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[NickyLD]

Hi ladies,

I’ve not posted for a long time I started HRT at 40 and after tweaks for a few years found the oral oestrogen pill and the mirena coil has been working well. Erratiic periods for well over a year but period free now. I feel so much better than I did, but to be honest I was floored. Now I’m relatively stable I’ve been reluctant to change, BUT I have found my mojo to be severely lacking. I can’t seem to start jobs or motivate myself to do much. Anxiety still comes and goes and I’ve accepted this as part of life. No sleeping issues anymore. I’m wondering whether these lingering symptoms maybe related to testoesteone? I have difficulty reaching climax despite having the hottest boyfriend in the world!!!

I had such a battle to get HRT at 40 that I just can’t face a GP fight over it but wondered whether just taking oestrogen orally (Zumemon I think it’s called), could be leaving my levels low on the testoesteone which could make sense based on my symptoms. Any advice out there? Sorry for dreadful spelling! Nicky

[sheila99]

For some people libido returns when oestrogen levels are restored, others (like me) need testosterone. It normally has to be prescribed by a specialist anyway so you could ask for a referral to a menopause clinic.

[NickyLD]

Thank you for replying.

The libido aspect I can cope with it’s the general zero get up and go that’s the issue. Unless I have somewhere to go I really struggle with motivation and feeling generally low, but not depressed if that makes sense. Can a GP really not help without a private referral? That’s a bit shocking in itself

[Taz2]

It's because testosterone is not licensed for use by women in the UK. Menopause specialists can prescribe it for women though.

[pepperminty]

Hi,

testosterone can be lowered by oral HRT. It is something to do with SHGB. So as testosterone naturally lessens, less is available -  the free testosterone to give energy sex drive, muscle strength etc.

I would definitely explore the option and ask to be referred to a menopause clinic on the NHS. Or if you can afford it privately . Also put testosterone in the search box and more info will come up. I think there is one thread called Testosterone here we go.

They may explore altering  your oestrogen dose etc. but I understand as you have had issues why you do not want to do that. I emailed Dr Curry about the same thing and she just said  to change my HRT first and see if it helps.

let us know how you get on

PMXX

[Postmeno3]

There seems to be some very mixed views about when to introduce testosterone. My understanding is that oestrogen stability achieved first is the most popular view. One could question how we ever reach that level of certainty. Because testosterone is produced increasingly in the adrenal glands, especially more rapidly after hysterectomy but routinely anyway, it makes sense that the more stress there is, the harder the other hormones have to work and become depleted due to the activity of the stress hormones. It's like spaghetti junction, isn't it? Doing a jigsaw without a picture! Intrarosa might be an interim support for you? There are one or two threads on here about it and a Google of the Newson site might prove productive. Good luck!

[Wrensong]

Hi NickyLD, I agree with Pepperminty that testosterone is worth looking into.  There are some links below you may find interesting if they're new to you.  Apologies if the 2nd & 3rd links don't work as they should - they did before Newson Health's website changed but I had to mess around with them when testing this morning!  They are podcasts nos 116 & 118 on Newson Health's website if you can't access them here & want to listen.  The first is an informative interview with a clinician, the 2nd a personal account of how life-changing T replacement can be.

https://thebms.org.uk/publications/tools-for-clinicians/testosterone-replacement-in-menopause

https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/116-testosterone-the-forgotten-hormone-with-professor-isaac-manyonda/

https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/118-testosterone-not-just-icing-on-the-cake-with-rachel-dawber/

[NickyLD]

Thank you all. I’ve had a telephone appointment with GP who has changed HRT to transdermal and has ordered full blood tests. She wasn’t against prescribing testosterone if bloods indicate it’s low, but also needs to check other levels at the same time. It was just nice to be heard and it didn’t feel like an instant battle which is a result in itself. Will watch those videos, thank you

[pepperminty]

Hi NickLD,

do let us know how you get on with the transdermal - patch or gel? And the ladies are pretty clued up on here as to what readings mean if you need any answers. The GP needs the free testosterone reading and your SHBG which can prevent free testosterone being available.

PMXX

[NickyLD]

I’ve just watched the Louise Newton webcast on testosterone and it’s made me quite emotional. It’s like watching someone talk about me. I had to give up running five years ago as I just physically couldn’t move anymore and the decline has been getting worse. It’s only when I’ve dealt with all the other stresses and stains of life that I’ve been able to see more clearly. All these things are hormone related. I was so so poorly without HRT… and then the mirena, that I thought I was better and the things I’m struggling with no are just age, etc. Bit it’s not right that I can’t get up in the morning to walk the dog or I have to jump up from the coach when my boyfriend comes around for fear of looking like I’m lazy. I felt like I’d come out of these feelings when lockdown ended but the truth is I’m in my own personal lockdown. It’s so sad when I think about it. Thanks for the advice ladies. I’m going to tackle it once and for all xx

[Wrensong]

Bless you Nicky.  I'm sorry the podcast was upsetting, but hopefully it will lead to a turning point for you.  Sounds like your GP wants to help, so everything crossed that you can come up with a plan together when your results are in.
Wx

[NickyLD]

Least I’ve still got my sense of humour… stains of life! I meant strains, obvs!!! 😂😂😂😂

[NickyLD]

Changed the HRT from Zumenon 2mg to Eostrogel. So will hope the transdermal instead of oral pill will help. Then blood test on Thursday. Feel like I’m already on the right track calling the GP. I’m staggered that o accepted this as ‘normal’ for so many years when it isn’t. Thanks for listening ladies. The Louise Newton site is amazing too!

[pepperminty]

Hi NicktLD,

good for you! I know exactly how you feel. Please update us on how you go with the gel and good luck.

PMXX

[sweettooth]

Hi Nicky I so hope you feel much better on your new regime!

Can anyone answer……I’m on oral Estrogen only because I wasn’t absorbing transdermal and it worked fab (though vaccine has upset the apple cart temporarily) Surely I can supplement with some Testosterone if it is affected by oral?  Tk you x