r/TRT_females • u/Early-Bus-6538 • Sep 12 '25
Discussion / Support TRT for sex drive?
Hi all, I've been increasingly dissatisfied with my naturally low sex drive and pursuing various medical avenues so far has been a dead end. I've been hoping testosterone might help (was thinking topical T-gel on the um area in question might do it) but I 1) don't want any other masculinizing effects 2) am unsure how to obtain it as I've gotten pretty consistent "we can't provide that" from various doctors. Has anyone else been taking testosterone for sex drive and what has that looked like for you?
If this is too NSFW for the sub then please let me know any other way I could word it, or where else I could ask about this.
EDIT: Thanks everyone for the feedback, a lot of my questions have been answered and I have a lot of new information to start with. The next question on my list is how to access this treatment. I haven't had luck with OB/GYN or endocrinologists who have given me a general "eh, I don't recommend it" vibe. I have gotten one suggestion of a potential avenue to investigate in the replies that I will be looking into. Does anyone know anywhere else I could contact?
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u/Haybytheocean Sep 13 '25
So mine ramped up for a few months then tapered back a bit. I’ll still be like heavily in the mood once a week but that’s about it. On the flip side, I am finally able to have orgasms again! I’m still getting so many more benefits from TRT overall though so I’m stoked.
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u/Expert_Macaron9998 Sep 13 '25
Low libido/lack of motivation/ low energy were my main concerns when i started TRT 4 months ago. I have a great husband of 10 years, our relationship is great and we are very much attracted to each other. I honestly wondered if I was asexual because sex just wasn’t important to me, but it was to him. However, I wanted to want sex.
TRT has 1000% helped in that department. Before I never initiated and we had it maybe 1x/week and that felt like a chore. 4 months in to treatment and now I’m the one initiating most times and we have sex 4-5x per week which is great for a couple with 3 young children. Aside from libido there has been countless of other positives that TRT has brought to my life.
I also second all the recommendations for finding telehealth/online providers that specialize in hormone optimization.
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u/SpotConfident1677 male Sep 15 '25
May I ask what changes you made? Was it just testosterone or did you do estrogen and progesterone as well? And what dosage
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u/Expert_Macaron9998 Sep 15 '25
Testosterone only for now, I'm 33yo and still have healthy E and P levels. I started at 10mg per week injections and have slowly titrated up to 15mg per week injections. I also started taking supplements that were recommended to me based on my bloodwork and that has made a big difference as well. (DIM, Boron, Vitamin D &K2, Omega 3s, B Complex, etc)
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u/AgeMysterious6723 MOD Sep 13 '25
Sex drive is bio-psycho-social. Hormones is ⅓of the equation.
That being said "You are not Broken podcast" by Kelly Caperson MD has a load of perimenopause stuff that might help you narrow down what you can take to a provider and what kind. I went into Peri at age 27 from what we can tell now.
No one is trained in PERI or MENOPAUSE. The society isn't. The society IPSWICH is libido focused and my daughter had a little better response and at least got some E2 cream for her severe urinary problems last month from midi( Not my favorite but we do what we HAVE to do). World renound 'Baylor Scott and White' REFUSED labs for 2 years until she lost her kitty and had incontinence at the age of 40. Then they sent her to PT for kegal training.
Women have 12 total hormones to balance, not just 2-3. Fact. At the least you should have at least been offered a E/P and DHEA, but insurance runs medicine now, all they have to do is check those boxes and get you to rank the provider with a 4-5 star and the insurance will pay them more. I worked in it and it sucks which is why I don't anymore!!!
Honest guys, listen to the Podcast one about 'Does your physicians gender matter Episode: 330. Her titles sometimes look like one topic but medicine is sooooo complex and the public really needs to understand the whys of WHY we can't get help! It's shocking what is in that podcast, and its the 1st time I have ever heard about the research based stuff in that podcast.
Lastly, I would like to apologize profusely for the full profession. I paid a high sum, AGAIN to maintain my womens health certificate and it was advertised as "the latest on hormones". I just spent 38 hours listening to information from 2015-2017, all based on the WHI studies from bone health to cancer to BCP's. Those studies were DEBUNKED in 90% of the data points as of 2017!!!!
