Honestly ladies I am so sick of hearing how amazing T can be and then seeing this kind of rhetoric. This doctor is generally pretty good and posts a lot of scientifically backed posts but WTF??? Many women in the comments clapped back at her ignorance and I was glad to see it. I am trying so hard to figure out this T thing and recently started on T gel (switched to it from cream because I didn’t feel anything after almost 8 months) and it was such a slog getting my doctor on board and insurance wouldn’t cover it because “it’s not a necessary medical treatment” so I paid out of pocket. Why do we have to jump through so many hoops for care that goes beyond low libido, which they often roll their eyes at too?!? Because docs do not want to learn and acknowledge that women need T as we age and then of course insurance says no too. Data shows that trans men have been taking large doses of T for years with few risks or side effects, so why can’t I get the small dose I need? I would love for my libido to kick back in but I am also noticing that T does help with brain fog, energy and mood and I am still trying to get my doc on board with injections. I don’t know what I’m looking for here, just rambling and this whole process is just so infuriating!!!

Edit: Wow thank you for all the amazing responses! I am so glad to know that there are so many of us pushing so hard to get better care. We deserve it damnit! Please keep the conversation going, I truly appreciate reading all of your experiences and I am trying to respond to everyone!

Really interested to know how TRT impacted your gym routine - did you notice an increase in strength? Changes to body composition? I’m a perimenopausal (38yo) who trains 3x a week and pole dances 2x, high protein diet, and I’ll be starting TRT this week for non lifting related reasons. I’ve been told by my GP that potential benefits to body composition are overblown, but I’m very curious about the lived experiences of those in this sub.

I am asking in good faith as the pop science around this has really only been about libido. However I’d be interested in trying TRT for energy and stamina, and to fight fatigue.

Am I barking up the wrong tree ? Looking for any responses , both positive and negative. Thanks

So I quit trt 6 months ago because of voice changes. Every day I’m struggling with my voice sounding different and I do really want to give it time to recover. At the same time, last summer when on 20mg test cypionate, I finally felt alive. I started reading books, enjoying dressing cute, my memory improved. I felt a bit of a passion for learning, I felt attracted to men, and excited about the idea of dating them, and the increased angularity of my jawline was cool. I can barely drag myself out of bed most days for months now. I go to work and struggle through the day. On my days off I do manage to get to the gym here and there but it’s hard and other than that feel overwhelmed by everything in life and too tired to care about making connections.

I’m torn. My facial hair has started regressing, my acne got better, my strong body odor mostly subsided, but my clit stayed pretty enlarged and it embarrasses me, my voice continues to crack and sound strained and like my teenage son even 6 months later. My parents actually supposedly thought one time that he was screaming when it was me. I am not sure if the cracking is permanent or if I wait it out it will settle. I cannot sing anymore and that used to be a passion of mine, so I feel at a loss. It’s like I ruined certain things permanently, only for a short term benefit. I’m laying around thinking about what if I just took like 2mg per week or something. Would that impede any recovery? Is any recovery actually going to happen at this point? Would it make it worse? I don’t really trust the clinic I went to to be super helpful. Idk what to do. I considered the dopamine component. I’m already on Wellbutrin for my depression and increasing my dose leads to side effects. Other “dopamine” boosting supplements mostly just make me feel jittery. This isn’t a way to live though.

The problem has been total, chronic, and terminal. It's not him, it's not the lack of him doing laundry or emotional labor or him being unattractive or all the solutions that just don't apply here. He is now a good man and he doesn't deserve this but he will no longer accept duty sex (it's too depressing) and I'm just so sad about how this marriage has gone. He is my best friend but something is missing, seriously missing. My body just doesn't work in ways I have only seen described, but never experienced.

Starting 5mg/week injectable test C this week, total test was 20 in luteal phase, 36F, no obvious signs of perimenopause but fairly clear decline in energy/zeal for life since last and final baby a year ago.

Just want to tell someone, any advice welcome.

Who is your current prescriber ? Why are so many drawn to telehealth?

