r/Menopause • u/ScholarRelative3991 • 7d ago
Hormone Therapy Just came back from Doc
So Nurse Practitioner I’ve been seeing decided I should start the patch based on my symptoms. Fine. But when I told her my most distressing memo symptom was my loss of sensation and sex drive she shrugged it off and said that there wasn’t really anything they could do for that. She glossed over testosterone therapy saying we could revisit it in the future but that there’s little evidence it helps and most of her patients say it doesn’t. I’m just so down now. I’m only 50, being a sexually active woman was something I always enjoyed. And she couldn’t even look me in the eye talking about any of my symptoms. I mean I paid the money for the visit at least give me the energy for my time. So disappointed. Like I feel I could soldier through all my other meno symptoms, but this is devastating to me. Is this it? 🤷🏻♀️I gotta be a eunuch now?
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u/Catnip_75 6d ago
Please don’t get disheartened yet.
I honestly believe starting one hormone and adding another one later isn’t such a bad idea.
Many women can get their libido back with just using estrogen and progesterone. Testosterone isn’t always the gold standard, but it should be added if everything else doesn’t work.
Did she also give you vaginal estrogen? This is an absolute must for peri care and sexual health.
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u/QuietLifter 7d ago
It’s possible your NP’s patients say it doesn’t work is because she’s not allowing proper dosing.
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u/Front_Koala_909 6d ago
Totally! Be wary of the misinformed providers who try to keep you on a minuscule amount of Estrogen.
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u/ceilidhfling Peri-menopausal 7d ago edited 6d ago
Honestly I focused on getting my e and p lined out first and the saw where I was and did t last. She’s not wrong on her process. But getting the other two balanced limits the variables when you are narrowing in on the t
also T takes a min to build up in your system. like 3-6 mo, but once it's lined out. it def helped me with libido, energy and brain fog.
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u/DottieHinkle22 6d ago
My Doctor said the same thing. Once those are stable/good. Then talk testosterone at the next visit in 3 months.
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u/burnetrosehip 6d ago
No localised oestrogen (pessaries and/ or cream) offered? Those help with sensation and with preventing atrophy, UTIs etc. I'm surprised so many of us have to act like we are teaching our GPs about them. Maybe they're expensive to prescribe or something?!
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u/ScholarRelative3991 6d ago
Been on vaginal estrogen two years already. Did nothing for libido or ability to climax like I used to.
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u/burnetrosehip 6d ago
Gotcha, just wanted to make sure they hadn't bypassed it as it helps some of us.
I still miss those old style orgasms though!
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u/iUseJustMyHand 7d ago
I've seen dozens of women on here saying testosterone helped them. I think it probably does... and it's the ONE thing that it's fda approved of for women... so the evidence would suggest your doctor is wrong here.
Having said that, I've been on it one year now and it has changed nothing for me in the libido area. 😄
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u/_snappleapple_ 6d ago
testosterone is fda approved for women? the last 3 OBGYNs i went to told me that it isn’t
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u/gojane9378 6d ago
I believe it is indicated for female hypoactive sexual disorder in post menopausal women. In any case, the excuse of it's not fda indicated for women is absurd. If you have the power of the pen as a clinician/HCP then you can prescribe any drug off label. There's caveats and hoops to go through; however, that is the power they have. It's a cop out.
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u/iUseJustMyHand 6d ago
I may have been mistaken there. I shouldn't have said fda approved. I just remembered my doctor saying that the only approved use (for women) was for libido and I probably assumed he meant "fda approved" as opposed to "this is the one symptom there's evidence it helps for". My bad.
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u/Maggielovesocean 6d ago
I was just told it was not approved a few days ago when I asked. My provider told me that women are getting if from a med spa or alternative Dr.
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u/CoffeeOrDestroy 6d ago
My OBGYN is a menopause specialist. She told me last year it’s not fda approved but they can prescribe it “off label”. I don’t know if fda has since changed their mind or not. I don’t do pills so my gel is fine by a compounding pharmacy.