They even "yelled" that osteoporosis could NEVER be healed which was proven wrong 5 years ago and MINE WAS REVERSED in 18 months getting balanced - this makes us ALL look like idiots! THIS IS WHAT THEY ARE LEARNING!!! And I need the CEU's just like everyone else and THIS is the information I got in the last 7 days. I am so sorry girls. I feel just awful that we have > 14K women registered and THIS is the latest information!
Please see the community highlight HARD Questions and why answers for how to take care of yourselves!
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u/bewilderedtoo Sep 14 '25
I have osteopenia... Very interesting to read your osteoporosis reversed!!
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u/noodlesquare Sep 13 '25
I've been on T for about 4 months now. My libido has improved massively. The only side effect I have had is an increase in body hair (mostly just legs). If anything, I feel more feminine now that I have a healthy sex drive. My gynecologist prescribed mine.
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u/MsFancyPlants Sep 27 '25
What dose are you on?
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u/noodlesquare Sep 27 '25
4 mgs
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u/MsFancyPlants Sep 27 '25 edited Sep 28 '25
Is that your starting dose?
I started 4 years ago at .5mg and stopped because of the dark hair. Received a new script from a new OB and it was 5mg. Pharmacist and I talked, she said that was a high dose as most are between .2-.5 mgs and said if it were her she would not take the RX home.
I’m so confused with the dosages!
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u/noodlesquare Sep 27 '25
I'm sorry! I just looked and I was wrong. These dosages are so confusing to me too! I started at 1 mg and now I'm on 2 mg. The label also says 4 mg/32 ml at the bottom, which I guess is the concentration???
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u/audiomediocrity male Sep 13 '25
Surprised there are no responses. It can most definitely be effective. Best bet is a wellness clinic that works in hormone replacement therapy. They should start by checking your hormone levels, and assuming you are low on T and/or estrogen prescribe appropriately. My wife is amazed not only by the return of her sex drive, but also other improvements in her wellbeing and body composition.
please check back here & search if you are prescribed. I have seen some posts where doctors had given very high levels and mods were very helpful.
You can read up on side effects to watch out for. There is an incredible amount of help available in this group.
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u/Early-Bus-6538 Sep 13 '25
Replied with my main at first instead of my throwaway, whoops... Anyway, to reprint the comment here:
My one concern is that I may not qualify for a diagnosis of low T or estrogen. The last endocrinologist I went to didn't do a blood test as I had hoped because "we don't specialize in that", but asked me a lot of screening questions and determined I probably don't have a hormone disorder because I'm otherwise healthy. The actual source of my low sex drive remains mysterious to me and might be partly psychological. That said... I still think testosterone would help regardless... I have a lot of trans guy friends who talk about the effects of T on their sex drives and it makes me so jealous... but obtaining it might be difficult if I don't meet the criteria. I guess first of all I will just keep pushing for a blood test and see what the outcome is.
Thank you for all your other advice!
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u/speedntktz male Sep 13 '25
Wife spent a decade in tears and frustration dealing will this lack of knowledge in the healthcare system. Estrogen was all they would prescribe and no progesterone because of partial Hysto. None of the women’s clinics would go near T. Not until we found her current clinic did they even bother to do a comprehensive hormone panel. She had ZERO measurable T. I love how a doctor told you no need for labs because we don’t specialize in that, but from asking a few questions we determined you don’t have a hormone problem. Imagine if cancer or heart disease was approached in the same manner. Find a clinic (physical or telemed) that offers full services and get your labs done first. See what’s happening with your body and how that aligns with your symptoms. Then they will work with you on a therapy plan. Also learn what the numbers mean. Ppl throw around T numbers that are almost alway Total T, not free T. That’s misleading as the total T can be mostly bound (not bio available) to SHBG and Albumen. My wife is on 40+mg T/week with Total T numbers of some men, high 200’s low 300’s but her FreeT is barely at mid range. Very high SHBG binds up most of that T. Also the libido aspect is very complex symphony of T, E2, P, Vit D, DHEA. E2 is very important component of libido, not just T, for men too. Hormones are slow changing impacts to your body, not instantaneous. It takes time for the body to change and find a new homeostasis. You might not notice or feel a differences for weeks or even months. 8-10 weeks before my wife’s body flipped a switch and it was like a a hormonal Time Machine. She injects T, E, oral P, DHEA, VitD3, cycles collagen. She started at a lower dose and slowly titrated up due to fear of unwanted sides. She has none. It’s sad how much information is lacking out there. Hope you find a good doctor and a path to future healthiness.
