Testosterone Prescribing ' Out of Control'

[Sparklingsunshine]

Another health story caught my eye today. Thought it might be relevant.

theguardian.com/society/art...

[TaraJR]

This was tweeted by Prof Pearce today...

[AKatieD]

No evidence to support is used as a polemic to mean that something should not be done/ used etc. But until there is evidence against it or to support an alternative as better, I don't think it is that useful a position to hold.

Currently no evidence to support is used, for example to prevent the use of T3 with or instead of T4, but we know for some people that is rubbish and there are now some studies to support it.

Empirical evidence seems to be that testosterone can help in a variety of other areas and there are studies in a variety of situations otger than sexual health (heart, bone, cognitive function etc) but not always in women.

If we wait until there is conclusive evidence then we may wait a very long time. Personally, I would rather try something carefully in a controlled way if I seem to be deficient, to see if it helps when there is a suggestion it might. But we are all different in our views and risk tolerances.

[sparkly]

Well I'm living proof that testosterone can change a woman's life.I was gobsmacked how fantastic I responded to testosterone after just 3 weeks. Fatigue, brain fog (sadly no improvement on memory), aches and pains, low mood and just an overall well-being feeling. I finally was able to start exercising which has helped to reverse a lot of issues like fatty liver, blood pressure, high and low cholesterols, and finally very slowly losing weight (1lb a month) but I'm happy with that.

I told my nhs menopause specialist if they ever wanted me for clinical trials or patient input then use me.

I know testosterone doesn't work for everyone but my body seems to love all the hormones thrown at it. I test and stay under reference range.

I do feel I've benefitted a lot more than most women and very quickly too. For me I feel it could be working alongside thyroid hormones. The symptoms it relieved was symptoms I blamed on thyroid. I wonder if testosterone and thyroid hormones help each other.

I'm not worried in the slightest about what the long term effects could be. My motto to any consultant/ specialist/ gp giving me treatment is quality over quantity when you have suffered and been bedridden with no quality of life and it's just dawned on me that it's always been hormones that make me well and high doses of them too.

I just need to get back on an even keel with my t3 now and then move forward.

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to sparkly]

Interestingly I've seen testosterone touted as a treatment for Fibro in middle aged women. I think some papers have said it has a positive effect on fatigue and aches and pains.

[sparkly in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

Yes absolutely. Read and listened to podcasts from ladies labelled with fibro and like magic it disappeared when started on testosterone. Just like t3 can magically rid some folks fibromyalgia symptoms too!