Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: pepperminty on April 06, 2022, 04:55:10 PM
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Hi Ladies,
I have just got back my hormone blood tests results. I do this myself yearly for my own curiosity and symptom control.
Anyway my SHBG has gone down from 183 nmol/L last year to 180 nmol/L - in 2019 it was above the range , so my free T could not be calculated.
My testosterone has nose dived from 1,42 nmol/L in 2021 to 1 nmol/L - sharp drop on the graph they have ,so you can see your readings clearly.
My free T was 0.007 in 2021 and now it is 0.005 - so a slow decline.
My estrogen remains fairly constant around the 326 mark every year for the last 4 years .
We all know that with in range means diddley squat - and does not refer to optimal etc.
So my query is should I have a go now at testosterone supplementation?
The only really new symptoms i have are very dry eyes - which to my surprise can be testosterone related!
And lack of libido , brain fog has increased and so has tiredness after exercise.
Any comments and advice would be welcome.
I must look up old testosterone posts too!
Many thanks
Peppermintyxx
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I would give a resounding yes to that question! All three of those symptoms, lack of libido, energy and brain fog can all be greatly helped by testosterone. Looks like you need a decent amount x
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Hi Gnatty,
thank you for your reply. The range on medichecks for total testosterone ( not the free T) is between 1.42 and 0.101 and I am within range.
In November 2021 I was a the top of the range.
I am not sure about ranges, I shall look at previous posts - I seem to remember some ladies being a 3 and not having any side effects.
I am assuming that although my dose of estrogen in my HRT is on the low to medium scale, the amount in my body is high enough .
PMXX
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Hi Pepperminty,
Totally agree with Gnatty!
I wasn’t aware that T affected eyes either, I haven’t worn contacts since September’s prescription and I don’t struggle with reading, driving etc.
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Agree with ladies on the T - it’s helped me on those issues and recently had dry eyes when stopping testosterone. I’m now back on it again and for the most part (touch wood) feeling good. Xx
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Hi Pepperminty,
Totally agree with Gnatty!
I wasn’t aware that T affected eyes either, I haven’t worn contacts since September’s prescription and I don’t struggle with reading, driving etc.
Hi VictoriaV ,
so taking T has helped your eyesight- WOW. Are you feeling any benefits - energy, less brain fog, and also apparently it is good for the nether regions.
PMX
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Agree with ladies on the T - it’s helped me on those issues and recently had dry eyes when stopping testosterone. I’m now back on it again and for the most part (touch wood) feeling good. Xx
Loiuse2010,
So T helped your eyes too! I learn something new every day and only thought to look it up after I got my results back and saw the drop.
I think if I start , i will build up slowly maybe twice a week and increase after a while. I read when we are younger we produce more testosterone than estrogen !
PMXX
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Hi
Testosterone is extremely important for eyes. Our meibomian glands have testosterone and estrogen receptors. There is research into the use of testosterone drops for dry eyes and in the US some people already use testosterone cream on eyelids.
I've been struggling with extreme dry eyes
since Meno. My eye specialist is hoping that balancing my hormones will be the answer. I'm still work in progress. I'm taking testosterone and estrogen. Just been told to increase both.
Unfortunately our eyes are complicated when it comes to hormones. Have a look for the DEWS report online. There's a whole section on dry eye and hormones. All the eye doctors I've seen say that hormones are important re dry eyes but there hasn't been much research done into it so it's a bit of an unknown quantity. What they do know is that too little testosterone can cause dry eyes, but so can too much!
By the way, I was told (at Meno clinic) that my testosterone before using androfeme was low: SHBG over 150, T 0.55, FAI 0.35
Hope this helps x
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Hi
Testosterone is extremely important for eyes. Our meibomian glands have testosterone and estrogen receptors. There is research into the use of testosterone drops for dry eyes and in the US some people already use testosterone cream on eyelids.
I've been struggling with extreme dry eyes
since Meno. My eye specialist is hoping that balancing my hormones will be the answer. I'm still work in progress. I'm taking testosterone and estrogen. Just been told to increase both.
Unfortunately our eyes are complicated when it comes to hormones. Have a look for the DEWS report online. There's a whole section on dry eye and hormones. All the eye doctors I've seen say that hormones are important re dry eyes but there hasn't been much research done into it so it's a bit of an unknown quantity. What they do know is that too little testosterone can cause dry eyes, but so can too much!
