Libido is NOT the only thing testosterone is helpful for! Surgical menopause here - was on estrogen and progesterone (E helped hot flashes, moodiness; P helped with sleep). It was only after adding T that my world changed! My brain fog lifted, my joint aches went away, my strength and endurance came back, my ability to gain muscle and lose body fat (without changing my diet or workout) became almost effortless. The research is out there! Maybe physicians in this country need to pay attention to the information that is in other countries that SHOW the effectiveness of treating menopausal women (particularly those of us who have no ovaries) with testosterone as part of their bHRT/HRT protocols.
@@Silverlicious.strands I am on E and T pellets - my dosage of T is 112.5 mg in a single pellet; I’m not sure of my E dosage (also a single pellet). I get re-insertion every 3.5 months. I also take oral micronized progesterone (even after hysterctomy - P does MUCH more than simply protect the uterus, as most physicians tell us); I take 200 mg of P nightly, which helps my sleep tremendously! I, too, found it difficult to find a provider locally; I have to drive 2.5 hours one way for my bHRT, but it’s more than worth it, especially since I only go 4 times per year. They order labs, which I can get done more locally (still an hour’s drive for that!), and we confer through telehealth. I use a Biote provider; if you are interested in pellets, you can look for one of those in your surrounding area. If you wish to use creams/gels, transdermal patches, troches, or injections, you can usually find a provider online. Defy Medical is one such company. There is also a GYN who is in Texas who is licensed to practice in 26 states in the US - Dr. Shawn Tassone. Look him up - that may be an option for you!
Heart disease and other heart problems. You would think that low testosterone affects a woman's heart health and would be covered and paid for by your insurance. That's not true, it's out of our pocket but yet men can get testosterone from their PCP and all insurance covers it for men.
Wow, low libido is the least of my concern of low testosterone level. Shocked it's the only symptom mentioned. Low testosterone causes crepey skin and fragile or thinning hair anong others
It’s also normal during menopause to have decreased estrogen but we replace it because it can prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s and osteoporosis as well as help us feel better and preserve the functioning of many other organs from atrophy. My point is stating that testosterone is normal to be non existent in menopause is not a good answer. Does testosterone preserve muscle mass? What other things does testosterone do in the body? Treating symptoms is not good enough as we want to preserve organ function and have a good quality of life.
From what I’m reading/watching, low libido is a minor, almost cosmetic sort of symptom, compared to the rest of them. I suppose practitioners’ clientele varies….but I do suspect this physician’s outlook to shift a bit in the coming years. Interpret that however you will.
You're really only addressing ONE symptom? I have LOW testosterone and a HIGH libido, but I feel terrible with low energy, low motivation, weight gain, mood swings, waking in the middle of the night, and super long recovery times when I exercise. Low testosterone is the only deficiency that's shown up on my bloodwork. While low libido may be ONE symptom for SOME people, this video is totally missing the mark on the VAST array of symptoms.
You’ve described my exact symptoms! No problem with libido, just fatigue, tiredness, weight gain, waking through the night, slow recovery. Why do they focus only on libido?
Having absolutely no libido, will probably cause a divorce. And depression. And I’m really surprised that more men doctors do not help their female patients with this problem.
I agree! My male Endocrinologist has stated that his main concern would be when a woman"s T levels are "(above normal aka too high) although I had explained to him ALL my low T related symptoms. He even mentioned that I was "lucky" that he had offered me an entire 15 min of consultation time, as he normally gives only 5-10 max per patient :-) Just wow!
When your obese, your eyelids are so dry, that their cracking. When your body is exhausted and fatigued, to the point you can't get out of bed. Cold hands and feet but your sweating. You need testosterone treatment.
Woah. I was tolerant of this rather superficial vid until we got to “single”….hypoactive sexual whatever…”. What part of “not functioning at reasonable levels” does this dr not understand? I would hope that any professional I employed would understand that “sexuality” is not “are you married/ sleeping with someone etc etc…”. We’re talking about optimal brain function and neuroprotection. If your testosterone is bottomed out so that you don’t have the energy to exercise, clearly that’s more than low libido. That’s more like Peter Attia and longevity territory. Inactivity is a serious risk factor.
Thank you for this video. Could you perhaps do one on the role of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) and its role in hormone replacement? I read that SHBG can rise with prolonged oral contraceptive use and then stay elevated forever, influencing the amount of replacement hormones that will be bioavailable in the body. On the other hand, there is information on “how to lower your SHBG”… 😁 Would love it if you could weigh in on this as a trusted source of information.
