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[Birdbrain]

Mine is 0.6 but according to my meno specialist, the idea that I should get testosterone is ridiculous. Methinks the reaction would have been the same if I asked my GP to prescribe heroin for a headache.

I've just had a similar reaction from my GP at 0.8 but  zero libido.    I'm off to my private prescriber next month to have a more sensible and open discussion

Today I managed to see a diffferent meno specialist and they said they will consider prescribing this but first lets get your estrogen up as it's probably not absorbing as I have low estrogen levels even on HRT. I think its standard procedure to first get the estrogen level up then see if the symptoms persist before going down the testo road.

I think GPs are reluctant to prescribe it maybe.

Yeah, good idea going to see private meno specialist if you can afford it, as getting access to meno specialist on NHS is difficult (too much demand, not enough doctors/specialist centres).

[Seasidegirl]

@Birdbrain  that's great news for you,  really hope you make progress.  I think my oestrogen level is pretty good,  I feel good on it and when I've tried to increase I've felt wired so dropped back.  My GP's view was that the level was in the reference range so 'we don't want to give you more hormones' 

I had to go private to get HRT as my GP was pedalling antidepressants  (I'm 54) - there was some mitigation as I've got a minor breast cancer history.   She's now taken on prescribing under the NHS.    I'm fortunate that I can go private, it shouldn't be like this though.     

I had to argue to get a thyroid blood test but that's another story!

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

When I was with Newson Health I was told that our bodies can convert testosterone to oestrogen so my oestrogen levels needed to be higher before they would consider adding testosterone.
Following my blood tests they prescribed Androfeme which is an Australian product designed for women.  I think some ladies on the forum buy their Androfeme privately from pharmacies in the UK.

I hope this is helpful and take care everyone.


K.

[Hurdity]

kittydaydream

That is definitely too high whichever way you look at it, if the test is accurate. T levels are difficult to measure in women as they are measured using tests designed for the much higher levels experienced by men and so are less accurate at the low end of the range that women have. However it is all we have and once you start taking T then it is advisable to  check that T levels remain within the physiological range for women.

The British Menopause Society has issued clinical guidelines on this which have changed fairly recently:
https://thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/08-BMS-TfC-Testosterone-replacement-in-menopause-DEC2022-A.pdf

There is detailed information on the merits of measuring Total vs Free T and the suitability of the Free Androgen Index as well as the importance of maintaining T within the physiological range for women as above.

How long have you been using T? What type and dose are you using? Where do you apply it and how often? When was the blood test taken in relation to when you applied the T? All of this can have a bearing on your results and their significance.

It also serves to emphasis once again that we are severely lacking by not having a licensed T product available for women that can be safely used with a greater margin for error rather than having to apply tiny blobs of far too concentrated T (currently the weakest is 1.6 %), when so easily too much can be applied.

Hurdity x

[kittydaydream]

Thanks Hurdity! I’ll look into that info when my head is less foggy! Thanks for it!

I was taking T for 5 months and had a normal blood test before but the result from the other week was the first test I’d had on it! I had no guidance on pre test so I applied the gel before the blood test! I have to admit I think I’ve been using too much as it’s so hard to gauge the right amount from the sachet! I’ve stopped taking it as I was panicked by the blood results!

[Hurdity]

Petit-pois sized blob should be good for starters - on the end of your finger - or squeezed out onto wherever you apply it. What product are you using? Presumably testogel? If your sachet is used up in a very few days then yes too much! I think minimum 8 days?

Hurdity x

[kittydaydream]

Thanks Hurdity xx