Bio-Identical HRT and Testosterone Therapy in Women ...

Reading Time: 2 minutes

HRT Kit: Evorel 50, Utrogestan 200 and Testim gel

Ive just taken my first dose of testosterone. Not because I want to change my gender or take up body-building, but because I would like to feel like a normal woman again.

Back in August I wrote about my menopausal journey so far and my experience with synthetic HRT, namely Prempak-C. After two months of persistent weight gain I decided to stop taking Prempak-C and returned to my GP to ask if she could prescribe bio-identical HRT.

Not being a fan of bio-identical HRT, she referred me to the Gynae Endocrine Clinic at Kings College Hospital in South East London. After a two month wait, I finally saw a Consultant Gynaecologist last week.

It wasnt a moment too soon as I was feeling pretty frazzled. The calming effects of having a little oestrogen in my body for a couple of months had worn off and I was back to having hot flushes, night sweats and getting either extremely stressed or irritable over the slightest thing. The other menopausal symptoms that hadnt been helped by Prempak-C were still persisting, so I was not a happy camper.

I was pretty tense before the appointment, afraid that I would be prescribed synthetic HRT again and have to argue the case for bio-identical HRT, but my worries proved to be unfounded. From the friendly nurse, who took a detailed medical history, to the calm and reassuring Consultant, my experience at the clinic was extremely positive.

Five minutes into my consultation the Consultant diagnosed Premature Ovarian Failure. Suddenly it all made sense. Years ago, in my early thirties, I was diagnosed with premature menopause, but later that diagnosis was changed to PMT with depression. All these years that Ive been feeling half the woman Im meant to be are not because of something in my head, its because of my poor shrivelling ovaries.

Without prompting, the Consultant prescribed bio-identical HRT in the form of Oestrogen (Evorel 50 patches), Progesterone (Utrogestan 200 mg) and Testosterone (Intrinsa Patches). Fantastic! And just what I was hoping for.

Now, you may be wondering why I have been prescribed testosterone and why I seem so keen to get my hands on the stuff. When I had my hormone levels checked back in June, my testosterone levels showed up as very low at 0.5 ng/dL. From what Ive been able to ascertain normal levels for women are between 10 and 70 ng/dL, so its no wonder my sense of well-being isnt all it should be.

Testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands of women and plays a crucial role in a womans libido and overall experience of sexual pleasure. Not only that, testosterone is important in improving bone mineral density and the development of lean muscle mass and strength. It also contributes to an overall sense of well-being and energy levels, can improve mood and outlook and increase feelings of confidence and assertiveness.

Go here to see the original:
Bio-Identical HRT and Testosterone Therapy in Women ...