The Truth About Testosterone For Women Over 50 | Empowering Midlife Wellness

[@laurenceapitz1678]

"who are they having sex with ?" this is one of the reasons why men leaves their wives for younger women, it's literally a societal issue. thank you Doctor for treating this topic, I live in France and women can't get a testosterone prescription here.

[@nancyhamilton1993]

True.

[@sheryl3268]

True, however some are having sex with other people with penises instead.

[@lindathomsonpolzin7286]

Dr Susan gotta love her! She always has our best interest at heart ladies! She’s truly a gift to ladies in midlife. Thank you Susan and all the ladies working with you. You’re God sent ❤️ Linda Thomson

[@drsusan]

Thank you! ❤

[@a_woman_who_loves_to_lift]

I agree! Dr. Susan is a godsend in an age of medical sexism. I hope she thrives forever.

[@squirrlee6463]

Post menopausal here. Been using generic Testogel 1% for a few years and I feel like trash at levels lower than 150. 200 is my sweet spot. Unfortunately I have had issues with every single doctor I’ve encountered asking me why I take Testosterone and even a few who refuse to treat me because they think I’m some kind of junkie. One actually raised his voice and said ‘It’s a scheduled substance that’s addictive !’ . True that it is a schedule 3 substance in the US (but WHY?!) and also true that I am addicted to feeling healthy and not crumbling to dust.

[@drsusan]

Absolutely crazy that a natural hormone is a scheduled substance, but that all happened as a result of misuse in the professional sporting community, which is ridiculous and another great example of why these things make absolutely no sense!!

[@sunnievictoria9917]

any voice change or hair loss at those levels?

[@peacepocket]

could you please name your doctor?

[@CelebrateYourCatcom]

Thank you for sharing your sweet spot amount as I'm getting my level tested this week. Amazing diff in my sex drive after using compounded testosterone, estridoil patch, and progesterone pill after menopause. Thank you and very much Dr Susan for this video💖💖

[@stl2nola72]

As post menopausal women, we are getting screwed. We have women getting all this testosterone to turn themselves into men and those of us who are totally happy in our bodies and feeling like utter crap have such limited options. It’s offensive.

[@marianneporter26]

I have said the same thing to people who try to paint HRT as dangerous. Really, we had all these hormones a minute ago and you think they are causing harm but have no problem prescribing/taking an ssri, statins, ozempic, benzodiazepines. I’ll take my chances with the hormones.

[@marielaperriere]

How are doctors allowed to vary so wildly in their treatment at the cost of women’s health? If it were any other system, wouldn’t they use a standard protocol? My regular doc said my Test at 21 was fine, but I felt terrible. I pushed to know why I wasn’t being offered HRT and she sent me to her associate who’s an obgyn and hormone specialist and I was believed and offered options. I’m now on a vaginal estradiol, progesterone and a pellet. My Test is 150 and I feel like a productive, focused and fully functioning human being. This is not fair, I have many friends who are suffering symptoms with nothing.

[@brokencomfort]

I'm so glad that my doctor takes these things seriously. I've had a hysterectomy, but kept my ovaries. He checked my hormone levels to make sure they're still working. They are, but my T is 7.2. He is the one that suggested HRT. Of course, insurance won't cover it, but he was able to give me a discount. I'll be starting in a few weeks. I just don't understand why this issue isn't considered an issue to so many in the medical field. I've had a lot of these issues for most of my adult life, but no one even suggested hormone tests. With the knowledge I have now, I'm advocating for my daughters to keep track or their hormone levels. They are only 16 and 18, but it's something that SHOULD be monitored throughout our lives. They shouldn't have to wait until they're 40+ to see that something is wrong.

[@annalammers9978]

Hello from Ireland. Thank you for another very informative video. It was actually thanks to you a couple of years ago that I pushed for adding testosterone to my hrt regimen. I have a great GP who got me started on estrogen and progesterone but initially wanted to hold off on giving me testosterone. I gave it a year or so if I remember rightly and then pushed for it after hearing you talking about it and to be fair she prescribed it for me no problem. It helped me get rid of feeling stiff in the morning and I feel it helps with my energy and general motivation levels.

[@lyrical-feline]

I am in Australia and neither my husband nor I can access testosterone replacement for age related hormonal reduction. Australian Menopause Society is woefully at odds and behind compared to USA and UK.