By the way, I was told (at Meno clinic) that my testosterone before using androfeme was low: SHBG over 150, T 0.55, FAI 0.35
Hope this helps x
Hi Catcc,
thank you so much for replying .
I suspect that my recent dry eyes are T related. I have had dry eyes- but they never really bothered me before . I will read up on the report thanks .
My Free T is 0.005 , so I guess that is very low too.
I am not sure as to what the levels are that are recommended for females. I am sure they have been posted somewhere here.
They need to do more research full stop into hormones etc - but there is probably not enough profit in it for them!
Lack of vitamin A can cause dry eye too and dry skin.
I hope your eyes feel better soon! x
PMXX
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Hi pm my SHBG was on high side bit my FAI like yours on the floor so I wud say go for it and hope it helps you a lot!!
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Pm can I ask what Estrogen you are on please?
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Pm can I ask what Estrogen you are on please?
Hi, I am on Femosten 1/10 with half a tablet of Zumenon ( the same type estrogen in Femosten) every other day.
I have tried going to 2/10 several times but it made me feel awful emotionally. I haven't tried trans dermal yet and with the shortages at the moment , and the fear of upsetting the apple cart I wont be for a while. I am mid fifties and have decided to wait a while as the risks of tablet are low and only increase marginally after 60, and then it is lower than being over weight and alcohol.
Apparently, protien, fish oils, magnesium and vit D lower SHBG . My SHBG was off the charts , but is lower than it was and funnily enough I have been taking magnesium daily for a while. I am going to up my dose, as I only take a small one and re test at the end of the year. Also I will up my protein.
I do know that the majority of the population is deficient of magnesium and it is essential for good health.
Also it is important to avoid magnesium oxide .
As we get older it is so important to look after our health as we live longer.
PMXX
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Thank you for posting this Pepperminty
I have asked for Testosterone several times but was told it would only be prescribed once they got me settled onto an HRT regime (of course that is an ever changing target so I never quite make it there!)
I suffer from the most terrible dry eye syndrome, I had no idea it was related to this but I've pretty much given up on contact lenses which I dearly miss. My eyeballs feel like they've been sandblasted most times I wear them!
I know you say you do these tests for yourself once a year but my GP won't routinely take bloods, can I ask how you go about getting the bloods done? Is it simply a case of using a private clinic? What do you ask for please, a full hormone panel?
Thanks so much in advance xx
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Thank you for posting this Pepperminty
I have asked for Testosterone several times but was told it would only be prescribed once they got me settled onto an HRT regime (of course that is an ever changing target so I never quite make it there!)
I suffer from the most terrible dry eye syndrome, I had no idea it was related to this but I've pretty much given up on contact lenses which I dearly miss. My eyeballs feel like they've been sandblasted most times I wear them!
I know you say you do these tests for yourself once a year but my GP won't routinely take bloods, can I ask how you go about getting the bloods done? Is it simply a case of using a private clinic? What do you ask for please, a full hormone panel?
Thanks so much in advance xx
Hi,
I use medichecks,
and wait until they have a special offer. They have numerous tests and I would advise if you can afford it to have a sample taken by a nurse that comes to your home through them or go to one of the nearest partner clinics. Then it is sent off in the post and they send results on line. I would look at your estrogen too as it can show if you are not absorbing well . Although levels differ for us all. But if you were 50 say on estrogen you know you are very low etc. Are you still having issues ?
They have lists of tests and there is a T estrogen and freeT one.
All this is a complete tadoo isn't it! I am just glad I found out about my levels. I am upping my protein and magnesium as this should help also. No wonder I am knackered most of the time and have little energy.
I hope it works for your eyes! If you decide to use it.
PMXX
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Hi Pepperminty,
I agree, it’s a right tadoo!
Testosterone helped me very quickly with brain fog, forgetting words mid-sentence etc, I haven’t had it since I started.
As daft as this sounds I was aware of testosterone helping neutered dog’s with dry eye but I didn’t ever think about it helping us. I found out that my eyesight had improved only by going to remove my contact’s at bedtime when I hadn’t actually put them in that morning!
