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[floraljo]

Hi,
I'm 41, peri. Private specialist said my testosterone is low based on blood tests.
I've just started estradot patches and due to start utrogestan soon.

I don't want to pay privately for the testosterone. My nhs gp said she cannot prescribe it (androfeme). How did other people get it?

How often do people have follow ups to monitor how hrt is going? How often do you have blood tests? I'm trying to factor in the costs of going privately (I'm a single parent and so feel bad spending so much on private help but desperate to get my mood and body feeling less awful).

Thanks

[Anne G]

Hi there,

I went private to get androfeme - my NHS GP won't entertain the idea.  It is prescribed by Dr Jane Johnston from the ROC Clinic in Aberdeen.  I had to do a follow up blood test after using for a few weeks to make sure I wasn't applying to much and therefore over replacing. I was having blood tests for other things and so my NHS GP at least agreed to add it in as it didn't cost any more to do it.  All was well, so now Dr Johnston prescribes when I request a new tube.  It costs £150 a tube, but lasts me around four months.  I expect Dr Johnston will let me know if I need another blood test at some point.  It's helped my brain function I'd say - I feel a bit sharper.  And I used to get really dry eyes and its definitely helped with that. 

 

[Peanut31]

Hi

I got mine prescribed from a private menopause clinic I’m with.

I’m due a blood test soon to see how my levels are, I’m allowed to do a private blood test myself then submit to them.

I not taking it daily though as advised but, only 3 times a week, as want to take my HRT journey slowly, so I don’t miss my sweet spot so to speak.

Best wishes
Peanut31

[sheila99]

You won't get androfemme on the nhs but they will prescribe one of the male ones - Tostran or testogel. Because it isn't licensed for woman it has to be prescribed by a specialist so you can ask for a referral to an NHS menopause clinic. I get Tostran on the nhs and it lasts about 8 months. I have an NHS blood test once a year to check the level is OK.

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

I was prescribed Androfeme from Newson Health and they explained that it is an Australian product which is designed specifically for women but not available on the NHS. I also had to have all the usual blood tests to confirm that my levels remained within the female range.

I hope this helps and take care ladies.

K.

[Hurdity]

I echo what Sheila said. I initially got my T prescribed in 2015 by a private specialist and for the last few years have got it on NHS (the formulations for men) - but as  they are not licensed for women, it is up to the individual GP whether or not they will do so. I don't think it needs to be prescribed by a specialist initially though- but you would be very lucky if you could find a GP locally who is sufficiently knowledgeable to be confident in doing so. They will be few and far between. My gynae specialist GP does so - as she has told me she has = even though mine was originally prescribed privately.

It is shocking that some women have to spend such exhorbitant amounts of money on private treatments, especially in these difficult times, in order to function optimally and feel well in their (peri and post-) menopausal years - which can sometimes last 45 years.

Blood tests to monitor HRT are not usually carried out on NHS - normally symptoms alone should be the guide if you are using doses and products available, though they should monitor T and SHBG levels from time to time especially after treatment - in order that T stays within physiological range for women.

Hurdity x

[floraljo]

Thank you everyone. I really appreciate all your help and advice.