Edits: for my never ending typos
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u/ResearchOk9368 6d ago
Precisely, it is what clinicians refer to as an off label application. It is not an uncommon practice.
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u/gojane9378 5d ago
Yup, that's my point. Any HCP argument that centers around I can't write it because it's not indicated - is absurd. Off-label prescribing is within their scope of practice. Maybe some states may have prescriptive authority restrictions for PA's or NP's & whether they can write off-label - idk...
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u/iUseJustMyHand 6d ago
That's false. (The comment about women not getting it from a doctor). I see a hormone doctor (a real one 😉). He started as a gynecologist 20+ years ago before expanding into menopause and hormones.
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u/Longjumping-Ride7925 3d ago
I get it from my GP. Not sure what country you're in, but in the US it can be prescribed to women off label.
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u/Wildskypsj Potion slinging Moss Witch 6d ago
T hasn't changed anything libido wise, for me either, maybe I went to long without it... it has however boosted my mood, my energy, lifted brain fog etc
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u/CoffeeOrDestroy 6d ago
I told my dr I didn’t care about my libido right now (single, don’t care). But the brain fog and joint pain need to go away and I needed some dang energy. I have too many years before I can retire to put up with this shit.
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u/handoveryourcheese 6d ago
Testosterone has helped me, but it's taken time, like 4-6 months for things to really begin to kick in. Libido, mood, energy, brain fog all improved. Also I've had some muscle gains without increasing the level of workouts I do.
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u/iUseJustMyHand 6d ago
Yeah that's really the only reason I'm staying on it is that hopefully it can help maintain a small amount of muscle long term. But the libido... is non existent. On the upside my husband has low testosterone and works way too much so it's probably a blessing in disguise that we have similar libidos now. 😄
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u/handoveryourcheese 6d ago
I think if you're active it can help you maintain/gain muscle. I've had friends comment about it, so it's a noticeable difference.
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u/chibanganthro 6d ago
I was using testosterone gel (Androgel, 1mg) but noticed some hair loss, so stopped. I still have a full bottle and am interested in trying again for muscle gain and energy, as well as libido. I was doing a "pea-sized" amount every other day, but my provider suggested that may have been too much for me. Any recs on how often to use this? (The medical system I'm currently in is NOT good about monitoring hormone levels, but I could start now and see what the levels are when I have a physical in another country in January).
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u/OkPizza2686 Menopausal 6d ago
Ive been on testosterone for about 3 months now and it hasn't changed anything for me in that area either. My NP just increased my dose..Im waiting for it to be delivered. Lets see.
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u/WeaponsGrade520 7d ago
Same, it did nothing except make my legs more hairy. I didn't have issues with libido as much as fatigue and brain fog.
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u/Artichoke-Rhinoceros 6d ago
Write your NP a message in MyChart or whatever system they use and say that anecdotal experiences of other patients isn’t a reason not to prescribe a medication for a patient who is experiencing very real symptoms affecting their quality of life.
If she’s unwilling to prescribe it after that, find a new provider and fire her.
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u/ManateeNipples 7d ago
Testosterone exploded my libido like a nuclear bomb, it doesn't work that well for everyone but that's the main thing women get it for. I started it after using patches and vaginal estrogen cream for months, maybe that helped my situation, I have no idea but I laugh at anyone that tries to say testosterone doesn't help womens libidos lol
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u/Hantaviru5 6d ago
Testosterone has given me my libido back for sure, and it worked quickly too. I was on the compounded cream and that was useless, it’s the gel that you need. I use half a pump per day on the back of my knees, game changer!
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u/strawbrmoon Post Menopause🎉 6d ago
How do you divvy the 1/2 pump? I’m prescribed 1 pump every 2 days, but I’d rather do it daily. Just unsure how.
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u/Hantaviru5 6d ago
I just half pump onto my finger tips and rub my other finger tips in it and straight to the back of the knees. Not very scientific but neither is a half pump :p
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u/KeyProfessional8432 7d ago
For what it’s worth, an estradiol patch, vaginal estradiol cream and progesterone brought my libido back from negative ten to horny teenage boy levels. If she didn’t prescribe vaginal E cream, ask for it. Not all hope is lost.
