Yes, medical insurance pays for testosterone pellets or shots for men, but nothing but compounded skin cream for women and out of pocket cost. Misogyny. Testosterone is the highest level sex hormone prior to menopause in women. Yet somehow, when women go to low T, it's considered normal!
We have to vote for people who will support women's health rights, including abortion. The GOP will take women further back to the 50s than they already have.
I’m 54. I was on compounded hrt for 2 years and couldn’t figure out why I felt great some months and some months I didn’t. Finally consulted with my gynecologist and she told me that compounding pharmacies can be hit or miss and you never know if they are getting the formula correct from batch to batch. I switched compounding pharmacies and started feeling better. So I went down the journey of trying to figure out how to get it thru a regular pharmacy. My insurance covers estradiol gel and progesterone pills and my Dr successfully got pre-approval for testosterone gel!!! Now I pay $36 for 3 month supply of all 3 hormones versus $245. Keep advocating for yourselves ladies!!
Interesting, i suddenly started to feel bad with difficulties falling asleep and all i did is to get a slightly higher dose of progesterone from compound pharmacy. I feel like my dosage is lower with terrible symptoms of the menopause
To add this is not wanting to be touched. It’s like who did I become and what is wrong with me? Tbh it’s quite depressing when the medical community dismisses us and send us home with anti depressants. I’m sure men aren’t dismissed and I’m truly sick of it! We suffer our relationships suffer and it’s like “ just deal with it it’s a part of life” 🙄🤦🏼♀️
We are so far behind in studies for women and their problems. To look at charts from our own government on the amount of money spent on women's problems or women's health issues the number is so small, especially compared to every other thing they spend money on. Not till the 70s have we just started to get serious about women's health. It still is far lacking tho even in 2024
Hello Dominique it’s so wonderful to see and hear from you. I’m a male and I get 11 pellets every 7 months. The pellets work, I’m over 50 with the ability of a 20 year old. Thanks for sharing and stay beautiful.
I just started hrt 2 months ago after a hysterectomy 8 yrs ago . I have to use a compounding pharmacy which is $195 a mo. Wow it's expensive but I am finally building muscles and feel amazing. Thank you for this video so many of us didn't even know this was possible but I love it ❤
Thank you both Dr Susan Hardwick and Dominique Sachse for talking about this hormone, hrt is normal for men, but now we know women need it too. And, like anything we need to know how much and regulation is important. As a man I love learning about a woman's body, understanding it better and knowing what's good for my woman. Keep doing informative podcasts!
I was declined testosterone with my insurance company even though the Doctor gave me a prescription. I have surgical menopause and it is clear this has impacted me beyond hot flashes and libido. If our bodies produce it and need it, why are we denied? What can I do? How can we protest this? I feel so lost and hopeless. This is life and death and people do not realize how important this is.
Take the prescription to a good compounding pharmacy. Insurance doesn't cover it for women anywhere. I pay around $50 a month for testosterone cream. I use it most days but it isn't a huge thing if I forget for a few days. I definitely have more muscle definition and strength (but very feminine physique), I don't have very much abdominal fat, and my labs are great. You may need to call around and make sure they aren't charging you too much.
I agree with the two previous comments. If it is truly a matter of life and death, how much is your life worth to you? Don’t give the insurance company the power to make the final decision for you. It may mean you have to cut expenses in other areas in order to afford the prescription. Make your health your top priority! You are worth it 💖
My compounding pharmacist was the one who explained the benefits of oral progesterone. Now I’m able to sleep better but I think I need to add testosterone but not sure if I absorb it well through my skin. Is a patch available for testosterone?
@@jenniferdykes50 my levels were decent with the topical cream and I think it’s effective, but I’ve been on the pellets for 1 year now, and I love the pellet. I’ve never heard of a testosterone patch.
Compliments to Dr. Susan for providing this podcast, for her sweet southern demeanor ❤ and besides the incredibly valuable information being provided, but the kindness of spirit that comes through with. Many thanks. 😊
If insurance doesn’t pay for BHRT, then women in menopause should have access to early retirement. It’s wrong to expect women to work for 15 years, when they are not fully functional. Especially when the food supply and environment has been contaminated adding to the challenges of menopause. BHRT is cost prohibitive for most women.
@@goldensun73What you just said is absolutely brilliant. This whole subject area is a major passion for me, given I feel like a whole new person with HRT and without it, I would have gone down a dark path of feeling older than my years, having tons of joint aches, brain fog, low energy, no sex drive, you know, basically going toward death, and all this right when I need to start making money as a widower who needs to stay alive and continue to be productive for myself and for my adult daughter who needs my help. I'm in college again now at the age of almost 59. I'm getting all A's this semester but only after taking HRT! My grade point average is probably higher than it would have been. Actually, I probably wouldn't even have registered for school again if it wasn't for HRT. Anyways, your insight was perfect.I'm going to add it to my list because I really feel like i'm going to be an advocate on this in some way. If there's any issue in the world that I can be passionate about.This is the issue, the number one issue for me.
Also a crime… insurance will not pay for a *baseline bone density test (until after age 60-ish!) for peri and menopausal women. Such an important benchmark entering this phase of life.
Thank you for all the information. The trickiest part I’ve found is finding an affordable dr who is knowledgeable. I’m doing lots of research, trying to get information, but all the dr’s who deal with this are part of wellness clinics. They want either memberships or just a lot of $. It’s very frustrating!
As an option, MIDI is an online practice that accepts some insurances and does virtual visits with a co-pay if they accept your insurance. I only had 2 appointments with them before I found a good local provider. They don’t do pellets, plus I’m in Texas which means testosterone is hard to get (for women), but at least you can get started possibly with insurance, get an estradiol patch, then push for testosterone.
@@ruferaudrey1131I follow her and have read her books; she is not a fan of pellets and is a bit negative on them. I am glad to have found other doctors who do support pellets. I know it’s all a bit of a gamble but I am willing to give it a try in order to get relief l. ❤
I was just prescribed compounded transdermal testosterone by my GYNO after learning my level was too low via blood test. Tackett pharmacy in Hudson Oaks $85 for 3 month supply. I am also taking bioidentical estradiol and progesterone each $15/month and covered by insurance
Please who is your doctor? or the clinic? Do yo mind if you share the info. It is very good price and to find out that the insurance covers it. Very good
Excellent interview. FYI - I have listened to a doctor who is very outspoken and pro hormones for woman - including testosterone, BUT very against Pellets.
Thank you Dominique and Dr. Susan for asking and answering these very important questions regarding testosterone for women. I had a very similar experience with my OB GYN in San Francisco that specializes in HRT. My doctor prescibed estradiol and progesterone but absolutely REFUSED to discuss prescribing testosterone. When I asked specific questions about losing muscle mass and sexual desire she shrugged her shoulders and told me that was just part of being an aging woman. I found a Naturopath on the Biote website in SF that specializes in HRT pellets. Testerone was absolutely the missing 1/3 piece of the puzzle for me. And OMG! OMG! OMG! There is going to an option in CA to get treatment from Dr. Susan's office?? I screamed out loud when Dr. Susan dropped that nugget!
Felt amazing at 1.8 nmol no adverse effects ,libido back, no joint pain, no low mood, body composition much better . Gp informed me it was too high and had to reduce application of gel . Level 1.3 nmol now , I tested as I feel rubbish ! Clinical symptoms should surely be considered rather than just lab values which vary widely across the U.K. In addition would some women possibly have higher normal ranges than others?
I had a similar problem. I switched docs and got a higher dose and my symptoms disappeared pretty much immediately, including the disappearance of my 2 plus weeks of pms extreme breat pain. I'm about to get my blood test with my new doc after 3 months of this new dose and feeling well... I am concerned bcuz my total T levels are always high on T but I never have symptoms of high T. I have ptsd still from my old doc who would cancel my appointments and basically dropped me off T based on blood levels alone. I have read that u should avoid intense exercise 48 hr b4 your bloodwork for T. I used to get up early and bike to jog and then do pilates b4 my blood tests... even biked to the blood test... :/ also, test your SHBG. A high SHBG lowers your free bioavailable T. Your SHBG is probably quite high, mine is and was even b4 T.
