At 57 I was on HRT (pellets). Worked great for about 9 yrs. During those years, I never had any problems with bone loss. However, I started having too much hair loss (testosterone) even though I decrease it to a very low level. I continued for 2 more years and had finally had enough w/hair loss. I stopped at age 66 for 3 yrs. During that time, yes my hair fullness increased but I gained 22 pounds, no energy, no sleep, some hot flashes…. My last bone density test showed after 3 years of no HRT, there was a decreases. At age 69, I changed to injections of estradiol and testosterone. I take a lower dose then prescribed and after a few months felt like my old self. Lost 20 pounds just from the increased energy, more sleep…. Friday I will be 70. It’s great but it’s a balancing act with me to make sure I don’t get too much build up.
@@CatamaranChannel Once a week 2 ml. When I first started last year I was advised to take 1.5 3 x a week. No problems until about 8 months later when hair thinning. I’ve gradually reduced it to 2 ml once a week and I still feel great.
If a woman don't have enough Estradiol and Testosterone, that eventually equals possible nursing home from broken bones and definitely adult diapers.😝 .... I personally don't want that to happen to me, that's one reason I have to pay out of pocket for a Hormone Doctor & at a Compounding Pharmacy. Good luck to anyone who can get bioidentical hormones from any doctor under the big hospital umbrella. They are mainly good at covering up symptoms and Not getting to the root of any problem ... especially with Hormones & Vitamin/Mineral deficiencies. Be your own advocate & research, research, research ... your life depends on it!!!
But compounded pharmacy's are not regulated or FDA approved ..how do you know how much of anything do you know your getting?? I take BHRT have now for 3years but I'm am still not in a good place ..Too many tweaks / on testosterone off testosterone.. Had hairloss still struggling with that, my testosterone free & total was never high but Dermatologist said I had mild / moderate androgenic alopecia..He wasn't helpful so I asked him so that means I can't go back on testosterone??? assuming I'm more sensitive to androgens he just said listen to your body & give it what it needs !!!! So I guess if I want my libido bk I will have to go bald ...you just can't win menupause just robs you if your life as it was. I envy the women who swear by BHRT how amazing the feel how grt their skin & hair is ...well I guess that is only a minority...😢
It's a misconception that FDA approval makes something safe, and the lack of it makes it not safe. Think about all of the drugs that are FDA approve that can kill you and are full of multiple horrendous side effects! That being said bioidentical hormones are FDA approved, and you can get estradiol patches and progesterone for example, from any pharmacy that are bio identical, but we do not have a bio identical testosterone, yet that is FDA approved for women for the reasons that I mentioned, which doesn't mean that it's not good it just means that there's a lot of sexism and slowness within the FDA and the world. But the FDA has approved bioidentical testosterone just not in a method that's available for women, so the product is safe. It's just the delivery method for women that has not been approved yet because of all of the reasons mentioned !Compounding pharmacies are very tightly regulated and just like with vitamins or other things that we take, we need to make sure we have a very good resource and that we have our blood levels followed to make sure that we're in the right zone. And when hormones are managed this way it is much safer than the FDA options that some think of as being "normal" like birth control pills, or Prempro. If someone is taking bioidentical hormones, and they're not feeling great, I will just tell you that your levels are not correct, and keep searching for someone who can manage them in a customizable way for you or come visit me in Houston.
Same experience Gyn dropped me because he didn’t want to prescribe at levels that worked for me. Gave me a googled list of providers - non were valid . Going to mgh midlife clinic but took 3 months to get appt . Hope I don’t run out before appt.
It’s not FDA approved but also not disapproved . It’s just that FDA was not involved .Like supplements, FDA doesn’t go against nor approve . Do what works for you and don’t wait for mother FDA to save you.👍
I’m 70. Been on TRT for 6 mos. Game changer! Finally, convinced my wife to jump on board. She has an appointment next week. Found you as I was trying to research women’s stuff. Love your channel….subscribed. Blessings
How wonderful that you are concerned and reaching out to help your wife. Most men, even though they care wouldn’t begin to try to figure any of this out. Kudos to you!
Do you go to a specialized clinic, urologist or just primary doctor? I went to primary doctor and my vitamin-T is in the low 200 and he said I didn't need it 🤦
Thanks doc... that was a ground breaking information. I was just thinking how much women suffered before youtube came into being as we women knew nothing about how to take care of all the hormonal havoc it was causing to our health. Its huge- Oesteoporosis, thyroid issues, menopause... now so many highly experienced, informative docs are coming out with podcasts and on TH-cam. I just love this era of digital information. Every common women have full access to world renowned providers, doctors, scientists and research. Thank you Doc for such valuable information.