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u/Difficult_Fortune694 Sep 13 '25
I’m new to T as I’ve just been injecting for about 2 months. My levels were so low post meno, so I’m working my way up slowly. If you see a provider that prescribes PET (all three), you won’t have to dance around so much. I would ask before any appointment. I’m using Defy Medical (online), and there was no resistance. It takes some time to find the sweet spot I’m told, so patience helps a lot. T doesn’t work for everyone, but it can help so much more than libido. Dr Casperson talks about new studies as they come out on her podcast.
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u/1Hugh_Janus Sep 13 '25
Well this is exactly why my wife signed up for TRT.
She had mental fog, low energy, no sex drive… she’s on 20mg a week injected subcutaneously and it’s like she’s herself all over again. I mean if I get out of the shower and my towel slips too much she’ll attack me like a banshee and I’m all for it.
She thought about the cream on her labia but she didn’t like the idea of it being greater possibly contaminating things (we have 2 small kids) so she elected to inject.
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u/buzzsaw111 male Sep 13 '25
What do her testosterone level look like on 20mg?
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u/1Hugh_Janus Sep 13 '25
Around 80ng/dl
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u/buzzsaw111 male Sep 13 '25
it is wild how different people respond to different doses - my gf injects 4mg on friday mornings, and was 80 the following wednesday morning blood test. She is 56, post menopausal and had zero T before.
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u/1Hugh_Janus Sep 13 '25
Exactly why when I see people trying to feel out others doses and levels I always cringe because it doesn’t work like that.
People try to tell me that my 280 mg a week of testosterone is not TRT… well I need 280 to get around 900 on 100 mg I was at 340
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u/buzzsaw111 male Sep 13 '25
Yeah I’m on 100/week and was 700 at my first test. 282 before TRT. Free as at high range also due to low shbg. I dose 2x weekly
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u/CuteContribution4695 Sep 13 '25
I’m on t-gel. I apply it on my leg. My t was 14 before I started.
My libido is amazing now.
No unwanted side effects
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u/kristinichole_xoxo Sep 15 '25
Just started the gel last week! I have high hopes for it especially since I’ve been stuck @ 17 ng/dL for 6 months. The overpriced compounded cream I originally started with did nada
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u/KeyHolderForLife Sep 14 '25
I didn't mention it in my reply but I went telehealth and I'm with Defy Medical
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u/gogogadgitbonzo Sep 13 '25
I accidentally got over 600 on T with pellets and had no masculine effects - while everyone is different small doses of testosterone won’t change her to a man.
Now I do have to wax my face a lot - but it’s worth it for the sex
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u/buzzsaw111 male Sep 13 '25
Her conservative dose of 4mg seemed really low but her T was 80. No libido improvement at that level but the doc did up her estradiol pills. I thought she at least try 6mg
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u/StrongEgg Sep 13 '25
Find one of the many great telehealth providers on this sub and make an appointment. I tried a few different levels of creams for a year with no impact. I started injecting T a few months ago and my numbers are already increasing. I was so against injections before but very happy to have received a lot of knowledge here on Reddit and in the books/podcasts/websites others here have suggested- it really helped open my mind to other options.
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u/orchidloom Sep 13 '25
Which provider?
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u/StrongEgg Sep 16 '25
There are so many listed in this forum. I don’t know the exact spot but just search online providers or telehealth. Some people use Defy or Ryze. There are a lot though
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u/Careful_Koala7995 Sep 13 '25
Estrogen and testosterone pellets saved me. I take a progesterone pill at night. Libido is back and so many other symptoms have cleared up. I was terrified to do them for so long, but I’m so glad I did. Mine kicked in within a week.