I've been on a testosterone cream for 2 years now, and it has not elevated my testosterone to a healthy level.I just got a pellet today, and I'm praying I feel better soon.
Great info. My daughters have encouraged me to opt for HRT. They use Rowe Casa. As an educator I greatly appreciate the discussion that is going on with these podcasts. Thank you so much for taking the time to inform us.
I'm pleased that this is being discussed as my symptoms are indicating low testosterone - however, the actual optimum measurement that's being dicussed was not clarified - 50 to 100 what? PMOL? I'm in Uk and we have different markers i.e. NMOL - so it's super important to gain clarity of your conversation. Appreciate if you could provide. Thank you!
What kind of results? I hear pellets aren't the best vehicle to get it. I had a complete hysterectomy and was on Estriadiol until my doctor thought I was past all the "symptoms". I don't agree.
Great question. Some say titrate til symptoms are gone even if this means going over the highest recommended dose of Estradiol. It’s only the highest recommended because that’s all they have bothered to study, not bc it’s bad to go higher.
This came at the right time I have an appointment this Friday with my Bio Dr I’ currently take estrogen and progesterone I’ve been bleeding off and on it’s frustrating dialing in on what’s the right amount. I’m going to talk to him about adding Testosterone he has mentioned it in the past I turned it down I have muscle pain and weakness I’m hoping the Testosterone will help since I may have to lower the Estradiol dose to prevent bleeding. Im 55 I’m still on the journey of finding the right dose to feel better.
@@drsusan I'm pleased that this is being discussed as my symptoms are indicating low testosterone - however, the actual optimum measurement that was dicussed was not clarified - 50 to 100 what? PMOL? I'm in Uk and we have different markers i.e. NMOL - so it's super important to gain clarity of your conversation. Appreciate if you could provide. Thank you!
Just started Biote a few months ago. My doctor says she monitors my Free Testosterone rather than Total Testosterone. I feel my numbers are very high. What is the range Biote recommends. She says she follows their guidance? Thank you.
My mom is 73 and gets testosterone injections every 3 months. I asked her how she feels on it and she said her aches and pains disappeared and it also gave her a little pep in her step. I recommend it
I needed this. My insurance will cover me to see a Menopause Specialist but she is booked a year in advance. My endocrinologist stopped my HRT when she felt my symptoms were gone, but belly fat and muscle loss are huge life changes for me. I want to pursue this but I've heard Testosterone pellets aren't good. I prefer a cream. I also need my strength and ambition back. It really hit me in the past 5 years, and I'm 65. I used to be a runner but a terrible knee injury in 2014 and cannot run at all. Walking hurts but i don't really want a knee replacement yet. I do want my hormones back. I'm not married but wouldn't mind but lack of libido and belly fat prevent me from pursuing a relationship. I'm attractive other than the huge staple marks down my leg from having plates put in, then having them removed. If I want to see someone before a year, where is the best place to go? Oh, I had a full hysterectomy at 51. I was first put on Premarin then Estriadiol patches.
@latherandlace First, why don't you get the names and phone numbers for all of the gynecologists within reasonable driving distance of you and start calling them all and say you need a new gynecologist and you are post menopause and need a new obgyn for pap smears, breast exams, mammo referrals, and then after that just kind of say and also I need to get on a good bioidentical hormone. Pause, and then see what they say. If they're like, "oh we don't do that" or something, then you scratch that Dr off of your list and move on to the next one, but I would call them all first. See who takes your insurance obviously and then after that, ask them those questions because there are gynecologists out there that will put you on BHRT.. mine does. I know i'm very fortunate that my doctor's educated and she herself is on bioidentical hormones! Also, my Doctor is getting older, so I've been thinking about what I am going to do once she retires. I googled hormone specialist near me, hormone therapy, things like that, and there's a place a town away where they treat not only women but they also treat men. So I guess I'd have to go there, unless I can find another gynecologist who knows about the most recent study, that there's nothing to fear, BHRT is safe, etc., and they're willing to prescribe it to me. And, of course, I could tell them I have already been on the estradiol patch and a progesterone pill and testosterone cream for 5 plus years, for example, and, I could teach my Dr.! I don't know if my insurance will cover that down the road if I end up having to do that but if not, I'll just have to keep working a job so I afford it.
@latherandlace, I don’t understand why your endocrinologist would take you off HRT when you we’re doing well. That’s counterintuitive. I’ve been on HRT pellets (estradiol and testosterone) for years. And I’ll be on HRT forever! I also take bio identical progesterone capsules.
I would love to hear about SHGB and HRT , particularly when someone is taking thyroid replacement which raises SHGB. Does testosterone replacement lower SHGB?
I take natural thyroid hormones. My SHBG is very high. So, my total T reads high and doesn't match my symptoms. Its a challenge with docs that are married to total T and labs only.
Adding testosterone pellets normalized my thyroid blood work levels and eliminated symptoms of tiredness, feeling cold. I still take my thyroid hormone medication, but i probably should have been on a higher dose of it - now it’s not needed and blood work shows it too.
Great informational video on HRT for women! So very thankful for physicians focusing on women's hormone replacement! One big question for me is do you see a big flucuation with the patch vs the oral estradiol?
I just found out I’m anemic from heavy periods and my testosterone is low. I’m going to try testosterone cream. Are you on any forms of testosterone? And if you are what form? Did it help alleviate your heavy periods?
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now I have to find a way to AFFORD this treatment and pave a way for my 3 young women so we don't have to suffer, scramble or break the bank Warmest regards Jennie
I'm 58 and suffering. My doctor retired and with the shortage of doctors in Canada I'm left without a doctor. I'm post menopausal and have developed so many health issues. Can you direct me to who I can reach out to so that I can the help I need?
My new Dr. wants to put me on the pellets after getting my bone scan and breast ultrasound, but I like to do my own research before putting anything in my body. Ive seen very mixed reviews on the pellets. Some say it's the best thing they've ever done , the other half say it was horrible. They're hair fell out on their head ,while they grew hair all over their body. They also said it made them gain lots of weight and made them angry and couldn't sleep. It seems 50/50 on the pellets. So I'm very torn on getting the pellets. I'm even seeing Dr.s have totally different views. I just watched a video from a female Hormone Dr. saying she no longer recommends pellets because of so many patients having horrible reactions. Now she only does T creams. I know I need it just not sure which to get. Eventhogh I really like this Dr. (he's a GP who focuses on HRT) but I have a really hard time trusting doctors these days. Being a chronic pain patient I have medical ptsd from the treatment of many doctors. I'm at the point I automatically do not trust them untill they prove themselves and it's a horrible feeling.
Never do pellets. Start extremely low. Most women are taking way too much and that is why they are having those side effects. I take 0.25 mg of bioidentical lozenges per day and I feel great. My doctor said it was way too low, but isn’t care what she thinks. I know my body and I was right.
I second this! These female docs speak about total T all the time but it’s the free T that’s available for our bodies to use. I have to try and watch videos that are geared toward men to understand the importance of Free T and the effect SHBG plays on T.
I'd like to hear more about potential side effects for testosterone in the same detail that the risks of estrogen have been covered. I wanted take testosterone as part of my HRT, and my doctor said that my heart/stroke risk would increase on testosterone and she recommended against it. (She does prescribe it for women who she considers low risk for heart/stroke problems for low libido, so she isn't against it in every case.) It's so hard to know what is the right decision., and I don't feel I know enough about the risks.
