My story, 16 years w/out libido and how I got it back! Options

[njw753]

Hi ladies,

I'm new to this forum. I glad I found it! I'd like to share my story in the hopes that I can help at least one woman. We deserve to feel great and have a great sex life.

I'm 54 and had a complete hysterectomy in 1987 when I was in my 30’s. I managed my menopause symptoms with different estrogen pills. But no doctor ever mentioned the loss of sex drive or the benefits of testosterone. For 16 years, I had no sex drive. None. Then came the estrogen scare several years ago. I tried to get off of the estrogen and couldn’t. The night sweats were the worse. I was in a miserable place physically. Then in 2003, I read a newsletter from my gyn about Bioidentical Hormone Pellets. I did some research and what caught my eye was one of the symptoms of low testosterone is thinning/loss of pubic hair and loss of sex drive. That was me! I also felt like my name was after every symptom. There was a ray of hope! I talked to my dr about the pellets. She does thousands of women and has them herself. I found out that a friend also had the pellets and greatly benefited from them. So I decided to get them. I get 2 estrogen pellets which are 25mg each, and 1 testosterone pellet of 75mgs. I will get these pellets as long as I am able. Hopefully till I die.

Here is the procedure: My doc numbs a small area on my hip with lidocaine. Then she makes a very tiny incision and then inserts the pellets. She puts on some steri-strips, a Band-Aid and off I go.

I have to say they drastically changed my life for the better. First of all the menopause symptoms went away. But the absolute best was the increase in sex drive. Desire, lubrication and orgasm went through the roof. We were like kids on a honeymoon! My whole self-image has increased. Now after 4 years, we’ve “calmed” down somewhat but really my libido is still strong. I guess I’m trying to make up for all those lost years. Plus, I think I'm wearing my husband out!!!

There are different delivery methods for bioidentical hormones such as patches, creams, gels and pellets. I've tried them all...the patches didn't stick to me and the creams and gels did nothing.

I realize that not everything works for everyone, but there is hope and there are options.

Regards,
Nancy

[banshee9]

Hi ladies,

I'm new to this forum. I glad I found it! I'd like to share my story in the hopes that I can help at least one woman. We deserve to feel great and have a great sex life.

I'm 54 and had a complete hysterectomy in 1987 when I was in my 30’s. I managed my menopause symptoms with different estrogen pills. But no doctor ever mentioned the loss of sex drive or the benefits of testosterone. For 16 years, I had no sex drive. None. Then came the estrogen scare several years ago. I tried to get off of the estrogen and couldn’t. The night sweats were the worse. I was in a miserable place physically. Then in 2003, I read a newsletter from my gyn about Bioidentical Hormone Pellets. I did some research and what caught my eye was one of the symptoms of low testosterone is thinning/loss of pubic hair and loss of sex drive. That was me! I also felt like my name was after every symptom. There was a ray of hope! I talked to my dr about the pellets. She does thousands of women and has them herself. I found out that a friend also had the pellets and greatly benefited from them. So I decided to get them. I get 2 estrogen pellets which are 25mg each, and 1 testosterone pellet of 75mgs. I will get these pellets as long as I am able. Hopefully till I die.

Here is the procedure: My doc numbs a small area on my hip with lidocaine. Then she makes a very tiny incision and then inserts the pellets. She puts on some steri-strips, a Band-Aid and off I go.

I have to say they drastically changed my life for the better. First of all the menopause symptoms went away. But the absolute best was the increase in sex drive. Desire, lubrication and orgasm went through the roof. We were like kids on a honeymoon! My whole self-image has increased. Now after 4 years, we’ve “calmed” down somewhat but really my libido is still strong. I guess I’m trying to make up for all those lost years. Plus, I think I'm wearing my husband out!!!

There are different delivery methods for bioidentical hormones such as patches, creams, gels and pellets. I've tried them all...the patches didn't stick to me and the creams and gels did nothing.

I realize that not everything works for everyone, but there is hope and there are options.

Regards,
Nancy

[banshee9]

Have no idea if I'm doing this right ?? This is for the woman who uses testosterone pellets....You mentioned bio-identical hormones. Are you on those and the pellets part of the regimen. Or are these pellets available without anything else?

