Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Annie0710 on October 05, 2016, 09:30:55 AM
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Been on phone to the nice GP this morning pleading my case for a trial of testosterone
She listened, she commended me for my recent research and agrees with me that a trial is a good idea given the facts the recent scan also showed my ovaries have seemed to have disappeared, so I'm using adrenals only for hormones and my oestrogen patch. I am prescribed double dose Vagifem but my bladder control is diminishing amongst all the other nasty ailments
BUT she can't prescribe it without consultant consent, her only option is to either book me in to see Nhs gynae (last one I saw said there's nothing he can do for me) or write to him asking to prescribe a trial based on the facts she gives him. I've asked for the fastest solution.
I've told her I can't wait forever and she agrees I've suffered long enough (just over 4 years now) and will happily prescribe if she gets the go ahead either from an NHS or private gynae
Fingers crossed that finally I get treatment x
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An excellent GP! She's prepared to do what she is allowed to do.
If she doesn't get the go ahead, then seeing a private gynaecologist may be the quickest way ahead. But do your homework before you spend your money. I wasted £140 a few years ago seeing a gynaecologist recommended by my then GP, who said I was too old to be prescribed anything. Bearing in mind I had to give my age before the appointment, I was furious.
I have since seen another gynaecologist who was able to prescribe testosterone. I had to purchase the pump privately as at the time testosterone was not available for women on the NHS. It didn't make any difference, but HRT does and I have a prescription tailored for me. The gynaecologist has really helped me.
If you live in the south of England and decide to go this route, then pm me for details.
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Thanks Juju
I am in east anglia, but would travel if fiancée came with me. If it's the same gynae I saw before I'm not holding out much hope to be honest. But she agreed with me, that alone was like winning the lottery.
She said she doesn't have experience with testosterone, let alone with women. She said if I chose private she'd put me in touch with local ones at our local hospital but to be honest I don't think I'd go there as I can't afford to pay only to be told they don't support it so I'd have to make an appt with someone I KNOW supports T therapy in menopause
She agreed it wasn't wise to test my T levels as they're not reliable so disregarded the 0.9 result
But confirmed she'd be happy to prescribe T gel IF I get a prescription from a consultant gynae be it private or NHS
She mentioned she's able to prescribe Livial/Tibolone but I stressed I can't afford to lose any more hair and she seemed sympathetic and agreed with me on that too
X
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Hi Annie can your doctor not refer you to a meno clinic like mine did? I am in Scotland so I don't know if they have them where you are. I am feeling some slight benefits on the testosterone, my eyes are not dry and sore anymore and I'm feeling a bit less sleepy and it's only been a week. It can take months but I'm glad of the slight improvement hopefully can only get better. It is definatley worth a try. I do hope you get it soon xxx
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Hi Keepgoing
I've not heard of any meno clinics locally
Weird you say about your eyes
For about 18 months I have been having dry eye through the night, I'm fine day time but even after an hours nap my eyes are dry x
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Hi Annie0720
Good luck with getting a prescription.
You can find the list of menopause clinics on this site - very top menu (blue writing) - specialists. It comes up with a map and you just type in your area. Alternatively google menopause clinic and your county or neighbouring one. My nearest one is 65 miles away but fortunately I haven't needed referral due to good GP but I did go privately for the testosterone.
Unfortunately despite the NICE Guidelines it is still not available on NHS as the only licensed product is the T implant and I'm not sure what the clinical indications are for this? It seems to be given mainly to women with total hyster/BSO. The Guildelines just suggest that docs could consider prescribing it off license for low libido - but if they won't then I doubt one could insist. I do hope you are successful Annie.
Hurdity x
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Hi Annie0720
Good luck with getting a prescription.
You can find the list of menopause clinics on this site - very top menu (blue writing) - specialists. It comes up with a map and you just type in your area. Alternatively google menopause clinic and your county or neighbouring one. My nearest one is 65 miles away but fortunately I haven't needed referral due to good GP but I did go privately for the testosterone.
