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Author Topic: Wanting to try testosterone - any advice on how to handle the appointment?  (Read 1104 times)

SarahtheFlower

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Hi All,

I've been on HRT for just over 12 months.  I'm turning 44 in Jan.   I've been wanting to try testosterone.   My meno doctor is great, but she's not prepared to prescribe testosterone so she's referring me to a colleague that I've not met.   She's got me on the full dose of x4 pumps of oestrogen, so I'm fully oestrogonised as they say.   I know that the only thing a doctor can prescribe testosterone for is low libido.   Mine is rather low, but to be honest I'm not too bothered about that.   I have read about the many other potential benefits and it is those that I am really interested in - particularly improved brain function, as I still have some brain fog.   I'm also struggling with my weight.

Does anyone have any advice as to how to handle my appointment with the doctor who might prescribe testosterone?   I feel that if I just say it's for low libido then I'm not being honest, but if I don't labour the libido point, maybe they won't prescribe?   

I just want to try it and if it doesn't do anything for me I would discontinue.   

I would of course prefer to be completely honest about my motivations for wanting to try testosterone, but is that the best policy in this instance?   I would be very interested with other's points of view / experiences, please?

Thank you!   :)

Sarah.
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CLKD

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Re: Wanting to try testosterone - any advice on how to handle the appointment?
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2022, 07:09:11 PM »

Your menopause specialist is not prepared to prescribe because mayB you don't require it?

Where have you read about potential benefits?  Is the current replacement regime helping over all?
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SarahtheFlower

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Re: Wanting to try testosterone - any advice on how to handle the appointment?
« Reply #2 on: December 30, 2022, 07:59:58 PM »

Hi DLKD,

My meno dr will not prescribe testosterone because it's not licenced for use in women, which is why she is referring me to a dr (same practice) that is confident enough to prescribe it. 

I have read about the potential benefits right here on this formum, as well as elsewhere on the internet.

Yes, the current regime is fab - I'm a different person to the one I was a year ago - but I feel there is more to be done.  :)
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CLKD

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Re: Wanting to try testosterone - any advice on how to handle the appointment?
« Reply #3 on: December 30, 2022, 08:04:24 PM »

Let us know how you get on.
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Truffles

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I've only just seen your post, so I hope this isn't too late to be of use. My sister, who has found testosterone to be the missing key for her, told me that the only way she or any of her friends who are on testosterone received a prescription was by saying they needed it for lack of libido.

I understand your dilemma, but apparently that is indeed the only thing they will prescribe it for. Personally, I'd be inclined to focus on that and that alone - if those are the guidelines the doctor is working under, then they have to satisfy those guidelines and mentioning anything else may lead to the suspicion that you want it for reasons other than libido. Lord knows why having sex is deemed to be more important than anything else.  ::)

Good luck!
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sheila99

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Because it affects men of course  >:(.
I can't do my job without it but my experience is that libido is the only thing they prescribe it for, mine was zero. It may be better to do a blood test than to lie about it though. I think no libido = low testosterone so perhaps a test is unnecessary. Taking it when you don't need it can lead to unwanted side effects.
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SarahtheFlower

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Hi Sheila and Truffles - thanks for your comments.   I have now had my appointment.   Rather than repeating everything I've added a comment to Testosterone here we go...!! thread...  https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,27959.90.html
I decided to add my experices of trying to get and then (hopefully) taking testosterone in case it helps anyone in future.   

The point about why can it only be prescribed for sex and 'because it's for men' comments I totally agree with and it had occurred to me already   >:(  makes me so angry...honestly, what century are we living in?!
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