[njw753]

Hi banshee,

Yes, the pellets are bioidentical hormones. There are different delivery methods for bioidentical hormones: patches, gels, creams and pellets. So the pellets that are inserted in my hip are made of either estrogen or testosterone. I get both, so she inserts 3 pellets: 2-25mg pellets of estrogen and 1 75mg pellet of testosterone.

Hopefully this answers your question. If not, ask away!
Regards, njw

[kkimmm]

OKay, I'm intrigued.

I have no sex drive and if I do, it is so minimal, not even worth talking about. I've had this problem on and off for at least 10 years and I am 39. When it's off, it's off. When it's on, it's dim.

So, What is a pellet? Isn't Estrogen bad for you in regard to breast cancer? I am on a progesterone only birth control pill which has stopped my period all together. I am also on meds for anxiety and depression and I am sure they are making my sex drive less.

Lastly, you said your gyno "inserted" this into your hip????? Did you need stitches? Sorry I am so confused. I want my sex drive back and have tried it all except a "PELLET"

Kim

[Armadillo]

I am on a progesterone only birth control pill which has stopped my period all together. I am also on meds for anxiety and depression and I am sure they are making my sex drive less.

The biggest libido killer is progesterone. While SSRI's can make it difficult to reach orgasm, and some anti anxiety meds have sexual side effects, by and large, Progesterone does more to stop the sex drive. After all, it is the "pregnancy hormone" that has a calming effect on just about all bodily functions.

[njw753]

Kkimmm,
A pellet is smaller than a tic tac and bigger than a grain of rice. It's a simple office procedure, the doc numbs a small area of my hip, she makes a very tiny incision, inserts the pellets under the skin, puts a few steri-strips and a band-aid on and off I go. It takes less than 5 minutes. There are no stitches. It needs to be done every 3-6 months, depending on the woman.

There is risk to all estrogen, but the pellets are not metabolized by the liver and they bypass the stomach as well. But they are bioidentical so I feel they are better than the premarin's of the world.

njw

[corky21]

The biggest libido killer is progesterone. While SSRI's can make it difficult to reach orgasm, and some anti anxiety meds have sexual side effects, by and large, Progesterone does more to stop the sex drive. After all, it is the "pregnancy hormone" that has a calming effect on just about all bodily functions.

That is very interesting. I read that somewhere once before and I'm intrigued b/c when I was pregnant with my son after the first trimester I was the horniest I had ever been in my life right up until delivery. My husband was the happiest man alive b/c we were busy almost every day. Also prior to be pregnant I was a pretty good partner but after the birth it went downhill slowly then I lost an ovary and then gone, baby gone.

[Armadillo]

That is very interesting. I read that somewhere once before and I'm intrigued b/c when I was pregnant with my son after the first trimester I was the horniest I had ever been in my life right up until delivery. My husband was the happiest man alive b/c we were busy almost every day. Also prior to be pregnant I was a pretty good partner but after the birth it went downhill slowly then I lost an ovary and then gone, baby gone.

You produce more progesterone in the later stages of pregnancy. Also you may have more circulating testosterone in your body with a male pregnancy, accounting for your rise in libido. Testosterone is the horny hormone, progesterone is the calming hormone.

[kkimmm]

Okay, so I think I get most of it...and yes, I think I am going to stop the progestrine pill. I went on it after baby because my night sweats were out of control. That was about 5 years ago.

Questions: Why do people do these Pellets? Is it a form of birth control?

Has anyone done research on this with breast cancer?

Is it new?

Can I call my gyno and just ask to have it inserted?

It's all very interesting, thank you.
Kim

[joyceveronica]

Dear Ladies
Must admit that after being on ADs for a long time my libido is very poor.I do Fake it till I sometimes Make it but wish there was something I could do to feel more sexual..
When I was weaning off the Med. definitely felt more horny but the other effects were just too hard to with so had to get back on!

If anyone has any answers to this am very willing to listen

Thank You
Elizabeth

[njw753]

We do these pellets because they replenish estrogen and testosterone in our bodies. For me and many women, they are the best form of BHRT we've ever used. You need to have your hormone levels tested to see if you can benefit from estrogen and testosterone.

Not any doc can or will do the pellets. It takes a doc dedicated to helping women in menopause whether surgically or naturally. I get mine from my gynecologist.