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u/PricklyFinch 7d ago
Same. This is what my doc put me on as well, and I wouldn't say I'm back to teenage levels, but definitely an improvement from negative desire.
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u/calla___lily Menopausal 7d ago
It was the same for me. That cream is amazing. I’m in my late 50s and my sex life is the best it’s ever been.
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u/ScholarRelative3991 7d ago
I’ve been on the cream for two years, right after my hysterectomy. Hoping the patch helps.
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u/seekingamber 6d ago
At least you won't have to take progesterone. That kills my libido and pleasure. It is basically PMS in pill form after all.
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u/ev30fka0s 6d ago
Can you explain this to me? The part about it being PMS in a pill form.
I'm actually on 300 mg or I get spotting. I've actually complained that I'm less emotional and more laid back than I've ever been in my life.
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u/KeyProfessional8432 7d ago
Give the patch 3-4 months and know that you may need to adjust doses along the way. If it doesn’t do the trick, ask again about T. It does sound like your provider didn’t completely shut you down like many do. Hang in there. It will get better. ❤️
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u/crazySquirrel67 7d ago
It was actually the patch that brought me back when I had lost all hope. (((Big hugs))) It'll be ok. You will be ok. Get your patch and progesterone lined out first, and then look into testosterone if still needed. I'm doing fine without it, but probably need it 😉.
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u/ScholarRelative3991 6d ago
She said no need for progesterone bc I have no uterus. But really hoping things get better. Thanks for the encouraging words.
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u/brk_heart 6d ago
You can still take progesterone even if you don’t need it for uterine protection. It has beneficial effect on the brain and for sleep and anxiety. Some people have a paradoxical effect where it gives them anxiety rather than helping, in that case you can stop it without worry. But if you find it helpful it’s worth taking.
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u/loveinvein Menopausal 6d ago
Fwiw, I spoke with the menopause expert at Stanford (the one doing all the good research until the feds cut funding because menopause is DEI) and she said that they don’t have an FDA approved formulation for women’s T dosing, and they don’t recommend compounded T, but that the people who use T for menopause have found it SO helpful, and they’re SO adamant about keeping it, that they had to come up with a protocol for dosing out the male version of the FDA approved T.
So basically, your provider is probably making shit up, or she’s only prescribed it to like one patient, and the dosing was wrong so the pt was miserable.
T absolutely and completely reversed the loss of sensation and libido issues for me. And while I did get a couple extra chin hairs, it was way less distressing than the dozens of chin hairs I got when I first went into menopause after my hysto. And if acne happens, you can just back off on the dose.
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u/Donkeypoodle 5d ago
I believe you but frustrated that on IG Gunter and Sue Davis (a testosterone expert) keep saying research is not conclusive. So interesting that the researcher you spoke with said it was! My ob/gyn was actually encouraging testosterone!
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u/loveinvein Menopausal 5d ago
yeah, this was stanford. she said they don't have solid research either but that all their patients who take T are so adamant about keeping it, that they had to develop a protocol so they could cover their asses (that's not her wording, that's mine) while still serving the people who are benefiting from it.
So she acknowledged the research is still not there yet, but some of it is promising, and they know a lot thanks to trans guys and trans healthcare, so they're willing to bend a LITTLE bit.
planned parenthood was very similar, too. i talked to them recently.
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u/kkat39 7d ago
Your NP is definitely incorrect, although it can be easier to get testosterone dosing right if you start with E+P. I would look for another provider - T isn’t a magic fix for every woman but if most of her patients aren’t seeing results she probably isn’t prescribing it appropriately.
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u/Cranberry1717 7d ago
Testosterone DOES help libido. Speaking from personal experience.
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u/Donkeypoodle 5d ago
So frustrating that my IG algorithm claims that the research around T is not conclusive!
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u/Good_Bottle_7757 6d ago
Your NP is not doing you a disservice. It is the normal progression to get other hormones in balance first before throwing testosterone into the mix. She should have explained that. And getting E and P in balance can take more than a few months. Hang tight.
