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[Wrensong]

It's good that you posted about it Katherine, not only for your own reassurance but because your thread will be there for others reading & searching in the future.  Well done for raising a topic that can be hard to air.   So much associated with menopause & its treatments has been taboo for far too long & that can lead to feelings of isolation & fear, so that we can be up front here, I think is invaluable.

Btw I routinely shower twice a day, have used antiperspirant by default after showering since a teen, lead quite a sedate life(!) i.e. not involved in manual work/heavy lifting etc & don't work out to excess, so had no obvious reason to develop BO & had never experienced it prior to starting testosterone.   I can clearly recall 2 other women reporting the same reaction on here & a doing a quick search just now I found 2 more, one of which I've pasted in below.  I won't give the link to the other as there is conficting advice on application which could be confusing.

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,51017.msg786440.html#msg786440


Wx

[Katherine]

It's good that you posted about it Katherine, not only for your own reassurance but because your thread will be there for others reading & searching in the future.  Well done for raising a topic that can be hard to air.   So much associated with menopause & its treatments has been taboo for far too long & that can lead to feelings of isolation & fear, so that we can be up front here, I think is invaluable.

Btw I routinely shower twice a day, have used antiperspirant by default after showering since a teen, lead quite a sedate life(!) i.e. not involved in manual work/heavy lifting etc & don't work out to excess, so had no obvious reason to develop BO & had never experienced it prior to starting testosterone.   I can clearly recall 2 other women reporting the same reaction on here & a doing a quick search just now I found 2 more, one of which I've pasted in below.  I won't give the link to the other as there is conficting advice on application which could be confusing.

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,51017.msg786440.html#msg786440


Wx

Thanks Wrensong. I’ll have a look at the link. I’m really glad I posted as this has all been invaluable information to me and as you say, other women will find it informative too. X

[Katherine]

Hi Katherine,

The 'irreversible' effects are from taking T in high doses (such as when transitioning or body builders who abuse drugs)

These side effects ate terrifying, especially when you're feeling vulnerable.

My first experience of taking Testosterone (Tostran) was 1 pump on alternate nights. So I excitedly took my dose before bed. I was totally wired all night... I knew never to take it at night again and was better off taking a small amount every day. I definitely take less than half a pump a day, but adjust it according to how I feel.

What I'm trying to say is that we are all individuals and react differently to the meds given. The BO and greasy skin for me is a sign of youth! And just like in my youth I have to be more vigilant with deodorant, have good skin care and wash my hair more often. Upside is I look less wrinkly have thicker hair and way better eyelashes
... but absolutely zero increase in facial hair.

I know you didn't ask for advice but I really would suggest you try it at a very small dose and see how you go... one of the greatest effect T has had on me is that I'm so much more resilient. I used to get upset by little things and play them over and over. I seem to be able to let things go and move on.

T has been a game changer for me, just like oestrogen.. if only I could find a progesterone that didn't make me feel like s**t.

Good luck and keep us posted

Banjo I’ve been reading this thread again to remind myself, as I’m in my pre period slump of being glued to the bed or sofa and am thinking about T again. I was wondering your age? I’m 47 and wondering if my T levels are likely to have dropped a lot since my 30s. Also I’m wondering if women have a monthly T cycle like they do with oestrogen and progesterone. From the reading I have done it looks like T might be highest around ovulation and lowest just before menstruation..

[Banjo1973]

Hi Katherine,

Hormonal fluctuations are illustrated well on this site

https://womeninbalance.org/about-hormone-imbalance/

Testosterone is pretty constant slightly peaking at ovulation (as you said)

I am 50 and have been on hrt for 2 years and Testosterone for 1.

Even though I had and still have regular periods, I believe my t levels have been declining for many years. For example my arms became hair free at some point in my early 40s also I stopped needing to use a deodorant.

Only you can decide whether to try T again, but in my opinion it's definitely worth a go. The only thing I would suggest is to start low, you can always increase it. 

I truly believe the need for a strong deodorant is a small price to pay for all the benefits.

Hopefully it will work for you x

[Katherine]

Hey Banjo thanks for replying so quickly. Thanks for the link. I am definitely thinking about it again. If a strong deodorant definitely fixed the body odour there’s no question I would try it again but I felt as if it was my whole body smelling (well all the bits that sweat more) and that by evening time the smell had broken through my deodorant. But I guess if I applied Mitchum twice a day, foot deodorant and used feminine wipes during the day I could put up a strong fight against it! Ha ha, I will combat it! I don’t want to lose my feminine smell and soft skin I guess that scares me. But the idea of all the benefits is tempting. I will do more research and maybe try a tiny dose each day. X

[Katherine]

Hi ladies

I have restarted on the testogel but about half the dose. Had no side effects so far so fingers crossed. The Mitchum is doing a great job  :)wish me luck!

[SarahT]

I do wish you luck  Katherine, it takes a steady nerve to to back on something when it gave an I p!peasant reaction, but a lower dose  seems a good idea. And you have been given some helpful advice to potential adverse.symptoms as well.

I have just started testosterone about 3 weeks ago, so early days for me. ( also a low dose) and any information posts on here whether giving good or bad reactions on a regime can help others who may be going through something similar.x

[Katherine]

I do wish you luck  Katherine, it takes a steady nerve to to back on something when it gave an I p!peasant reaction, but a lower dose  seems a good idea. And you have been given some helpful advice to potential adverse.symptoms as well.

I have just started testosterone about 3 weeks ago, so early days for me. ( also a low dose) and any information posts on here whether giving good or bad reactions on a regime can help others who may be going through something similar.x

Thanks so much Sarah. I hope you’re doing ok and good luck to you too. I’ve heard so many good things on here about testosterone I just had to try again! X

[Banjo1973]

Really glad to hear you're giving it another go Katherine.

Sarah T, The only negatives (for me) can be remedied by switching up your routine... So stronger deodorant, more frequent hair washing, skin care for greasier skin.

I really hope you get all the fab benefits xx

[Katherine]

Thanks Banjo xxx

[SarahT]

Thanks Banjo and Katherine,

I hadn't connected my hair needing washing more, and my winter moisturiser is too rich. Seems obvious but we don't always see the obvious!

Easy enough to adapt a new skincare regime. I am one who has always been prone to sweating so Mitchum is already my go to.
Thanks

[Banjo1973]

SarahT,

Same re. Mitchum!!!

I was also slow to switch up my skin care, I got a few spots, foundation wouldn't sit well.... then one day started using my teenage daughters facewash and boom, all good.

Take care and keep up posted x

[pepperminty]

Hi All,

just thought I would add that T can help with dry eyes also.

useful links below :

https://balance-menopause.com/uploads/2022/01/Testosterone.pdf

https://www.balance-menopause.com/subject/testosterone/



Pepperminty x

[Katherine]

Thanks pepperminty. I have dry eyes and would like to wear my contact lenses more so hopefully the T will help with this. X

[Wrensong]

I hope you get on well with it this time Katherine & yes to it being potentially helpful for dry eyes - the main reason I started taking T.  There are some interesting articles looking at the association between dry eye (& Sjogren's) & declining testosterone, especially in those women who've had oophorectomies.
Wx