Yes Thank God for TH-cam! At 59 I am working with my Doctor for me to start HTR, must get cholesterol down first because every Doctor I've seen in person says estrogen causes heart attacks and strokes.
Im on estrogen and progesterone and after an hr of argument, i got my dr to give me testosterone. What a pita we have to fight fpr what we need.im 46 and ive been suffering in periomenopause for a year. Started hrt a month ago.
Thank you! I was feeling exhausted, moody and irritated all the time in addition, my sex drive was decreasing. I had a blood test and found out I had 0 testosterone. I decided to receive the Biote pellets and I’m starting to feel so much better. This is not talked about enough!
@@Tweezy222thank you for responding. I really hope it’ll also work for me. I’m getting so desperate. I’m also extremely deficient in VitD and iron so supplementing with that as well. Hopefully I’ll feel more like myself soon. It’s been years and I feel like I’ve missed out on so much.
I’ve been doing Biote pellet therapy for over 4 years. I’m 69 years old. I feel better than I have ever felt. Sleep good, more stamina, my recently bone density test is normal. Sex drive is back big time, which hubby loves!
Listening to Dr. Susan's channels over the past weekend has been a HUGE eye opening for me. Now, I understand what has been happening on my body and on my mind over the past four years. Thanks You so much for sharing your findings and your wisdom based on your own experience.
My female, mid age doctor was mute when I mentioned I was on pellets. Maybe she knows the benefits but does not offer it to her patients, but she encouraged patches available at the pharmacy. Thank you, Dr.Susan!
Pellets are not good for you. Pellets are not regulated by FDA. "Currently, no drug manufacturers in the United States make estrogen pellets under FDA approval. Instead, hormone pellets are made only by “compounding pharmacies.” Compounding pharmacies make non-FDA-approved customized medications that may not be commercially available." With pellets, you don't really know what you are putting in your body. And, if something happens to you, the compounding pharmacies are not responsible.
Great information and so true - the sexism when it comes to hormone treatment. I think the generation coming into menopause now is not going to settle for sub-par treatment. I'm incredibly thankful for the information spreading now for women. We want to feel vital and healthy and get stuff done! It's so important to have both sexes contributing to a better world, well beyond our 40s. If anything, people beyond 40 are MORE important to be present and available to share and contribute in our world due to experience and wisdom gained.
Fabulous! Thanks. I just saw my lovely NZ gyn for a routine check-up. She asked about my hrt, as part of the picture (the appt wasn't about hrt). She said that although she knows nothing about hrt, she thinks I should stop testosterone, as it's not required!!! God give me strength!
I'm 69. I take HRT. I still have my uterus, so I chose the Femring for my estradiol and progesterone 100mg nightly. I have osteoporosis. HRT stopped further bone loss. But, it has not increased sex drive. I've been curious about taking testosterone.
She is 100% on point about Pellets... Got a # of my Female Clients in there late 40's & 50's on Test Pellets with fantastic results & almost zero side effects. This is a Ultra Low Dose!!!
I do well with transdermal DHEA which converts to testosterone and other hormones. Relatively cheap, easy to find and no prescription required. Please consider doing a video about this. Not everyone has the $$ for repeated testing, dr visits and prescriptions.
@Melissa, thank you so much. You are right, and a lot of the less expensive, telemedicine HRT clinics don’t offer testosterone, so it’s great to know that about DHEA. ❤
@@melissab467 I bought on ebay and I started with 5 mgs a day and now I do 10mgs a day The difference for me has been amazing. No more brain fog and better energy! Good luck !
Thanks so much for this important information! I'm going to ask about all of this in my next annual gynecological appt. I've been doing the Keto diet/ lifestyle for the last 3 1/2 years. It has had significant health benefits including 50lbs weight loss, increased energy, cleared brain fog and also increased libido. 👍I'm very thankful for this at 65 yrs old.😂
@cilitagaspar2132 I did keto for a couple of years and have transitioned to carnivore. It's a huge topic. I follow quite a few doctors who are carnivore or keto here on TH-cam. That's how I learned about it. Dr. Boz, Dr. Berry, Dr. Cywes, Dr. Westman, Carnivore Doctor (Dr. LIsa Wiedeman. .. eye doc), Dr. Chaffee and others.
