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[Dandelion]

I am 58, was on evorel 25 and 200mcg micronised progesterone (approved by gynae in 2019)
For the last two years or more, I have been getting menopause symptoms back but worse.
I thought I knew it all about the menopause, I had a difficult peri, but now that I am on HRT and due to my age, I never put the remaining symptoms down to menopause, for instance oestrogen and progesterone never took away the anxiety. That, plus a return of my morning loose stool came back and sweats.
A while back I noticed women on here using testosterone, and I think I was in denial about my own menopause at that stage.
That was until I discovered Dr Newson's YouTube channel.
Well, I binge watched her, and, to cut a long story short, in her testosterone videos, she might as we'll have been speaking to me.
I decided to try to get it on the NHS first.
I went online to a local menopause group, and was advised to say I had been suffering low sexual desire for a long time which was causing problems in my relationship, don't say I am single, or I won't get it.
I lied to the GP and said this, the GP said my reason is the exact reason she can prescribe it at our surgery.
I got the test on the 15th and the results yesterday and serum sex hormone binding globulin level all came back normal, no further action, but I cannot interpret the results on the airmid app.
It said normal and no further action, testosterone was 1.1.
I know the NHS prescribe it based on blood results.
Dr Newson said their organisation prescribes it based on symptoms.
There were so many things Dr Newson said that related to me, the details, it was uncanny.
She also said testosterone is the most biologically active hormone in the body.
I downloaded the "balance app" from Dr Newson, and am wondering, what experiences ladies have of her clinics. I know they are expensive, I looked at the prices.
I have some questions of those on there who have used Newson Clinics please?
I'd have to do it online as I am nowhere near a Newson Clinic, so any ladies done a Newson online?
I know Dr Newson said she prescribes Androfemme, I am wondering if she would prescribe the cheaper bio identical testosterone?
I am wondering if the NHS would carry on the prescription, or, would I have to go privately with testosterone for good?
Thank you

[Kathleen]

Hello Dandelion

I was with Newson Health for about three years. I was post meno when I became a patient and I needed to increase my oestrogen levels until I could be prescribed testosterone. The product was indeed Androfeme and I was told that it is an Australian product designed especially for women, I am afraid that I can't remember the exact price.

I doubt that the NHS will prescribe Androfeme but I think that some ladies purchase it privately online.

Hopefully ladies who are currently with NH will be along soon to advise you.

Wishing you well and take care.

K.

[Dandelion]

Hello Dandelion

I was with Newson Health for about three years. I was post meno when I became a patient and I needed to increase my oestrogen levels until I could be prescribed testosterone. The product was indeed Androfeme and I was told that it is an Australian product designed especially for women, I am afraid that I can't remember the exact price.

I doubt that the NHS will prescribe Androfeme but I think that some ladies purchase it privately online.

Hopefully ladies who are currently with NH will be along soon to advise you.

Wishing you well and take care.

K.

Hi Kathleen, thanks for your post.
I'd heard that too, perhaps on here.
I'm sure I also heard Dr Newson on one of her videos say about some doctors wanting oestrogen levels high enough to be prescribed testosterone and how she disagreed with this.
I will and use AI to fish out the video as I cannot remember which of her videos said it.
Dr Newson said testosterone helps oestrogen work.
I am also wary of private clinics because one woman on here said she tried 5 different ones, and that's just too expensive for me.
Too much oestrogen makes me bleed.
That's why the gynaecologist upped my P, and I still had to reduce it as I bled on the lower doses.
I am now on 50mcg.
While I new some unfortunate women were not prescribed testosterone on the NHS but went on to get it privately, I kinda hoped I would not be one of them.
I am too tired to fight a battle with the NHS, they are in the dark ages, but I was hoping, from Dr Newson's videos that a private specialist would let me try.
Androfeme is too expensive for me, I was hoping the Newson Clinic would prescribe testogel and it would be easy, as many long suffering women said it's a game changer.

[Seasidegirl]

I don't have time for a fuller response but I got Testogel from Newson Clinic online (I also got my HRT from them originally).

I don't think they wanted a baseline T bloodtest but I had one already as you do.

You can book a T only appointment at Newson it's on their website.   

You can have Androfemme but currently the NHS won't prescibe that so I went for Testogel and my GP has now taken it on.

[Kathleen]

Hello again Dandelion.

It was actually Newson Health that told me that I had to have sufficient oestrogen before they could prescribe testosterone. As I recall they also told me to have a blood test before I could have Androfeme. 

Like you I bleed on higher levels of Oestrogen and I am not sure that Utrogestan suits me either but I am sticking with this regime for the time being.

Perhaps ring the clinic with your specific enquiry and see what they suggest.

I hope you find a solution soon and take care.

K.

[Dandelion]

I don't have time for a fuller response but I got Testogel from Newson Clinic online (I also got my HRT from them originally).

I don't think they wanted a baseline T bloodtest but I had one already as you do.