[@leedesignn1411]

I’m based in the UK and been fighting for HRT since 2020. The NHS only offers antidepressants and do not prescribe testosterone to women. I’ve had to go private

[@raewise6345]

This is what I was asking - WHO are these 50/60/70 year old men having sex with?? It doesn't help my husband to get testosterone if I'M not getting it! ☹️(Or if he's fine "as is", etc) I'm post menopause with very low libido.....

[@MsQ275]

30 and 40 year old women, that's who

[@raewise6345]

@@MsQ275 They're HOPING, LOL!!

[@raewise6345]

@@MsQ275 ...seriously though, most men that age are married and want to have a great sex life with their wives. This is our goal! I'm doing whatever it takes to get my sex drive back.

[@brendadryden356]

I just got the estradiol pellet a week ago and I'm already starting to feel better. Yay! The ob/gyn wanted to give me testosterone also but I was nervous because I have PCOS and I didn't want my symptoms to get worse. I'm pretty sure my level is a lot lower than it used to be, but I still have symptoms. It's hard to know what to do sometimes.

[@drsusan]

It is hard to know - that's why blood levels are helpful, but PCO goes away after menopause so that would no longer be a problem for you

[@rhondascott1341]

I recently started a compounded testosterone cream applied daily. I'm also on the Estradiol patch. Looking forward to seeing how it improves my sexual desire, energy and maybe some weightloss.

[@AnchorMoments]

I just started estradiol patch and I take one tenth of a 1 percent Testosterone gel packet daily. I have just done a few days and already noticed my hot flashes are going away. You wrote your comment 4 months ago. How are you feeling now? Has it improved your life?

[@rhondascott1341]

@@AnchorMoments Im up to .75 for my Estradiol patch and its working great. Not feeling much from the testosterone yet, but I'll continue it. I hear itcan take awhile to feel results.

[@darlingjean-paul3553]

Thank you for educating us about this.

[@agsjnsks4538]

My testosterone was 10 nm/dl, I am 46 yo, 179lbs 6ft .5” Taking progesterone, thyroid hormones. Period still regular, but estrogen was 10ng/dL (low?). I got 25+50 mg testosterone pellet insertion. Libido was great all month. Mental clariness came back, energy, drive. Retested my blood 3 weeks later: testosterone is 277 ng/dL. Libido not as high as at first. No side effects. Yet. Dr. Had said that for my size he sees other docs doing higher doze insertions. Should I worry? I will certainly go lower next time?

[@francescakolar2446]

Love your content and your channel thank you 🙏🏻 you’ve changed my life

[@agsjnsks4538]

None of us know our peak healthy levels of hormones. I will test my daughter before she goes on any hormones so she knows what her healthy levels are.

[@christinemack2153]

Eye opening, thank you!

[@eleonorarigovic7551]

Where is the best place to put testosterone cream in the morn. I put 1 pump of oestrogel alternating inner thighs every night. Thanku so much. You are wonderful and so caring. Wish you were in australia

[@drsusan]

It's not so important where you place it, but we do want to put it on a place where our skin is the thinnest, which generally is the inside of our arms or the inside of our legs

[@kcopkcop9370]

(Perimenopausal) T only pellet was 50mg back in September. December, Second T pellet 100mg per MD recommendation. Progesterone 100mg. Test level spiked from 83 to 202, Estradiol 441...a week later Estradiol dropped to 27, Test was 224. Simple ovarian cyst increased in size within a month 2.4cm to 4.7cm. ARNP increased Progesterone to 200mg. MRI 2 weeks after revealed that it shrunk back down to 2.2cm. I cannot find any literature about testosterone affects on ovaries and if there is any risk of ovarian cancer. I did find that estrogen dominance can cause the cyst to grow, and allegedly, testosterone can interfere with the release of the egg, causing the follicle to continue to grow. I'm so conflicted as to whether or not it's safe to continue TRT. I would be so grateful if anyone knows of any reputable resources to share so I can make an educated decision. Best wishes to all of you struggling through such a convoluted chapter of life ❤

[@drsusan]

Testosterone has no influence on the ovaries as far as producing cysts, but definitely that level was too high and I'm related to the testosterone. Remember, if you're taking it in doses that are physiologically normal for women it's not going to have any adverse side effects.