I am so glad I have found you I have been on androfemme cream for about 8 months and estradiol patch 50 for a year The patch is ok but I get a few side effects with circulation if exercise is down and I not want breast cancer risk although not in family I’d love to wein off this and stay on testosterone only but my doc and GYNO are not as up with this as you are so what do I do ? Go to diff doc You are such a help I do notice testosterone is good on so many levels 🙂💕
I really appreciate this important information. I do have to say that we need our doctors to actually make the time to keep themselves updated on the new information coming out about this topic. It really shouldn't just be left to the patients to try and figure out their hormone issues.
Hello Dr. Susan, Question? is DHEA a different option for women with low testosterone?, ,was told testosterone gel can convert to estrogen dependent on the path it's metabolized and therfore can be liitle to no benefit to testosterone level, I'm confused.... my testosterone (which is very low) and DHEA (mid range) and provider prescribed a DHEA tablet?..... no option for testosterone pellet. I did the search button option on your YT channel and couldn't find anything in regards to this topic? Could you please address this, much appreciated, and much appreciation to you for your time, dedication and wisdom to educate women.❤👍
DHEA can convert to testosterone or to estrogen. Depending on several factors and there's no way to know which way it will go until you take it. Dr Andrew Huberman has had some guests on to talk about DHEA. Go to his channel on TH-cam.
This is perfect timing for me. I was really, really discouraged today. Being 63yo I don't qualify to start estrogen therapy. This gives me hope that I can access the benefits of hormone therapy. THANK YOU for your podcast!
Well- just because you're 63 doesn't mean you can't take estrogen! That's another common myth that doctors often talk about based in the women's health initiative, but not necessarily true! For sure there are lots of options ...and if anyone is telling you that you can't take hormone replacement because you're 63 you need to knock on some more doors or come visit me in Houston! 💕
Well I am 63 and was not denied HRT. But in almost a year I still can not find a balanced dose. I am now weaning down to one pump and one oral micronized progesterone every other day ,? (for the second time around.) Thinking of weaning completely off Hrt.and going on Testostrone only. Tried Testostrone with a higher dose of P And E...but that was not a great addition for me. Maybe reintroducing it back with the low dose progesterone and estrogen will be the magic dose. If not I am done with this dance. Especially when the options seem limited here in Canada (at least where I live). My doc tries to consider my individual needs but GP are care full not to go over the set guidelines . I have seen a naturalpath but she can't prescribe HRT. But I gained some inside on alternatives if I can't sort this out.. Good luck to you and I sure hope Testostrone works for you.
@Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith my identical twin sister has been to your clinic after trying dr after dr that did more harm than good. I have used Indian Health Services who are woefully uninformed. I have an appt in May with a dr in my area who gave me my O Shot a couple of years ago. If she doesn't listen, I'll be seeing you. I'm at the age where I'm not afraid to be cheeky. 😉
@@KAR-x5c Hi..glad your Dr was agreeable. How are you making out with your HRT so far ?. I am on my second time trying this i am age 63 . I am having a problem adjusting. What did your Dr start you on.? I have been on a very low dose...100 micronized progesterone and I pump estrodial every OTHER day...I could not tolerate a daily dose. Hoping to work my way up to at least daily. But when I up the progesterone I get bad symptoms. Eastrogen is kinder to me but I have to take progesterone with it because I have a uterus. Take care and happy hormones to you.
@@KAR-x5c Thank you. That is helpful as I am thinking that might be my next move. I have heard that some gals do better on the combi patch even tho the progesterone is synthetic. The micronized progesterone seems to kick my butt .I just got my standing order blood work back and my iron is very low not enemic but only 2 points off. I was enemic as a child and most of my adulthood. Wondering if I was blaming the hrt for my symptoms when it maybe low iron ?. Heres a little something I read about iron deficiency....estrogen can block iron. This was not told to me by my Doc...I just read it while researching low iron stores. So something to be aware of as we introduce estrogen back into our bodies. Time will tell. Is it hormones or iron deficiency. ? Oh to be a lady. Glad to hear you are adjusting well. Thank you again it is great to hear how others are actually doing on their doses and choice of hrt. Doctors don't always expand the options.
I'm very confused. The general concept of testosterone needs in women certainly make sense but my Estradiol is in pc/dl and Testosterone is measured in ng/dl. Also conversion is 1 ng : 1000 pc not 10 as you are suggesting. Can you offer clarifications?
