Requesting some general feedback/poll on testosterone and T-levels

[SarahGemini]

Hello Friends,

I am a 10 year post-op transwoman and I have struggled with my lack of testosterone for a number of years.  When I first transitioned I was taking Estratest (a combination oral product containing estradiol and methyltestosterone).  This was withdrawn from the market a number of years ago - not for safety but because it had never been approved by FDA as a combination drug. 

I personally felt very well on this drug - the right level of E and a small amount of T to offset the close to zero my body was producing post-surgery.  I felt well, had some libido and was able to train and maintain some semblance of small muscles. 

Since then when the drug was withdrawn I had no libido for years.  Recently I was able to get a prescription and compounded topical estrogen/testosterone product and some of my libido has come back but I still don't feel anywhere near the "normal" I did with the old oral product from Solvay.   

I wanted to ask a general poll/question (and mods, please feel free to either move of copy this to a forum most suited for this question) of all transwoman out there to ask if you believe low/zero testosterone is an issue of problem for you?  If so would you consider taking a drug such as a combo estrogen/low dose testosterone product if it were actually fully tested and approved by FDA. 

I sincerely believe the very low/non-existent T levels post-op transwoman endure is problematic and has long term issues physically and mentally (and sexually).  I would like to here from others and am looking into ways to possibly bring such a product back to the market, but that would need some feedback and input from other to help understand if this is a signficaint problem or something others face.   I don't know of other sites where I could poll and get important feedback but if there are please let me know as I would like to help our community and maybe bring back a safe and effective drug for our population.

Thank you and Happy New Year

[Jacqueline]

Welcome to the site and happy new year to you as well.

I am too early in my transition to really weigh in on this. However, as a mod, I do plan to shift this to a post op category.

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Once again, welcome to Susan's. Look around, ask questions and join in.

With warmth,

Joanna

[Jenna Marie]

When my T levels were tested post-op, they were about where they were pre-op, which was in the middle of the cis female range. So I do apparently produce an adequate amount of T for a woman; the adrenal glands often contribute some T, and I guess mine are working. I also have no issues with energy, muscles, libido, etc. at this level - but I didn't have any symptoms or problems before I started HRT, either, so I may not be typical. (My T level was below the bottom of the typical male range pre-HRT, though not nearly as low as now.)

[KayXo]

With sufficient amounts of estrogen and some progesterone, my libido is good. I'm post-op since 2005. But, I think that a little more T might still help with reducing my cellulite that seems to get worse as T gets lower and it would provide for higher energy levels and better endurance. Also better weight control, perhaps, especially in the waist area. A little extra T seems to go very far, according to some post-op women. I would much prefer bio-identical testosterone, perhaps taking it as a cream or gel, suppository/pessary or sublingually.

However, I do worry about side-effects such as acne, body hair growth, deepening of voice, re-masculinization.