In this regard we're talking about replacing what has been there your whole life and there's no increased risk in blood clot or stroke with estrogen - a lot of that information is old and people are misinformed. I have lots of videos about that and each woman can make her own choice, but when we're replacing what was there before the risks are negligible and the benefits are very high -the key is to get the dose correct
@@drsusan thank you dr susan! I just started T 3 days ago after testing 0 on my labs. Feeling a little nauseaus. Are there any side effects of T cream?
Please emphasize what Dr Susan Hardwick stated concerning the risk of breast cancer and HRT or Testosterone...a VERY important FACT, that Neither HRT, nor Testosterone causes Breast Cancer in healthy women, meaning women who don't currently have cancer cells or who are undergoing cancer treatment. Repeat this from every mountain please! Thanks for covering this important issue.
Have never been on HRT. I am now 63 and heard that it is too late to take Estrogen because of the risk of sideeffects. What about Testotorone - is that too late too?
You can definitely start HRT even as an older woman. What you've heard is outdated, but you need to find a doctor who's on board with prescribing hormones, and he/she will make sure it is right for you.
The use of bio identical hormones minimizes side effects. The thought behind it is, how can you have side effects from something that naturally exists in the body. At normal levels of course, but that's something you have to talk to a doctor about.
I'm 62 and just started on it a year ago and I went totally through menopause by 45, my new gynecologist says you can start anytime, it removed so much of the inflammation in my body, I feel like I'm in my 20s again.
I’m 62 and I felt good when I started the pellets for estrogen and testosterone. I have so much energy to work out every day. Lost 20 lbs and eating healthy. Also help me with anxiety.
I've been on the BIO- T pellet 3.5 years. Recently my test showed testosterone was high. Could this be the cause of the non alcoholic fatti liver, gallstones, kidney stones? And a cyst on the liver?
Does insurance pay for testosterone cream that’s commonly prescribed for men? How do you ask for the prescription from your ob/gynecologist? Just say low libido?
Pellets in my area are approx. $600. Every 3 months. Rediculous. I use an E patch and progesterone cap. 3 mo. Supply - $94. ( i have no prescription plan so i use Good rx)
My testosterone is very low…I do think testosterone replacement would be beneficial added in to ,y treatments…that said I’ve been recently dealing with hair loss related to low hormones, and genetics…androgenetic alopecia…since testosterone converts to DHT which attacks the hair follicle in this type of hair loss I’m scared to take the testosterone…and I know other people who have this same concern…do you have any advice for this…or would you consider a show dedicated to hair loss, especially the hair loss related to hormones and genetics…so many people suffer with this…thank you so much🙏💕😊
I used to suffer from hair loss caused by high DHT., I started washing my scalp with sulfate shampoo and my hair doesn't fall out anymore. My favorite shampoos are Pantene Volume, Suave Daily Clarifying, and V05 Volume and Daily. DHT can build up on your scalp and causes hair loss. The trick to combatting this is keeping your scalp clean. I'll use a deep conditioner to add back moisture. Btw, those shampoos are NOT bad for you. My hair is thick and full now and all my hair grew back.
You could consider asking your doctor to prescribe finasteride. It’s commonly prescribed to men for androgenetic hair loss. It would not be prescribed to a fertile woman due to its teratogenic effects, but if you are post menopausal it wouldn’t be an issue. Women need a higher dose than the standard male dose for hair loss.
This is very informative. It does stink that insurance won’t pay testosterone. I have found a plant base testosterone that I recently started and it’s helpful, not expensive and one bottle last 2 months.
Thank you for this informative video. Are spironolactone and testosterone mutually exclusive? Wondering if it’s possible to achieve benefit from testosterone like muscle gain and libido yet still take spironolactone and inhibit hirsutism, acne …
What about Twi gel 1.62%. I dont hear you mentioning this. My Dr prescribed this for me, but im planning on discontinuing due to acne break out. She told me to rub one pump on the vagina. Not sure I want to continue thou due to the acne breakout plus the package states not to be used by women. Would you recommend or prescribe the gel for your patients?
Thoughts on the theory ( evidence based also) that its estrogen that determines libido? And that the effects on it from testosterone is mainly due to test turning into estrogen?
I've heard that. But there are testosterone receptors in the clitoris... so it makes sense that testosterone is essential in its own right when it comes to libido.
I am a slow metabolizer when it comes to progesterone and testosterone, need to regulate a dose, have some negative side effects like hard to fall asleep.
I have a serious lack of tolerance for BS when I’m not on my T pellet. I know it’s time for another pellet when I get overly annoyed with E V E R Y T H I N G 😏
And my husband gets on my nerves, is SO annoying, and not at all attractive when my testosterone is low! I love that I have a quick fix and reminder that this magic cream will make me find him sexy, attractive, and interesting! Without it, my marriage would definitely suffer. If he runs out of his T, SAME problems but he gets angry too. Easy fix for him too, so we stay in love much easier! (There are so many more reasons we take it, but this one is a huge one.)
OMG, I really needed to hear this!!!! I held off doing any HRT until now. Low libido was on the top of my list of complaints. I should have picked up on the irritability being related, I did not; thank you very much for mentioning your experience!
@@pkstiever So how much cream/how many clicks from the 2% T cream do you use? And what T level do you feel best at without side effects? And did you run into any?
If you feel great on your testosterone therapy should you be testing your blood for dihydrotestosterone? I heard that it is the bad type and is the cause for hairloss, etc.
I love Dominique and started getting bioidentical pellets after I saw a RUclips video when she got them, but they don’t seem to be life-changing for me. I know that Dominique stopped getting them after a point, I’m wondering what alternatives or other options there are? I’m scheduled for my seventh pellet next week, but I’m going to stop them.
I am not Dominque but, I am a woman on low doese T for 18 months now. I prefer bio-identical hormone creams for all my hormone replacements. The creams make it super easy to adjust the dose if needed without having to get a whole new script. Also, I find my body just prefers the bio-identical hormone creams. We are all different though and what works for me may not work for you. There will be constant tweaking that will need to be done to find the sweet soot for your body. It is worth it though.
Great video, so informative, Thank You!!! So optimal levels for Testosterone are 50 - 100. What should be the optimal level for Estradiol? I know Progesterone 200mg pill is perfect. My Testosterone and Estradiol levels in the beginning were too high and I did have swelling of the breast, very uncomfortable. Had some bleeding too. Trying to adjust at the right levels. I'm on the pellets for Testosterone and Estradiol and I think the calculator was used.
@drsusan I'm on a patch that goes by mg/per day. How do I convert that. .075 mg per day. Patch is 2x per week. I believe it is on the "standard," higher side, but what do I know, lol. That's just from Googling, which can be dangerous.
It's interesting that testosterone is recommended to physiological levels but oestradiol isn't. My 'maximum licensed dose' patch puts me nowhere near physiological levels, barely even close to PMS levels. When I felt miserable, sore and moody. I felt best at ovulation time, when oestrogen was highest, but the likelihood of getting levels replaced to that feelgood, healthy place is presently none. Is men's testosterone replaced to their former optimum levels, or do they also get only a fraction? It's good that we can have these essential conversations nowadays, and that we have the option to take hormones at all 😊xx
Sexism Yes! But also think of the other drugs that wouldnt be prescribed if women were on testosterone... Antidepressant drugs, pain medication, inflammation, and, dementia drugs and care...
My having hair loss due to high testosterone HRT. Will try a much lower dose of testosterone next go around. Have been doing HRT for 1.5 year. Since Dec the hair has changed drastically with the testosterone (to high)
My gyno just prescribed Estradiol and Progesterone but will not let me try Testosterone despite my numbers being low. My Estradiol is in the normal range with bloodwork so does that mean I shouldn't bother with the Estradiol? I am trying to educate myself with so many resources but this is all so overwhelming!