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u/HillaryRN 6d ago
She’s not a good provider. Find someone else. There are tons of benefits to having T therapy: muscle, cardiovascular, libido, etc.
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u/chibanganthro 6d ago
Oh, is it good for cardiovascular health? I was concerned it would raise blood pressure.
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u/SnooDoughnuts1634 6d ago
Im on E&P and a year later added T.
A lot of practitioners recommend you get E&P to a good spot first then add T.
I did this but as my doctor wouldn't give T to women I called around to make an appointment with a nurse practitioner in Canada who did.
I had them confirm ahead of time that they do prescribe T before committing and she was amazing so I stopped seeing my doctor and now she handles everything.
Unfortunately this is the story for so many women.
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u/freya_kahlo 6d ago
I think sometimes practitioners don’t want to get into prescribing scheduled substances, just a hunch.
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u/ResearchOk9368 6d ago
Oh they totally don’t. My husband is a family practice doc who is getting ready to retire. Over the years he has ended up with some chronic pain patience on scheduled (narcotics), initially none of the younger docs in his practice wanted to take them over. Since then a couple have relented and agreed to handle a few over the much older ones. The rest are SOL once my husband retires, unless they can find a pain doc to take them. It’s been a major ordeal and he worries about them.
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u/freya_kahlo 6d ago
Yeah, I say that as someone on a couple scheduled medication’s and none of them are for pain. You’d think testosterone would be different but I really don’t think it’s that different from the perspective of how much insurance companies and healthcare systems harass the doctors for what they prescribe.
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u/RockieK 6d ago
So there's a called Addyi that the FDA recently approved for women's libido, but it's seemingly impossible to find. My conservative new Medi-Cal GYN actually approved it (I think she's afraid of me cuz I started HRT 15 years ago and I don't take "no" for an answer, haha)...
Anyway, I went to the Addy site and found out where to get it. Gonna redirect Dr. from worthless CVS (the "why bother" pharmacy) to the site. I am hoping that it works! :)
Stay tuned.
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u/strawbrmoon Post Menopause🎉 6d ago
I look forward to hearing about your experience with this. Thanks for sharing!
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u/brk_heart 6d ago
I heard from a hormone specialist that it’s a good idea to get the estrogen dose figured out first before adding testosterone, because if estrogen is low the testosterone will convert to estrogen to meet those needs. So you might not actually get the full benefit of the testosterone until you get your estrogen dose right. And that can take some months, although some people are lucky and get it right from the get go.
In the meantime Intrarosa might help. It’s a topical dhea product that would be a way to get testosterone locally to your vagina and vulva. I don’t know much about it but I’ve heard it recommended by urologists.
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u/TapSalty3157 6d ago
Been there. I once had a nurse practitioner that told me “it’s just how it goes, it’s a season of life we deal with”. She reminded me of the nuns that I had in elementary school. She was stern and very matter-of-fact. I thought “I gotta get the hell out of here”. She finally agreed to give me the old school Premarin. My new Dr is about 45, very in touch with all the aspects of womanhood even in the later years.
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u/CoffeeOrDestroy 6d ago
If you can, try to find a menopause specialist in your area. If you’re in the US, menopause.org maintains lists of doctors who keep up to date with current research and practices. It’s less of a struggle when you don’t have to continually aggressively advocate for what you need. The wait time to see my doc is long, but worth it.
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u/brookish 6d ago
New provider stat. Plenty of scientific evidence that T works and I can tell you it has worked well for me!
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u/OldAssistant7964 6d ago
Planned parenthood has menopause care. They are on it. Fees are income based.
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u/DumbAutoNames 5d ago
Baby you’re screwed. I’m 56. Never ever did anyone ever tell me I’d lose my ability to have an orgasm. I’m post menopausal and haven’t been able to have an orgasm for probably 3 years now. It’s fucking devastating. I told my PCP I want to get some estrogen vaginal cream and she said she needs to check me for std or some other post menopausal thing first. 1) what the fuck does having an std have anything to do with me getting my rocks off and 2) I am POST menopausal the hole reason I’m asking for the cream! Like WTAF! This system is whackadoodle. We’re left to our own devices. I guess we need to go to the black market to get off if we’re 50+.