This is helpful. Could you make a video about DHEA. Also on a separate topic - adenomyosis, how to manage. Can't find much on the topic and management strategies. Thanks a bunch!
I used to be very efficient and now it’s hard for me to get out of bed! I’m happy just can’t get myself going! My libido is not low, I just don’t feel like initiating like I used to. My health consultant friend showed me that sprinting, steak, sex, squats , sleep, sauna, sunlight and sea salt All increase testosterone! I’ve tried most and they do work ❤. Just getting myself to do them is the problem. I’m 57 and wondering if testosterone gel would help? Thank you
mine is less that 0.28 (T. Bio Cal) & keeps decreasing......yet my Endocrinologist did nothing about it. Thank God My GP mentioned that she'd keep an eye on me on this matter! She's a blessing in disguise!
Testosterone is breast protective and regulates the immune system. It stimulates the production of t regulatory cells which is why more women have autoimmune diseases compared to men
Would estrogen alone (plus progesterone) be enough to hold onto sufficient muscle mass, or build more muscle, to help with the fracture risks that come with osteoporosis?
It depends on what you mean by sufficient muscle mass. Testosterone is far more anabolic but it's also androgenic so hair, deep voice, etc is an issue for woman. Estrogen has muscle building properties but not nearly to that extent. Either way, hit the gym, train hard, and eat right! See how it goes!
Testosterone enhances bone density! She has not said enough about this. Seeing my Doc soon but I will have to Fight. Had to fight for HRT! But it consisted of 3 components years before so why only 2? Someone explain the reason WHY!!!
Testosterone will make you feel better especially if you suffer from depression and anxiety after menopause. Estrogen alone will not help with your mood and anxiety.
Apparently when we were younger we produced as much testosterone as estrogen so that needs to be replaced to feel good... I'm on hrt I feel a bit better but not earth shattering I still have a lot of symptoms so I'm going to try the testosterone next ... @@maytaylor228
@@peacepocket none whatsoever. It's been two weeks, I don't feel any different. Hopefully that changes, it's a 6 month treatment. I am a bit frustrated, not going to lie.
Very good information! At the beginning she said it can help with osteoporosis, I wonder if prescribing it exclusively for low libido will prevent the rest of the women from benefiting from having stronger bones during old age
Thank you helped me so much! I just received my test results yesterday and I am low in my Ts as a 44 year old woman. I decided yesterday to go with the gel because I am suffering with all of the issues you spoke about. So, thank you for the information you provided I feel for the first time since I have been feeling so crappy that there is actually hope. 🤞
@jean1811 have you started your TRT and if so, how's it going? My first prescription will arrive this weak and I'm hopeful but also a bit unsure of what to expect.
You said you look for a serum level T between 2-45. Is that Free Testosterone or Total Testosterone? What range of topical dosage do you typically prescribe? How do you manage side effects such as hair loss, greasy skin & cystic acne. I tried 1mg topical T. Felt happy, motivated, confident, brain clarity, improved muscle mass, increased libido and fat loss but the cystic acne & hair loss persisted even though my free T level stayed very low. FRUSTRATING.
I just started sublingual T lozenges and came here wondering if there were benefits beyond libido because it is a little pricey and I am taking Estradiol patch & progesterone capsules. It seems like if we are replacing lost hormones, then there shouldn't be any male side effects, so maybe your dose is too high? If you stop the T, do your symptoms disappear? Also, I started taking HRT due to hair thinning, so it's disturbing that your hair is still falling out.
@@Capt.Tony00 I reduced my T dose again and again. I still found benefits as low as .25mg T but still had terrible cystic acne, oily face and hair loss. My lab values for T wete nothing and now are higher than my Estradiol and Progesterone levels. I'm taking a break from T now but my hair loss is only a little better and looks terrible (strands are thin and weak and just fall out of the follicle if I brush or run my fingers thru it). The hair loss start in peri meno and just won't stop even with Estradiol & Prometrium at various doses. And in fact with higher doses of Estradiol my hair loss was a lot worse! Devastating.