In my opinion, all three is ideal but if you can get two, that's better than none! There are numerous health benefits from taking estradiol so please don't stop that unless you have a medical reason to do so
The herb 'tongkat ali' can increase free testosterone. DHEA can increase total testosterone. (It can also increase oestrogen so might not suit everyone.) Zinc can boost total testosterone. Strength training can increase the sensitivity of your testosterone receptors. Failing that you might find a testosterone cream that can be delivered to you. There are many supplements other than the ones I mentioned that may increase testosterone. Just Google 'boost testosterone.'
One thing I’m really confused about is that people are mentioning those another huge part of the puzzle in lab results in order to understand what your testosterone level is. I’m not sure anyone can comment about that it’s very confusing and I don’t remember the details…I’m bummed that she didn’t mention that
That has to do with loss of estrogen. Our bodies attempt to make it by producing more belly fat. Our body composition is changing to so any fat we gain will likely go to the belly.
I both like and dislike the idea of a separate hormone specialist. Would they also be looking at your cholesterol and upping your estrogen to see if that helps lower your LDL (and maybe raise your HDL)? I have an amazing obgyn who put me on the patch and a progesterone pill two years ago and, who last year, had me get my cholesterol tested (and my vitamin d, which she always does), so she's aware of the hormone influence on cholesterol. But then I have to go to my endocrinologist, my general MD, to get my annual physical and I have to tell him when he fills out the blood panel testing to not put vitamin D or cholesterol because my other doctor already did that (my insurance won't cover being tested for those twice because it's overlap, it's unnecessary) and so then I have those 2 doctors giving each other their lab results. I think it's sort of irritates my M.D. in that regard. I get this feeling like he feels that my gynecologist and I are overstepping his part, like now there's not much for him to do. It's very awkward. I mean, I really do like my MD, but It's getting weird.
It should be them working together to do what's best for their PATIENT. I'm really hoping to avoid statins, if I can get on the optimal HRT doses. I hope it goes well for you 🤗xx
@@anne-louisegoldie I just watched this today about cholesterol, artery plaques, etc., was super informative. Do not pay attention to the thumbnail. Saying I quit sugar. That's not really what it's all about. Although that is something that Doctor did do for himself, but it's very informative. ruclips.net/user/liveODcqzqirZAk?si=i_4sm3t82lXrULPn
My doc is awesome - she spends time talking, gave me estradiole, progesterone, and testosterone, but she doesn't believe in testing my levels. She says she bases my dose on how I feel, which I really appreciate, but I like seeing data. Thoughts?
If you are in peri, your levels will fluctuate a lot. My doctor doesn;t do tests as well. Not sure about menopause, bc this is where your levels stagnate. But if you are in peri, that may be the reason,
If your testosterone test comes back at 12 is that considered low with your free testosterone being 0.6 your bio available is 1.2 and your sex binding globulin is 97. I feel like I have the symptoms of someone who has low testosterone, and I would like to try this as part of my HRT. am I in the proper range to request this ? thank you for having a video on about this. It’s very helpful..
I wish I lived in Texas. It seems that there are more providers I’m looking for someone in my state. Do you still provide consultations , you just can’t provide medication for out of state ?
This particular video was focused on testosterone. I’m sure there are others where she focuses on estrogen. Maybe she addresses the optimal range there?
There's no particular level for Estradiol since we have much more tolerance to big swings and there are much fewer side effects when it's high or low -but generally around 40 to 80 is a good goal
Shouldn’t all women request to have their T tested at the prime f their youth? My best T level might be different than what a doctor might want to maintain for me. I want my own optimal level, not some average
I just stopped taking my sublingual testosterone due to heart palpitations and increased hemoglobin levels ( hemochromatosis). Not sure if testosterone is related to these issues? Im staying off until I can find more research
@@cleanqueen75 All you have to do is donate blood every 2-3 months if your hemoglobin is high. They check your hemoglobin levels first with a finger stick. So you help yourself AND others who desperately need blood. Your yearly bloodwork will tell you if your levels are too high. It is rare for women unless you go to some clinic that isn't reputable. You certainly don't have to stay completely off!
I use T injections and it’s covered by insurance as well as estradiol and progesterone, all bio identical. They are pretty inexpensive even without insurance. No need to buy expensive compounded hormones.
FDA approval for testosterone for women! NOW! Shout it ladies!
Yes, medical insurance pays for testosterone pellets or shots for men, but nothing but compounded skin cream for women and out of pocket cost. Misogyny.
Testosterone is the highest level sex hormone prior to menopause in women. Yet somehow, when women go to low T, it's considered normal!
I've been using bioidentical hormones including testosterone for about 15 years doc just has to call it in
How do we fix this??
We have to vote for people who will support women's health rights, including abortion. The GOP will take women further back to the 50s than they already have.
Not me. I have hormone pellets. As a Republican I still want strength...@@gaexavier2644 many women need this and there is no party line.
I don't want to just alleviate symptoms. I want to prevent alzheimer's, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
Our beautiful Suzanne Somers❤ wrote a number of books before most women understood the benefits of testosterone & women’s hormones.
The "pellets" changed my life. I am living my best life at 56.
I’m 54. I was on compounded hrt for 2 years and couldn’t figure out why I felt great some months and some months I didn’t. Finally consulted with my gynecologist and she told me that compounding pharmacies can be hit or miss and you never know if they are getting the formula correct from batch to batch. I switched compounding pharmacies and started feeling better. So I went down the journey of trying to figure out how to get it thru a regular pharmacy. My insurance covers estradiol gel and progesterone pills and my Dr successfully got pre-approval for testosterone gel!!! Now I pay $36 for 3 month supply of all 3 hormones versus $245. Keep advocating for yourselves ladies!!
Interesting, i suddenly started to feel bad with difficulties falling asleep and all i did is to get a slightly higher dose of progesterone from compound pharmacy. I feel like my dosage is lower with terrible symptoms of the menopause
Not having a sex drive is extremely important to a marriage, etc.! Marriages have ended because of the effects of a woman having no testosterone.
Yes!
To add this is not wanting to be touched. It’s like who did I become and what is wrong with me? Tbh it’s quite depressing when the medical community dismisses us and send us home with anti depressants. I’m sure men aren’t dismissed and I’m truly sick of it! We suffer our relationships suffer and it’s like “ just deal with it it’s a part of life” 🙄🤦🏼♀️
The FDA doesn’t care about humanity. I have no faith in the FDA, at all.
We are so far behind in studies for women and their problems. To look at charts from our own government on the amount of money spent on women's problems or women's health issues the number is so small, especially compared to every other thing they spend money on. Not till the 70s have we just started to get serious about women's health. It still is far lacking tho even in 2024
Hello Dominique it’s so wonderful to see and hear from you. I’m a male and I get 11 pellets every 7 months. The pellets work, I’m over 50 with the ability of a 20 year old. Thanks for sharing and stay beautiful.
I just started hrt 2 months ago after a hysterectomy 8 yrs ago . I have to use a compounding pharmacy which is $195 a mo. Wow it's expensive but I am finally building muscles and feel amazing. Thank you for this video so many of us didn't even know this was possible but I love it ❤
So glad you started and are willing and able to pay for it!! Awesome!!!! 😊
Mines only $85 in California
My tst is 56 for 3 months...
195 for all 3, 3mnt supply is about right
It's a travesty that women need to pay for hormones after being put into surgical or medical menopause 😢xx
Thank you both Dr Susan Hardwick and Dominique Sachse for talking about this hormone, hrt is normal for men, but now we know women need it too. And, like anything we need to know how much and regulation is important. As a man I love learning about a woman's body, understanding it better and knowing what's good for my woman. Keep doing informative podcasts!
I was declined testosterone with my insurance company even though the Doctor gave me a prescription. I have surgical menopause and it is clear this has impacted me beyond hot flashes and libido. If our bodies produce it and need it, why are we denied?
What can I do? How can we protest this? I feel so lost and hopeless. This is life and death and people do not realize how important this is.