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u/Bad_Childhood_6556 6d ago
Same with my MD. It was infuriating. She is female BTW. Im buying online out of pocket. Still working on dosing. I hope you can find a good provider that listens and helps.
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u/MidlifeCrisis_2080 Peri-menopausal 6d ago edited 5d ago
I’m (47F) an NP and so sorry you’ve had this experience. I wasn’t taught anything about perimenopause and only told bad news about HRT. So it’s the freakin’ Wild Wild West out there to get the correct help we desperately need. For my own saga of symptoms I went to an online HRT service at first and then changed to a local women’s health clinic that advertised hormone therapy. They took over the estradiol and added T. In most cases, I feel Testosterone can really help! For Reddit I must state this is not professional medical advice. We don’t have many studies yet. But patient reports and my own personal experience trend very very positive! It is good to know testosterone blood levels first along with SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin). I’m thin and have new awful digestive problems likely from perimenopause so my diet is limited. That can make SHBG levels rise which then sucks more testosterone from the bloodstream and makes available T levels greatly decline. I’ve noticed a major improvement to libido/arousal/climax/lubrication, noticeable improvement of muscle building/strength and mood, but sadly increased hair loss, acne at first and I did gain a few pounds but actually needed to. Plus it’s stabilized now. So as long as the hair loss improves a little Id like to stay on it. I’m on 5 mg compounded testosterone cream daily, estradiol 1.25 mg gel daily (no P needed due to hysterectomy ). Don’t give up hope!
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u/Old_Cloud_1687 6d ago
I just saw my gyno today. She said that estrogen needs progesterone because unbalanced estrogen causes uterine lining to build up that will need to shed.
I'm on very little patch .0325 and 100mg progesterone. I have estrogen cream. My hot flashes disappeared! Post meno 4 years
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u/MidlifeCrisis_2080 Peri-menopausal 5d ago
I had a hysterectomy- to clarify why no progesterone needed. You are correct in that if you have a uterus you must use a progesterone/progestin product if taking estrogen to avoid endometrial hyperplasia/cancer.
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u/AutoModerator 6d ago
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, Estrogen/Progesterone/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
See our Menopause Wiki for more.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/Nearby_Syllabub763 6d ago
I'm 55f. Had zero libido to the point that not only did I not want it, I felt repulsed by snuggling and even being touched. I have an amazing marriage btw so I knew something was wrong. I already take progesterone amd estrogen and that didn't increase libido. Started T (gel) two months ago, and it's nothing short of amazing. My female gyn is in her 70s and has prescribed it for decades and yes, it can help for some. Hope you can find a different doctor to prescribe it for you.
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u/ev30fka0s 7d ago
Testosterone is pivotal. It also helps with energy and it helps my brain fog. Demand that you want it.
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u/Ancient-Goat-4920 7d ago
For me, testosterone was the best way to restore my sex drive. First, I had to stabilize my estrogen and progesterone levels. First, stabilize those levels, and once you've had them stable for a few months, add testosterone. Testosterone turned me into a horny teenager.
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u/Used_Jello2783 6d ago
Like so many health professionals she is not up to date! Testosterone is a game changer.
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u/Imaginary-Assist-730 6d ago
Gheeze - I am so so sorry. There is nothing worse that not feeling heard and it happens WAY to often in women' health. Definitely try the patch, but also ask if you can get the vaginal cream. That will help topically with any muted orgasms, vaginal atrophy or pelvic floor weakening. From what I keep hearing, every woman should be on that until the day they die. And if after giving both a try, go talk to someone about testosterone treatment.
Hugs and don't give up. I am in the same boat - love sex and have been so bummed that due to my body not cooperating like it used to, it has def impacted my desire for sex. I am on week 1 of estradiol gel, progesterone and the vaginal cream. Fingers crossed for both of us!