Nether regions - I don’t feel like ravaging the postman but I do have a libido again.
I still haven’t had blood tests as I’m peri, unless I show signs of looking (or sounding!) like Popeye I won’t stop taking T!
I haven’t had any negative symptoms like irritability etc.
Good luck with it.xx
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Hi Pepperminty,
I agree, it’s a right tadoo!
Testosterone helped me very quickly with brain fog, forgetting words mid-sentence etc, I haven’t had it since I started.
As daft as this sounds I was aware of testosterone helping neutered dog’s with dry eye but I didn’t ever think about it helping us. I found out that my eyesight had improved only by going to remove my contact’s at bedtime when I hadn’t actually put them in that morning!
Nether regions - I don’t feel like ravaging the postman but I do have a libido again.
I still haven’t had blood tests as I’m peri, unless I show signs of looking (or sounding!) like Popeye I won’t stop taking T!
I haven’t had any negative symptoms like irritability etc.
Good luck with it.xx
Hi VictoriaV,
Thank you for the info. And I am glad your postman is Safe ;D
My only concerns are am I too young at mid fifties ? Most seem to start 60 ish .
And is my SHBG too high to take it? I don't want lots of T floating around not getting to where it needs to be.
Also is my estrogen high enough as I take a lowish dose - although it is consistently around 300.
I am so glad it is working for you!
PMxx
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Hi Pepperminty,
I’m really out of my depth with SHBG and blood results. I’ve been on the fence about taking tests because I don’t have a Menopause Specialist on board to interpret/ act on the results and because I *think* I’m in peri although I don’t seem to have fluctuations! I’ve taken the ‘go on symptoms’ approach so far with my NHS GP.
I did pay for a full hormone panel test and didn’t proceed ::)
I started T at 49, I don’t know if age is a leading factor to be honest but I’ve definitely read posts from several ladies on here that are in their 50’s.
I feel settled on the testosterone, I just wish I could get the progesterone stable!
My GP didn’t explain much about T initially, I got some good research info from AMS, I think you posted the link that answered a lot of my doubts. If I didn’t thank you at the time I am now, thank you! If you don’t have the link I’ll find it.xx
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Hi VictoriaV,
my meno brain! I do not remember posting a link! Yes please post it in this thread , if you can find it please. That would be great! x
I am not sure of my levels either, but I figured that I may get a little pointer somewhere. And my high SHBG was it. I have managed to lower it a little. I was actually given T before covid by my NHS meno clinic , but I was too scared to take it! But I think in light of my latest results I may have to try.
There was no mention of testing, by them and I suspect that if I had taken it when covid hit , if I had any problems I would have been left - as all support was put on hold ( menopause is not a priority ::)) . My Gp said that I know more than he does, so that was not an option.
On an aside - my GP tried to put my estriol cream on hold until I made an appointment for a review! I informed the practice in writing that there was no sound clinical reason to withhold this medication, and if they did, they would be causing me harm. Next day they reinstated my access! What a waste of an appointment that would have been, especially as you have to wait 40 minutes to get through on the phone and then wait in all day for the GP to phone. ( rant over ;D)
This forum is so good as usually someone will advise or empathise and pass on information.
Best wishes PMxx
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Morning Pepperminty,
We read so much research that I find it difficult to remember where I’ve taken data from! In 9 months I’ve clocked up over 20 days of time on this forum alone searching archives for info which has helped me and my GP get the best results, it’s a terrific resource. This is the link that I shared with my surgery:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4Bm7EbZK1c
Well done for challenging your GP about stopping treatment unnecessarily and ridiculously! More of us need to do this but I understand why many don’t.
I hope you don’t have to fight to get it prescribed, it’s a pity that the recognised benefits seem to be focussed on libido as so many women see huge life improvements around normal daily activities never mind career-wise. I know I would have had to retire at 49 without it.
Please let us know how you get on with it! Xx
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Morning Pepperminty,
We read so much research that I find it difficult to remember where I’ve taken data from! In 9 months I’ve clocked up over 20 days of time on this forum alone searching archives for info which has helped me and my GP get the best results, it’s a terrific resource. This is the link that I shared with my surgery:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4Bm7EbZK1c
Well done for challenging your GP about stopping treatment unnecessarily and ridiculously! More of us need to do this but I understand why many don’t.
