I am 45 and am experiencing no libido. Would like to know if anyone out there has tried testosterone low dose as per Dr. Susan Rako, with any results. My gyn was useless wanted to prescribe meds for depression. He said testosterone would not work and would give me a mustache.

Dear nanspecmkbe, Just ran across your post and hope the following helps. I seriously doubt you will grow a moustache by taking a low (emphasis on low) dose of testosterone. My experience with 5mg compounded testosterone cream has been good. Because it's a cream, it is easy to stop and/or minimize the dose should you get any unwanted side effects. I get minor skin breakouts which I've never had before, so I lowered the amount/frequency of application, and it self-corrected within a couple of weeks. Alas, so did the degree of the benefits, but I am still back from the world of the dead I inhabited before using it. I have my blood levels checked quarterly; any prescribing MD would recommend this. Also, side effects are quick to appear and disappear. My only concern is that there don't appear to be any studies on long-term use. Although my libido improved, there was still something missing. The 'something' was helped with the Estring, the only estrogen I take. Aside from libido, my mood and sense of 'purpose' improved. I wondered if this was a cause and effect deal, but honestly I don't believe it was. They say that testosterone promotes a sense of well-being and that has been my experience. I had to hunt around for a reasonable practitioner as my own was reluctant, like yours. She gave me a variation on the time-honored 'well dear, you are now in menopause and must simply take these changes in stride' rubbish. I think many MD's are just unenlightened about the proper low-dose prescribing of testosterone and will toss off remarks about growing moustaches etc, as yours did. I'm also aware that there's little research on long-term treatment for women with testosterone, so that may explain the reluctance. But certainly not the uncaring remarks. Because of the dearth of studies, I am a little reluctant to use this cream, but I am far more reluctant to do without it. All I can say for sure is that we women are in an often-rocky transition and that boards like this help us navigate the waters. Just wait a few days and other responses will follow. I sincerely hope you can find a more sympathetic and contemporary physician to help you. (I also hope that the drug makers of the world are feverishly working night and day for a female version of that famous blue diamond-shaped pill. We deserve it.) Meantime, I wish you luck, and, of course, more. And you know what I mean by 'more'.

Thank you for your input. I have some homework to do, need to find a good gyn or dr. who is knowledgable in this area. I'm in the Long Island, N.Y. area if you know of any good recommendations. I'm also considering Pete the Pharmacist from this website, maybe he can help with a recommendation. As far as the mood thing goes my mood has lifted since I started taking Mary Kay Daily Benefits vitamins and herbal supplements. However the libido is still non existant. Thanks again for your time. Nan

Hi Nan, I'm also from Long Island, NY and went to see a gyno who "specializes" in menopause hoping he would help me regarding low libido. He also said "do you want a mustache" and his suggestion was to read a "romance novel" - needless to say, I'm looking for another gyno. I too would like to try testosterone cream but can't seem to find a dr to prescribe it. I'll keep looking - if you hear of a good gyno on Long Island, please let me know - thanks!

Hi, I got testosterone cream from Dr. Erika Schwarts along with Estrodiol and Progesterone compounded hormones. She was in the ask the experts section of Power Surge but no longer is. Also you could try Pete's Pharmacy on this website. The testosterone cream did help. I don't know if the long term use will be bad but in the short term I would rather risk it and feel better than worry about 15 years from now. My life if better with the hormones than without. Brenda

Nan, Sue, Brenda et al Hello again -- Here are three ideas to help you out. First, get yourself a copy of 'Natural Hormone Balance for Women' by Uzzi Reiss, MD. He makes a lot of sense, clearly and thoroughly explains the menopausal issues we're all experiencing, and makes an excellent case for the moderate use of compounded hormones. And yes, he devotes a full chapter to testosterone. Next, look for physicians in your area who prescribe compounded medications. As you may know, compounded hormones are bio-identical to our own, come in any number of forms (ie gels, creams, lozenges, drops) and can be fairly well tailored to your specific hormonal needs. My experience has been with Women's International Pharmacy. Upon request, they'll will send you an informational package full of great hormonal health info AND a list of practitioners who have at one time or another written Rx's for compounds. God willing, you will find one accessible to you. Also, hunt around in your region and on-line for other reputable compounding pharmacies. They, too, may offer lists of practitioners. *** Finally, Women's International is affiilated with a great bi-monthly publication called 'Women's Health Connections'. It's $12/year. Each issue addresses one specific topic, ie. PMS, Hormonal Balance, Yeast, Vaginal Health, and -- yes -- Testosterone. I encourage you to subscribe to this great resource and to request a listing of back issues to get caught up on concerns specific to you. I think they're $2 apiece. I am sitting here wishing the absolute best in care, answers, hormonal health and hope to anyone who reads this. Honestly. Keep the faith. I hope this is helpful. Hugs etc. Administrator Note: Commercial phone number has been removed. For more information, please contact the author or this post.

Dear Administrator, Please forgive my listing the phone number in the above post. I truly apologize and was unaware this was a no-no. In my eagerness to help out, I neglected to review this site's 'postage requirements'; hence my error. I sincerely regret the goof.

Thank you for the info on the Womens International Pharmacy. I sent you a u2u message. Thanks. Nan

Nan, I know this isn't how these boards are supposed to be used - but - I went to my never-before-utilized U2U box and it was empty. Tried to U2U a message back asking you to resend, but got a bizarre error message and have since been trying to get tech support to help me with it. I'm so delighted you were in touch and hope that the Women's International info may have reached you by now and that you are pleased with it. Again, I know this is not how these boards are to be used. When I can get the U2U feature squared away, I'll use it and it only for such messages as this one.