Testosterone for Women: testing, dosing, & symptoms of low testosterone | Felice Gersh, MD

[@leslieharari8755]

I love the clarity, intelligence and humor of all of your videos. I am so happy to be on a cyclic schedule as I continue to learn from your videos. Thank you so much for being here!💖💖

[@onewomansjourney760]

The absolute BEST medical provider I've listened to so far!! Years of researching, listening, reading, watching & this woman is FABULOUS!

[@tanaatkinson7833]

The best teacher in explaining such a complex endocrine system 😊

[@mirpags777]

How do you suggest to best support adrenals? Would love a video on that topic

[@ChristIsKing0919]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video ❤

[@MGJ-nu6zj]

Thank you so much for your teaching us about this. You are a Godsend to me. Your patients are so fortunate to have you. 🙏🏻

[@tiffanydkramer]

I took your Prescribing Hormones for Menopause course. I really like the Advanced Rhythmic HRT Dosing Protocol. Would you suggest a similar protocol for testosterone?

[@TwoSeasons3396]

We are lucky in Australia that we do not have to go to a compounding pharmacy for testosterone. We have a body identical cream specifically for women called Androfemme which is approved by the TGA - equivalent to your FDA. I think you can get it in the UK too.

[@jacquelinefoote8081]

Yes you can ❤

[@kr1221E]

You can but privately only, which excludes a lot of women. The NHS can prescribe testogel, which is for men, but is licensed for low libido in women. The real meaning for the word "libido" is life force, motivation. Freud expanded his meaning of this word.

[@GraceKanedesign]

I'm 68 & have been using bioidentical hormones since pre menopause at 50 because I had muscle stiffness symptoms during peri-menopause. I only switched from progesterone cream to oral compounded progesterone recently and noticed it is calming as well. I always have assumed we need to cycle the progesterone through the month and love hearing your message to do so even my NDs never mentioned doing so!! Im going to look into your educational courses to help myself further. ❤

[@karoleebrown1858]

What about taking DHEA in a pill form as an alternative to taking testosterone?

[@charleedell92]

I take sublingual dhea. They call it the poor man's testosterone. It has actually restored my free testosterone to youthful female levels so I am happy with this.

[@everhappy6312]

​@@charleedell92 How many mg/ day do you take?

[@anaf9314]

​@@charleedell92Where do you get it from? Do you need prescription for that?

[@monicca77]

But you should not take DHEA, without testing it first to see if actually is low

[@The_New_Abnormal_World_Order]

@@charleedell92 Cool!! I might try that if it comes to it. I have plenty of testosterone but it's bound up by high SHBG.

[@ivalani]

This was really informative, thank you!

[@IterativeArt]

So informative, thank you very much!

[@Faithb73]

I was prescribed testosterone cream. It’s only .5mg per ml and they said to start with 1-2 clicks per day. So I just did 2 clicks for a total of 1mg. It seems so low. Is that a normal amount for a post menopausal woman who had a hysterectomy 12 yrs ago? My Dr has not gotten back to me. I know she wants to be conservative but I heard you need at least 5mg daily. I have no energy or libido. Please help!

[@russvet]

It is OK to start with low dose. And then to correct it.

[@mrofnocnon]

Yes thats low for most women

[@3hotspuds]

Also, it depends on what your level was and how well you absorb it

[@cyndieK1]

I just started this dose? Did you notice any improvement in libido or energy?

[@Faithb73]

@@cyndieK1 after 6 weeks she upped me to 2.5 and I’m still on that, but I’m going to ask for 5mg when I see her in Oct. the only thing I noticed was the bone pain lessened a bit more, and I didn’t feel like I needed a 3 pm nap. Also, a tad more moisture down below, but no, libido was still dead. At 2.5 it’s waking up, but definitely no where near what it should be. I understand drs wanting to go slow, but this is the pits. It’s a lot of money to only have mild positive results. I hope you see some improvement and if not, speak up after the 6 week mark for a dose increase! Good luck❤️

[@catherineyoung6660]

Great talk thankyou. Just to say there’s Androfemme in Australia - female testosterone gel

[@healthcarebeauties]

Thank you for the useful information❤

[@deonnekraus9819]

You are amazing. I learned so much from you.

[@hollywoodwear123]

The first competent Doctor able to explain the need for testosterone in women. Every other “doctor” on you tube swear on the importance to prescribe it to all menopausal women.

[@VictoriaRic]

women produce 10 times more testosterone that estrogen. Ii's a fallacy that is a "male" hormone. This woman is not basing her assumptions in studies. Go to PUB MED and read them yourself.

[@monalisasweetheart7369]

What if you're way under in your testosterone compared to your estrogen and have an estrogen dominance? I am trying to get more energy and feel so low energy and fatigue! I want to feel good and be back to what I used to be. I think I may be perimenopause.

