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[VictoryV]

Hi,
Apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere, I need your help please.

My NHS GP wants to test my T level and is going to compare my results to other same aged women. If my levels are the same (or higher) as other 49 year old ladies the prescription will stop. 

I believe a lot of us are T deficient in peri/meno stages so there’s no point in comparing results to the same group.

I’m going to ask GP to compare my results to women who are pre peri/meno. Published research from AMS recommends to compare T blood results to that of pre peri women - thank you so much @Pepperminty.

Does anybody have any other research or can you share your experiences please?

Thanks.

Victoria.☀️

[CLKD]

Ask your GP to refer you back to the menopause clinic where you were originally seen.  I believe that testosterone has to be prescribed by a Consultant via a GP?

How would recent blood tests be organised  .  Hormonal bloods need to be taken at a specific time I think .............

[VictoryV]

Morning CLKD and thanks for replying.

I wasn’t seen by a clinic/menopause specialist. I had a telephone apt with my GP who prescribed HRT and Testogel 3 months ago. I didn’t take the T for the first 6 weeks (ish) as I didn’t know what to do with it!
The surgery want me to book in for bloods with them. I need to get my ducks lined up hence asking here.

I’m on 3 private lists but I think I’m a long way from an appointment and I’d like to stay with the NHS as I feel good with what I’ve got.

Thanks.
V☀️

[CLKD]

Let us know how you get on?

[Gnatty]

This might be a bit sneaky, but on the day of blood test or even day before maybe don't take any testosterone so that your reading will be lower. I must have a devious mind! But, I don't know tbh how it works really, whether it accumulates slowly in blood or whether it drops every day and we replenish it every day. Someone may know the answer to this.
On another note did you start C25K?

[VictoryV]

Hi and thanks Gnatty, I must have a devious mind too as I agree with you! I’ll not take it for a few days before and hope the anxiety / fog/aches don’t return as I don’t know how long it stays in the body either.

I’m looking into doing a private test and asking them to compare against women of say 35 years old so that the comparison shows on the test report. I can then offer it to my GP and get out of their test. Not sure if this will work but can’t think of anything else!

I started C25K but stuck on week 3 for another 2 weeks as I’ve got a puppy and can’t over exercise her. I need to get more organised with time and go out on my own really but am swamped with work. Did you start?

Victoria.☀️

[VictoryV]

Gnatty, are you getting strange vivid dreams? I am, they aren’t disturbing me or frightening, I don’t normally dream and if I do I never remember them but these are different. Could be the gel, progesterone, Testogel, Vit D’s or magnesium citrate though!

[CLKD]

I have busy, involved dreams every night.  I have taken ADs since 1989.  Not nasty, but my brain picks up a News Item then mixes it with people/places I haven't thought of for years 

[Gnatty]

My dreams are more vivid, they don't disturb me but I put it down to the mirtazapine rather than the HRT so not sure!
I haven't started running yet as waiting for all clear from physio and had to cancel appointment last week.
I do try and have a fast walk or session on exercise bike most days.

[CLKD]

These types of meds are well known for causing busy dreams  .  Not sure about HRT though.

[VictoryV]

I think my dreams are because I’m finally getting sleep after decades of insomnia/drug induced sleep. This is the crux of why I don’t want to stop testosterone ever. I’ve had 5 years of rotating heavy duty sleeping pills which I haven’t taken since day 3 of adding Testosterone to my HRT.
Gnatty, please let me know if you start C25K.

Victoria☀️

[Hurdity]

Hi Victory V

Not a good idea to stop taking the T before your test - far better to educate your doctor!

It is really important that T levels do not rise beyond the physiological range for women. This range will be given by the lab doing the testing. EWhen you are having your T levels tested you also need to have tests done for SHBG (Sex hormone binding globulin) because some T is bound to this - most T tests do not measure free T. When you have the T measurement and the SHBG level you can then calculate the free androgen index - which gives an indication of whether you are within range for women. So both the T measurement and SHBG are important.

The only person you would be fooling if you stop taking the T a few days before the blood test is yourself! It is not like oestrogen when a higher level is not likely to be harmful as such - T is not our dominant hormone by comparison with men so you really do not want levels to go too high otherwise you could experience androgenic side effects (excess hair in the wrong places, deeper voice etc).

What I would do is to make sure your blood test is not done too soon after you apply your daily T dose in case there is a peak soon afterwards? You really don't need a private test....

In the meantime you could read up on all of this and think of a way to talk to your doc! The British Menopause Society has produced some guidance for clinicians which you might like to look at: https://thebms.org.uk/publications/tools-for-clinicians/testosterone-replacement-in-menopause/

Hope this helps

Hurdity x

[VictoryV]

Hi Hurdity,

Thank you for your detailed reply and link. You’re right. It’s taken a bit of time to realise that stopping T is not a disaster if I don’t need it. My fear of going back to brain fog, anxiety and nocturia is on the irrational side and needs reigning in.
My GP has always listened and supported me and looked at what is important in my life whilst keeping me safe. I’m lucky.
I’ve compiled a short bullet point list (with links) for my GP and will wait for the actual result opposed to worrying about the unknown!

Thanks for all the info and help you have provided.

Victoria.☀️

[Hurdity]

Hi Victory V - you're welcome - and I've just posted some more links on the other testosterone thread which might help

Don't underestimate the importance of a clear head though!!! Without looking back at the thread - the most obvious indication that T is needed is lack of libido and poor sexual response so if this was the case for you then often the other things - lack of muscle tone, tiredness after exercise, general lack of oomph - can indicate a further decline. I can't remember what it was like before as I've been taking it since May 2015....

All the best with your GP and tests....

Hurdity x

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

I'm not sure how relevant my experience is but I was told to abstain from all HRT before my blood test. This meant that I had to miss using Utrogestan the night before the test and also refrain from applying my oestrogen gel and testosterone on the morning of the test. I assume if I was in the habit of using all three at night I would be even longer without hormones.
I am a patient at Newson Health and I imagine that they give the same instructions to everyone.

I hope this helps in some way.

Take care all.

K.