Take the prescription to a good compounding pharmacy. Insurance doesn't cover it for women anywhere. I pay around $50 a month for testosterone cream. I use it most days but it isn't a huge thing if I forget for a few days. I definitely have more muscle definition and strength (but very feminine physique), I don't have very much abdominal fat, and my labs are great. You may need to call around and make sure they aren't charging you too much.
The only thing you can do is just pay for it. My doctor doesn't accept my insurance but I love him, so I pay.
I agree with the two previous comments. If it is truly a matter of life and death, how much is your life worth to you? Don’t give the insurance company the power to make the final decision for you. It may mean you have to cut expenses in other areas in order to afford the prescription. Make your health your top priority! You are worth it 💖
@@imaniwilson1848 thank you so much for these encouraging words 💕
@@pkstieverhow do you find testosterone cream and what brand?
Suggestion: I found my hormone doc after 4 doctors that didn’t want to know by asking my pharmacist for a list of doctors that prescribe HRT.
That’s a good idea !
That’s how I found my first good dr about 12 years ago who properly tested and treated my hypothyroid problem. I’m grateful.
My compounding pharmacist was the one who explained the benefits of oral progesterone. Now I’m able to sleep better but I think I need to add testosterone but not sure if I absorb it well through my skin. Is a patch available for testosterone?
@@jenniferdykes50 my levels were decent with the topical cream and I think it’s effective, but I’ve been on the pellets for 1 year now, and I love the pellet. I’ve never heard of a testosterone patch.
Compliments to Dr. Susan for providing this podcast, for her sweet southern demeanor ❤ and besides the incredibly valuable information being provided, but the kindness of spirit that comes through with. Many thanks. 😊
If you can travel to Houston, I highly, highly, highly recommend Dr. Susan's clinic. We saw Dr. Leah and she is AMAZING.
Thank you both! I wished we talked about DHEA.
It is absolutely unfair that insurance companies will not pay for hormonal pellets for women.😖
If insurance doesn’t pay for BHRT, then women in menopause should have access to early retirement. It’s wrong to expect women to work for 15 years, when they are not fully functional. Especially when the food supply and environment has been contaminated adding to the challenges of menopause. BHRT is cost prohibitive for most women.
@@goldensun73What you just said is absolutely brilliant. This whole subject area is a major passion for me, given I feel like a whole new person with HRT and without it, I would have gone down a dark path of feeling older than my years, having tons of joint aches, brain fog, low energy, no sex drive, you know, basically going toward death, and all this right when I need to start making money as a widower who needs to stay alive and continue to be productive for myself and for my adult daughter who needs my help. I'm in college again now at the age of almost 59. I'm getting all A's this semester but only after taking HRT! My grade point average is probably higher than it would have been. Actually, I probably wouldn't even have registered for school again if it wasn't for HRT.
Anyways, your insight was perfect.I'm going to add it to my list because I really feel like i'm going to be an advocate on this in some way. If there's any issue in the world that I can be passionate about.This is the issue, the number one issue for me.
In Canada I believe we pay for hormone treatments for Trans… not for women oh 🇨🇦.
@@hadijakalyegira4107Unbelievable!! Actually, it IS believable. 🤨
Also a crime… insurance will not pay for a *baseline bone density test (until after age 60-ish!) for peri and menopausal women. Such an important benchmark entering this phase of life.
Thank you for all the information. The trickiest part I’ve found is finding an affordable dr who is knowledgeable. I’m doing lots of research, trying to get information, but all the dr’s who deal with this are part of wellness clinics. They want either memberships or just a lot of $. It’s very frustrating!
Im realizing that I have to put my activist hat on for myself as well as for my sisters! This is the women's right issue of our generation!
Follow Dr Marie Claire Haver. #1 menopause expert. Wrote a book 'The New Menopause' 4 weeks on the New York Times Booklist.
As an option, MIDI is an online practice that accepts some insurances and does virtual visits with a co-pay if they accept your insurance. I only had 2 appointments with them before I found a good local provider. They don’t do pellets, plus I’m in Texas which means testosterone is hard to get (for women), but at least you can get started possibly with insurance, get an estradiol patch, then push for testosterone.
@@ruferaudrey1131I follow her and have read her books; she is not a fan of pellets and is a bit negative on them. I am glad to have found other doctors who do support pellets. I know it’s all a bit of a gamble but I am willing to give it a try in order to get relief l. ❤
I was just prescribed compounded transdermal testosterone by my GYNO after learning my level was too low via blood test. Tackett pharmacy in Hudson Oaks $85 for 3 month supply. I am also taking bioidentical estradiol and progesterone each $15/month and covered by insurance
Please who is your doctor? or the clinic? Do yo mind if you share the info. It is very good price and to find out that the insurance covers it. Very good
Yes! Please share your provider!! What a gift
@@pinkflamingo79 Dr. Caroline Quist in downtown FTW
Excellent interview. FYI - I have listened to a doctor who is very outspoken and pro hormones for woman - including testosterone, BUT very against Pellets.
Thank you Dominique and Dr. Susan for asking and answering these very important questions regarding testosterone for women. I had a very similar experience with my OB GYN in San Francisco that specializes in HRT. My doctor prescibed estradiol and progesterone but absolutely REFUSED to discuss prescribing testosterone. When I asked specific questions about losing muscle mass and sexual desire she shrugged her shoulders and told me that was just part of being an aging woman. I found a Naturopath on the Biote website in SF that specializes in HRT pellets. Testerone was absolutely the missing 1/3 piece of the puzzle for me.
And OMG! OMG! OMG! There is going to an option in CA to get treatment from Dr. Susan's office?? I screamed out loud when Dr. Susan dropped that nugget!
A misogynistic female doctor or an extremely medically illiterate one. Find a new OB GYN.
Felt amazing at 1.8 nmol no adverse effects ,libido back, no joint pain, no low mood, body composition much better . Gp informed me it was too high and had to reduce application of gel . Level 1.3 nmol now , I tested as I feel rubbish ! Clinical symptoms should surely be considered rather than just lab values which vary widely across the U.K. In addition would some women possibly have higher normal ranges than others?
I had a similar problem. I switched docs and got a higher dose and my symptoms disappeared pretty much immediately, including the disappearance of my 2 plus weeks of pms extreme breat pain. I'm about to get my blood test with my new doc after 3 months of this new dose and feeling well... I am concerned bcuz my total T levels are always high on T but I never have symptoms of high T. I have ptsd still from my old doc who would cancel my appointments and basically dropped me off T based on blood levels alone. I have read that u should avoid intense exercise 48 hr b4 your bloodwork for T. I used to get up early and bike to jog and then do pilates b4 my blood tests... even biked to the blood test... :/ also, test your SHBG. A high SHBG lowers your free bioavailable T. Your SHBG is probably quite high, mine is and was even b4 T.
GREAT DISCUSSION !
I've been on a testosterone cream for 2 years now, and it has not elevated my testosterone to a healthy level.I just got a pellet today, and I'm praying I feel better soon.
Oh...you will!
Oh it’ll help 👍🏼
Thank you for this. Dr Susan, please let us know when you are licensed in Calif.
Great info. My daughters have encouraged me to opt for HRT. They use Rowe Casa. As an educator I greatly appreciate the discussion that is going on with these podcasts. Thank you so much for taking the time to inform us.
I've heard so many other MDs say absolutely NO to pellets as patients tend to be highly overdosed with pellets.
Brilliant podcast,thank you!
Excellent, informative video. Thank you both!
Great talk, thank you both of you!
I'm pleased that this is being discussed as my symptoms are indicating low testosterone - however, the actual optimum measurement that's being dicussed was not clarified - 50 to 100 what? PMOL? I'm in Uk and we have different markers i.e. NMOL - so it's super important to gain clarity of your conversation. Appreciate if you could provide. Thank you!
Americans usually seem to be talking about ng/dl, there are converters online
Great video! Most informative! I've been on the testosterone pellet for 2 years and feel great. Positive results all the way around.