You can book a T only appointment at Newson it's on their website.   

You can have Androfemme but currently the NHS won't prescibe that so I went for Testogel and my GP has now taken it on.

Hello and thank you again for your post.
Since writing my OP I have since looked around online and, to my dismay, found that going to a Newson Clinic online may be a "pot-luck" thing. While I regard Dr Newson highly, and align with her views on testosterone, the reports include:
Inconsistent care.
Staff getting details wrong and being generally very disinterested.
One said they are focused on getting you signed up to expensive ongoing HRT treatment plans but not very interested in supporting patients on their journey.
One woman was over-prescribed oestrogen which lead to a hysteroscopy.
Someone else said it was virtually impossible to get in touch with them unless you're an existing client, and even sheen it's a mission to get a call back.

I'm currently reading a very long mumsnet thread on Newson with varied results.
I am keen to go with her, because of her content on T but fear a lottery which member of staff I get and would they be in line with Newson herself on T, as it appears from the thread, so far, that some aren't.

[Dandelion]

Hello again Dandelion.

It was actually Newson Health that told me that I had to have sufficient oestrogen before they could prescribe testosterone. As I recall they also told me to have a blood test before I could have Androfeme. 

Like you I bleed on higher levels of Oestrogen and I am not sure that Utrogestan suits me either but I am sticking with this regime for the time being.

Perhaps ring the clinic with your specific enquiry and see what they suggest.

I hope you find a solution soon and take care.

K.

Hello again and many thanks.
I might ring.
I am on the autistic spectrum and struggle with real-time-verbal-communication though.
I am sorry you had to have higher levels of oestrogen, - did you eventually get your testosterone?
If so, how?
Thanks

[bombsh3ll]

I would ask for a referral to an NHS menopause clinic in the first instance.

As the "normal range" for female testosterone used by the NHS goes down to zero, this really only has any clinical utility in identifying if a woman has high testosterone, not low.

An NHS menopause specialist is likely to understand this and be willing to prescribe based on the symptoms you so cannily describe.

You could also try super drug's online testosterone service - this is cheaper than Newson.

I would however consider your estrogen dose as well though, as estrogen is more critical for optimal functioning of many tissues, and when starved of estrogen our clever bodies will simply convert any testosterone straight into estrogen so the full benefits may not be experienced.

[Dandelion]

I would ask for a referral to an NHS menopause clinic in the first instance.

As the "normal range" for female testosterone used by the NHS goes down to zero, this really only has any clinical utility in identifying if a woman has high testosterone, not low.

An NHS menopause specialist is likely to understand this and be willing to prescribe based on the symptoms you so cannily describe.

You could also try super drug's online testosterone service - this is cheaper than Newson.

I would however consider your estrogen dose as well though, as estrogen is more critical for optimal functioning of many tissues, and when starved of estrogen our clever bodies will simply convert any testosterone straight into estrogen so the full benefits may not be experienced.

Hello and thanks for your post.
I did think about referral, we don't have a menopause clinic and I have lived with these symptoms too long to wait.
Super drug's online consultation online testosterone service want you to already have an NHS prescription for testosterone, otherwise I would use them.
Thanks though.

[Suziemc]

Hi

I get testosterone from Newson.  They do a 'Testosterone only' appt,  for women who are already on oestrogen and (if applicable) progesterone, over video call which is a lower cost than their full HRT appts.

I made an appt, completed several forms ahead of my first appt. The Dr I had the video consultation with had read my forms and started the call saying that she would be happy to prescribe testosterone on the basis of my answers but would carry out the review first. We had a very pleasant and informative chat for 20 mins which included her offering me a choice of three testosterones. I opted for Androfemme, for my own personal reasons, but could have chosen a cheaper alternative.

I then had to have a blood test after 3 months and a follow up consultation and am now on annual checks.

I was very happy with the process and with the Dr that was assigned to me. I'd have no hesitation in recommending the Newson Clinic based on my own experience.  Yes, it's not cheap, but if you can afford to do it I'd definitely so for it.

Suzie

[Dandelion]

Hi

I get testosterone from Newson.  They do a 'Testosterone only' appt,  for women who are already on oestrogen and (if applicable) progesterone, over video call which is a lower cost than their full HRT appts.

I made an appt, completed several forms ahead of my first appt. The Dr I had the video consultation with had read my forms and started the call saying that she would be happy to prescribe testosterone on the basis of my answers but would carry out the review first. We had a very pleasant and informative chat for 20 mins which included her offering me a choice of three testosterones. I opted for Androfemme, for my own personal reasons, but could have chosen a cheaper alternative.

I then had to have a blood test after 3 months and a follow up consultation and am now on annual checks.

I was very happy with the process and with the Dr that was assigned to me. I'd have no hesitation in recommending the Newson Clinic based on my own experience.  Yes, it's not cheap, but if you can afford to do it I'd definitely so for it.