I thought my estrogen was low (had a hysterectomy at 40,kept both ovaries but had one removed in 2020) so I had my blood work done with my GYN who has been with me since my TTC infertility years delivered my son, and has don every reproductive surgery sense . At 50 years old she told me I was still a far way from menopause but my testosterone was at 10. I started the pellet last week. Hopeful my symptoms will be relieved.
I started testosterone in 2019, and after two years, my testosterone jumped to 386!! I stopped taking it, started again after a couple of months now im at 40.
I just spoke with my doctor who uses accupuncture and other wellness protocols, and we read my hormone levels which seem good according to the standards but he’s putting me on testosterone which I realized i need at 75 with no argument. I do my research and he allows me to ask for certain testing, a natural T4 for my removed thyroid, and has approved my requests for Estradiol and progesterone. He does his homework, is very knowledgeable and listens and discusses. I’ll be giving myself a shot every week, which i know how to do from my NYU days giving myself a B12 shot weekly. We all really must take back control and responsibility for our bodies.
Keep looking for another doctor. I suffered horribly until 59 and then saw 4 docs was given all the crap you were had horrible vaginal pain even and so bad at night. Now after 6 weeks taking oral estrogen/progesterone (it’s what the doc I found decided to give me so I agreed I’ll look into possibly a patch maybe later) but anyway I can sleep. No more pain. Im gonna look into T next. I have other health issues so get them mixed up and it makes it harder to figure out what to do especially when you have hope a doctor will help you. Ask them on the phone specific questions. Don’t give up. Cheers.
Do not except NO! So many are against hormones/testosterone! This was my answer from Dr’s as well! Since I found a new female dr who cares- I started Pellets… WOW- What A game changer! On my second round of pellets! 🙏🏼🫶
Give me a break, black cohosh doesn't do ANYTHING when your menopause symptoms are out of control. I had a doctor waste my time for two months with the black cohosh. Thankfully I found a doctor to turn my symptoms around!
I found out the hard way also, but hopefully able to reverse the osteoporosis. I'm 59 and been on BHRT for 2 years now. It's been a scary ride and both my past 2 male OBGYNs have retired from practice. How ironic.
Dr. Hardwick-Smith - I'm 7 years into Post menopause with no help and had a stroke in August 2023. I finally found a Toronto Doctor who does BHRT. I was intending to come see you (or to your office) in Houston. They've told me that because I had a stroke I couldn't have estradiol. Is this true?
Total testosterone with high SHBG is an unhelpful scenario. SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) decreases free testosterone in many people. There are speculative suggestions on how to decrease SHBG, but nothing conclusive. Would appreciate your take on how to reduce SHBG, so that free testerone is actually available in the body. Many sources say after menopause, the adrenal glands produce some sex hormones. Do you not agree? You never mention this. Thanks!
Yes, a small amount of testosterone can be produced by the adrenal glands. I did actually mention that briefly in the video. Not much conclusive information on how to lower SHBG ...but in that case, we would follow free testosterone, rather than total, and try to keep the free testosterone at the desired level
If you take a small dose of boron daily you will bring down your SHBG and increase your free testosterone. I'm a male and have done before and after bloodwork to confirm this is indeed the case. You'll have to figure out the correct dose for you but for me it was 3 mg per day.
@@_FightForYourFreedom_ I've heard of this approach (boron), but research results are inconclusive. I average 20 organic dates daily from the Middle East and also 1 avocado. I'm getting at least 3 mg boron daily.
@@linneasimchah1621 in that case I would recommend you abstain for a while, then do some before blood work, then get back on the dates for boron formula for a few months and do another set of blood work and see how things might have changed.
It should be noted that it depends on the lab performing the test and what country you live in. My testosterone measured by different labs always showed ng/dl. If you’re in Europe you’ll probably see nmol/L. So it’s not a given you’ll see pg/ml. If you want to compare the numbers to other publications or previous test that measured with different units there are several good conversion calculators online.