I'll be glad to answer any more questions.
njw

Okay, so I think I get most of it...and yes, I think I am going to stop the progestrine pill. I went on it after baby because my night sweats were out of control. That was about 5 years ago.

Questions: Why do people do these Pellets? Is it a form of birth control?

Has anyone done research on this with breast cancer?

Is it new?

Can I call my gyno and just ask to have it inserted?

It's all very interesting, thank you.
Kim

[crazywife]

Something I have not heard of yet....sounds promising for me as I would rather have a root canal than sex right now. God bless my wonderful husband...he is so patient with me. How often are the pellets inserted? Any websites to visit for imformation?

Thanks,

[gyzwyf83]

Does anyone know how long it takes before your libido kicks back in after starting testosterone?

[njw753]

In the beginning, I got pellets every 12 weeks. I can now go up to 8 months for estrogen and 4-5 months for testosterone. Every woman is different. I felt the testosterone kick in in days. Others take longer, and maybe even up to the 2nd insertion.

[Interactive]

The biggest libido killer is progesterone. While SSRI's can make it difficult to reach orgasm, and some anti anxiety meds have sexual side effects, by and large, Progesterone does more to stop the sex drive. After all, it is the "pregnancy hormone" that has a calming effect on just about all bodily functions.

I'm using progesterone without systemic estrogen and no testosterone and it hasn't stopped mine. Mind you I did also feel highly sexual during pregnancy and also in the progesterone part of my menstrual cycle - when I had one!

[GudyNuf]

Love this forum.

Has anyone had hormone therapy with Sotto Pelle? Considering hormone thearpy to increase my energy ( I am a runner ), my libido, reduce weight gain and to increase my sense of well-being ( like when I was in my 30's).

During my research I found that the Sotto Pelle female Estradiol and testosterone hormone is inserted under the skin to achieve a steady delivery of natural testostrone hormone into the blood stream.

When women age their testosterone level drops which reduces muscle mass and women start gaining weight around the middle (spare tire), hips, thighs etc.... and mood swings, anxiety ( maybe to replace Zoloft ) and irritability. excerise alone doesn't help some women to keep the pounds and fat off.

Although Sotto Pelle Therapy has been approved for human use, there are few doctor's who currently administer estradiol and testosterone pellets in the United States.

The estadiol dosage that may be received can aggravate fibroids or polyps, if they exit, and cause bleeding. The doctor will want your last Pap smear report, Mammogram report and ultrasound for any fibroids.

So, I wonder if anyone out there has tried the Sott Peel and want the their experince was? I am working on getting all my blood work, pap smear, ultrasound and mammogram reports done before I consider the thearpy. I will update at a later date.

[GudyNuf]

Love this forum.

Has anyone had hormone therapy with Sotto Pelle? Considering hormone thearpy to increase my energy ( I am a runner ), my libido, reduce weight gain and to increase my sense of well-being ( like when I was in my 30's).

During my research I found that the Sotto Pelle female Estradiol and testosterone hormone is inserted under the skin to achieve a steady delivery of natural testostrone hormone into the blood stream.

When women age their testosterone level drops which reduces muscle mass and women start gaining weight around the middle (spare tire), hips, thighs etc.... and mood swings, anxiety ( maybe to replace Zoloft ) and irritability. excerise alone doesn't help some women to keep the pounds and fat off.

Although Sotto Pelle Therapy has been approved for human use, there are few doctor's who currently administer estradiol and testosterone pellets in the United States.

The estadiol dosage that may be received can aggravate fibroids or polyps, if they exist, and cause bleeding. The doctor will want your last Pap smear report, Mammogram report and ultrasound for any fibroids.

So, I wonder if anyone out there has tried the Sotto Pelle and what was their experince? I am working on getting all my blood work, pap smear, ultrasound and mammogram reports done before I consider the thearpy. I will update at a later date.

[CurbAppeal]

The biggest libido killer is progesterone. [snip] After all, it is the "pregnancy hormone" that has a calming effect on just about all bodily functions.

Oh, no! Here I am depending on it for PMS, for which it works very well! No breast lumpiness, no miserable mood. But my libido has been missing in action for ages, and it is a real source of shame, since I have a wonderful, handsome, loving husband.