[@mindyadams9041]

Thank you ! Shbg 115 and now I understand why. Thank you!

[@elenastaffy6119]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ thank you more videos please🙏

[@crh251]

Unfortunately I tried testosterone for two weeks, and it made me irritable. I was ready to punch someone in the face. I had to stop. I’m sure mine is low in post menopause and I have zero libido, but I’m thinking testosterone might not be for me.

[@drarden6303]

some women cannot tolerate even the smallest doses of T. I have seen this happen in my female patients. Cut down the dose as much as possible and build up slowly.

[@crh251]

@@drarden6303, thank you! That’s good to know. I really appreciate your input.

[@peacepocket]

That's interesting. Women are meant to have testosterone, there must be some other reason it doesn't work for you. Maybe the dose is too high.

[@opheliazen]

I pushed through this and after a few weeks it leveled out and I felt amazing. It was the same experience with progesterone in that I had to push through feeling groggy and irritable.. T did not help me with libido necessarily, but it did help lift brain fog, depression and with muscle tone.

[@crh251]

@@opheliazen, when I went up to 200 mgs. of progesterone I felt groggy for two weeks, but eventually I was fine. I could do the same with the testosterone as well. Thank you!

[@cynthiaavan]

I have high testerone with PCOS symptoms (many of which you described like acne, excessive hair growth like a man on face and body, baldness) and a tumor on my pituitary which causes elevated prolactin. Could the tumor on the pituitary cause high testerone in addition to the ovaries?

[@RodeaDrive]

Thank you Dr. Gersh for the most amazing, educational videos. I took your course as well and it was extremely helpful. Regarding testosterone, is it possible that when supplementing with DHEA will raise testosterone enough to not need testosterone supplementation? Also, you mentioned that estrogen and progesterone supplementation should be well established first for a few months before introducing testosterone? Is this the case for DHEA as well?

[@prepub1]

I’m considering taking the course as well, can you tell me if there is specific dosing information? TIA

[@cyndieK1]

Thank you so much for sharing this info! I have a question: Can you use a tiny amount of the compounding testosterone cream on your clitoris for clitoral atrophy? Mine has completely disappeared.

[@MrDandelio]

I’m on bioidentical extradiol/progesterone, the levels look good but zero sex drive, and zero passion for live, in fact I’m too passive to even work. It’s like all the magic has gone from the world . Tried dhea but it gave me a stomachache and a jitters like having too much coffee ( tried tablets and topical oils - very small doses, still no good. I’m a a good candidate for testosterone?

[@DianneElizabeth64]

I have dhea that I take when on it at bedtime. Deepest sleep ever.

[@SistersGenXandBboomer]

I wish my doctor would add testosterone…I feel the same way you describe.

[@jenniferv]

Make sure your ferritin levels are good first. Testosterone will build your RBCs and it draws from your iron stores. it might be why you got jittery? I can't take progesterone. it makes me sick, sad, and tired.

[@Silverlicious.strands]

@@DianneElizabeth64which brand? At what doses? Does it help with libido as well? Thank you

[@j.morales3166]

What does your bloodwork say for T levels?

[@k.l.8804]

I have testosterone deficiency (symptoms & lab work), and was just prescribed the gel (testavan 20mg/g gel). I was told its the only product available here in Portugal. I’m originally from Sweden and there I got the same reply. Perhaps that is the only thing available in Europe? Is it really that bad to take? 😟 (if dosed the recomennded pea sized amount?) I am 44 now and had a lot of lab work done. I have good levels of all female hormones, as well as adrenal function, thyroid & pituary gland. I belive I’ve had a low level of T since I suffered from anorexia in my late teens. I know looking back I’ve had symptoms since my early to mid 20ies. At some point, around 27 I had hormone testing done and was told everything was fine, just a bit low on testosteron, and at that time they didnt think that would be a problem for me. Of course I know now that a lot of my health issues were probably related to that low level 😢 My levels of T were now so low they were (had them take 3 times) not even detectable in the tests. I have all sorts of health problems. Yes non existent libido is one, but problems with joints and muscle, cognition and physical strength, memory, general recovery after illness or injury and specifically issues with nerve recovery (irreversible neurological pain after abdominal surgery 8 years ago). The list goes on. So I am in great need of at least trying testosteron to see if it can help. To be warned then that gel is bad is so disheartening 😢 Will I only get myself into more trouble? Its the only thing available for me in this part if the world. When choosing between gel or nothing, with all my problems, should I still give the gel a try? 😟

[@mrofnocnon]

Gel is not bad. Injections are best.