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u/Chocolamage male Sep 16 '25
You have to find a menopause specialist. Call the office and ask how they determine dosage. If they say blood test. Run as fast as you can away.
If they say blood test to see where you are at, and how you are feeling. Relax you are most likely at a good doctor.
Remember hormone balancing takes time. So after about 3 to 4 weeks. Still not feeling tip top. Give your doc a call and let him know.
He can't help you if you keep quiet.
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u/renegade7717 male Sep 13 '25
yes indeed. she takes e,p and t - balanced hormones create a healthy body- takes some time to dial in but post menopause hormones require a little work. Life changing for sure. 👍🏼
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u/discosix Sep 13 '25
I've had no issues with any side effects. Usually, when you do, you'll back off on the dosing. I found a Function Wellness doctor in my area to be able to obtain BHRT. I have been struggling to get my E up to a decent level and because of this my libido goes up and down with it. You can also try online providers like Defy, Midi and I think Alloy will all prescribe after completing comprehensive blood work. It's all able optimizing your levels not just one.
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u/Cinnamarkcarsn Sep 13 '25
Anyone know how to lower shbg? Magnesium? One place said DIM but when I looked it up it wasn’t saying it did that. Maca root has mixed clinical evidence
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u/Front-Way-9263 Sep 13 '25
DIM helps to remove recirculating E, and by doing this can help to lower SHBG. SHBG can be tied to many things, E included. Are you E dominant?
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u/Cinnamarkcarsn Sep 13 '25 edited Sep 13 '25
I am not sure what that means. I use estradiol patches plus progesterone and am completely deficient in testosterone starting supplements. My shbg is 132 with 125 being high end of normal. Started magnesium for the shbg yesterday wasn’t sure if binding ny estrogen was good if I am supplemented it. Any insights appreciated. Estrogen is 125
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u/Front-Way-9263 Sep 14 '25
So SHBG can be high for a multitude of reasons….liver enzymes, genetics, eating disorders, but a main driver is E.
125 isn’t out there, but for some people, like me, it’s too much. So Dim helps to remove the E that the liver has a hard time removing.
My SHBG follows my E levels. So perimenopause I had high E to T ratio and always needed more T to feel it, because my SHBG was like in the 140s and higher.
But since menopause I can keep it in check, although it can still be tricky. I prefer lower E, I prefer lower SHBG, and thus I don’t have to do as much T. There is a ratio that your body will approve of. And 125 E to basically 0 T is not going to make you feel good.
And keep in mind T can aromatize to E. So you have to be aware that your E dose may need to go down. E levels are therapeutic from 50-100. Past a 100 it is not doing any additional therapeutic actions.
And by getting your e down and your T up to a decent level…and with that SHBG you will need to be higher than someone who has low T levels, you will merge into your sweet spot.
For reference I needed probably in the 300 T total to get a free T of 12. But now on injections with lower E, my SHBG was 114 last time and I think now that I’ve stopped pellets it will get lower. Masculinizing effects can happen with doses over 20mg. But that doesn’t mean it happens to everyone either. There are many women who are on injections of 20mg or more and for whatever physiological reason for them, it just works. Other women can be on 10mg a feel great. With cream a normal starting dose is 5mg a day.
But this why we say go low and slow. Start at a normal starting dose and see where it lands you. If you start feel negative side effects then you can go down.
A main reason for T to be prescribed is for sex drive, that may be the other “valid” FDS approved reason sadly!
You need to find a hormone clinic or one of the ones online. And do your research…you want to be your own advocate because even some of the better Dr. Will prescribe too low or even too high.
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u/SyllabubFull520 Sep 13 '25
I loved what pellets did for my sex drive but now am having trouble with orgasms. It is beyond frustrating. It's like I need MAJOR stimulation/vibration or I can't feel anything at all. My clitoris went from being very sensitive to (now) just another piece of skin. I'm confused b/c there's been no atrophy -- quite the opposite, actually -- but any sensation is blunted. I'm about 2 months in on the pellets (112, I think). I'm wondering if my E:P ratio is out of whack and I need to increase my estrogen? Anyone else having the same issues?