I hope you don’t have to fight to get it prescribed, it’s a pity that the recognized benefits seem to be focused on libido as so many women see huge life improvements around normal daily activities never mind career-wise. I know I would have had to retire at 49 without it.
Please let us know how you get on with it! Xx
Hi , thanks I have had a quick look at it and will do so again in more depth. Interesting how they say that you do not actually need to take estrogen along side it- or was that in much younger women? - I did skim through.
Yes , I agree about it all focusing on libido- wonder why that is ::)- no surprise there!
If they prescribed it before they should again.
The Australian lady GP did say that one should be tested regularly to check everything is ok.
I have had to go part time as I have no energy and my stamina has depleted.
I wonder apart from regulating eye health - or at least part of it whether T moisturizes the skin a bit too . We forget that healthy skin is all over the body - not just the face and I wonder if T plays a part in collagen also? - just had a very quick look on internet and there is a link in there.
I will let you know how i get on.
Incidentally, when they gave it to me last time ( I was too sacred to take it due to my high SHBG ) there was no follow up! And I suspect that they don't know what SHBG is! The meno nurse didn't. You could not make it up!
PMXX
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Hi Pepperminty,
Yes, the bit about stand alone testosterone therapy got my attention too, I think it is helping breast cancer survivors with a med to stop it converting to estrogen. I’ve listened to a few webinars by the Australian GP and should make time to listen again as she has a lot of really good info from recent testosterone trials and hormones/women’s health etc.
I totally relate to going part time, I feel like I’ve held onto my career by the skin of my teeth. We should congratulate ourselves as many women are forced to retire, I came close to it.
I don’t know whether T helps skin but I do hope so!
I spoke to my GP this morning, I’m not sure whether the conversation qualifies as a review as such but neither of us plan to test my levels for the time being. She has taken a symptom only approach from the start and thankfully hasn’t suggested tests since before Christmas.
SHBG hasn’t ever been mentioned at my surgery either!
Good luck.xx
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Hi VictoriaV ,
I will look out for the other webinars from that GP also. I do think with the majority of doctors it is guess work and see how you go!
I am 90 % sure I will start T as my free T is so low, and as well as all the other symptoms my eyes are so dry now.
A pea sized blob every day I believe - although I will start with a very small Pea!
What us girls have to do to function :o
PMXX
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Now remember, PM, we have a "debate" going on on my thread about the size of the pea! Petit pois, garden pea (pod or frozen to be compared!) or marrowfat! 😂 Someone threw in cannellini bean having measured the actual dose from a pump. So, we need to take this whole pea thing extremely seriously 😂, but there's a part of me that thinks if we set the humorous side of it aside, it's a sad way of measuring something so important.
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This lady is very well respected in the states according to Mr Savvas at the Studd clinic. I said to him why don’t you invite her over to speak at the BMS, to which he replied they would never allow it!
https://www.maturitas.org/article/S0378-5122(13)00012-1/fulltext
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I even bought some metal measuring spoons. It was hopeless as you couldn't squish it in properly and then the spoon was too small to get even your little finger in to push it out again. Also does anyone remember a thread a while back about a pharmacist who said that because the tube/ sachet is designed to be used all in one go by a MAN that the testosterone is not evenly dispersed throughout. So potentially one's pea will vary in strength from day to day! It's outrageous really....
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I even bought some metal measuring spoons. It was hopeless as you couldn't squish it in properly and then the spoon was too small to get even your little finger in to push it out again. Also does anyone remember a thread a while back about a pharmacist who said that because the tube/ sachet is designed to be used all in one go by a MAN that the testosterone is not evenly dispersed throughout. So potentially one's pea will vary in strength from day to day! It's outrageous really....
Hi, nothing surprises me anymore- Perhaps one could squish it around a bit before squeezing out? I think I may try a surgical glove to get it on the leg area , but I don't think that you rub it in? We are second class citizens when it comes to being taken seriously, by the medical profession. It has been proven that men get taken more seriously and get better responses from GP's etc.
Lets face it, not that long ago the stereo type was wearing a pinny and cooking hubby dinner etc.
Does out rage produce testosterone? ::)
PMXX