What kind of results? I hear pellets aren't the best vehicle to get it. I had a complete hysterectomy and was on Estriadiol until my doctor thought I was past all the "symptoms". I don't agree.
How do we get our doc to give optimal versus low lowest dose ? Also how will we know our testosterone level is optimal ?
Great question. Some say titrate til symptoms are gone even if this means going over the highest recommended dose of Estradiol. It’s only the highest recommended because that’s all they have bothered to study, not bc it’s bad to go higher.
This came at the right time I have an appointment this Friday with my Bio Dr I’ currently take estrogen and progesterone I’ve been bleeding off and on it’s frustrating dialing in on what’s the right amount. I’m going to talk to him about adding Testosterone he has mentioned it in the past I turned it down I have muscle pain and weakness I’m hoping the Testosterone will help since I may have to lower the Estradiol dose to prevent bleeding. Im 55 I’m still on the journey of finding the right dose to feel better.
What a great interview.
I have started a Testosterone Cream, How long should it take for me to feel a difference both Mentally & Physically?
Dr. Susan, Any comments on starting Testosterone pellets at 70 years. Benefits vs. cons. Thank you.
That's a very personal decision. I'd be happy to see you and discuss it.
@@drsusan
I'm pleased that this is being discussed as my symptoms are indicating low testosterone - however, the actual optimum measurement that was dicussed was not clarified - 50 to 100 what? PMOL? I'm in Uk and we have different markers i.e. NMOL - so it's super important to gain clarity of your conversation. Appreciate if you could provide. Thank you!
Just started Biote a few months ago. My doctor says she monitors my Free Testosterone rather than Total Testosterone. I feel my numbers are very high. What is the range Biote recommends. She says she follows their guidance? Thank you.
@@elle7238 Always look at the reference range your lab results give you.
From there you will see what is optimal and what is low.
My mom is 73 and gets testosterone injections every 3 months. I asked her how she feels on it and she said her aches and pains disappeared and it also gave her a little pep in her step. I recommend it
I needed this. My insurance will cover me to see a Menopause Specialist but she is booked a year in advance. My endocrinologist stopped my HRT when she felt my symptoms were gone, but belly fat and muscle loss are huge life changes for me. I want to pursue this but I've heard Testosterone pellets aren't good. I prefer a cream. I also need my strength and ambition back. It really hit me in the past 5 years, and I'm 65. I used to be a runner but a terrible knee injury in 2014 and cannot run at all. Walking hurts but i don't really want a knee replacement yet. I do want my hormones back. I'm not married but wouldn't mind but lack of libido and belly fat prevent me from pursuing a relationship. I'm attractive other than the huge staple marks down my leg from having plates put in, then having them removed. If I want to see someone before a year, where is the best place to go? Oh, I had a full hysterectomy at 51. I was first put on Premarin then Estriadiol patches.
@latherandlace First, why don't you get the names and phone numbers for all of the gynecologists within reasonable driving distance of you and start calling them all and say you need a new gynecologist and you are post menopause and need a new obgyn for pap smears, breast exams, mammo referrals, and then after that just kind of say and also I need to get on a good bioidentical hormone. Pause, and then see what they say. If they're like, "oh we don't do that" or something, then you scratch that Dr off of your list and move on to the next one, but I would call them all first. See who takes your insurance obviously and then after that, ask them those questions because there are gynecologists out there that will put you on BHRT.. mine does. I know i'm very fortunate that my doctor's educated and she herself is on bioidentical hormones!
Also, my Doctor is getting older, so I've been thinking about what I am going to do once she retires. I googled hormone specialist near me, hormone therapy, things like that, and there's a place a town away where they treat not only women but they also treat men. So I guess I'd have to go there, unless I can find another gynecologist who knows about the most recent study, that there's nothing to fear, BHRT is safe, etc., and they're willing to prescribe it to me. And, of course, I could tell them I have already been on the estradiol patch and a progesterone pill and testosterone cream for 5 plus years, for example, and, I could teach my Dr.! I don't know if my insurance will cover that down the road if I end up having to do that but if not, I'll just have to keep working a job so I afford it.
@latherandlace Why did your endocrinologist stop your HRT if your symptoms were gone? That means your HRT was working. I don't understand. 😔
@dig1272 well, she went off the information that was available at that time. I don't know.
@latherandlace, I don’t understand why your endocrinologist would take you off HRT when you we’re doing well. That’s counterintuitive.
I’ve been on HRT pellets (estradiol and testosterone) for years. And I’ll be on HRT forever! I also take bio identical progesterone capsules.
@@Suzette-gb7uj I have no idea.
Where do we want to maintain our hormones levels at? What are the AVERAGE optimal level of hormones? Please We need Numbers.
Your doctor should know the levels if not find another doctor
Doc, do you offer classes for primary care physicians? I’ve had patient come in who are female, and I would like to be able to help manage their care.
I would love to hear about SHGB and HRT , particularly when someone is taking thyroid replacement which raises SHGB. Does testosterone replacement lower SHGB?
I take natural thyroid hormones. My SHBG is very high. So, my total T reads high and doesn't match my symptoms. Its a challenge with docs that are married to total T and labs only.
love your videos! thank you!
Adding testosterone pellets normalized my thyroid blood work levels and eliminated symptoms of tiredness, feeling cold. I still take my thyroid hormone medication, but i probably should have been on a higher dose of it - now it’s not needed and blood work shows it too.
Great informational video on HRT for women! So very thankful for physicians focusing on women's hormone replacement! One big question for me is do you see a big flucuation with the patch vs the oral estradiol?
I had low testosterone it kept me anemic irregular and heavy periods. It is not just sex drive issue.
I just found out I’m anemic from heavy periods and my testosterone is low. I’m going to try testosterone cream. Are you on any forms of testosterone? And if you are what form? Did it help alleviate your heavy periods?
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now I have to find a way to AFFORD this treatment and pave a way for my 3 young women so we don't have to suffer, scramble or break the bank
Warmest regards Jennie
I'm 58 and suffering. My doctor retired and with the shortage of doctors in Canada I'm left without a doctor. I'm post menopausal and have developed so many health issues. Can you direct me to who I can reach out to so that I can the help I need?
My new Dr. wants to put me on the pellets after getting my bone scan and breast ultrasound, but I like to do my own research before putting anything in my body. Ive seen very mixed reviews on the pellets. Some say it's the best thing they've ever done , the other half say it was horrible. They're hair fell out on their head ,while they grew hair all over their body. They also said it made them gain lots of weight and made them angry and couldn't sleep. It seems 50/50 on the pellets.
So I'm very torn on getting the pellets. I'm even seeing Dr.s have totally different views. I just watched a video from a female Hormone Dr. saying she no longer recommends pellets because of so many patients having horrible reactions. Now she only does T creams. I know I need it just not sure which to get. Eventhogh I really like this Dr. (he's a GP who focuses on HRT) but I have a really hard time trusting doctors these days. Being a chronic pain patient I have medical ptsd from the treatment of many doctors. I'm at the point I automatically do not trust them untill they prove themselves and it's a horrible feeling.
Never do pellets. Start extremely low. Most women are taking way too much and that is why they are having those side effects. I take 0.25 mg of bioidentical lozenges per day and I feel great. My doctor said it was way too low, but isn’t care what she thinks. I know my body and I was right.
Can you do a video about free testosterone vs total testosterone?
I second this! These female docs speak about total T all the time but it’s the free T that’s available for our bodies to use. I have to try and watch videos that are geared toward men to understand the importance of Free T and the effect SHBG plays on T.
Thank you for the super informative video 👏
I'd like to hear more about potential side effects for testosterone in the same detail that the risks of estrogen have been covered. I wanted take testosterone as part of my HRT, and my doctor said that my heart/stroke risk would increase on testosterone and she recommended against it. (She does prescribe it for women who she considers low risk for heart/stroke problems for low libido, so she isn't against it in every case.) It's so hard to know what is the right decision., and I don't feel I know enough about the risks.
