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[sheila99]

Too much or too little oestrogen doesn't do us a lot of good either but my gp won't do bloods for that, ditto vit d and a full thyroid panel. Perhaps I'm just cynical. Don't think I'd need a blood test to tell me my voice had changed or I had facial hair growth. Incidentally the thicker blacker hairs that grew at the application site are now barely noticeable (changed to sole of foot from thigh approx 2 years ago) so some hair growth is reversible.

[ATB]

No the point of the regular testing is to stop or lower it before the two symptoms I mentioned because if caused by testosterone they are irreversible once they happen.

[VictoryV]

I prefer to keep the prescription and the testing separate. I see no point in comparing my results to a range applicable to women of my age who aren’t supplementing Testosterone so I’d rather not risk that happening. I’d feel differently if I was using private services but so far I’ve not needed to take that route; my GP is good.
I’m also a long way from my surgery so testing creates a logistical nightmare.
I do watch out for hair growth though, so far my inner wrists are still bald!

[ATB]

Thanks Victoria, so is that also a good way to keep an eye on it then? Just hair growth in other places like wrists?

[VictoryV]

Definitely not! 

My GP recommended applying it to my wrist as it’s easy to detect hair growth.

I go on how I feel - this works for me and I’m not recommending this as advice for anybody else.

[Diamonds and pearls 53]

These sorts of programmes are great as although they can't include everything at least they continue to raise awareness.There are still many women who are in the dark about peri menopause and menopause symtoms such as atrophy and bladder issues and how hrt can make a huge difference.
Much, much more needs to be done and all G.Ps should  be educated about  this subject as there are still many who are woefully ignorant  about hrt. You only have to read the many posts on here about how women have to fight to get it! The part about the effect of estrogen on the brain was too vague and l and hope we might see more research into this in the UK as it would be life changing if it actually does help prevent dementia! 

[ATB]

Yes wouldn’t it be great to have a whole series on it? Women would be so much more informed. So would men!

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

I have been using a testosterone called Androfeme for about a year. It is an Australian product designed for women and was prescribed by Newson Health. I have to measure the amount needed in a plastic syringe and then rub the cream onto my thigh. I noticed after a while that I grew dark hairs on my thighs near where the cream was applied.  As I have reduced my Oestrogen dose I have also reduced Androfeme and the hairs have pretty much gone.
Newson Health told me that one of my blood tests would measure the ratio of Oestrogen to testosterone to make sure that I stayed within the correct range. In all honesty I haven't noticed a big difference since using testosterone but that may be due to changing from Oestrogel to Sandrena and later from  Utrogestan to Cyclogest.

I hope this is helpful and take care ladies.

K.

[CrispyChick]

I'm just watching it now.

It's interesting... But...i find it so annoying that the woman they interview simply pop to the GP, get hrt and are sorted.

It's all about symptoms before hrt and woman not realising or accessing it. But come on, this forum is full of woman trying to get on with hrt. Frustrating.

One step at a time I guess!!!

[Marchlove]

Yep, one step at a time Crispy.

The ones who don’t just take it and are ‘sorted’ will be heard one day too.

We know because we live it day by day and I truly believe our journeys will serve as messengers to those who follow behind us.
So what we can learn by research and dialogue  will not only help us but others in the years to come.

Good luck to the newbies though as most of you will sail through which is as it should be x

[ATB]

Does anyone else follow her on YouTube or anywhere? I’m not on other social media stuff but she did a YouTube Q & A so I think might be a good place to check for next one and we can talk about the complications that come up when actually on HRT

[Gilla999]

ATB funnily enough I had the same problem last time with my blood test after never having an issue before (though it doesn't sound nearly as bad as your experience). Just in case it's helpful: it was first thing in the morning and I realised that I hadn't had anything to drink except a coffee and a few sips of water and the nurse said it really makes a difference how much water you've drunk, particularly in the morning (she explained the science as to why but I forgot!). So I'll be drinking plenty of water in advance next time!

Might have been just not a great nurse for you, but thought I'd mention it in case it's helpful!

Also - I didn't realise you couldn't get a Testosterone prescription on the NHS, that's bad!!

[ATB]

Thanks Gilla. Yes I’m used to doing them so I had plenty of water, moved around a bit too and made sure the house was warm. I paid for her to come to my house as it is hard for me to get to clinics but I won’t do that again! Never had anything remotely like it, normally I barely feel it! Yeah it’s hard to get testosterone on NHS but they only have the mens one, I take Androfemme and I think that’s what Davina is talking about.

[juliemargaret]

They say a little hair growth on the application site can happen - if it does it doesn’t mean you’re using too much testosterone. My levels recently were 4.3 and free testo 4.1 and my NH specialist didn’t flinch and said it’s good and within range and to continue with my 0.7 daily Testogel dose. I don’t feel amazing on it yet and no real big improvements that I’d hoped. Im 8 months in (5 months androfeme and the last nearly 3 Testogel)

[sheila99]

I prefer to keep the prescription and the testing separate. I see no point in comparing my results to a range applicable to women of my age who aren’t supplementing Testosterone so I’d rather not risk that happening.

I feel exactly the same, my gp would love to find a get out clause. If they did the same with oestrogen we'd all be 'within normal range, no treatment required'  .