question from a user
I am a 52 year old woman. I am taking testosterone because my energy and motivation to get out of my chair were both really low. I also didn't have any sex drive. I actually hated having sex. My doctor would not prescribe testosterone so I bought Androgel from an online pharmacy from another country. It is 1% gel in 50 mg packets. I put the gel in an oral syringe and dispense 5 ml per day. I rotate sites, thighs, upper arms, abdomen. So far I have more energy and motivation, not a lot, but noticeable. As far as sex, I am much more open to it and my orgasms are better. Before I started using the testosterone I could not orgasm at all. I would like to raise my dose. I do not have any acne, oily skin, or mood swings so far. But I am very worried about hair loss. No hair loss yet, but I heard it happens slowly and you don't notice it until one day you do. I also heard that gel is the worst for hair loss. Is it true that the side effect of hair loss is higher for gel? I am open to giving myself subcutaneous injections. What is the best form of testosterone for subcutaneous injections in women? What is an equivalent dose to what I am taking? What should be the highest dose I should be sure not to go past? Any other tips for a female interested in higher sex drive?
AlphaMD's Answer
Transdermal treatment, with both gels and creams, have been proven to have a higher conversion rate to DHT. The skin has a higher amount of the 5a-reductase enzyme, so more of the T you apply will become DHT.
Fortunately, DHT raises libido very well; often better than testosterone. Unfortunately, DHT is the primary culprit for hair loss in both men and women.
The absence of hair loss at this time is a good sign, so you could certainly try slowly increasing your dose. In our experience, women tend to prefer injections though, as they tend to have fewer side effects with SQ injections.
The preferred form of injectable testosterone for TRT in women is testosterone cypionate. It allows for easy reversal if the dose is too high, but also doesn’t require daily dosing.Because absorption rates of creams and gels are extremely variable based on many individual characteristics, there is no direct conversion rate between topicals and injectables.
But a common starting dose for women on test cypionate is 10mg/wk, usually divided twice weekly.
Related Questions
I am: 42 yo male, 5'11" 280 lbs with a BMI of 40 and 42% body fat. Pre trt blood work: TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL, MS 242 L TESTOSTERONE, FREE 35.7 I star...
In most cases we would want a patient to wait at least past the 6-7 week mark before adjusting dosages because that's around the point that your body truly accepts the extra Testosterone as its own. T... See Full Answer
Hi, I am a 41 year old female, in peri menopause interested in TRT. Recent labs taken 2 weeks ago: Free testosterone 0.5 pg/ml and Testosterone NG/dl ...
Your lab results along with your reported symptoms would qualify you for TRT. It is rare to find medical providers that are comfortable with prescribing testosterone for women, but that is only becaus... See Full Answer
My current level has rebounded to 550. In December, it was 400 and I'm assuming at the end of the marathon season it was 200 or less. I might just lo...
For Testosterone, injections are much better than creams and gels. They are more consistent, potent, accurate, take less time investment, and generally cost way less. For a lot of people the idea of i... See Full Answer
Ready to get answers?
Ask your own question today.
Get $30 off your first month’s order
Enter your email address now to receive $30 off your first month’s cost, other discounts, and additional information about TRT.
Legal Disclaimer
This website is a repository of publicly available information and is not intended to form a physician-patient relationship with any individual. The content of this website is for informational purposes only. The information presented on this website is not intended to take the place of your personal physician's advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Discuss this information with your own physician or healthcare provider to determine what is right for you. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information contained herein is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge. The information should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a visit, phone or telemedicine call, consultation or advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. Only a qualified physician in your state can determine if you qualify for and should undertake treatment.