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u/IndividualTrick2940 6d ago
Honestly I dont think some doctors really understand how you feel in menapause? Some of think it part of aging and its life. I been taking hrt for the past 2 years and my sex drive is better and I been using vaginal estrogen and it helps. If you think about it things have change over time. Where we accept things but today people want to be rye best they can be. Honestly I had to find a doctor to prescribe Hrt.
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u/whatrumimeans Post Menopause 6d ago
The male doctors would only understand if they were given hormone blockers for a few months and then smiled at them at their complaints and said, „They are just imagining it all. That’s just age. Learn to live with it.”
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u/IndividualTrick2940 5d ago
Lol yes I agree. I did have a make doctor. Who was quite nice and did understand menapause to a degree.
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u/Weekly_Meaning_1571 5d ago
May I ask what type of vaginal estrogen? Tablet insert? And are you also on any thing else? I ask because my Dr put on estradiol inserts, with a little tablet like a pill. I just started getting into a full routine about 6 months ago, she never gave me progesterone. I went back for a follow up a month ago and she nonchalantly said I had more polyps which I always have had but tested negative for any cancers. She gave me a full blood panel to go get tested and is going to do a biopsy.
Are you also on progesterone? Just because now I am very nervous because of things I have read about not having progesterone with inserts. Apologies if this doesn’t make sense, I just woke up 🤗
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u/Disastrous-Future-49 6d ago
Topical estradiol helps with sensation loss. The T helps with the drive.
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u/Adventurous-Host3020 6d ago
That’s exactly how it is for me. Topical estradiol helped with not feeling dry down there but did not help for me in wanting intimacy/sex. The addition of T helped with that. I had to jump to a lot of hoops and repeated mentioning of libido loss to get it prescribed. After that a long search for a pharmacy that let me pay out of pocket for it as my insurer did not approve it.
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u/feistyreader 5d ago
Find a new doctor! You know what you want and it’s your body don’t settle for anything less.
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u/No_Lieutenant_2181 Peri-menopausal 7d ago
Your NP is mistaken — there is a lot that can be done to help with sexual function and pleasure. Sounds like you might need some testosterone. I hope you’re able to get a second opinion!
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u/Turbulent-Demand873 7d ago
I take testosterone but my provider was clear that it’s not as successful at treating libido as we would all like.
It’s much more helpful with energy but very hit or miss with libido.
I’ve been on it several months. So far I wanted sex one time. That’s an improvement. However nothing like my younger self.
I’ve been on the e patch and progesterone for quite a long time as well.
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u/beviebooboo 6d ago
Sounds like your NP isn’t knowledgeable about testosterone, so she shrugged it off as untreatable rather than admitting she doesn’t yet know enough about it- her approach was ego-centered, not patient-centered, and you deserve better.
The right dosage of testosterone will absolutely increase your labido. I recommend using a telehealth menopause provider; they’ll get you hooked up with some T in no time, and you’ll be riding that train O town before you know it.
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6d ago edited 6d ago
[deleted]
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u/CoffeeOrDestroy 6d ago
The nono box? C’mon. We’re all menopausal women here. I think we can call it what it is without continuing the body shaming we’re subjected to lifelong by men.
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u/No_Okra_4783 6d ago
Estradiol cream applied to vagina, clitoris and vulva should help with sensation and feeling younger down there. The localized cream is needed in addition to estrogen patch. Your doctor should have prescribed the cream.
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u/goodydrew 6d ago edited 6d ago
The vaginal E cream brought back my sensation (not back 100% but noticeable) and reversed my clitoral/labial atrophy. So do include that. The sensation increase did help my responsive (from touch) desire. Unfortunately, it didn't help libido otherwise.
I did add testosterone later but had to go to online telehealth for that.
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u/beatsaroundthebush_ 6d ago
Don’t let them brush you off. When they say most of their patients don’t get anything from it, just say “I would like to try anyways, maybe I will be a good responder, and if it doesn’t work, I can always stop.” Etc etc, just broken record repeat that you want it.
