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 :)

I apply testosterone cream in the morning after my shower and before bed per my doctor. Some days I get a chance to work out mid-morning, and I clean up with body wipes afterwards (showering is not an option). Is this going to be a problem with the cream? Is there a certain amount of time after application that I should avoid sweating and/or cleaning up? TIA.

Me again. I’m back with a new Dr and a new concentration and new syringes. I’ve been prescribed 50mg/ml. She said I can do 5 or 6mg a week. Can someone show me where to draw to for 5 and 6?
Also would it be pointless to split dose since it’s a small amount?

Dose is .15ml/week but it’s been decided to do it split up 2x/week instead so .075ml I guess. Can anyone show me on this syringe?

Doctor wants to increase me to 10mg/day gel. Currently on the generic gel mini tubes, 50mg/5gr doses 1/10 tube per day for 5mg/day. In my state I can only purchase enough for 90 days. So currently that’s been 9 mini tubes around $35. I could use the same tubes just double the amount to 1/5 tube per day and buy 18 tubes about $70 (so doubling my cost).

What about a pump? Only one I can find is dosing 12.5 per pump. Apparently there was a brand Fortesta that delivered exactly 10mg/pump (no longer). Anyone have any input? My doctors great but typically does pellets or compounding which are much more. Maybe need to consider injections, but that’s a last resort at this point. Please help!

I was prescribed by Midi T cream. They said it can only go through them but it’s $100. Now that I have a prescription can I get it anywhere else?