[@kcopkcop9370]

@@drsusan I appreciate your feedback. You are a blessing to all of us out here striving for some semblance of a functional life. 🫂

[@triciaskiles]

​@@drsusanWhere does the testosterone come from, how is it made? Is it "made" in a lab? You say it's "natural" but I need to know where it comes from exactly??

[@Silverlicious.strands]

@@drsusanhow much testosterone would one need after a total hysterectomy at 42? I am on Estrabet gel 1.25 mg and micronized progesterone 100 mg a day.

[@leedesignn1411]

My testosterone is 0.33 nmol/L and it’s decreased from 0.5 since 2021. I have many of the symptoms. Every doctor I speak to will not prescribe testosterone. So I’m going private. UK based btw

[@marymonk]

What about those pellets...what are they made of...and what happens to that product in my cells?

[@loneranger7573]

I was on testosterone in my 50s when starting HRT creams. eventually I didnt need it. NOw in my 60s and my testosterone is as high as my husband's. I think taking all the progesterone increases it. I have very oily skin and zits on forehead and sometimes chin too. Can't win...

[@jennifermoffitt7294]

i never took TRT -- thought i was low T being tired and no drive.. nope 30 total and 4.8 free t.. My husband's free T is almost same as mine (low free T for man)

[@jamiehoward6906]

Things that work on melanocortin receptors cause flushing, nausea, and a general feeling of unwellness.

[@labbe52]

💯❤ From Sweden..

[@drsusan]

Men using very high doses of testosterone, can see an increase in their hematocrit however, it is not the same as polycythemia vera that is a misunderstanding that many doctors have

[@vanessa4397]

It’s bs that men get better treatment and approval for hormones. This needs to change.

[@tamrawindsor8583]

I could just scream! 🤬

[@wendymartin4421]

How long can yo safely take hormones?

[@jenniferwilliams8251]

I have high SHBG so I was told I’m not a candidate for testosterone. Woukd you please address this?

[@kidges3132]

What is SHBG? Thanks

[@jenniferwilliams8251]

SHBG=sex hormone binding globulin

[@noodlep2547]

@@kidges3132sex hormone binding globulin

[@3hotspuds]

Sex hormone binding globulin

[@cathyjennings5580]

So very interesting information 😊

[@eleonorarigovic7551]

If testosterone pushes up oestrodial levels can one come of oestrogen and stay soley on testosterone. Can zero testosterone cause headaches and feeling weak. Thanku

[@drsusan]

Testosterone will, minimally elevate, estradiol, and in patients who take testosterone only we do see a reduction in vasomotor symptoms however, most patients feel best taking both

[@ummtaimann6819]

@@drsusanhi doctor can I ask what are the options for a hormone positive breast cancer survivor 🙏

[@karengrace2650]

Are the levels for total testosterone or the “free”?

[@drsusan]

When I'm talking about numbers, like 60 to 100 I am talking about total testosterone which in most women tracks along nicely with free testosterone but it's important to check out levels of sex hormone binding globulin which your doctor will also do. Very few women have unusually high binding globulins, but if they do, we need to follow their free testosterone, not their total testosterone.

[@lindagielec3009]

​@drsusan I'm 48 and perimenopausal with severe pms and high estrogen. My SHBG is very high. My dr. convinced me to try testosterone because my Total T was so low. With T pellets, my SHBG went up with my Total T. I felt fantastic on the higher dose pellets, 100 and 75 with no signs of too much T. When she lowered me to 50 pellets based only on my total T, all of my symptoms came back. I asked her to test my Free T and she refused. I've been on dessicated Thyroid meds for years. I'm fit and exercise a ton, and im half eastern european. Unfortunately, I'm in New Orleans, not Huston, so you are bit far for me to see.

[@jamiehoward6906]

@@drsusanI have never heard anyone explain the shbg so well as it relates to total/freew. Since it’s hard to control shbg, stating that tracking free hormone in those who trend higher makes sense.

[@papoosetuck1068]

I get pellets, and my testosterone is 220. I’m having bad hair loss and facial hair. I’ve had these issues for a while now. I just tired of it. My doctor never says my T is high. Next round of pellets, I’m going to ask for less T. I want to go as low as I can. I just don’t know what the lowest dosage is.