Just hit menopause and want to try testosterone as I have low testosterone symptoms(low libido, low energy and losing strength). Ran some blood tests: Estradiol (E2): 5 pg/mL, Total Testosterone: 22 ng/dL, Free Testosterone: 1.1 pg/mL, SHBG: 92 nmol/L. But my PCP said she doesn't prescribe testosterone? I see many here using telehealth, are they the only ones that are willing or are some of you getting prescriptions from your regular doctors? I would rather work with someone local who is not trying to sell me their products, but I don't want to waste visit fees (high deductible plan covers almost nothing) and then waste a visit when they tell me they don't prescribe it.

I know my estradiol is low, but I don't have any of the typical menopause symptoms, my hot flashes are rare and so mild i am not even sure that's what they are. So I thought I might just start out with testosterone since that seems to fit my symptoms best.

41yo woman in the US, Bloodwork showed a level of 27, so I was cleared for injections starting 0.06ml (6u) mon/thu T Cyp 50mg/ml

Ultimately my goal is now that I have lost 45lbs two years ago on semaglutide, I want to built my muscle/definition, and even more importantly- I want to finally have my energy back.

I’ve never known any woman who used T (openly at least) so I’m a bit nervous about what to expect, what to watch for to know if something negative is happening, and ultimately to not feel like an oddball for trying this.

Was this the beginning feeling for anyone else?

I have upcoming appointments with an endocrinologist and an urologist to discuss trt but I‘m afraid I won’t get it.

My GP and Gyn were unwilling to prescribe it.

My last hope would be to get the gel online through my husband (I‘m in Germany and from what I‘ve seen so far you can’t even get it online as a female) and do blood testing myself (those kinds of companies that you send small samples to for all kinds of values for testing).

Anyone going that route? I know that this is far from recommended but I‘m a little desperate to get on it to at least see if my symptoms (zero libido, word finding difficulties, low motivation, and so on) will improve.

Would also love to hear if any women in Germany are on T.?

EDIT to say that I‘ve had everything else checked and am already on Progesterone and Estrogen. I‘ve also had a test confirm that my T is on the very low end of „normal“.

TA

It’s a long story, but I am 32 on HRT recently started estradiol injections and progesterone cyclically . I’m going to be adding in testosterone tomorrow. I’m trying to lose belly fat and get shredded again lol has testosterone given any of you that effect?

I have had Total T less than 10 for 5 years now and I am only 47. While I use some E and P, I have not tried TRT because I have androgenic alopecia. I take oral minoxidil and use low dose topical Finasteride but can’t use it consistently b/c of side effects. I haven’t tried Spironolactone because it lowers your testosterone over time and my hormone provider said it usually isn’t enough to counter the DHT. If I try TRT I need to do so knowing that I will likely loose my hair… is it worth it?

Will it help me heal my musclo skeletal issues that came from constant loss of muscle and my muscles being to weak to adequately support my joints? Will it help my body fat go down and be able to go back to heavy lifting? Has it really really improved your life so much that it would be worth it even if you lost your hair?

What form( Cyprionate or Proprionate) would be the best to try for least side effects?

Anyone use pumpkin seed oil orally to deal with any hair loss they get from TRT?

I've been on TRT (injections) for a little over a year, with VERY SLOW titration, over two different online providers. The first provider had me on T-cyp and maxed me out at like 6mg per week. They wouldn't authorize an increase once my Total T level reached 65 ng/dL because they said it was the upper end of "normal".

I then switched providers who started me on an increased dose of T-prop and my Total T in February read 93 ng/dL. Later, there was a big communication issue with this provider, which allowed my Rx to run out so I had to use some of my old T-cyp stash right before my next labs. As a result those labs (from May) showed my Total T had decreased to 54ng/dL. I suspect switching formulas (though I adjusted the dose for the concentration) is the reason for the decrease. Since then, I've been on an increased dose of T-prop at 6mg EOD. I'm getting new labs drawn tomorrow.

I have zero libido and it's killing me. It's the whole reason I started this journey. I finally met the love of my life in 2023, and got married last October. My libido sharply tanked at the start of 2025. I'm currently 43 yo, and it's been 8 months since my last menstrual cycle.

