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[elle]

Hi, I'm seeing my GP soon about testosterone. If I'm refused, do you think it's worthwhile asking for my androgen levels to be checked and has anyone gone down this route? I'm not sure if androgen testing is something GP's routinely check, or if it's similar to hormone panels where the argument seems to be there isn't much point in checking them due to fluctuation levels. Currently on Ostrogel and Utrogestant as HRT for chronic pain due to connective tissue disorder and Hypotonia (low muscle mass). If low libido is added to the mix I'm reading it's reasonable to consider androgen levels. I did a (probably pointless) testosterone test in June that showed levels of 0.23 nmol/L. Internet says it's both low and normal depending where I look! Thanks x
PS I thought Androfem was off label but seeing that since August it's not. Does this mean GP's are more likely to prescribe it ?

[bombsh3ll]

If you are lucky enough to be able to get testosterone prescribed on the NHS, they will usually check a blood test first, not to diagnose anything but to avoid giving testosterone to someone who already has high levels.

As far as I am aware the NHS will not fund androfeme at present - licencing is essentially permission for a medical product to be used in a country, it doesn't compel a healthcare system or insurance to fund it.

However some women are able to get male testosterone products prescribed off label on the NHS.

[elle]

Thanks for the info bombsh3ll, I'll see how it goes. My GP has been quite receptive so far to my suggestions dealing with various conditions. If it means a referral to the Menopause Clinic first then I may go down the Superdrug route as the waiting list is often more than a year for the clinic.

[bombsh3ll]

I think that's a good idea.

Most GPs do not have either the clinical experience or the backing of their health board to prescribe testosterone, so for those able to get it through the NHS it often means getting a referral to the NHS menopause clinic.

However if you have already started it privately, this is advantageous for multiple reasons

a) your quality of life whilst waiting
b) if you've tried it and benefit from it, you know it is worth the hassle of jumping through the hoops to get on the NHS
c) the menopause clinic can't say "I don't think testosterone will help you" because you have already established that it does.

[elle]

That makes perfect sense thanks, I'll have a closer look at the Superdrug form and see how I get on with it x