[@Summerlove21]

Ask for the cream or injection. So much better than the pellets. Good luck with that.

[@clarewalters5189]

My mum is 70 this year. She’s never been the same since the menopause. Mentally and physically. Could testosterone be an option for her even though she’s never had HRT and now it’s probably too late at 70 (cons outweigh the pros) ? I can’t find any info on ladies 70 and over. Any advice would be welcome 🙏🏻

[@drsusan]

Absolutely in the appropriate dose there's no age at which we cannot take testosterone

[@clarewalters5189]

@@drsusan thank you for your reply. I will definitely look into this for her. What about taking HRT at her age? Or is it best to just look into getting her on testosterone ? Many thanks

[@Rubicks1997]

Dr Susan how much of a testosterone pellet converts or aromatizes to estrogen? If a perimenopausal woman who has a uterus gets the T pellet would she need progesterone to protect herself from uterine cancer?

[@drsusan]

A small amount gets converted to estradiol, but not very much- and remember perimenopausal women already have very high levels of Estradiol so there's no evidence that we need additional progesterone when we're taking testosterone, to prevent uterine cancer. Perimenopause is a time of estrogen dominance. We already make plenty of estrogen, and the small amount that comes from testosterone would make negligible difference.

[@jamiehoward6906]

@@drsusanisn’t the estrogen dominance of perimenopause a misnomer? Meaning estrogen is overall low and not optimal it’s also low in relation to progesterone and as you state testosterone?

[@traceysun545]

Dr Susan regular tests are done for menopausal women taking testosterone replacement, are there tests done on women taking the estradiol and progesteron as well?

[@drsusan]

It's more important to check testosterone than the other two hormones because side effects of over replacement are more significant. However, I recommend checking all of them.

[@TW-mp7uw]

Are spironolactone and testosterone mutually exclusive? Wondering if it’s possible to achieve benefit from testosterone like muscle gain and libido yet still take spironolactone and inhibit hirsutism, acne …

[@triciaskiles]

Where does the testosterone come from, how is it made? Is it "made" in a lab? You say it's "natural" but I need to know where it comes from exactly??

[@drsusan]

All bioidentical hormones are synthesized from a plant source. The source is wild yams, and then it's made in the lab to look exactly like bioidentical testosterone. This is the way all bioidentical hormones are made.

[@triciaskiles]

@@drsusan thank you so much for the explanation!!!

[@christinekeenan1560]

Also, how do you know if your estrogen patch is bio identical?

[@jdakrotz]

Where do we get testosterone? 🎉?

[@drsusan]

From a Doctor who is experienced bioidentical hormone replacement. It is a prescription so I would do some Internet searching or come see us in Houston!

[@triciaskiles]

​@@drsusanWhere does the testosterone come from, how is it made? Is it "made" in a lab? You say it's "natural" but I need to know where it comes from exactly??

[@cathyjennings5580]

More Hormones to increase our PHYSICAL HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH BALANCE everyday.

[@Faithb73]

My dr put me on testosterone recently when I asked, but she prescribed such a small dose so I don’t know if this will work at all for me. It’s .5mg per ml and one click is the ml. I do 2 clicks to get a full mg of testosterone. It’s only been a week, but so far, not a lot of change. Isn’t that too low of a dose? Or does it need to build up? My free t was .38 total is 40 so I assume that’s really low. Post menopause 50yr old. Hysterectomy 12 yrs ago, kept ovaries.

[@MsQ275]

you need to get tested, that's the only way to know if the dosage is correct

[@drsusan]

Starting at a low-dose is prudent, but definitely sounds like you can safely increase it- and of course follow your doctor's advice or get a new doctor !

[@Faithb73]

@@drsusan thank you for responding. I do love my dr. She’s a naturopath and actually listens, which is so hard to find nowadays. She’s just unfortunately overbooked, so if it’s not an emergency, I don’t really get a reply. Small town problems, not enough drs. Ill try this for 1 month then increase and get in to see her if nothing has changed.

[@Faithb73]

@@MsQ275 she wants me to wait three months at this dose before testing me again. I was just hoping I knew when or if this low dose would work and how long it would take to notice a difference.