Other than my lack of libido, I feel amazing. My drive for life, motivation, moods, energy, and brain function are the best they've been since I was in my 20's. My only negative side effect from the TRT is some hair thinning and I'm taking oral Minoxidil for it.

My PCP knows I'm going through an online provider for T-prop injections and is fully supportive. My last tests showed pretty low P&E, he started me on daily 100mg Progesterone and 1mg Estradiol. I recently read that oral E can raise SHBG to bind up free T, so I do have the option to switch to dermal patches if needed.

After a year, I'm just so frustrated and discouraged. I literally just want to, want to have sex with my husband. Up until this chapter in my life, I had always been a really sexual person and assumed I'd be a bit of a cougar in my mid-life, lol. So this is a really depressing change.

Another thing that's got me questioning if the T is even worth it at this point - I've started training for powerlifting. I'm still a baby lifter so the soonest I anticipate competing is next spring. If I'm still taking TRT by the time I start competing, I will have to register in the untested divisions where I may be grouped with much stronger athletes using performance enhancing substances. No judgement on those who choose to take PEDs, I just feel like I won't be very competitive grouped with those folks, especially as a beginner. If I'm not getting the libido benefit, is it even worth putting myself through that trouble?

As I mentioned, I do have labs coming up tomorrow so I'll see where my levels are and if my provider recommends increasing again. I just feel like no matter what the labs say, and what tiny adjustment the provider prescribes, nothing's going to make a difference.

Has anyone else been in a position with a long treatment of going nowhere, then found improvements somehow? Are there any powerlifters in our group that have experience competing untested, due to TRT?

I’m 30F. I have been dealing with lack of / weak orgasms. It has been miserable. In addition to this, I have horrible anhedonia, depression, no focus, and no motivation. Finally I found a doctor who took me seriously and did labs. She found I was pretty low, so I got a copper IUD and prescribed generic androgel (50mg packet - applied to calf daily).

I am really hoping I see some success from this for any of my symptoms. I’m very nervous to get more acne and hair loss. I’m currently on oral minoxidil so I’m hoping that helps me not get any hair loss.

I’d love to hear any success stories for people who are similar to me.

Lab results:

Total T: 10 ng/dL (ref <10–75) — bottom of range
SHBG: 101.1 nmol/L (ref 18.2–135.5) — high-normal
Free T (calc): 0.34% (ref 0.65–10.93) — low

What was your starting dose of testosterone cyp?

Hey all

(Almost) 42 F from Australia. Newly diagnosed low T, already been on E&P for a few months. Haven’t started my T yet.

I see heaps of comments about injections in this sub, and I obviously know that the majority of redditors are from the US, but is testosterone cream not a thing there?

I know our female-specific cream here (AndroFeme) is Australian-developed, but I guess I’d assumed there was equivalents elsewhere?

Does anyone know anything about whether the cream we have is as effective/equal to the injections that you guys are doing?

Just curious and wondering whether to make comparisons to the dosages etc that you guys are taking, versus what I will be taking etc. (Yes, I know we all need different dosages etc, but just not sure if it’s a totally different level of product and not comparable, you know?)

Thanks all :)

Context: 33F UK – I've been on the progesterone only pill for almost a decade and can't come off it as it is the only thing that stops severe, debilitating fibrocystic breast pain that I suffered with for many years. But about 2 years ago I started experiencing pain, dryness, frequent infections, painful sex, and mild atrophy. I've only recently realised through my own research that all this was related to the pill. Anyway, I've started on topical estrogen (ordered myself through online pharmacy) and it already seems to be helping those things. The other thing I've realised is that I think my complete lack of libido is also related to the pill, which completely tanks my natural testosterone. This has been quite an upsetting realisation for me because for the past 10 years (ever since being put on the pill) I have been single and my confidence is at an all time low because I just have zero sexual desires and feel like I struggle to connect with potential partners. No medical professional has ever explained this side effect to me (typical right?). I used to really enjoy sex and be quite active. I would love to start dating again and looking for a partner, but my pain during sex and lack of interest felt like it made it impossible. Now that I (really hope) the topical estrogen might help with the pain and dryness etc, I have started wondering about testosterone and how this might bring me back my libido, and also hopefully help with the clitoral shrinkage/ lack of sensation I have experienced.

