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[shoppingqueen]

Hello ladies

My Endo had just started me on a blob of Testogel each day. He said that a sachet should last 7 days. I’m assuming a pea size blob rubbed in is how others use it?

My question is how have people found this has helped? What symptoms can it improve? I have read lots on line about men, chronic fatigue etc so was wondering what people’s experiences are.

I have had 3 blood tests which have shown negligible T.

Thanks for help, as always! 

SQ

[Hurdity]

Hi shopping queen

Testosterone should normally be prescribed on the basis of symptoms rather than blood tests because the tests are inaccurate at the lower end of the scale. Once you start taking it and levels increase then tesdting can check that levels remain within the range for women Also in addition to T a compound known as SHBG shoud be measured and from this the "Female Andrgoen Index" can be calculated.

The first symptoms that indicates a need for T replacement is loss of libido and more specifically - response. If this is OK then you dont need T. The fatigue, lethargy, lack of oomph, aches and pains after exercise etc would occur well after the lack of libido I would suggest.

What symptoms do you have that led to T being prescribed?

Also what size blob are you using that means a sachet lasts of 7 days and what is the strength of the sachets? Apparently they have changed recently and are more concentrated so blobs need to be smaller!

If you have had your ovaries removed then I gather the need and dose is often higher but otherwise I would start lower than this. It can take some months for the effects to be fully appreciated.

Here is the British Menopause Society Tools for clinicians article on T replacement:
https://thebms.org.uk/publications/tools-for-clinicians/testosterone-replacement-in-menopause/

I haven't read it in detail recently - and I see it's been updated -  but just caught sight of this early on:

"Should testosterone be replaced just because levels are low?

No. Many women with low systemic testosterone levels do not complain of distressing low libido or other symptoms, even on direct questioning."

Oh I've just noticed this (further down the advice when it gives the different types of T) - the new strength of T is in smaller sized sachets so recommended to last 8 days:

"Testogel [Besins Healthcare UK] (2.5g sachets containing 40.5mg testosterone): Starting dose 1/8 of a sachet/day = approx. 5mg/day i.e. each sachet should last 8 days. (new formulation)"

My libido ( or rather response) has been restored completely, I am less fatigued and allowing for age (I'm late 60's) - I can do heavy exercise (eg digging the garden) reasonably well and my muscles can cope!

Hope this helps

Hurdity x

[shoppingqueen]

Hi Hurdity
Thank you so much for the detailed response! I was prescribed for libido and response  and experiencing fatigue, joint pain and weakness. His primary concern was the libido.
Just checked and it is the new prep 40.5 mg so I’ll eek it to 8 days (or more) to settle in with it. The last two I’ve just done a teeny pea size as I don’t want to go too quickly.
This is really helpful and hooray for the radical gardening. I’m struggling with basic tasks at the moment so hoping my HRT and the T help. I’ve been on HRT for 7 years and had a change to 100mcg Estrodot. I prefer the smoother continuous dose, even though my estrogen levels have dropped to 100pmol so I’m adding in one spray of Lenzetto. Will stick with it and see where E levels are in a few weeks. I used to use 3 pumps of gel which gave E levels of 400-500+, but it felt too much, a bit spikey through the day, headaches and bit jittery.
I’m
53 post meno so thinking I just might not need as much these days? I’m not sure I absorb the patches too well with these readings but they feel better somehow?? I think the Endo might be prepared to let me have 2 patches, but I’ll see how this prep goes and give it a good run.
I’m so glad you are feeling good and active! I can’t wait to get some energy back 😁
SQ x

[shoppingqueen]

Oops

Meant to say still have uterus and dissolved ovaries!

[Hurdity]

I only started with HRT was I was almost 54!! It's impossible to say how much you need. Some consultants seem obsessed by oestrogen levels but I think one can get too hung up on them. In your case you shpuld go by symptoms though i guess if you are still experiencing flushes and sweats on a high dose, asnd are post-menopausal then some testing can help to see if you have an absorption problem, though one test alone may not tell you anything.

On patches when doc tested my oestrogen they were something like 90 pmol on the day I was due to change patch - but more than double that, around 190 half way between patch change period. Probably higher than that now as I changed to Evorel and feel as though I have more energy generally....

I've been on T for 7 years!

I hope you get some energy back soon

Hurdity x

[shoppingqueen]

Thanks Hurdity!

That’s really put my mind at rest. I wouldn’t have known about the level had I not been tested to check on other bloods and it threw me off. So silly as I was feeling better than on the gel! You live and learn

I’m glad the Evorel patches are working well for you and you’re feeling a further uptick in energy.
I’ve noticed a number of ladies on here are on Everol and happy. Did you fancy a change or was it supply issues?

I just happened to get Estradot. I do like them as they do stick well on me. I had bad experience years ago of others sliding off into my pants  ). My practice pharmacist did say Evorel were a good and she would supply these if I have supply issues on the Estradot. 

It’s good to know they are working 😁 x

[suziq99]

I’d also like to add, I started Testogel for extreme tiredness & horrible lethargy. Just couldn’t be arsed to do anything.
I have a felt a definite improvement & can actually get some work done. I was also having muscle aches in my arms, which the doc dismissed as, put a elbow support on  these have not completely gone but a very definite improvement there as well.
I’ve only been using it a few weeks. So hoping more to come 

[shoppingqueen]

Hi Suziq99

I’m so glad it’s working for you! I know exactly that can’t be arsed feeling 😂. I have crushing fatigue so this gives me hope.
Keeping fingers crossed you continue with improvements 😁  not an easy ride all this malarkey! X