In this regard we're talking about replacing what has been there your whole life and there's no increased risk in blood clot or stroke with estrogen - a lot of that information is old and people are misinformed. I have lots of videos about that and each woman can make her own choice, but when we're replacing what was there before the risks are negligible and the benefits are very high -the key is to get the dose correct
@@drsusan thank you dr susan! I just started T 3 days ago after testing 0 on my labs. Feeling a little nauseaus. Are there any side effects of T cream?
Is it possible that different brands of pellets work better than others?
Great, informative, information
What about replacing DHEA?
Please emphasize what Dr Susan Hardwick stated concerning the risk of breast cancer and HRT or Testosterone...a VERY important FACT, that Neither HRT, nor Testosterone causes Breast Cancer in healthy women, meaning women who don't currently have cancer cells or who are undergoing cancer treatment. Repeat this from every mountain please! Thanks for covering this important issue.
Have never been on HRT. I am now 63 and heard that it is too late to take Estrogen because of the risk of sideeffects. What about Testotorone - is that too late too?
You can definitely start HRT even as an older woman. What you've heard is outdated, but you need to find a doctor who's on board with prescribing hormones, and he/she will make sure it is right for you.
The use of bio identical hormones minimizes side effects.
The thought behind it is, how can you have side effects from something that naturally exists in the body.
At normal levels of course, but that's something you have to talk to a doctor about.
I'm 62 and just started on it a year ago and I went totally through menopause by 45, my new gynecologist says you can start anytime, it removed so much of the inflammation in my body, I feel like I'm in my 20s again.
I’m 62 and I felt good when I started the pellets for estrogen and testosterone. I have so much energy to work out every day. Lost 20 lbs and eating healthy. Also help me with anxiety.
3f@@elenanyhan4490
I've been on the BIO- T pellet 3.5 years. Recently my test showed testosterone was high. Could this be the cause of the non alcoholic fatti liver, gallstones, kidney stones? And a cyst on the liver?
Does insurance pay for testosterone cream that’s commonly prescribed for men? How do you ask for the prescription from your ob/gynecologist? Just say low libido?
Pellets in my area are approx. $600. Every 3 months. Rediculous. I use an E patch and progesterone cap. 3 mo. Supply - $94. ( i have no prescription plan so i use Good rx)
My testosterone is very low…I do think testosterone replacement would be beneficial added in to ,y treatments…that said I’ve been recently dealing with hair loss related to low hormones, and genetics…androgenetic alopecia…since testosterone converts to DHT which attacks the hair follicle in this type of hair loss I’m scared to take the testosterone…and I know other people who have this same concern…do you have any advice for this…or would you consider a show dedicated to hair loss, especially the hair loss related to hormones and genetics…so many people suffer with this…thank you so much🙏💕😊
I used to suffer from hair loss caused by high DHT., I started washing my scalp with sulfate shampoo and my hair doesn't fall out anymore. My favorite shampoos are Pantene Volume, Suave Daily Clarifying, and V05 Volume and Daily. DHT can build up on your scalp and causes hair loss. The trick to combatting this is keeping your scalp clean. I'll use a deep conditioner to add back moisture. Btw, those shampoos are NOT bad for you. My hair is thick and full now and all my hair grew back.
You could consider asking your doctor to prescribe finasteride. It’s commonly prescribed to men for androgenetic hair loss. It would not be prescribed to a fertile woman due to its teratogenic effects, but if you are post menopausal it wouldn’t be an issue. Women need a higher dose than the standard male dose for hair loss.
Do you take virtual patients?
This is very informative. It does stink that insurance won’t pay testosterone. I have found a plant base testosterone that I recently started and it’s helpful, not expensive and one bottle last 2 months.
Do you have dallas office or partner clinic in Dallas??
Thank you for this informative video. Are spironolactone and testosterone mutually exclusive? Wondering if it’s possible to achieve benefit from testosterone like muscle gain and libido yet still take spironolactone and inhibit hirsutism, acne …
Probably not…S reduces T.
What about Twi gel 1.62%. I dont hear you mentioning this. My Dr prescribed this for me, but im planning on discontinuing due to acne break out. She told me to rub one pump on the vagina. Not sure I want to continue thou due to the acne breakout plus the package states not to be used by women. Would you recommend or prescribe the gel for your patients?
What is your take on Oxandrolone (Anavar) for women?
Thoughts on the theory ( evidence based also) that its estrogen that determines libido? And that the effects on it from testosterone is mainly due to test turning into estrogen?
I've heard that. But there are testosterone receptors in the clitoris... so it makes sense that testosterone is essential in its own right when it comes to libido.
I am a slow metabolizer when it comes to progesterone and testosterone, need to regulate a dose, have some negative side effects like hard to fall asleep.
MANY DOCTORS STILL DO NOT KNOW!
I have a serious lack of tolerance for BS when I’m not on my T pellet. I know it’s time for another pellet when I get overly annoyed with E V E R Y T H I N G 😏
And my husband gets on my nerves, is SO annoying, and not at all attractive when my testosterone is low! I love that I have a quick fix and reminder that this magic cream will make me find him sexy, attractive, and interesting! Without it, my marriage would definitely suffer. If he runs out of his T, SAME problems but he gets angry too. Easy fix for him too, so we stay in love much easier! (There are so many more reasons we take it, but this one is a huge one.)
Funny, I thought it was just me. Thank you for sharing
Thank you, Ladies for sharing your experiences.
OMG, I really needed to hear this!!!! I held off doing any HRT until now. Low libido was on the top of my list of complaints. I should have picked up on the irritability being related, I did not; thank you very much for mentioning your experience!
@@pkstiever So how much cream/how many clicks from the 2% T cream do you use?
And what T level do you feel best at without side effects?
And did you run into any?
Testosterone for women is not controversial, getting it in the vehicle of a pellet is what is controversial.
I wish I was true, but we're getting there! Plenty of controversy around testosterone of all kinds, but I agree there shouldn't be
If you feel great on your testosterone therapy should you be testing your blood for dihydrotestosterone? I heard that it is the bad type and is the cause for hairloss, etc.
I love Dominique and started getting bioidentical pellets after I saw a RUclips video when she got them, but they don’t seem to be life-changing for me. I know that Dominique stopped getting them after a point, I’m wondering what alternatives or other options there are?
I’m scheduled for my seventh pellet next week, but I’m going to stop them.
Testosterone injections 💉 micro dose is Key cheaper too 😮
Yes please Dominique wouid love to know what alternate as here in uk pellets no longer available
Thank
Creams for est n test are better to use . You can control dose . Progresterone use pills. Pelletd arent goood bc u csnt control them
I am not Dominque but, I am a woman on low doese T for 18 months now. I prefer bio-identical hormone creams for all my hormone replacements. The creams make it super easy to adjust the dose if needed without having to get a whole new script. Also, I find my body just prefers the bio-identical hormone creams.
We are all different though and what works for me may not work for you.
There will be constant tweaking that will need to be done to find the sweet soot for your body. It is worth it though.
When did she say that she stopped taking Testosterone? Please tell us? Did she stop if because of side effects and what were they? Thanks!
Its sooooo sad that we have to pay out of pocket for this type of thing, when we pay so much for health insurance .
Any downsides, medication interactions, with taking enough T to raise libido? What’s a number for a good T level?
At 64 Testosterone was horrible for me. It cause severe hair loss and terrible acne. Not all of this is good for everyone.
Pellets? Those are sometimes 10+ times the dose to ur body needs so the side effects are dreadful. Topical T cream is a better option for many.
Great video, so informative, Thank You!!! So optimal levels for Testosterone are 50 - 100. What should be the optimal level for Estradiol? I know Progesterone 200mg pill is perfect. My Testosterone and Estradiol levels in the beginning were too high and I did have swelling of the breast, very uncomfortable. Had some bleeding too. Trying to adjust at the right levels. I'm on the pellets for Testosterone and Estradiol and I think the calculator was used.