Unfortunately despite the NICE Guidelines it is still not available on NHS as the only licensed product is the T implant and I'm not sure what the clinical indications are for this? It seems to be given mainly to women with total hyster/BSO. The Guildelines just suggest that docs could consider prescribing it off license for low libido - but if they won't then I doubt one could insist. I do hope you are successful Annie.
Hurdity x
Thank you Hurdity, it means a lot
I mentioned to the dr (and she agreed) that given the fact my ovaries are not there anymore surely that equates to surgical menopause and she agreed
Does that make sense ? X
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My helpful (female) gynae GP said that some women are "ovary led" and some are "adrenal led" when it comes to testosterone production which can explain partly why some women do not lose libido nor have so many muscle aches and pains or exhaustion after menopause. Many women are in your position - I think I am too - in that the ovaries shrivel and atrophy and are therefore hard to find on ultrasound - disappearing behind other organs! Interesting idea to suggest that it's a bit like surgical menopause - great that your GP agreed!
Hurdity x
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My helpful (female) gynae GP said that some women are "ovary led" and some are "adrenal led" when it comes to testosterone production which can explain partly why some women do not lose libido nor have so many muscle aches and pains or exhaustion after menopause. Many women are in your position - I think I am too - in that the ovaries shrivel and atrophy and are therefore hard to find on ultrasound - disappearing behind other organs! Interesting idea to suggest that it's a bit like surgical menopause - great that your GP agreed!
Hurdity x
What you say makes sense. The sonographer said (or I googled it when I got home) that the ovaries failed after the hysterectomy because the blood supply was severed, accidentally but can happen therefore no blood supply equals shrivels and disintegrates. I did read on the hysterectomy forum that they can be hidden but this sonographer said they're definitely not there
I guess by what your GP says I must've relied more on my ovaries than adrenals. The strangest thing is though I do remember getting sore breasts all those years post hysterectomy maybe every 3-4 months (sore breasts were usually in syncs with my periods)
Whatever happened hormone wise 4 years ago felt very sudden x
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Let us know how you get on! :foryou:
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hi, just seen a specialist and he has prescribed testosterone after my doctor did a blood test and it was 0.1, so fingers crossed. I have been told to take one pea size blob twice a week, but it doesn't seem much, can anyone tell me how much they use and i was told to throw away the sachet each time i use it, its testogel. but others on here seem to use the whole sachet - anyone any advice please. i am 49 now and have had 9 horrible years and cant take anymore, but hated hrt, but manage so far by anti depressant and cerelle as this keeps my prosterone a bit more even and its when it rises things get really bad.
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Mojo, have a read of Annie's thread about her journey with testosterone and you should find your answers. Good luck.
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,33425.0.html
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hi, just seen a specialist and he has prescribed testosterone after my doctor did a blood test and it was 0.1, so fingers crossed. I have been told to take one pea size blob twice a week, but it doesn't seem much, can anyone tell me how much they use and i was told to throw away the sachet each time i use it, its testogel. but others on here seem to use the whole sachet - anyone any advice please. i am 49 now and have had 9 horrible years and cant take anymore, but hated hrt, but manage so far by anti depressant and cerelle as this keeps my prosterone a bit more even and its when it rises things get really bad.
Mojo mine comes in a tube , Hurdity is on testogel I think, but a pea size blob is really about 2 x peas I'd say x
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Hi mojo are you not usuing hrt then ? I thought you had to be on estrogen/progesterone if using testosterone,maybe someone more knowledgeable can shed some light :-\
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Hi mojo are you not usuing hrt then ? I thought you had to be on estrogen/progesterone if using testosterone,maybe someone more knowledgeable can shed some light :-\
Well spotted.