[@sunnievictoria9917]

@@Faithb73 def wait. It takes 6 weeks to 3 months to affect you fully.

[@cleanqueen75]

My husband was getting testosterone injections until he was diagnosed with secondary polycythemia. Now his hematologist won’t let him take it because it raises his hematocrits and hemoglobin too high. So consequently he has no testosterone. I’m 66 and take testosterone cream.

[@drsusan]

There's a lot of misunderstanding in that community about the fact that men's red blood cell counts can go up with testosterone, but it is not the same as the pathologic condition called polycythemia vera that requires treatment -with a very high blood count simply he can be a very useful blood donor, and be perfectly fine! Over a certain level, it may increase the risk of blood clotting, so donating blood is great, but there's no reason why he would have to stop it based on that finding -it's not pathologic like the disease PCV

[@cleanqueen75]

@@drsusan so are you saying his hematologist is correct in that testosterone injections may give him a blood clot?

[@karengrace2650]

What about sharing testosterone gel with husband? 1 pump/week. My doctor will not prescribe. I will get tested and stay in the 80-100 ng/dc range.

[@drsusan]

The problem with that is that testosterone doesn't last very long. It really needs to be used at least daily or twice daily to achieve stable levels. If you used it once a week, you would see a super high-level for the first 24 hours and then zero for the rest of the week, so certainly don't recommend using male doses of testosterone!

[@tradwifeuk2117]

What is a healthy physiological testosterone level for a 30 year old female please?

[@drsusan]

There's a large range, and it fluctuates throughout the cycle commonly we would see levels from around 30 to 80 pg/ml . For postmenopausal women we see sex drive improving at the upper end of this normal range.

[@mspappy10]

I started pellets about 10 months ago. The first pellet had a high dose of testosterone and I felt great and my sexual desire was great! I had a lot of breast tenderness so I'm thinking from what you've been saying that my estrogen was too high. After the first pellet the practitioner lowered the testosterone in the pellet and I felt as though I had never had hormone replacement at all. I'm wondering now if I should just add testosterone in the form of a patch or one of the other methods you've mentioned?

[@drsusan]

As I mentioned, we don't have a patch for women yet. Yes, we certainly can feel good with a high dose of testosterone but it's not safe to continue long-term so unfortunately that high feeling goes away but so do potential side effects. I agree breast tenderness happens when estrogen is too high, not testosterone.

[@SaShank-my7ih]

my best friend is almost 50 and she wants testostrone but her doctor said she has normal levels and refused to give it to her. She has complained about low libido, low energy level and not focused. do you think she should not be given as her blood work shows norm???

[@drsusan]

The problem with that approach is that the lab will say having zero testosterone is normal! It will also say having zero estrogen and progesterone is normal because the lab is simply stating what most people have . Normal is not the same as optimal!

[@SaShank-my7ih]

@@drsusan thank you so much it helps to know.

[@elinazemechman5989]

It happened that I’m acquainted with FDA people who’s working exactly with drugs and substances approval nowadays. And it’s mostly women 40+. Just saying 😊

[@cathyjennings5580]

American Ginseng root can improve production testosterone. Old fashioned remedies. Foods can add good health!!! ❤🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@sunnievictoria9917]

no it can't.

[@MsQ275]

trt has been the single best thing in my life since 2022: sleep, weight, will to live! ... when my new doctor questioned this as off label, i fired her and found a new doctor, immediately. so over how bad doctors are for midlife wellness. I'm sure that ignorant doctor would gladly put me on disgusting SSRI.

[@leedesignn1411]

All I’ve been offered is antidepressants from our NHS doctors

[@Kand1210]

I have recently started testosterone injections, and it is truly life changing!

[@sharonbrown9721]

Where do you go to get injections?

[@Kand1210]

My doctor prescribed them, and I get the injection there once a month.

[@ascendinglovecoach5767]

@@Kand1210how much do you get in the one injection per month?