[@leslieh335]

What do you have to lose, at this point? Due to surgical menopause, my quality of life got so bad that I could barely function. At that point, I tried Testosterone and an increase in my estrogen HRT. I actually have a life, now. I sleep 7/8 hours a night with no headaches, joint aches, stiff muscles, dry mouth, dry eyes, reduced ear ringing, night sweats, hot flashes, depression, and I actually FEEL like getting off the couch and doing things and actually HAVE FUN when I am doing something fun. When making the decision, consider quality of life and be willing to take a risk to FEEL better. It's been worth it to me, very much so. For almost 5 years I lived like a person with a chronic illness.....all due to lack of hormones. I think you know what I mean. That was no way to live. With some HRT, I now feel like living again and actually look forward to each new day. I hope this helps. Best wishes!❤

[@mrofnocnon]

@@leslieh335 Quite right, well done !

[@anaf9314]

Hi Doctor, please how can we contact your office? please

[@AliciasHealingChannel]

Do you know Google? ❤

[@nicolebeck1269]

My gynecologist brushes testosterone off. So the only opyo have found are the placed that do injection or pellet. I tried the injection and I could not keep it up

[@Katepwe]

Search for a menopause trained practitioner in your area on the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) website. It’s my understanding that creams applied topically are preferred over pellets and injections.

[@jenniferv]

Also, Midi health online will prescribe their T cream.

[@DelilahAndre1]

What are the higher levels on the spectrum of testosterone that make women feel more energy without overdoing it?

[@anne-louisegoldie]

This is very informative. So most menopausal women are not being prescribed T correctly? I have to use a male gel called Tostran, which is double strength (!) , and then guess how much to apply for it to be a suitable dose for me. Which is going to be a 1/20th amount of this double strength product. The prescribed dose is 1 full pump on alternate days, or 2-3 times a week. Much too strong. I haven't heard of any women using Testosterone twice daily, even if we could get a suitable product (I'm in the UK, under the NHS). What are the benefits of that twice a day regime? Thank you 😊xx

[@drarden6303]

Your doctor should order a 1 or 2% Testosterone cream from a compounding pharmacy. One is Women's International Pharmacy in Arizona.

[@anne-louisegoldie]

@@drarden6303 thank you 🤗. Unfortunately, I'm in the UK, we don't really have compounding, definitely not in the NHS. We're reliant on doctors agreeing to prescribe a men's licensed product, which they're reluctant to do at best. There used to be a T patch licensed for women, but they stopped supplying it because doctors didn't prescribe it often enough. It's like the HRT Dark Ages here in many ways. I'm glad you have better access 😊xx

[@MissWeezeyUSA]

@@anne-louisegoldieWe still have to pay out of pocket… the compounding pharmacy is not covered by insurance.

[@anne-louisegoldie]

@@MissWeezeyUSA that's big pharma and medication monopolies for you. And unfairness to women. The American insurance healthcare system seems scary to me, inexpensive treatments are charged at wildly inflated costs. And your compounded isn't covered. We don't have the option of compounded here, it's all prepackaged products. I understand the advantage of being sure of the dose and ingredients in prepackaged, and for inventory control in the NHS, but it takes away any other options for patients. I wonder if any countries have the perfect balance? 🤗xx

[@plejaren1]

It's VERY confusing... So in menopause, do we need MORE SHBG or LESS?

[@carolinewilhite6362]

Thank you!

[@carla-oq8lz]

Can anyone clarify which 14 days to take progesterone in the menstrual cycle? With day 1 being the 1st day of the menstrual cycle. Thank you for your help !

[@Raaxo875]

based on 28 days cycle, you'd start progesterone day 14 of 28 days cycle. if your cycle differ to that then go base of that instead.

[@faithf5846]

My close relative who is 41 years young,started taking Testosterone about 3 years ago. It helps a lot with sleep and strength. I noticed a little hair on her face but she doesn’t care because she feels better. She has the pellets inserted. I will soon go to a doctor that is a hormone women’s doctor. I’m hopeful, I’d like to gain weight and sleep better among other issues like getting up at night to go to the bathroom. I agree I do not like the pellets.

[@doodieevanshenagan3330]

Dr. Gershwin does NOT like pellets, it’s a huge money maker & when you get pellets you get too much hormone in beginning.

[@mrofnocnon]

Injections are best.

[@Katepwe]

@@mrofnocnon I disagree……topically is preferred

[@mrofnocnon]

@@Katepwe FYI. Injections are the only means of achieving an accurate dose. Multiple factors influence absorbance of creams or gels.

[@jenniferv]

I have three friends on pellets. All love the pellets so much.

[@nikc1520]

The website you have listed for your office doesn’t go to a page.

[@robinham2796]

How do you “release” Or free Up testosterone?

