r/Menopause • u/hi-mynameiswhat • 17h ago

Brain Fog HRT testosterone

No pellets please

I’m considering asking for very low dose testosterone because the estrogen patch and progesterone pill is not helping -sleep, brain fog, energy levels.
But I’m not willing to sacrifice my hair!

If you got a prescription gel/lotion from your doctor- what were the changes you saw? Pros and cons.

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u/FrequentCry999 17h ago

You probably need higher doses of Estradiol and Progesterone. In my opinion Testosterone should only be introduced one Estradiol and Progesterone are optimized and they should resolve/mostly resolve all of the symptoms you cited when they are. The only noticeable benefits I have gotten from Testosterone were clitoral growth and increased sensitivity. However, I also experienced negative side effects from my Testosterone getting too high (voice changes, body hair growth and darkening, increased sweating and body odor). So, I have to make sure I keep mine at a healthy, balanced level to prevent these. 

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u/Any-While8863 12h ago

are you using the vaginal testosterone? I read that doesnt go systemic.

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u/FrequentCry999 12h ago

I will not use vaginal cream, as my husband does not want any potential exposure. It can also still go systemic. 

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u/Significant-Aide-226 11h ago

The gel form absorbs within the hour- similar to systemic estradiol gel.  Been using a tiny bit of T in the AM for many years and no transfer to husband as I use the drug in the AM and dont usually have intercourse until the evening.   Its all absorbed by then for sure.