[@robinham2796]

I used to get injections, she NEVER tested me and kept Giving them to me. I became A sex Maniac and would have screwed a German Shepherd! I DID NOT Like feeling that way, I guess like a man…poor guys…

[@gopony6798]

I asked to get my testosterone checked and the doctor said sex drive just decreases after menopause and we don’t normally do this test. She asked, why do you want this test, what do you think it’s going to do for you and said it in such a condescending tone. I was so mad but I said I guess I’ll just have to go to a naturopathic clinic and pay out of pocket for it. She stared at her computer for a good ten minutes and finally said she’d do it. I was shaking I felt so frustrated but at least she ordered it

[@jenniewilliams1668]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I hope you've managed to get the help you need.

[@jennifermoffitt7294]

i have not much drive and i got my T tested... i'm normal at 30 and my free t is high.. I might need more estrogen to push the T down... my t isn't doing much for me.. still tired.

[@lynnsteblecki3075]

Yes ! Testosterone In the right dose for females Well said Thank you

[@grannieannie1371]

So firstly I want to thank you for the information relating to post menopausal women' s health. You google stuff and we just don't exist. Seriously no one is talking about it. People talk about pregnancy then menopause but after that women are invisible. You've been enormously helpful in unpicking what is happening to my body. I just googled testosterone supplements for women. I was so happy to discover that the tga (Australias version of the fda) approved a drug called Androfem in 2020 which is a testosterone supplement designed for women. Hopefully other countries will follow.

[@lyrical-feline]

Hi @grannieannie1371 I am in Australia too - Brisbane - and neither my husband or I have been able to find a GP for either of us, or a gynaecologist for me, who will prescribe testosterone replacement for age related hormonal reduction. Have you actually found someone who will prescribe Androfeme for you in Australia? Thank you for sharing

[@cathyjennings5580]

Let's stick to healthy natural Foods that increase & can produce hormones benefits Wellbeing goals. Drops under our tongue (testosterone for better health.

[@beatscatmommy1735]

My T is 3 which is pretty much zero!! I got pelletes and it increased my T level so much i got acne and bad hairloss and was stuck with it for 3 months. I am now starting T injections so i an have better control over this.

[@ummtaimann6819]

Hi could you please give update after few weeks as I am scared of hair loss also

[@gjudd4193]

Thank goodness I had a Gyne who was knowledgeable enough to give me testosterone and estradiol 24 years ago after my hysterectomy.

[@peacepocket]

did they prescribe you a cream testosterone?

[@gjudd4193]

@@peacepocket cream didn't work well, I did pellets for 12 years now on injections.

[@MGSpecial2023]

Dr's seem far more likely to prescribe hrt for surgical menopause which often happens earlier vs older women who enter perimenopause naturally.

[@anyaroz8619]

I think you are mistaken about treatment of men. My husband has never been suggested a testosterone therapy despite prostate removal and ageing. So, it's a big mistake to think that regular men have been exposed to HRT more than women.

[@EvelynSchmechtigCochran]

Just saw an MD KZbin criticizing testosterone pellets saying it’s bad for us and not FDA approved. She said we get addicted to the pellet?

[@drsusan]

Well, as you know, you can find data to support just about anything on the Internet and I explained here exactly why they're not FDA approved! Completely disagree with this opinion, and I'm happy to live in a free country where everybody can have their opinion, but this is not supported by science

[@EvelynSchmechtigCochran]

I thought the person was way off. She sites your site as showing an injection.

[@margomoore4527]

I began on HRT in my late 40’s under the guidance of an Osteopath who was our regular doctor for several years; in those days it was premarin alone. Menopause happened rather abruptly and with finality age 52. The clinic where we were still getting our HRT went out of business. So we went to an MD who was the first to bring bio-identical hormones to the Chicago area. He also was into diet and lifestyle modifications. I had let my hormone therapy lapse and lost my high notes (classical singer). Within two weeks of bio-identical hormones (a transvaginal cream, a custom-compounded blend made at a compounding pharmacy. My high notes came back in 2 weeks! A lot of good things resulted from this, but my libido remained very low. Eventually dr added testosterone pellets, which did help, but had to add estradiole cream to perineal area to stave off erosion, and progesterone pills to balance that. I eventually found that the stalled libido was the result of a double dose of benedryl! But it took a series of O-shots to counteract lichen sclerosus and really make those tissues more responsive. We’ve cut back a bit on the testosterone because it was lowering my singing range, and because I am now 73. I hope to be able to continue the hormone therapy lifelong, along with strength workouts and a little cardio. I just never want to wind up frail and dependent! I want to be forever strong!

