Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Male to female transsexual talk (MTF) => Topic started by: CosmicJoke on September 18, 2015, 06:50:35 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Supplementing low testosterone?
Post by: CosmicJoke on September 18, 2015, 06:50:35 PM
Post by: CosmicJoke on September 18, 2015, 06:50:35 PM
Hi everyone. According to my PA who prescribes me estradiol, my testosterone is very low. Though, my estrogen is actually very high and perfectly where it should be for a 23 year old female.
I had a bilateral orchiectomy done almost a full 2 years ago. My testosterone was higher than the 20-80 ng/dl range before having the testes removed, and it was also difficult to decrease it with the spironolactone and the estradiol alone.
Though, after the orchiectomy my testosterone went down to only 23 ng/dl, and then progressively decreased.
I remember thinking years ago before even starting HRT that an extremely low testosterone count would be a dream, but it hasn't changed me as an individual.
I feel tired and just an overall lack of zest lately. I have been having these kinds of "cravings" for something that would give me a bit of a boost. Most of the time I just want to sleep/relax. Though too much of it doesn't feel good either.
My libido has also significantly decreased, though I am pre op and not currently sexually active.
My PA told me she could give me something called androgel, which is delivers a small amount of testosterone into the body, but only enough to be within the female range.
I am a bit apprehensive around the subject of testosterine, but she assured me that it would not be anything like where my levels were before the orchiectomy.
Supplementing testosterone is much more expensive than estradiol pills, but we just agreed that I would let it go for now since it isn't a dire need. I would consider it sometime in the near future though. She recommended a multivitamin with iron in it in the meantime.
My question is if any of you other transwomen have had experiences with very low testosterone and saw benefits in supplementing? I am not entirely sure how much of my fatigue has to do with outside factors/stressors or the testosterone level itself.
I had a bilateral orchiectomy done almost a full 2 years ago. My testosterone was higher than the 20-80 ng/dl range before having the testes removed, and it was also difficult to decrease it with the spironolactone and the estradiol alone.
Though, after the orchiectomy my testosterone went down to only 23 ng/dl, and then progressively decreased.
I remember thinking years ago before even starting HRT that an extremely low testosterone count would be a dream, but it hasn't changed me as an individual.
I feel tired and just an overall lack of zest lately. I have been having these kinds of "cravings" for something that would give me a bit of a boost. Most of the time I just want to sleep/relax. Though too much of it doesn't feel good either.
My libido has also significantly decreased, though I am pre op and not currently sexually active.
My PA told me she could give me something called androgel, which is delivers a small amount of testosterone into the body, but only enough to be within the female range.
I am a bit apprehensive around the subject of testosterine, but she assured me that it would not be anything like where my levels were before the orchiectomy.
Supplementing testosterone is much more expensive than estradiol pills, but we just agreed that I would let it go for now since it isn't a dire need. I would consider it sometime in the near future though. She recommended a multivitamin with iron in it in the meantime.
My question is if any of you other transwomen have had experiences with very low testosterone and saw benefits in supplementing? I am not entirely sure how much of my fatigue has to do with outside factors/stressors or the testosterone level itself.
Title: Re: Supplementing low testosterone?
Post by: kelly_aus on September 18, 2015, 07:08:38 PM
Post by: kelly_aus on September 18, 2015, 07:08:38 PM
Low testosterone can be a problem and some of the signs are exactly what you describe - particularly the lack of energy. I'd suggest following your PA's suggestion. You don't need your T level much above the lower level for a woman, that should do the trick.
Even without an orchi, mine has gotten quite low at times and my doctor and I have discussed adding some to my hormone mix, but I'm able to stop taking my cypro for short periods to get the level back up.
Even without an orchi, mine has gotten quite low at times and my doctor and I have discussed adding some to my hormone mix, but I'm able to stop taking my cypro for short periods to get the level back up.
Title: Re: Supplementing low testosterone?
Post by: Jill F on September 18, 2015, 07:14:12 PM
Post by: Jill F on September 18, 2015, 07:14:12 PM
I had an orchi as well, and I honestly don't know what my T levels are now, but I've never felt better in my life. I take a 12 day progesterone cycle every month though. Maybe this is worth a try?
Title: Re: Supplementing low testosterone?
Post by: mfox on September 19, 2015, 02:04:28 AM
Post by: mfox on September 19, 2015, 02:04:28 AM
My endo also said the androgel is good to use for those of us on Prostap, which flattens the testosterone completely. He said a small dab between the shoulder blades each day will raise T to female levels, and that libido is hugely dependant on T.
Title: Re: Supplementing low testosterone?
Post by: suzifrommd on September 19, 2015, 05:00:45 AM
Post by: suzifrommd on September 19, 2015, 05:00:45 AM
I've been frustrated at not being able to climax after my surgery. We looked into low T as possible the reason. The doctor refused to prescribe it because of my history of prostate enlargement. (I think that's ridiculous. When I had T in the male levels, no one would tell me T was harmful - it's only now that that I don't produce it that people are telling me I can't have it.) My next step will probably be doctor shopping to try to find one who will agree to let me have it.