! (Read 38953 times)