[@jamiehoward6906]

Most all of them criticize pellets. Personally they trump all other delivery methods.

[@dinaguarrasi9262]

Thank you so much for this information!! ❤

[@jennifermoffitt7294]

my t is 30 and free t is 4.8.. i thought i was low T (not on TRT- on reg HRT), sadly husband has normal T but almost same amount of free t as i have and he's 50.

[@jenniewilliams1668]

What do we do for working women - for women who are not wealthy? My concern is the cost of treatment for women - I'm an RN and being a stalwart sandwich generation person, taking care of the generations before and after takes a toll economically. No way am I able to spend what a man might or to a compounding pharmacy for a non-covered treatment at premium prices. What if we cut an FDA approved patch that might be ordered for a man? 1 month for a man can be $300 to $600 - but if its cut into 10 pieces for 10 months.....? Agree, men are having sex with women who still want to have sex - that's not a lot of women after menopause.

[@AnchorMoments]

Hi Jennie! My doctor prescribed a box of 30 one percent testosterone packets. That is a 30 day supply for a man and costs $100 at my local Costco pharmacy. I am to use one tenth of a packet a day. That box will last me 300 days! My cost is only 33 cents a day! I made a short video this week on my channel of how I divide my packet evenly by using an oral 5 ml syringe and putting one half a ml in a daily pill pack container. I use a pill pack plastic container with 14 compartments...7 am and 7 pm. So far, that is working well for me and is very affordable. To be sure tge gel stays moist, I also put the pill pack in a big zip lock bag.

[@AnchorMoments]

I just use 10 compartments of the 14 compartment pill pack.

[@miaash3870]

THANK YOU

[@eleonorarigovic7551]

Dear Dr Susan you are wonderful. I am in Australia and its extremely hard to find someone who knows what theyre doing In regards to tbese hormones. I am 65 and have been on 1 pump of oestrogel for about 2 yrs which gives me a level of 250 to 300 oestrodial. I dont have uterus so dont need prog. I seem not to do well on prog.I have been not bad until recently. My😊 free testosterone is now zero and free test was always around 5 which was probably still low and that is why i was never fantastic. Now for a month i have been having headaches and bp goes up then down. Have had bp monitor and many tests and all normal. I feel totally stuffed exhausted and not being able to sleep etc etc.i have found someone who has prescribed .25% (2.5mg/mL.)mL apply half mlonce daily. Should my free test be around 10 or so as before when it was 5 i still was not quite right. I wish you were here in australia. Thanku so much

[@eleonorarigovic7551]

Forgot to add i always feel stressed and anxious and also often have nausea. Thanks again

[@drsusan]

Can't comment on your personal labs but wish you could come visit us in Houston !

[@eleonorarigovic7551]

Is it true though that if u don't have a uterus u may not need progesterone. Also if testosterone pushes oestrodial levels up then can one come of oestrogen. Just generally speaking of course. Thanku

[@cathyjennings5580]

Thanks SO MUCH for your knowledge and time for Us!!! We NEED BALANCED HORMONES. BALANCED EMOTIONAL STABILITY TO BE GOOD MANAGERS & TEACHERS !!! WE NEED TO BE & FEEL STRONG PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY STRONG TO LIVE WELL & LIVE HEALTHY EVERY DAY!!!!! 😊😊😊😊😊🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩👍👍👍👍👍

[@drsusan]

If you have high testosterone and you're not taking any, you need to be evaluated to make sure that you're not producing it somewhere that you shouldn't because progesterone does not convert into testosterone, so please have your physician check that out

[@cindywhittaker3003]

What is the level of Testosterone when we were 30? Because I was in fantastic shape physically, mentally at that age😢

[@drsusan]

Big range ! 30-80 or so ... we feel best generally in that range ! (Less than 100)

[@jamiehoward6906]

Took Addy. Does absolutely nothing! Like it could have been a sugar pill. Three months and not one thing. The biggest nothing burger.

[@eleonorarigovic7551]

If one doesnt have a uterus does one still need progesterone. I dont seem to tolerate even cream progesterone. Thanku so much

[@bbqutie17]

The answer is no! And that came from a Menopausal Specialist.