@@crepesuzette5540 Thanks for the info. I am losing a lot of hair too. I bought Minoxidil and that red light therapy but I was trying to find the root cause of the hair loss. Like what exactly makes the hair fall out and what makes hair grow. I had fabulous hair while pregnant, so I just started the estrogen patch hoping that helps. Are you taking Estrogen? I read that estrogen triggers growth mode of hair follicles, so low E means the hair goes into shed mode. Also leaky gut can cause hair loss. ,So, going to try AIP diet(like paleo) & intermittent fasting. I am still in the searching for answers part of my journey.
@@Capt.Tony00 I take Estradiol topical gel (Divigel). My Estradiol level tests lower than it did when I had a period but that where these doctors seem to like it. And, whenever I tried increasing the dose from 0.5mg/day to 0.75mg/d or 1mg/d my hair loss got way worse (150 hairs/day) and the water retention was very uncomfortable. My blood sugar levels are normal. I eat a Mediterranean Diet, I have always maintained exercise 4-5 ×/w and dont do extreme exercise or extreme diets (like One Meal a Day, Keto, Carnivore, etc). My stress level is low although losing my hair is extremely anxiety provoking and I wake up frequently in a panic that my head is going to become essentially bald. I have been told that I have adrenal fatigue but traditional doctors say that's not recognized by them. I am a nurse though and it seems to me that the loss of the level of ovarian hormones in the amount, timing that my body has been accustomed to for 40 years is a stressor and the hormones I take are not on the cycle my body was used to or at the levels it was used to so that is all very stressful and would put my adrenals under pressure to pick up the slack for what my ovaries arent doing. I dont have Addisons Diease but my cortisol is very low like not keeping up and at night I can feel internal tremors deep in my torso which wakes me up after 3 hours of sleep and i cant go back to sleep or get deep sleep without klonopin etc. I don't have PCOS or Diabetes or a weight problem but yet my hair coverage keeps dwindling. My mum went into meno at 45, my sister went into meno at 35 and both got very thinned out hair. Maybe some of my findings will help you figure your hair out before it is as bad as mine.
@@crepesuzette5540Did you consider taking a DHT blocker you may be the type of person that needs very little T to still get benifits, you may also be sensitive to it & it converts DHT which dose effect our hair on our scalp but if you take a DHT blocker this will help. You may find to that there is an underlying AGA issue which is genetic & menupause is when it's raised its ugly head. Your right too much estrogen can also cause hairloss..its always best to start with hormones low & slow & estrogen & progesterone have to be balanced first before you add T. Have you been able to resolve your issue?
I live in Mexico and my options are more limited. I ended up agreeing to take 3 month pellets of testosterone along with estrogen and progesterone. It is 4 days later and have since spent much more time researching online re: risks. Worried about side effects for these next 3 months. And after the 3 months how difficult it will be to transition to FDA approved estrogen and prog tx only?
I'm confused about everything. I know absolutely nothing. Difference between peri and regular meno? How long does it last? What can I do to replace my missing hormones that doesn't involve animal cruelty (besides Estroven and Wild Yam Root)? Don't know don't know don't know. I had blood work done and was told I'm in menopause. It makes me very depressed and feel ugly and useless, hopeless and meaningless.
Check out Dr Hirsch’s other videos for answers to your questions. I also recommend Dr Barbara Taylor’s channel. It’s a complete education on menopause and associated health risks.
Thanks! My doctor totally blew off my low testosterone. I am having so many issues that were, prior to menopause were under control. My level was below 3 which the blood test range was 4 to 50 my/dl. Mood swings low libido weight gain no energy muscle fatigue. I don’t feel like I know who I am any more. I’m in tears more often than not. Trying desperately to find a doctor who will take me seriously and help. My quality of has been on a slow nose dive for the past 6 yrs.
Watch 'Menopause Taylor's channel. She explains everything in great detail and in an easy to understand manner. Start at video no 1 and watch chronologically.
It's nice to know others having issues. It's strange how some dr just blow this stuff off. I have been fine until this last year. And I had a total hysterectomy 20 years ago. My hormones were always upper mid range.
I'm near you but your office said you are not there any longer. I cannot get my PCP or gyne to prescribe topical testosterone. Do you have any associates in the area who are not opposed to prescribing? Thanks
I have only been researching for the last few weeks on how testosterone can have a massive positive impact on our lives after menopause.. this research goes back years and I’m concerned as to how you have posted this with such limited information and only addressed libido which is not the main concern or issue .
