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[Flan747]

Finally had my appt today with a lovely Dr called Sian. After a full lengthy consultation she has decided I should add testosterone instead of messing with my HRT! Really hoping this works as obviously now have to wait 3 months for a follow up and can’t bare the thought of having to change the HRT again! Anyone had any positive results with Androfeme

[Floo36]

Hi, are most of your symptoms controlled by HRT with just a few things not quite there? What HRT do you take and dose? I hope you don’t mind me asking.  I use androfemme i  have stopped and started a few times and have worked out it makes no difference to me only the Estrogen does but it may be what you need. 

[Flan747]

Hi Floo! So I’m in 6 pumps and Utrogestron continuous. Symptoms have improved since the start of this nightmare. I really thought she would change my HRT but she said she feels the missing link is the testosterone going by my blood results! My worry now is that it won’t work and have another 3 months of feeling lost and rubbish before my review! Really hoping I see an improvement especially with my fatigue, brain fog and muscle aches! Will keep you posted

[Floo36]

I’m with Newson.  It may be the missing link, it is for some I hear.  I think it depends sometimes what symptoms are left. 

It seems that the gel works for you because it has reduced your symptoms unless it’s your own hormones coming up again if you are peri that is and you could always try adding an extra pump or have you already tried that?

[KarineT]

What does testosterone do?  How does it help?  I thought that the ovaries were still producing it.

[Flan747]

I was told it will help me with my fatigue, brain fog and anxiety! Really hoping it does any of the above! Still not convinced it’s the answer as feel so dreadful on my current regime of HRT But I am no expert and have to go with it for 3 months which maybe exhausting if it doesn’t help!

[Floo36]

I don’t think you have to wait 3 months.  It sounds like you need to get the Estrogen right. 

I went up to 12 pumps of gel and it still didn’t do anything because I don’t absorb, but it sounds like it has helped you but not fully yet.  I’m with Louise at Newsons and she reassured me that it’s not a dangerous drug and I’m just trying to get back what I’ve lost.  I’m surprised that the doctor you are under has not said to increase the gel further seeing as it has worked for some of your symptoms.

[Floo36]

Sorry the other thing I meant to say was, they kept saying my Estrogen was fine and added in testosterone but actually my Estrogen wasn’t fine and were fluctuations but it took a long time to prove it.  If I hadn’t had bloods done and went on symptoms I wouldn’t have suffered as long as I have and I’m still not there yet.  If you are peri I think from my own experience they are misleading.  Testosterone may be the missing link but consider that you may not be on enough Estrogen if it isn’t. 

[Flan747]

Floo I am so surprised too! I thought they would increase or even change the HRT! I am so tempted to increase my estrogel as today I have anxiety, it’s like a heavy feeling in my chest! My concern is having the appt and not following the advice! I really am lost now if I’m honest! 3 months is a long time to wait??

[Nas]

As far as I’ve read Flan, the Oestrogen level needs to be at a reasonable level before introducing testosterone? Otherwise the testosterone converts into oestrogen and you don’t get the full benefit of the testosterone ( if that makes sense?)

T does seem to work for some, so may be worth a shot?

[Flan747]

Thank you Nas! My levels were quite high last time so maybe that’s the reason? It just wasn’t what I was expecting but going to go with it! What’s another 3 months when I’ve had 2 years plus of hellish symptoms !!!!

[Flan747]

Hi Floo! Can I ask was it Newson clinic that got you up to 12 pumps and are you still on it now! She did say that if the testosterone hasn’t improved things in 3 months she would look into changing the HRT to a  patch! I mentioned I have tried the patch which didn’t work out as all my symptoms returned but that was on Everol 50 which she said is not high enough to control my symptoms!

[Nas]

I feel your pain Flan.
I’m in the same boat.
Three years now of hell.
Been on 75 patch for a while and no joy.
100 makes me feel ill.
Sleep is shocking.
What do we do??

The patch can go to 100 licensed. Then you are talking 2 patches etc.

Totally exhausting!

[Floo36]

It would make sense to add another pump it may make all the difference but you have to be happy with that, it is only what I have done.  My situation is different because I don’t absorb much if any at all and it’s been a long slog.  I have tried all of the transdermals and spray, gel and patch at the same time.  With any form of hrt you don’t get a comparable dose as the first dose.  Splitting the dose can help get more from it.  Some of the doctors at newsons stick to one type of Estrogen and keep increasing but others add in a different delivery so you would add a spray or a patch to the regime, but think that is if you are a poor absorber.  I am now taking oral estradiol to try and get well, I’m not there yet but I am improving but my own hormones are going crazy, my ovaries are fighting to keep going which is brutal along with the decline at the same time. 

I at one time was on the equivalent of 5 x 100mg patches or 20 pumps of gel with no change in symptoms because I don’t absorb. 

[Flan747]

Yes Nas it is exhausting and so frustrating
Floo that is crazy isn’t it how you don’t absorb! I do believe I am also a poor absorber but not to your extreme! I really have no idea what to do but the more I think about it the more I am tempted to add one pump! I have 2 emails I can use to contact the specialist but was trying to save those for later on!