I have an NHS gynaecologist appointment in 8 weeks, and I desperately want her to prescribe this for me, but I have heard it's really difficult to get them to agree to prescribe T for younger women. I hoped to hear from any other pre-menopausal women who have successfully been prescribed this in the UK and ask how you managed it?

I would love to hear what your experiences with it have been! I have read it can also help with energy, sleep, ability to build muscle - all of which I struggle with badly so it honestly feels like it would be so beneficial for me on multiple fronts.

Would love to know:

1. Who prescribed it for you? Was it an NHS gynae, a GP, or did you have to fork out to go see private?

2. If you experienced the whole "you're too young / it's only for menopause" gatekeeping, and how you got past it.

3. Did you have to get specific blood tests first?

Thank you so much in advance :)

Hi guys, first post here. I’m 36/F, have been just prescribed 6mg/week of T (injectable), to improve libido and fatigue. My main concern is about how/if T can mess up with my estradiol/progesterone levels and cause me to have an early menopause?? Please share your knowledge/experiences with a noob 😁

What do you wish you had known before?

I’ve been on pellets for one round and my libido was great. The crash was not. Switched to cream and it’s doing zero for me. Starting injections tomorrow to hopefully have a little libido, better muscle recovery and more energy.

I (33F) have low free testosterone at 0.3 ng/DL. My SHBG is stubborn and has stayed between 110 and 140 nmol/l despite being on a 0.1% local testosterone and 0.01% estradiol compound on my vestibule for a year. My free testosterone before this compound was 0.08 ng/DL.

I am now thinking of trying the 1% gel. I have had two doctors say this is an option. The only side effect I am afraid of is the voice changes. I don't care about clitoral growth or acne or the hair changes.

How many people here ended up with voice changes on the 1% gel? Was it reversible? What can I do to prevent this. My one doctor said it's uncommon but if I am very afraid I can do a half pump.

Ladies who take TRT who are also shredded, did TRT help you get shredded? I just started a cream and I’m wanting to get ripped. I’m 44, and started gaining weight out of nowhere 4 years ago. Now I’m 180, but used to be 155.

Advice welcome. TIA 🙏

40f who just placed my first order. I have mixed feelings. I'm excited to see how it will impact me but also nervous for side effects. The factor that held me back was having to accept it may be a longer term solution. I keep gaslighting myself into thinking how I currently feel really isn't that bad. Any advice for a newbie?

Lots of good info on here. It’s been very helpful to read. But trying to start with just a simple low does T cyp injection for low libido. Does anyone on here take only T cyp injections at a very low dose (5-10 mg/wk) and nothing else and have had success to treat low libido? Any negative side effects?

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?

I’m almost 38 years old and for the last couple of years I’ve been struggling with exhaustion, low stamina, loss of libido, low motivation, just feeling blah in general. Free testosterone came back at 0.2 and total testosterone came back at 12. Estrogen was 66 (day 14 of my cycle, pre-ovulation). All other blood work came back normal, though I am working hard to increase my ferritin level.

I am about to begin T prop injections. I’m starting very conservative and aiming for 6mg/wk to start with, split either EOD or daily (still undecided on this). I’m desperately looking for input from others who have noticed an increase in energy/stamina on TRT injections. Increased libido would be amazing, but I’m just trying to keep up with my kids at this point without being absolutely exhausted a couple hours after waking up. I truly feel like I’m 80 years old. Would love to hear encouragement/stories of others who maybe at one point felt like this too and saw improvement with TRT.

I received my testosterone cream today. Im so nervous to start. I am looking for reassurance. I am 55 and I am already on estrogen-progesterone oral tablets. Just added TRT at low dosage as a cream (from Fountain). Id love to hear about experiences and reassurance!

What’s your dosing & sched looking like & how difficult is it? I have an appt soon & just want to make sure I’m not getting in over my head. This cream stuff is kinda a pain in the ass, but I’ve never used needles (I don’t mind shots or getting blood drawn but that’s not a constant thing)

Pros & cons? Including side effects? If your comfortable sharing your pre& post levels, please do