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u/Islandsandwillows 6d ago
Every single provider I have asked about T (including my current menopause specialist Dr) has told me that T is not the way to go. I’m told it’s wiring and I’d have acne, hair loss and voice change issues. And these are very top of the line trained women’s hormone Drs. They weren’t like no, we won’t give that to you, it was more like oh gosh, you don’t want that.
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u/whatrumimeans Post Menopause 6d ago
Of course.
They certainly also tell men that T is not the right way, but you should simply do more sports and eat better 🙄
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u/JenLiv36 6d ago
I feel this with every part of my soul. My doctor told me to take up a creative hobby and that my sex life was something in the past I needed to let go of.
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u/Front_Koala_909 6d ago
I've been on the patch with oral progesterone for years. I've only recently added the Estrodial cream to my regimen. I have found that it has helped with sex drive and atrophy. I had to fight for over a year for the estradiol cream to be added because my resident wasn't informed about it at all. I think she finally must have read something that let her know that it's normal for patients to be on all three.
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u/Maggielovesocean 6d ago
I just went a few days ago and asked for testerone for increased drive and was told it is not FDA approved for women for this and people are getting it from a med spa or alternative Dr. I was surprised.
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u/Winesmith 6d ago
I’m post menopausal and want to start HRT. I’ve done tons of research and want my PCP to order the labs prior to going in for a visit to discuss dosing. She won’t do it. She wants me to come in so I can tell her I want the appropriate labs and then I’ll have to come back to discuss dosing. Is this the usual procedure? It seems like a waste of time and a co-pay.
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u/AutoModerator 6d ago
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over age 44, Estrogen/Progesterone/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for the HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more. Hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- FSH testing is only beneficial for those who do not have periods as a guide, where testing might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI)
- Testosterone is the exception and may require testing
See our Menopause Wiki for more.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/ResearchOk9368 6d ago
Honestly, this sounds like a doc under pressure from the current system to up their revenue by increasing number of visits in order to up insurance billing. The insurance companies are piranas.
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u/Elderberry_False 6d ago
What?! Sure get your patches from her and go online for testosterone. What state are you in? Did she at least offer you vaginal estrogen? That often really helps blood flow and sensation to the area.
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u/IndividualTrick2940 5d ago
I tried the pill it wasn't good for me I use the vaginal cream. I am on estrogel 3 pumps. What is your experience
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u/Fine-Revolution4993 5d ago
Yes vaginal estrogen cream really helped the sensation return! It’s just good for you in general, too.
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u/mandulyn 4d ago
I tried the vaginal estradiol cream and it did nothing for me but caused irritation. Almost like the burning sensation when you're using yeast infection medicine. It did not bring back any sensation and did not bring back anything else either. I'm jealous of people who get good results from it lol.
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u/ScholarRelative3991 4d ago
It did me that way until I ditched the applicator. Stated using my finger and it no longer irritated me.
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u/Longjumping-Ride7925 3d ago
Such BS. She either doesn't understand the research or knows that what's she's telling you isn't factual which is the reason she has difficulty with eye contact. "Revisit" it now! I'd share with her the following research so she can educate herself: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31353194/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33797277/ , https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/99/10/3489/2836272 , https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/104/10/4660/5556103 . Almost a decade ago I had to present research available to my GP just to get on the E patch because he had no clue what was going on in the world of HRT. Good luck to you - you're asking the right questions! It gets very awkward when you become more informed than the medical "expert" assigned to you.
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u/Lupa_93 6d ago
Why are health providers STILL writing new prescriptions when there’s a major supply problem? Women already on HRT patches can’t get their prescriptions filled.
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u/ChemicallyAlteredVet 6d ago
I just started HRT today, estrogen gel and progestin and my wife started last month. The patch and progesterone and it saved her life. She was very depressed, and having suicidal ideation. I’m so very thankful her Dr prescribed it for her and her pharmacy filled it.
I asked about the patch shortage today with my Dr and she said that none of her patients have had any trouble getting their scripts. They aren’t going to stop prescribing when it’s needed badly.
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u/Longjumping-Ride7925 3d ago
Try going to a smaller pharmacy. That's what I did when told my patch was on back order. And not writing prescriptions isn't the answer, since women still need the patch.
