I was using a little testosterone without estrogen for about a year. It brought back my sex drive after my Hyst/BSO so I was grateful for it. However I had terrible anxiety and even after I stopped using it my anxiety continued and I realised that actually low estrogen also causes anxiety and depression. I tried estriol cream in the past year and found I could hardly tolerate it but after my check up at the hospital the doctor explained that it was because I had had no estrogen for nearly 3 years so my body went into shock every time I used it. She suggested I build it up slowly which I have been doing. I feel so much better in myself-anxiety levels have dropped and no more low mood but I have now lost all desire for sex. I still have sexual sensations-I am not physically numb as I was after my surgery before I started the testosterone-but now I am just totally disinterested. I have tried a tiny amount of testosterone a couple of times in the past few days but it just makes me feel hyped and agitated so I am not sure if I am actually testosterone deficient now. HELP!
janet c

Dear janet c

This is only a temporary situation.As the Doctor explained your body had been deprived of estrogen for so long it now has some major adjustments to make.This happened to me when the Gyno. switched me to a different HRT with a higher Estriol level.It took my body over two months to adjust.

So be patient,give it time and you'll soon be roaring like a Tiger!

Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

Thank you for that Elizabeth! You have given me hope! I am still trying to increase my daily estriol level and I am still nowhere near the full amount as it affects me so badly!
I look forward to that then

I am getting really concerned now as things seem to be worsening. Although I feel fine in myself-no anxiety or bad side effects with Estriol any more, and I am using a little testosterone again daily, I have absolutely no sign of any sexual interest returning. It is as if there is a brick wall up in my head and I just think-I can't be bothered-even though I want to.
Is it correct that estrogen can bind up free testosterone and reduce libido? Is this what is happening in my case?
I know I should be patient and I probably shouldn't google so much but I have got myself into a worry state. At least before I started the estriol I could have an orgasm! I cant even form a sexual thought at present.
Maybe at my age (56) and after recovering from cancer I should be glad that I am just alive and well. Maybe I am asking for the moon!
janet c

Estrogen is necessary in order for testosterone to work properly with a minimum of side effects. Maybe you also need to start using the T again if you are not still using it.

Also, estriol is primarily a pregnancy hormone and has a tendency to cause sore breasts and bloating. I cannot use it. HOwever, I used estradiol and do not have problems with it. Maybe you would do better with estradiol.

Yes I agree with you. I have started testosterone again and I am tolerating it much better now I have some estrogen in my system. I am not using very much estriol-less that a gram of cream every day-but I have been gradually increasing it for 5 weeks so my body has become accustomed to it. I would not be allowed estradiol at present because of the cancer and actually I find a gram of estriol cream is enough. It has stopped most of my anxiety and hot flushes. I dont have nausea although I have noticed my nipples are a little sore.I have read some articles that say that estriol transdermally is 20 times more effective than orally so a much smaller amount is required to get the same effect.Its just that there is so much conflicting info out there. Some of it says estrogen increases libido and some says the opposite. Whats a girl to do?I think you are right though. We need the estrogen to stop the nasty T side effects.
janet c

This is very valuable info !

An update on this subject.
I am pleased to say that joyceveronica was absolutely correct in what she said about a temporary situation. I have continued using a very small amount of estriol cream -it seems to have a very powerful effect at small doses for me! I had a couple of tiny testosterone top ups in the last week too and this morning-well all I can say is WOW !!!
It is so long since I have felt that way.
I am so pleased because it means this small amount of HRT will be enough for me.I don't find at this dose it causes any side effects now and it makes me feel so womanly! I have felt so unfeminine since my surgery !
As I said in my earlier post transdermal estriol is very powerful stuff!
janet c

Dear 'janetc'

No you are not asking for the moon.I am 57 and sex is still important though I am not as interested as I once was

Reading between the lines it feels as if you are self protecting which is very natural after all you have been through.It is very possible that you are finding it hard to relax and let go.What about a 'date night?Nice dinner,romantic movie,a little wine?

The reason I say this is because the anxiety you initially felt when using Estriol would have made you tense and watchfulYour body is still adjusting to this new flow of Estrogen but sometimes the mind and emotions need a little more time to catch up.

Hope things improve
Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

Elozabeth-did you not read my post yesterday? It appears immediately before the one you have just written!
Here it is again

An update on this subject.
I am pleased to say that joyceveronica was absolutely correct in what she said about a temporary situation. I have continued using a very small amount of estriol cream -it seems to have a very powerful effect at small doses for me! I had a couple of tiny testosterone top ups in the last week too and this morning-well all I can say is WOW !!!
It is so long since I have felt that way.
I am so pleased because it means this small amount of HRT will be enough for me.I don't find at this dose it causes any side effects now and it makes me feel so womanly! I have felt so unfeminine since my surgery !
As I said in my earlier post transdermal estriol is very powerful stuff!
janet c

So sorry Janet

For some reason seem to have skipped that post!
Anyway joyceveronica-my mum's name,is so pleased for 'janetc'

Warm Hugs
Elizabeth

Janet, that is really great news ! I'm really happy to hear that you're getting a noticeable benefit from your supplementation !

Thanks Sandra-I am -but the estriol has now got too much for me. It seems to build up day by day and I have felt awful again for a couple of days! I couldn't stop crying yesterday so I am having a break.This seems very different from oral estrogen . It seems to be essential to have the same amount daily but with this cream-boy it seems so strong and builds up! I have also felt worse since topping up the testosterone-more anxious.
I am sure I will get it right eventually.

Merry Christmas to all anyway
janet c