Just got bloodwork back. Less than 0,10 😳 (basically undetectable). Have had issues for 2 years (am now 44). Sudden an extreme weight gain, extreme fatigue & brain fog, hair loss & nearly zero libido despite the best rs ever. Which is affecting the rs since hubby gets hurt from all the rejections 😢What to do?
When I was a child I couldn't think of myself being a woman *or* a man and the adults around me said said a boy was lost on me. When I came into menarche, I resignated and lived my life as a woman, although I always felt in womanhood like a bull in a china shop. I also had times when I definitely felt like I'm a man, but also I had times I felt I'm a woman, and most of the time I just feel like "I", which means, none of the both. So I'm starting a late coming out as non-binary although I'm already in menopause since years. And I got interested in raising my testosterone and wanted to know about the side effects. What a surprise! It seams to have very nice side effects if your body is in menopause! Since 12 days I'm taking a "men's health" nutrition mix, or better: Two of them. One is a amino acid: L-Arginine. The other one consists of zinc, B-vitamins and stuff like that. And of course I'm starting to be more consequent with sports... The last days, I discovered two astonishing effects, but I don't know if they'll consist and what's their cause: 1. I slept all night since some days. I used to wake up up to 5 times a night to go to the toilet! And because of the heat and because I work outside and it's sometimes difficult to find a toilet outside I drank even more than usual in the last evenings. Okay, I ate salted peanuts... But I did this before and I think I would have found out already if they hold the water in the body no matter how much I drink. And there's no sign that the water stays in the body as long as I'm wake. 2. Since many year's I was exhausted when I climbed up the stairs to my rental flat. I used to breath heavily and my legs were hurting. Now, even with a backpack full of filled bottles and a bag with the rest of the groceries, I reach my flat without any discomfort. I wonder if there's any research about how testosterone effects the non-sexual daily life of women at all. Some discomfort might be seen as normal for women, especially in menopause, and the interest in libido might be bigger because men are effected.
There is an increasing amount of evidence on the benefits of testosterone for women. Not just libido but, memory, focus, drive, motivation, brain fog, etc etc
I've had primary Doctors and cardiologist, have a look of curiosity when I spoke to them about bio identical hormones. Yiu can tell they want it too.. They just were not trained to respect it.
They put me on a super high vag cream dose (for a woman) and my T labs shot through the roof. I was angry. I've stopped it now for almost 9 months. What dosage would you recommend for libido
my serum testosterone is 0.3. I’m 36 and on the mini pill, have been for 5 years. No libido, hair loss and a few other symptoms. I didn’t really understand you “within levels range” as I’m from the U.K. so maybe it’s different?
My testosterone was extremely low, (3rd year of menopause)couldn’t hardly care for myself I was so weak and no energy what so ever, (my Endrocrinoligist did all the blood work) forget about the low libido…that was last thing on my mind with other life altering symptoms, I just turn 53 today and I’m only testosterone and progesterone! Address other symptoms in depth bedsides libido!
So I have a problem with doctors only following lab ranges. If you’re noticing changes within yourself, especially a midsection, that’s growing or your libido decreasing, I think I would just say who cares what my level is just replace me. Testosterone is an anti-inflammatory hormone, anyway. why not just follow patient symptoms rather than looking at the lab ranges. One size does not fit all.
The numbers you throw out, are they in the same units as the Dutch test testosterone? My Dutch test says my testosterone is 3.12 ng/mg which is low for my age. Age 39
Everyone here not getting answers to your questions. See Dr Newson here on YT. She is the pioneer in the UK that brought her findings to the summit. Now the UK & Australia have approved official Trt for dosing for women in healthcare. She explains everything testosterone helps with and how to use it for safe female range (no masculine side effects)
My estrogen was 40, testosterone 22 and FSH 79. I’m barely over 40. I was given HRT treatment 8mg of Estradiol, 4 clicks 1 ml daily and 10mg of testosterone 4 clicks 1 ml also 200mg of progesterone. I was told my estradiol levels are supposed to be between 150 to 400 and my testosterone was supposed to be over 100? That’s obviously very high for a female, so I don’t understand why they’re wanting my level to be that high.
The price on the compounded low dose T has gone up significantly where I live . Is anyone else experiencing this ? It is about to be unaffordable for me .
my wifes is at 50 her libido is none!!!!!!she never has any desire! been this way since 45 shes 59 now shes fully functional but if i didnt stay on her we would stop sex11HELP!!!