[@drsusan]

I think it's a bit more complex than the answer above - we don't need progesterone to protect us from uterine cancer, but progesterone has numerous other benefits, including helping with sleep, anxiety, moods, hair skin, and nails, so many of my patients take progesterone, even though they do not need the uterine cancer prevention

[@jamiehoward6906]

Also in what form is progesterone optimal? Oral bio identical progesterone 200 mg made me feel more anxious and depressed taken statically and cyclically.

[@deborahc7113]

my Tot T was 255, was gettn 60mg inj biweekly, now dropped to 40mg, hope that is lower enough. i do have hair belly, enlarged clit, hair loss, since havn 40mg injs only for a month now, hair is still on belly...omg will that go away?

[@sunnievictoria9917]

You dose is WAYYYY TOOO HIGH!!!

[@drsusan]

I'm sorry you had these side effects. Yes, your level was way too high but they will slowly go away with time.

[@deborahc7113]

wierd now been gettn 40mg T inj, had labs done day after, level was 450..y still spikn soo high

[@laurenb916]

Clit growth, voice deepening and hair loss is permanent! The excessive body hair growth will go away if you get your total test levels below 80. you are on way too much. You should switch to a low-dose cream and start off at .5 mg per day. Tester levels every six weeks and then go up as needed. You are on a dose that is a transitioning dose.

[@deborahc7113]

@@laurenb916 omg, thank u for your imput 😊

[@barbaratankersley7117]

Hi Dr I use it and i became bald and i got hair on my face and alot on my butt SO I DON'T TAKE IT ANYMORE

[@drsusan]

That is a very good example of how you got way too much! As I mentioned, it's critical not to make testosterone levels too high for women

[@ummtaimann6819]

Hi can I ask you how much were you talking

[@eleonorarigovic7551]

I have started .25% testosterone , half ml a day, a week ago and find my weight going up. Is this normal. Hope it stabilizes. I am only on 1 pump of oestrogel a day as well, which i have been on for a couple of yrs. Thanku so much for the support you are giving us women

[@drsusan]

I don't like testosterone cream or gel, because the absorption is extremely variable. You might get very high levels for a few hours, and very low levels for a few hours, so there's no way to know without drawing blood and my guess is it would be all over the place

[@sheryl3268]

​@@drsusan So if not cream or gel, then what-- troche or pellet or...? I thought more side effects with oral testosterone, and that troche is still oral, was I mistaken? I am about to start testosterone and am testing the mediums used for topical (gel, cream) from my local compounding pharmacy (I have a lot of topical allergies). I also thought the pellets where not low enough dosage. What dose do you use?

[@jdakrotz]

So, will general physicians prescribe a testosterone patch 🤔? How do we ask for that?

[@MsQ275]

you need to interview your health care provider.... if they are with a larger medical group, it's very doubtful that they will prescribe try bc "it's not FDA approved for women". I searched on the NAMS site and had to speak with 5-6 offices before finding a TRT prescriber and I get mine from the highest ranked compound pharmacy in the country (Belmar). good luck!

[@drsusan]

We don't have a testosterone patch for a women, so if you listen to the video it explains the ways that are available for women- and you can find a doctor well versed in hormone replacement on the Internet!

[@kidges3132]

Ugh 😩 my level is only 21 and my provider doesn’t feel like I need the testosterone

[@marielaperriere]

Mine was 21 too and my obgyn said I was fine. So I found an obgyn who’s also a hormone specialist. After 4 months, topical Gels only got me to 33 so I went ahead and tried the pellet. Now I’m at 150 and I feel like I’m alive again.

[@kidges3132]

@@marielaperriere I need to look into the pellets

[@christinekeenan1560]

What form of T do you take?

[@3hotspuds]

She said pellets

[@deborahc7113]

does est pill increase estrone levels? is that not good? since u dont prefer estradiol pill, what about cream or patch? i dont absorb those for some reason...any fedback on this?

[@sunnievictoria9917]

yes it does

[@sunnievictoria9917]

try pellets

[@drsusan]

I can't comment on you specifically, but would love to see you in Houston. We can always find a way to safely get it into your system, and I agree with the above pellets may be a good approach for you.

[@deborahc7113]

@@drsusan ty, your the Best 😊

[@deborahc7113]

@@sunnievictoria9917 ty