Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: pineappletop on April 17, 2023, 04:06:00 PM
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I'm seeing my (NHS) GP this week for a review and I want to ask for Testosterone to be added to my prescription.
I'm in peri on sequi cycle of Lenzetto - 3 sprays and 2 x 100mg Utrogestan. I've only completed 2 cycles in this, my second time using HRT. But was on it for nearly a year mid 2021-22, so I have a good feel for how it works for me.
Many of my symptoms have improved but I really feel like testosterone could be the missing piece for me as I've experienced little/no improvement in libido, mind fog, memory and my lost and much missed "drive" at work.
I read somewhere that it's best to mainly talk about the libido side to NHS doctors because they'll only prescribe it to treat that. Any thoughts?
I'd really appreciate any tips on handling the appointment as I keep hearing that it's tricky to get testosterone for Meno symptoms on the NHS.
Thanks ❤️
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Usually a Consultant in an NHS Menopause Clinic asks the GP to prescribe Testosterone.
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Hi Pineappletop
You are correct, I was told most will prescribe, if you say you have low libido .
Good luck
Let us know how you get on :)
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Usually a Consultant in an NHS Menopause Clinic asks the GP to prescribe Testosterone.
I'm really hoping my GP will, getting an appointment at an NHS Meno clinic would doubtless take many months. More NHS GPs do seem to be prescribing it now from what I'm reading (here and elsewhere). 🤞
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Hi Pineappletop
You are correct, I was told most will prescribe, if you say you have low libido .
Good luck
Let us know how you get on :)
Thanks Junie. Will report back. 👍
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Just bumping this because my appointment is tomorrow. Any additional advice would be greatly appreciated ❤️
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I think they will sometimes prescribe it if you still have low sex drive and low energy even after trying HRT.
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I asked for testerone about a month ago from my GP and have just been told that they will need to refer me to a gynaecologist in order for me to get this. So I’m now on a waiting list. If I had not pushed for it, my GP would definitely have refused to prescribe it for me.
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I asked for testerone about a month ago from my GP and have just been told that they will need to refer me to a gynaecologist in order for me to get this. So I’m now on a waiting list. If I had not pushed for it, my GP would definitely have refused to prescribe it for me.
Thanks TM73. I'd be happy to see a gyno. Never seen one in my life so it'd be good to get a good check down there, even though all seems fine.
Not keen on the wait though. Hope you get seen soon. Did they give you an idea of how long it'll be before your appointment comes through?
[/quote]I think they will sometimes prescribe it if you still have low sex drive and low energy even after trying HRT.
Yes they do, but it can be tricky to get. From what I can gather it depends on your doctor and whatever protocols they have at the practice.
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Sorry that’s all I know, was just trying to help as you asked.
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Sorry that’s all I know, was just trying to help as you asked.
Sure - thanks lovely! Sorry, didn't mean to come over unappreciative. x
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I hope you get it prescribed x
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I also asked my GP for testosterone and was told they don't prescribe it ,
And only a gynaecologist can ,
But I also found out (if you live in the UK) and you have a long wait to see a gynecologist,
Superdrug (yes the store I was shocked) they have an online doctor you can buy 3 sachets for £18 ,
You have to complete a questionnaire and upload proof of who you are ,
The doctor will then message you via email or through there app , if they need proof of your hormone tests or they can do a hormone test for you (cheaply) to see if your testosterone is low ,
X
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My gynae recommended testogel for me and the gp still refused me. She just said it wasn’t licensed for women!
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My gynae recommended testogel for me and the gp still refused me. She just said it wasn’t licensed for women!
That's the problem, there is no product available on the nhs that is licensed for women. If they try to prescribe it it comes up with a big red warning and they have to accept personal liability if anything goes wrong. Understandably most won't do this so it needs a specialist. I'd recommend asking for a referral to a meno clinic not a gynae as many are clueless about meno. The wait is over a year in my area. Every time I need a new prescription I have to argue for it.
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I wonder why testosterone isn’t licenced for women when it’s one of our main hormones that declines with age and we have a major decline in reproductive hormones in middle age and often major symptoms. Whereas men have a slow gradual decline in testosterone with age and few problematic symptoms and it’s licensed for them. Is it licensed for women in any other countries?
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I wonder why testosterone isn’t licenced for women when it’s one of our main hormones that declines with age and we have a major decline in reproductive hormones in middle age and often major symptoms. Whereas men have a slow gradual decline in testosterone with age and few problematic symptoms and it’s licensed for them. Is it licensed for women in any other countries?
Indeed and just a reminder that women have about three times more testosterone than oestrogen so the NHS persistence in ignoring it is purely cultural, as medically it makes no sense to supplement only oestrogen and progesterone but not testosterone
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Thanks so much for all the replies everyone. Really interesting to hear your experiences.
So, here's what happened - the GP said I do sound like a prime candidate for testosterone, but she's not able to prescribe it. Luckily though, she said another GP at the practice specialises in menopause and they can.
Next step is I have to go in for a blood test. After that I'll see the meno GP.
I'm a bit concerned because I hear the blood tests are not reliable and we all know hormone levels can fluctuate wildly day-to-day, even through the day.
But they didn't dismiss me, so here's hoping.
Will keep you updated.
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It’s looking encouraging pineappletop, fingers crossed :)
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It’s looking encouraging pineappletop, fingers crossed :)
Thank you x
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R testosterone blood tests unreliable as R others? I see that Sir Steve Redgrave has low tesoterone - bet men don't get difficultly in being prescribed.
The 3rd hormone should be considered along with oestrogen and progesterone. Where is the British Menopause Society on this :-\
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R testosterone blood tests unreliable as R others? I see that Sir Steve Redgrave has low tesoterone - bet men don't get difficultly in being prescribed.
The 3rd hormone should be considered along with oestrogen and progesterone. Where is the British Menopause Society on this :-\
Absolutely. You kind of feel like you're asking for some kind of opiate or drug that's commonly misused.
Clearly I just want to see if it helps me feel myself again, as symptoms suggest it could.
Anyway, fingers crossed!
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Let us know!
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Absolutely. You kind of feel like you're asking for some kind of opiate or drug that's commonly misused.
Clearly I just want to see if it helps me feel myself again, as symptoms suggest it could.
Anyway, fingers crossed!
Pineappletop, how did you get on?
Did you manage to try testosterone yet?
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Hey there, New to the forum but interested in others stories. I am fully menopausal, six years now and that's me finally just getting Testosterone. only been using it for a week, but found my GP a little resistant to give me it. I had to go private and eventually found that I was progesterone intolerant. All my GP could suggest was to up my anti depressants, which had initially been prescribed for PMT. think my issue was the progesterone intolerance really. My GP told me that the only way to prescribe this was for low libido. Mine is non existant. I also had to be refered to our Menopause Clinic. Its a bit of a struggle but I stuck to my guns. i hope this helps
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My GP just said they don't prescribe it :( My GP is rubbish anyway...and I am at NHS meno clinic tomorrow so will see what they say.