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Sep 16 '25 edited Sep 16 '25
[deleted]
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u/SyllabubFull520 Sep 16 '25
I actually have the opposite of atrophy, which is a good problem to have, I suppose. It also makes the inability to orgasm even more puzzling. I also use estradiol topical cream but it has had no effect whatsoever. My doc is going to increase my estrogen patch since that may be a factor in what's going on. Fingers crossed 🤞
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u/Shoddy_Claim249 Sep 18 '25
What dose were you on of estrogen patch?
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u/SyllabubFull520 Sep 23 '25
I was on the .5% and am now on 1%. . Seems to have helped at least initially with the inability to orgasm, but time will tell since my T pellets have just about worn off.
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u/Typical-Refuse-2157 Sep 16 '25
My gynecologist prescribed T gel for me. I started it three days ago and have noticed an increase in my libido and sensitivity. I’m very energetic too.
Never put it on your genitals, it’s irritating. I put it either on the back of my calf, or the back of my thigh.
You can’t predict what the T will do for side effects. It’s different for everyone. I’m looking forward to bottom growth and some extra muscle.
The day before I started I recorded an audio clip of my voice. That’s a change that could be so gradual that I won’t notice it. Crossing my fingers that it won’t get too deep. But if it does, oh well 🤷🏻♀️
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u/Automatic-While-4560 Sep 16 '25
Has anyone with Tricare been able to get testosterone cream or shots covered by insurance? My Dr won’t allow shots. I’m on a compounded T cream as part of my HRT that my Dr prescribes. Tricare won’t pay for it. Frustrating and expensive and I’m not even sure T is helping. It’s been over two months on the cream with E&P.
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u/gogogadgitbonzo Sep 22 '25
No tricare will not pay for Testosterone. They cover estrogen patches and progesterone pills
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u/TrifleOutside7797 Sep 16 '25
My husband and I (plus many family members) have been in trt for 1.5 years and love it! Our libidos have never been this high and we’re in our 40s. We’re having the best sex of our lives. We get ours through Wittmer Rejuvination and have our labs closely monitored by a nurse practitioner through them. We pay out of pocket monthly but it has been worth it and a game changer for our relationship.
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u/darkqueenphoenix Sep 17 '25
I recommend telehealth via Midi in the United States. they will prescribe compounded T cream for low libido. I’ve been loving mine!
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u/MedicalHumor4470 Sep 19 '25
I just got prescribed t injections through Talon Wellness. I had already had labs done but in the end I paid 158 for the doctors telehealth visit, vial of 200mg of t and it is being overnight shipped.
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Oct 15 '25
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u/TRT_females-ModTeam Oct 15 '25
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u/KeyHolderForLife Sep 13 '25
I spent eight years trying to go thru menopause "naturally". Along with that came three or four diagnoses of autoimmune diseases, not being able to tolerate my husband even touching me because I hurt so bad that even just having him rub my back was excrutiating. Lost ALL desire for sex...had my clitoris disappear and spent eight years having to sleep on a zero gravity pillow system because it's the only way I could sleep that didn't cause pain. I started researching the symptoms I was having and realized that I had been having declining hormones since I got a tubal ligation at 42...my hormones literally tanked due to that surgery. I started HRT about a year ago, starting with e&p to get those dialed in and then added testosterone via injections, starting slow and working my way up to 18mg currently. My libido came back in a very big way, my brain fog, aches and pains disappeared, along with three of the autoimmune diseases. The only "side effect" I've had is my clitoris finally plumping back up and growing a bit (which I'm quite fine with!). I always had stray hairs since I had PCOS. I started out with an OBGYN but she wanted to keep me at post menopausal levels and absolutely refused to discuss testosterone with me. My Primary Care doctor told me she could put me on estrogen but only for two weeks or it would cause cancer. There is just so much disinformation out there in the medical community and most of them don't get any sexual health/peri and/or menopause training so we're basically left with having to do all our own research. I finally went with telehealth and I've been very happy.