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[Lindy260]

Hi there, just wondering if anyone knows anything about Testogel.  I have been having issues over the last 18 months, very low energy, unhappy, confused but not sure what about,  memory loss, generally really under the weather, don't want to go out, don't want to socialise.... I have had my thyroid tested, all ok.  Wondered if I had B12 deficiency, apparently my B12 is high, does anyone know what that means.  Although I rate my doctor I really do wish they would call back with blood results, either negative or positive.

Anyway I digress, I went to a menopause clinic who suggested I go back on HRT, I decided to take myself off it about 8 months ago because I didn't think it was doing anything.  I had a hysterectomy 15 years ago but they left my ovaries. So as well as estrogen she suggested testosterone, in gel form because she didn't have any implants.  Now this was over a week ago but I have NOT noticed any difference, except by libido has risen very quickly but that's all...  I was hoping for other goodies this offers energy, less brain fog,  less confusion and memory loss. 

Does anyone know how long the gel will take to get into my system, bearing in mind I have to apply half a sachet twice per day, that's 5mg a day and after reading a few articles on here it may be too much... Next week the doctor wants to give me the testosterone implant but if the gel doesn't work why bother.. Is there a difference, Testogel versus implant?

I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis so all this could be linked but I can't have medication for my arthritis until I have sorted all this out, the medication they have been trying me on causes lethargy, that's the last thing I need so until my energy levels return to some kind of normality I am living on 20mg a day of prednisolone but no arthritis medication.

I work away Monday to Friday, all over the country arrive back home late on Friday night, perhaps that's another reason but I can't give a job up that pays my mortgage, vicious circle..  I am 52 female...

Any help and advice, or even a kick up the bum to say pull yourself together would be a start...

Thank you for reading... Lindy x x 

[Taz2]

Hi Lindy - just wanted to welcome you to the forum.

First of all I'd just like to say that there are lots of us on here who would love to be prescribed Testogel but have been turned down by GP's and also menopause clinic (me!)  so we will wait to find out what happens with great interest. I think that libido is the first thing to improve and the energy levels rise after a while. If you use the search button in the blue bar top left of the screen you may find other posts relating to testosterone so that might be helpful.

You have come to the right place for help and friendship. Nobody will tell you to give yourself a kick up the bum - you are dealing with a lot by the sound of it - your job sounds like it takes a lot of energy let alone the rest of your life.

Someone else will be along soon to welcome you and offer more advice.

Taz x 

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome to MM Lindy260
A 52 I believe it is well worth staying on some oestrogen for the long term benefit of your heart and bones so I would certainly go back on that - I find I have more energy when on HRT.  The risks of breast cancer are very small and I think the studies show there is no increased risk for women who have had a hysterectomy and just use oestrogen.
There has just been a lady who has newly joined MM who is using Testogel and is reporting that she is feeling really good. As Taz says many women would love to have this as part of their HRT regime but the NHS does not generally prescribe this.  I wouldn't worry about a high reading of B12 - I would see this as a positive thing.
I use Oestrogel as part of my HRT regime and have done for many years.  My instinct would be to go for the Testogel as there must be the ability to adjust dose or stop using it if need be, whereas an implant is somehow permanent. I think the gel in Oestrogel dries in under 10 mins and takes up to 2 hours to absorb but I reckon it takes less time than that. However the benefits of any hormone treatment can take up to 3 and sometimes 6 months so if you try the Testogel I think you should give it at least 4-12 weeks before making a judgement on it's benefits.
Using hormones transdermally is thought to be the best way to absorb everything so maybe an oestrogen patch with the Testogel would be a good way to go.
Just another thought; did they test your Vitamin D levels?   Vit D is vital for energy and all sorts of other functions in our bodies and fatigue is one of the symptoms of low Vit D.   Sunshine is one of the only sources of Vit D and many of us don't get enough and particularly through winter.  I find it is well worth taking a Vit D3 supplement through the winter months and I make sure I get 15 mins of sun without sunscreen (perhaps on your arms) every day through summer. Perhaps discuss this with your GP.
Your life sounds stressful - we're here to listen and support so keep posting.   DG x

[Ju Ju]

Hi lindy,

I used Tostran, a pump containing gel (easier to apply than sachets) for several months, but gradually stopped using it as I didn't feel any obvious benefit and began to get acne like blemishes on my face. ( Actually this has got much worse since stopping, but it can be a side affect). I tried testosterone therapy as my libido is non existent and I suffered from extreme fatigue and my testosterone levels were very low. (CFS was being suggested). I had to go to a private clinic as testosterone is not licensed for use in women in this country, so no longer available on the NHS. The clinic did offer the implants (very expensive) but my gynaecologist thought this would not be appropriate. She did say it might make me rampant and chase anything in trousers! She said this with humour, but I thought it might be rather nice! My DH would love to be chased round the bedroom! Anyway, as I said I have not experienced any obvious benefit, but do not regret trying. Low dose HRT has helped with energy levels, though going back to work is out of the question.

[Lindy260]

Hi there, thank you so much for getting back to me, I am really pleased I joined. I think after reading the replies I perhaps do consider myself in a good place.   I think I need to be a little bit more patient and give the Testogel a little longer.. This has all happened in the last 18 months so I am so eager to get back to myself and so is my partner. He has been extremely supportive so I really can't complain.  My vitamin D levels are good as I do take every supplement going, I perhaps need to be a bit more selective but when you are looking for an answer anything goes.

I will carry on with the gel and estrogen and give them a couple of months to start working, and stop being impatient. In the meantime does anyone know of any vitamins, supplements that may help me a long the way?

Thank you x

[Dancinggirl]

If you have been tested for iron and vitamin D and your levels are good, then maybe a good generic vitamin supplement may be necessary if at all. I do take Omega 3 every day to help my joints etc. Building up your stamina by doing some brisk walking can be helpful and when I'm feeling really fatigued I use Mindful Mediation to help me relax and recharge.  I think if you were used to being very active then learning to pace yourself a bit more is sensible - this is difficult as modern life expects so much more of us at this age than in the past.
Give yourself time - try to get good sleep, continue with a good diet and take brisk walks and with the hormones doing their magic you may find in a few weeks the energy returns.  DG x   

[lancashirelass]

There is a worldwide shortage of test implants which is really annoyong as.my 50 one is really suiting me and it looks like ill have to.revert to testogel.  Why is hrt such an easy target to withdraw from the market?