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I am not on hrt as it didn't suit me at all as I find the progesterone
in it makes me blow up like a whale, as well as having lots of head aches etc. And didn't have any effect on feeling hot and depressed and tired all the time along with anxiety, mainly all the things that come under the heading of lacking in testosterone, so that's why I feel I must give it a try.
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Mojo you really should have a good oestrogen level if you are introducing testosterone as it will overpower and give strong androgenic effects
Have a good read on the forum and maybe start a new thread highlighting your situation and the more knowledgeable ladies will give their insight/experiences
There may be a regime you haven't tried that will suit you alongside your testosterone
Are you post meno ? If so Tibolone may be your answer, it's a kind of steroid based tablet and your body converts it to oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone or at least your body interprets it as those hormones
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Annie0710 I am from Norwich and was prescribed Testogel from the consultant in the N&N meno clinic after been referred there by my Gp :)
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How are you finding the testogel moonbeam ? Any good effects yet ?
I'm getting headaches EVERY evening :-(
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The specialist I saw said that I can try it on its own for two months then we will take another blood test and go from there,
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The specialist I saw said that I can try it on its own for two months then we will take another blood test and go from there,
Oh well maybe he's tested your levels prior
Just go careful on your doses, I majorly undersized mine for a few weeks x
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Agree with you annie0701 - I loved T at the start and then realised after about 9 months that my hair was falling out. It could have been dodgy E levels as I'm not certain about my transdermal absorption but certainly watch for androgenic signs.
Dxx
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Agree with you annie0701 - I loved T at the start and then realised after about 9 months that my hair was falling out. It could have been dodgy E levels as I'm not certain about my transdermal absorption but certainly watch for androgenic signs.
Dxx
Dawncam I had hair loss before starting T, I knew I was taking a risk trying it but I really need the energy , sex drive and wellbeing back so am kind of thinking now it's worth the trade off (if it works) I'll find ways to tackle the hair problem probably will go the enhancement road but I just know I can't sustain a life and relationship without hormone help
Oh to be female and middle aged x
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I hope it works for you hon. I've certainly found a drop in energy since stopping but hope that levels out.
Dxx
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Aw Dawn it sucks doesnt it ?
Has your hair stopped shedding ?
I've felt good today, had a bit of energy, but had an afternoon nap (and a good one at that) , but I think that might also be that I'm averaging 5 hrs sleep a night, no reasons just that I wake with OH at 6 each morning and choose not to sleep again
Felt a bit amorous tonight so instigated it, fiancé now fell asleep with a smile on his face
Still contemplating switching to Tibolone for ease of regime
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Hi Annie0710
I finally got T prescribed by my GP after she wrote to the meno clinic at Guys for advice. I should add that I had been given wrong advice from another GP at the same surgery and complained, so the second one was trying hard to do what I wanted ;D
Shame it had to happen that way but got the result I wanted. Maybe you could suggest that to your GP?
Jane
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Annie, nice to hear that the t is kicking in :P
Grumpy Jane,
Lucky you, my gp won't entertain the idea :'(
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Annie, nice to hear that the t is kicking in :P
Grumpy Jane,
Lucky you, my gp won't entertain the idea :'(
Blakey gray I might try Tibolone , my poor brain is struggling with all these separate applications I keep missing out vagifem and quite sore now below
X
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I will not be surprised if I get hair loss as I have with most of the other medications that I have tried over the years, but to be honest I am so tired and fed up that I have to try testosterone, and usually the hair does grow back. the specialist has asked me to go back in two months when he has asked my doctor to retest my testosterone and he has recommended that my doctor should consider changing my cerelle to tibolone, I do not know at what stage I am at any more as haven't had periods for couple years but take the cerelle to stop ovulation as the progesterone increased so much for second two weeks of the month where I don't even go out the house and have had to give up work as I just lost the plot, but am feeling stronger now hence I am determined not to go down that road again and find the right combination for me. had first hot flush at 40, been through cbt, treatments etc and am now 49.