[@The_New_Abnormal_World_Order]

Apparently if you take boron it can lower the 'sex hormone binding globulin,' which is what binds up testosterone. I don't know how well it really works. If you have too much estrogen it can lower the testosterone or decrease the sensitivity of the testosterone receptors. There are lifestyle steps and supplements that can help lower excess estrogen. Also it's important to know that certain prescribed medications can be blocking the testosterone or increasing the 'sex hormone binding globulin' and so lowering the free testosterone.

[@melissalakes4579]

I disagree with conpounded cream testosterone. I had a bad experience..with it. It was getting into bloodstream too much too fast . It made me feel very bad. I will not take it and did not like it. I take injectable in very small amounts and it works fine. I take it once a week and it give me at least a little sex drive instead of none. I can control it unlike pellets, which I also took and experienced too much hairl loss and other things. I disagree with your advice here, bit respect your knowledge. I believe in advocating for my health my body . I recommend every individual take there own health into there hands armed with knowledge. Regardless of what provider says you can figure out what is the best thing for your body. There is no excuse now. There are so many very very good practioners, just like this one. Even though I do disagree on the test cream😊

[@denise3432]

Thank you for sharing. My same experience

[@pierrelhalterosteo8982]

Anybody knows what is an average dosage for INJECTIONS?

[@leefrancis007]

How about post op trans women taking t gel to improve sex drive? I'm post op and have zero sex drive. My T level is 0.4

[@laveshiayarborough-wall8232]

On estradiol patch..take progesterone orally...had a complete hysterectomy years ago. I dont have any ovaries. Low limbido..trying to figure it out.

[@Katepwe]

Me too…..any luck?

[@DianneElizabeth64]

As I hold my box of syringes & testosterone waiting for someone at my appt to show me how to give myself shots.

[@jenniferv]

NICE

[@The_New_Abnormal_World_Order]

I'm excited for you!! Hope it's going well!

[@backwardog1]

If you're having trouble with testosterone pellets, then you're not doing it correctly. Start at the lowest dose first and incremental increase after mid point testing. Creams are useless due to inconsistencies in rate and amount of absorption, especially for testosterone cream. Love the detail on the hormones interactions.

[@Katepwe]

Interesting……the majority of drs. here on KZbin say the opposite.

[@backwardog1]

@Katepwe Some Dr.s are listening to their patients more than others. It just depends on how interested the Dr. is in results vs. "Here's your scrip, Next". I am finding if you want the best and most cost-effective hormone related care. Best to bring your researched plan and do some mental arm wrestling with the Dr.

[@janinelaino1847]

I'm doing the cream and my levels are too high now 2614 and free testosterone 500. I actually feel fine but not true about creams not absorbing......creams do absorb

[@backwardog1]

@@janinelaino1847 which cream? Local compounding?

[@cyndieK1]

@@janinelaino1847what is your dosage and where are you applying it?

[@claireplumb7214]

What about if you have Primary Adrenal insufficiency and very low testosterone?

[@robinham2796]

Love to know that too!!

[@ozarkcyn1]

What if you had a hysterectomy at 27?

[@dentalcarediva3400]

Will a DHEA supplement help increase testosterone ?

[@russvet]

Yes. If your conversion is good ))

[@AliciasHealingChannel]

I couldn’t convert DHEA gave me whiskers but T gel is amazing ❤

[@allentheshooter87]

Did I miss it or did she not even talk about testosterone dosage

[@shopdelilah]

she doesn't talk about dosage in any of her videos

[@babybokchoiii]

all my other hormone are all fine，even the unbond testosterone and DHEAS are all fine, just testosterone level is low... What can that mean..?

[@babybokchoiii]

I am just 34...any my period is very irregular.. always late and when I have my period it's a lot... I am tired... My libido is def low compare to my 20s, but not that low?

[@t.t.8878]

Can someone tell me the price of Androfeme?

[@ironmaidenfitness654]

$90 Australian dollars for 50g

[@plejaren1]

What if you have adrenal fatigue??? and it doesn't make enough testosterone etc.----

[@crystalclarke5880]

I'm only 18 and my testosterone levels are out of range

[@The_New_Abnormal_World_Order]

Could it be caused by something simple like not eating enough calories and fat, which the body needs to make hormones? Or not getting enough sleep, or being overly stressed? Or do you mean that you have too much testosterone rather than a deficiency? That can be caused by PCOS, apparently it can be improved with lifestyle and diet changes. I hope you find improvement soon.🙏👍

[@IKnowDaRealU]

So exciting energy voice n s appeal

[@Abmoment]

@melissalakes4579 what was your bad experience with testosterone cream? I just started it. Thank you

[@andreabanke_]

So informative! Thank you