There's no correct number for everybody but Estradiol in my opinion is usually Best somewhere around 40 to 80
@drsusan I'm on a patch that goes by mg/per day. How do I convert that. .075 mg per day. Patch is 2x per week. I believe it is on the "standard," higher side, but what do I know, lol. That's just from Googling, which can be dangerous.
How about sublingual testosterone troches?are they safe?Im taking 0.75mg
It's interesting that testosterone is recommended to physiological levels but oestradiol isn't. My 'maximum licensed dose' patch puts me nowhere near physiological levels, barely even close to PMS levels. When I felt miserable, sore and moody.
I felt best at ovulation time, when oestrogen was highest, but the likelihood of getting levels replaced to that feelgood, healthy place is presently none.
Is men's testosterone replaced to their former optimum levels, or do they also get only a fraction?
It's good that we can have these essential conversations nowadays, and that we have the option to take hormones at all 😊xx
Test will increase your estradiol as well. Also is good to add some DHEA as precursor.
@@russvet thanks, yes I'm using testosterone gel. Let's hope it helps boost the oestradiol too 💛
Why did Dominique stop HRT?
Im 65. Is it too late?
No, not too late.
Thank you for sharing this invaluable information. I’m looking forward to learning more about the benefits of testosterone.
Sexism Yes! But also think of the other drugs that wouldnt be prescribed if women were on testosterone... Antidepressant drugs, pain medication, inflammation, and, dementia drugs and care...
My having hair loss due to high testosterone HRT. Will try a much lower dose of testosterone next go around. Have been doing HRT for 1.5 year. Since Dec the hair has changed drastically with the testosterone (to high)
My gyno just prescribed Estradiol and Progesterone but will not let me try Testosterone despite my numbers being low. My Estradiol is in the normal range with bloodwork so does that mean I shouldn't bother with the Estradiol? I am trying to educate myself with so many resources but this is all so overwhelming!
In my opinion, all three is ideal but if you can get two, that's better than none! There are numerous health benefits from taking estradiol so please don't stop that unless you have a medical reason to do so
Is there any natural remedies that can help with testosterone? I live in Sweden, and there is no way to get testosterone from the doctors here.
The herb 'tongkat ali' can increase free testosterone. DHEA can increase total testosterone. (It can also increase oestrogen so might not suit everyone.) Zinc can boost total testosterone. Strength training can increase the sensitivity of your testosterone receptors. Failing that you might find a testosterone cream that can be delivered to you. There are many supplements other than the ones I mentioned that may increase testosterone. Just Google 'boost testosterone.'
One thing I’m really confused about is that people are mentioning those another huge part of the puzzle in lab results in order to understand what your testosterone level is. I’m not sure anyone can comment about that it’s very confusing and I don’t remember the details…I’m bummed that she didn’t mention that
Are you saying free test or bioavailable should be 80-100?
Please talk about POST MENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE APRON BELLY
That has to do with loss of estrogen. Our bodies attempt to make it by producing more belly fat. Our body composition is changing to so any fat we gain will likely go to the belly.
I both like and dislike the idea of a separate hormone specialist. Would they also be looking at your cholesterol and upping your estrogen to see if that helps lower your LDL (and maybe raise your HDL)?
I have an amazing obgyn who put me on the patch and a progesterone pill two years ago and, who last year, had me get my cholesterol tested (and my vitamin d, which she always does), so she's aware of the hormone influence on cholesterol. But then I have to go to my endocrinologist, my general MD, to get my annual physical and I have to tell him when he fills out the blood panel testing to not put vitamin D or cholesterol because my other doctor already did that (my insurance won't cover being tested for those twice because it's overlap, it's unnecessary) and so then I have those 2 doctors giving each other their lab results. I think it's sort of irritates my M.D. in that regard. I get this feeling like he feels that my gynecologist and I are overstepping his part, like now there's not much for him to do. It's very awkward. I mean, I really do like my MD, but It's getting weird.
It should be them working together to do what's best for their PATIENT.
I'm really hoping to avoid statins, if I can get on the optimal HRT doses. I hope it goes well for you 🤗xx
@@anne-louisegoldie I just watched this today about cholesterol, artery plaques, etc., was super informative. Do not pay attention to the thumbnail. Saying I quit sugar. That's not really what it's all about. Although that is something that Doctor did do for himself, but it's very informative. ruclips.net/user/liveODcqzqirZAk?si=i_4sm3t82lXrULPn
@@anne-louisegoldie It never occurred to me to have my doctors talking to each other.I don't think that they would, to be honest, unless they had to.
My doc is awesome - she spends time talking, gave me estradiole, progesterone, and testosterone, but she doesn't believe in testing my levels. She says she bases my dose on how I feel, which I really appreciate, but I like seeing data. Thoughts?
If you are in peri, your levels will fluctuate a lot. My doctor doesn;t do tests as well. Not sure about menopause, bc this is where your levels stagnate. But if you are in peri, that may be the reason,
At what age would it be unadvisable to start a small dose of T? Are mid 60’s too late?
I think its never too late, from what I heard.
If your testosterone test comes back at 12 is that considered low with your free testosterone being 0.6 your bio available is 1.2 and your sex binding globulin is 97. I feel like I have the symptoms of someone who has low testosterone, and I would like to try this as part of my HRT. am I in the proper range to request this ? thank you for having a video on about this. It’s very helpful..
This is something that is very personal for each individual so I'd be happy to see you in consultation. You can reach out to my office.
I wish I lived in Texas. It seems that there are more providers I’m looking for someone in my state. Do you still provide consultations , you just can’t provide medication for out of state ?
@@drsusando you provide telemedicine for hormone issues?
❤ always good
Wow my testosterone was 4. My doctor thought that was fine. My husband is frustrated. So am I.
4 is low. I hope you can find another doctor that knows better.
Testosterone has never been offered to me by my doctor.
I wish she’d given the optimal E range for women. Appreciate the optimal T range.
This particular video was focused on testosterone. I’m sure there are others where she focuses on estrogen. Maybe she addresses the optimal range there?
There's no particular level for Estradiol since we have much more tolerance to big swings and there are much fewer side effects when it's high or low -but generally around 40 to 80 is a good goal
She mentioned 40-80 for estradiol and 50-100 for testosterone.
@@curiousjojo4life50-100 mg Testosterone?
@@hulasenorita yes, that is correct.
Shouldn’t all women request to have their T tested at the prime f their youth? My best T level might be different than what a doctor might want to maintain for me. I want my own optimal level, not some average
I just stopped taking my sublingual testosterone due to heart palpitations and increased hemoglobin levels ( hemochromatosis). Not sure if testosterone is related to these issues? Im staying off until I can find more research
It will increase your hemoglobin and hematocrits.
@@cleanqueen75 All you have to do is donate blood every 2-3 months if your hemoglobin is high. They check your hemoglobin levels first with a finger stick. So you help yourself AND others who desperately need blood. Your yearly bloodwork will tell you if your levels are too high. It is rare for women unless you go to some clinic that isn't reputable. You certainly don't have to stay completely off!
Have you considered therapeutic blood donation?
@@jamiehoward6906how does that help?
I started with cream and only use it twice a week and develop inability to fall asleep due to my body twitching. It takes me hours to fall asleep
you didnt mention about Injection delivery method 🤔
Yes, I don't use it. I don't have any patients who would want to do that and it's not bioidentical so not my preference.
@@drsusanty, so if not pellets, cream is other method of better choice?
T injs isnt bioidentica 🤔. does cream delivery have side effects like Injs
I use T injections and it’s covered by insurance as well as estradiol and progesterone, all bio identical. They are pretty inexpensive even without insurance. No need to buy expensive compounded hormones.