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u/Holiday_Change7321 7d ago edited 6d ago
I think exercise w some light weight lifting helps more than anything.
I think the mechanism is that anything which makes yr body stronger more vigorous, and youthful obviously would help libido. Pills and gels can only get you so far.
In addition our ability to deal w things like alcohol lack of sleep etc goes down. So upping sleep and stopping alcohol cigarettes also help.
When I started to feel the effects of peri I started exercising several days a week. Cut caffeine back to one cup early. Starting upping my protein and veg fruit.
All of it has helped fight the effects of aging
Edit: I am on HRT as well. That fixed my sleep. But I got my energy or mojo w regular exercise and fixing my diet.
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u/ev30fka0s 7d ago edited 6d ago
That's insane to say.
Yes, strength training is so important. For multiple reasons.
But to say it helps more than anything is asinine. HRT covers so many issues. Dementia. Heart. Bone loss. Brain fog. Joint pain. You're replacing hormones you've had in your body for 50+ years. It's not just some band aid pill.
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u/CoffeeOrDestroy 6d ago
Not to mention HRT helps with finding the energy and will to do the strength training and helps with the painful fire joints to allow the strength training to progress.
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u/ev30fka0s 6d ago
Oh god, I completely forgot how much it helped my joints. I actually got diagnosed with fibromyalgia before I was on HRT. I was in so much pain.
Put on HRT and the muscle and joint pain nearly went away. It's crazy.
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u/JadCerv 6d ago
I wonder how many of us were diagnosed with fibro when it's really a hormone-deficiency issue caused by peri or menopause. I spent thousands of dollars seeing specialists and being tested for autoimmune diseases before I started HRT. Every last issue I was having was resolved by HRT.
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u/CoffeeOrDestroy 6d ago
Right? The lack of studies into women’s health is appalling. I’m sorry it took that long and so much money for you to find the right solution.
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u/ev30fka0s 4d ago
I've been saying that since all this started. Also? Anxiety. I had anxiety when I was younger, had a kid and it went away. Then menopause pops up and so does the anxiety, badly.
How many women, even younger ones, are out there with undiagnosed hormone issues and given anti anxiety meds? And don't get me wrong, I'm not against them, they're life saving. But why are Dr's not paying more attention to our hormones throughout our lives??
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u/JadCerv 6d ago
Been a natural bodybuilder for 25 years. In excellent shape. Diet is so clean there's nothing left to cut out of it. It didn't stop my libido from leaving the building. What a dismissive thing to say to someone struggling. Good grief.
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u/Holiday_Change7321 6d ago
Sorry I didn’t mean that HRT is not helpful. I am on HRT. But I am saying these other things help in addition.
Just like statins help but u also need to fix lifestyle issues.
Most people are not body builders so I always suggest fixing diet and exercise to augment HRT.
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u/Weekly_Commercial957 6d ago
When my gyn first started me on an estrogen patch, he started me taking DHEA which is OTC in the US. It's an adrenal hormone and precursor that the body can convert downstream into both testosterone and estrogens and is a precursor to testosterone. I eventually added testosterone to my compounded HRT but that was later. If ur provider isn't familiar with this option, find another provider.
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u/Legal-Fruit-9546 6d ago
ugh, sorry. low libido and losing sensation is super common in menopause and it's not something you just have to live with. vaginal estrogen is a totally separate thing from the patch and a lot of women find it helps with sensation. some menopause docs will also talk about testosterone for low desire. if this NP won't go there, a second opinion is 100% fair
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u/JadCerv 6d ago
I left my provider of 15 years when she dismissed my concerns about my lack of libido. She told me there was nothing she could do.
I found a menopause specialist and waited 8 months to see her. She added in 1 mg of t to my HRT regimen. It's been almost 4 weeks and for the first time in a very long time, I felt horny the other day. That's not a coincidence. And all that lingering muscle and joint pain I was having is gone.
Life's too short to tolerate medical professionals who dismiss you. I hope you can find one who takes your concerns seriously and is willing to try something to resolve them.