Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Tempest on September 05, 2018, 09:07:20 PM

Title: Androgen Therapy In Women - A Reappraisal
Post by: Tempest on September 05, 2018, 09:07:20 PM
https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/99/10/3489/2836272

Seemingly from this extensive study, there is no link to androgen levels and reported symptoms and it is recommended that androgens are not replaced even in women who are surgically menopausal or who have adrenal insufficiency as a) testosterone replacement has not been clinically proven to improve symptoms and b) there are concerns about the safety of testosterone replacement.

I am just reporting a snapshot of the findings (please read full reappraisal via the link) - these are not my opinions as I have not tried T replacement, although my very senior consultant has stated to me that she does have some concerns about the risks of T replacement and whether it has any significant benefit (this will surprise some of you - especially as some of you know who I have been seeing)! I do however respect her very learned opinion - but would be very interested to hear other member's views once you have read the linked research. Thank you! xxxx
Title: Re: Androgen Therapy In Women - A Reappraisal
Post by: Annie0710 on September 06, 2018, 05:40:52 AM
I absolutely dread the thought that T might be taken away from me .  My life was horrible and sad before I started it.  Now I'm enjoying my life again :-( xx
Title: Re: Androgen Therapy In Women - A Reappraisal
Post by: Annie0710 on September 06, 2018, 05:41:44 PM
I had a breakthrough today with my surgery, well yesterday too.  I had to replenish my epipens and the pharmacy said there's still manufacturing issues with them so told me the name of another one to ask gp for.  They've listened and prescribed what I asked for.  Whilst collecting it I spoke to the receptionist and explained that the gps also keep ordering 5g testosterone and this is being discontinued and my pharmacy can't get any .  I said I need what I always use (Tostran 2% gel) and they called me today saying they've added Tostran to my repeats !!! X
Title: Re: Androgen Therapy In Women - A Reappraisal
Post by: yorkslass on September 07, 2018, 05:34:36 AM
My GP tried to refer me to a menopause specialist consultant suggesting that I needed testosterone.  The consultant refused to even see me saying that she did not recommend T as there was not enough evidence of it being effective.  Out of the blue several months later the consultant contacted my GP to say that she had been at a conference and as a result of presentations made there she now believes that there is enough evidence to recommend T. I still think its an area which has not been studied for long enough  for true results to be known.  Maybe its placebo but it has made a big difference to me.
Title: Re: Androgen Therapy In Women - A Reappraisal
Post by: Annie0710 on September 07, 2018, 06:32:55 AM
Call me weckless (this first gp more or less did) but I lost 4-5 years of my life due to T deficiency.  I'm living in the here and now and if using T shortens my life by a few years at least I've had a life as opposed to sleeping my older years away x
Title: Re: Androgen Therapy In Women - A Reappraisal
Post by: Dotty on September 07, 2018, 06:49:10 AM
Annie - glad you've finally got the Tostran 😄 x I would stock up as much as you can 😄😄
Title: Re: Androgen Therapy In Women - A Reappraisal
Post by: Perinowpost on September 07, 2018, 11:49:12 AM
Are you able to say which consultant that was Yorkslass? Good news Annie x
Title: Re: Androgen Therapy In Women - A Reappraisal
Post by: yorkslass on September 08, 2018, 07:11:46 AM
It was Dr Ayres in Leeds.  I still haven't actually seen her but my GP is in contact with her.   My GP has never had a patient on T so I do feel a bit of a guinea pig but luckily she has been receptive to me telling her what I have found on this website.  Apparently the other GPs in the practice are also interested in knowing how things go.
Title: Re: Androgen Therapy In Women - A Reappraisal
Post by: Perinowpost on September 08, 2018, 07:40:49 AM
Yorkslass I too was refused T by Dr Ayers (it was a couple of years ago now) she said we didn't know the long term implications . I remember thinking she was behind the times + I had got it from my GP (after a referral elsewhere) anyway. So glad she's changed her mind, as I'm on it and it definitely does make a difference to energy and libido (specifically response ). Although I do find less is more with T (for me), and only use 1 tube of testim a month. Great news though, it shows if enough of us keep pushing we can effect change x
Title: Re: Androgen Therapy In Women - A Reappraisal
Post by: CLKD on September 08, 2018, 03:10:38 PM
Tempest gone  :-\
Title: Re: Androgen Therapy In Women - A Reappraisal
Post by: Annie0710 on September 08, 2018, 04:28:45 PM
Tempest occasionally takes a deserved break from the forum.  I hope this is one of those occasions and she is back soon - she is a valuable asset xxx
Title: Re: Androgen Therapy In Women - A Reappraisal
Post by: Conolly on September 08, 2018, 04:38:18 PM
Hello ladies,


I hope you're right, Annie. She didn't need to delete her account, though. I just hope she's ok.


Conolly X
Title: Re: Androgen Therapy In Women - A Reappraisal
Post by: Annie0710 on September 08, 2018, 07:00:13 PM
Hi Conolly

I am hopeful tempest will be back, she has very good friends here and I know she knows so many care about her xx