Suzie

Thank you for your post, it's much appreciated.

I like your detailed account of your Newson experience.

Please may I ask,
I went on Newson Health https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/testosterone-for-women/ and it says "We usually recommend blood tests before your first appointment for your testosterone level and often for other tests to exclude other causes for your symptoms."
Were you asked for tests for other bloods at Newson other than testosterone?

Thanks

[JS79]

I am currently under Newson after my GP dismissed my symptoms and offered me antidepressants.
I started oestrogel and progesterone in July and at my recent 3month review we talked about how some of my symptoms have gone and some have stayed so we are looking into testosterone. The blood test for testosterone and shbg was suggested but I opted to pay a little extra and get the full panel done which includes vit levels and thyroid. Unfortunately my GP would not do the bloods but as I work in a hospital I am able to get bloods taken and send off to the clinic which saves me some money. Depending on the results will depend if they prescribe testosterone. My GP is willing to take this prescription dependant on blood results and letter from Newson.
I have found my Newson consultant to be lovely and understanding, she listens and gives me time to tell my story(which sometimes I go round the long way to get to the point).
I hope you find answers.

[Suziemc]

Thank you for your post, it's much appreciated.

I like your detailed account of your Newson experience.

Please may I ask,
I went on Newson Health https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/testosterone-for-women/ and it says "We usually recommend blood tests before your first appointment for your testosterone level and often for other tests to exclude other causes for your symptoms."
Were you asked for tests for other bloods at Newson other than testosterone?

Thanks

No, I didn't have any blood tests with Newson before starting Testosterone. I can't actually  remember if I was asked if I'd had nhs tests (clearly T hasn't had positive effect on my memory  ) I had to give info on the HRT I was on, how long for etc but no requirement for blood tests. When I then had tests 3 mths in they did oestrogen as well as testosterone.

And after typing out the above, I've just looked back and my last nhs blood test was Nov 2022 and my Newson appt was Sept 23 so I didn't have recent blood test results to give them so they couldn't have needed any!

Suzie

[Seasidegirl]

I don't have time for a fuller response but I got Testogel from Newson Clinic online (I also got my HRT from them originally).

I don't think they wanted a baseline T bloodtest but I had one already as you do.

You can book a T only appointment at Newson it's on their website.   

You can have Androfemme but currently the NHS won't prescibe that so I went for Testogel and my GP has now taken it on.

Hello and thank you again for your post.
Since writing my OP I have since looked around online and, to my dismay, found that going to a Newson Clinic online may be a "pot-luck" thing. While I regard Dr Newson highly, and align with her views on testosterone, the reports include:
Inconsistent care.
Staff getting details wrong and being generally very disinterested.
One said they are focused on getting you signed up to expensive ongoing HRT treatment plans but not very interested in supporting patients on their journey.
One woman was over-prescribed oestrogen which lead to a hysteroscopy.
Someone else said it was virtually impossible to get in touch with them unless you're an existing client, and even sheen it's a mission to get a call back.

I'm currently reading a very long mumsnet thread on Newson with varied results.
I am keen to go with her, because of her content on T but fear a lottery which member of staff I get and would they be in line with Newson herself on T, as it appears from the thread, so far, that some aren't.

I can only say that this hasn't been my experience at all.   I saw two different doctors.  I had a review booked with the same doctor but I then had to change it and the first doctor was on holiday for a few week so that was on me.

I've rung them three times, the call has been answered swiftly and the call taker has been knowledgeable.   

I was prescribed testosterone at the end of September with no requirement for oestrogen testing. 

I've been really happy with my treatment and my GP has taken on the prescriptions so I hopefully won't need to go back but I won't hesitate to do so if I need more support than my GP can give. 

[Dandelion]

I am currently under Newson after my GP dismissed my symptoms and offered me antidepressants.
I started oestrogel and progesterone in July and at my recent 3month review we talked about how some of my symptoms have gone and some have stayed so we are looking into testosterone. The blood test for testosterone and shbg was suggested but I opted to pay a little extra and get the full panel done which includes vit levels and thyroid. Unfortunately my GP would not do the bloods but as I work in a hospital I am able to get bloods taken and send off to the clinic which saves me some money. Depending on the results will depend if they prescribe testosterone. My GP is willing to take this prescription dependant on blood results and letter from Newson.
I have found my Newson consultant to be lovely and understanding, she listens and gives me time to tell my story(which sometimes I go round the long way to get to the point).
I hope you find answers.

Hello and thanks for your post.
I know what you mean about going round the long way to get to the point.
It's such a shame the NHS offers antidepressants, which, I found out from a Newson video, can have a negative effect on bone density.
I know what you mean, also about not all symptoms going with oestrogen and progesterone.
I ignored the fact that women started talking about testosterone, but not any more.
It's good you got your bloods cheaper.
Dr Newson says prescription of testosterone does not depend on blood test results, it depends on symptoms.
I know it's different with the NHS and wish you the best.