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Hope it works for you mojo xx
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Annie0710 - you would still need to use Vagifem even if you changed to Tibolone as many women need local oestrogen in addition to systemic HRT as you are currently doing?
Hurdity x
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Annie0710 - you would still need to use Vagifem even if you changed to Tibolone as many women need local oestrogen in addition to systemic HRT as you are currently doing?
Hurdity x
I need to go back to 2 vagifem each patch change day I think Hurdity, I tried 4 separate days a week but I keep forgetting, am so sore now
Is it usual to be more sore one side ? My left side down there always suffers, pre T it was always left that I tore
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I will not be surprised if I get hair loss as I have with most of the other medications that I have tried over the years, but to be honest I am so tired and fed up that I have to try testosterone, and usually the hair does grow back. the specialist has asked me to go back in two months when he has asked my doctor to retest my testosterone and he has recommended that my doctor should consider changing my cerelle to tibolone, I do not know at what stage I am at any more as haven't had periods for couple years but take the cerelle to stop ovulation as the progesterone increased so much for second two weeks of the month where I don't even go out the house and have had to give up work as I just lost the plot, but am feeling stronger now hence I am determined not to go down that road again and find the right combination for me. had first hot flush at 40, been through cbt, treatments etc and am now 49.
I'm not sure that just testosterone is what you are needing and should be taking in the absence of added oestrogen especially if you don't know where you are in menopause? Decreased sex drive is a common side effect of that progestogen. However if you swap to Tibolone that sounds like it could be a good plan, although again its not a good idea if you are not post-menopausal yet? Are you receiving treatment from specialist gynae?
Hurdity x
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Annie If you stop using the T, I'll take any spare tubes you've got (for a small fee of course) ;D
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Hi annie0710 - hope you're feeling better today and a little more energised. I think my hair is shedding less, there seems to be less coming out when I wash and dry it. I've not given up on T entirely - once I'm satisfied that E levels are stable, I'll start it again. Started on sandrena gel today and already feeling better than I was on oestrogel. I'm convinced that I wasn't absorbing oestrogel properly - was using 5/6 pumps some days to feel the same as I now do on a third of that on Sandrena so fingers crossed.
Dxx
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Aw Dawncam glad you're feeling better
I've not noticed more shedding BUT definite loss as I can notice more scalp showing. Hair is more manageable though as T seems to have put it in better condition
Not been energetic but I've been out and about with fiancé Xmas shopping for grandchildren and weekly food shop
X
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That's great Annie - there's some days I just don't want to leave the house at all! I think T can be great but just needs monitoring in relation to other hormone levels.
Dxx
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That's right, I haven't had any oestrogen levels done since using the patch, whilst on the pill hrt oestrogen levels have been good
X
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Hi Annie if the T is beginning to work why consider changing it? You could set reminders on your phone when you have to take the vagifem, this is what I do when I have to take my prog as I still have womb. If your beginning to see some results albeit slowly I would stick to what your on. You might change to tibilone and take two steps back. I know it's a faff as my estrogen is gel also but I feel normal most days and sitting waiting for gel to dry is a minor inconvenience to feel good 😊 just my thoughts...good luck xx
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Hi Keepgoing
My memory isn't good lately
Doing lots of silly things, like putting washing in and forgetting to switch on, or forgetting to hang it up, standing by back door waiting to let dog in that I'd already let in !
Libido isn't great either, and taking ages to orgasm if I do at all
Forgot my asthma appointment yesterday, that was in my phone diary, I was convinced it was next Friday even though I knew the date
I'll do vagifem with patch change again to ease the confusion of that one and hopefully ease the soreness down below, I feel as though the skins been scrubbed off :-(
But I seem to be more on the ball at work, which is a necessity. I work by phone for 8 recruitment consultants and process their candidates payroll, so mega amounts of timesheets coming in and need to be accurate plus update consultants in an instant to what I am outstanding
I won't throw in the towel just yet
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