I took estro and progest for 4 months and almost all perimenop symptoms are gone … except one : the ankle pain. I am 48 and from an energetic Tasmanian devil who’s always right 😂I turned into a slow motion oldie who almost needed a cane . It’s been almost 2 months my nurse put me on 1 mg testosterone . ANKLE PAIN IS GONE!!!!!I am confused, why suffered for so long ?😢My GP dismissed me saying I have long Covid.😮
Hi Dr Susan, so relieved and thankful to have come upon your videos! I am unable to get the pellets where I live according to the website and am wondering if we have no choice but to use the testosterone cream how often should our levels be checked and do we always need to take a dht blocker with it? Thanks for your help 😊
1) Apart from dosage, is there any difference between testosterone hrt creams, gels, jabs, for men and women? 2) Progesterone is great when you take it at night, SO when's the best time to apply the T-hormone gel/cream? Morning, night? 3) Because it's not oral or pellets, If you apply the T-hormone gel/cream, say, in the morning after a shower, do you need to reapply after an evening shower before bed to keep it going? 🤔
dr. thank u so much this is very very helpful. do you know of any home test kits that can be bought online to test these hormones in women? unfortunately, i don’t trust many pcps or gynecologists to do this. and I would like to test my own hormone levels at home and go from there.
I have been on HRT for a few years but have had to lower the testosterone level due to increased hair growth on my face, stomach and breasts. Then my libido, etc went down. I have tried other meds to enhance sexual function but they don't work as well as testosterone. I am in a quandary as to what else to do. Seems my doctor has run out of options. Can you suggest anything else to improve my libido?
Testosterone and hair is not a male thing , it's for women as well . Dont let people fool you into thinking you less of a woman for having T . Males have more T because we have evolved that way due to the lifestyle
I would guess you're doing single dose of Test too far apart - and not small regular doses. A high single dose is the cause of aromatisation. Smaller doses replicating your normal physiological pulses reduces the aromatisation caused by a big dose, which will then be followed by a big drop until you dose again. Smaller dose taken more often over large dose far apart is the key to reducing side effects.
@@Cateater123there are some socially acceptable norms. Most women do not like having hair all over their face and chest with a deep voice with height test levels. Just like men don’t like having breasts with low testosterone/high estrogen ratios.
I’ve been doing testosterone for years. I’m 68 and had to stop due excessive hair on face and back. One year after and most hair growth gone, I’ve decided to give it a try again and here comes the hair back. Advice
My guess is you're getting too much and I would look for a blood levels in the 100 to 150 range with a pellet -often people are giving too much and that can create side effects
Thank you, this is great. Just to note you had the nanograms per deciliter and picograms per milliliter backwards. Testosterone is measured in nanograms per deciliter and Estradiol is measured in picograms per milliliter.
I just got the BioTe pellet with estradiol and testosterone, 2 weeks in, feeling better but still getting hot flashes in the day (not as many). Are these considered bio-identicals? And are they compounded if they go in a pellet? Dr. Taylor is totally against non-pharmaceuticals and testosterone, so I am very confused. It is really difficult to weed out all of the medical opinions. I saw you on Dominiques channel and starting watching your videos. I also saw Dr. Taylor, there and she says the bio/Ids do nothing to prevent heart, bone, etc. diseases. BTW in one month it will be exactly a year since my last period, so now is the perfect time for me to start - and get this sorted out. Thank you for your education!
So informative and eye opening thank you Dr.Susan! I’ve been on estrodial patch (.050) and progesterone pill (100 mg) and really want to introduce testosterone for all the reasons you explained. Can you recommend an HRT doc in Miami or the South Florida area please and thank you!
I'm curious if your clinic accepts insurance? None of the providers available to me, and covered by insurance are supportive of HRT. I am almost 70, and have been doing bioID HRT for 20 years. I was recently persuaded that I should stop because "breast cancer." After two MRIs, a biopsy, and a surgery, there was nothing more sinister than some "atypical cells," not a mass, not a lump - some cells. After a horrible OA flare in late December, I am back on my HRT regimen, and hope to add testosterone to it, though I've only used transdermal testosterone in the past. I just requested that my doctor send in a prescription to my compounding pharmacy, but have not been encouraged by her attitude toward HRT. I know there are some doctors around here who could help, but I'm not in the bracket of people who can pay cash for medical services. Sad. Anyway, just really feeling "seen" by your videos - thank you so much for all you do!
My dna says that my hormone profile is codominant between estrogens and androgens. I wonder if my DHT is high - hair falling out, post menopause acne just popped up. I do have testosterone included in my compounded hrt but I'm wondering if I should.
My pellet insertion was quite unpleasant and took over 10 days to heal. It doesn't just implant under the skin, its burrowed in the upper butt muscle and I was quite sore. Normal? who wants to go through this every 3 months?? I tried the cream and it did't budge my low levels.
I have mgd and found out that low androgen levels can cause this. I'm on bioidentical hrt and it's been a game changer for me it does have testosterone in it but I'm wondering if I need a bit more for low libido and for my dry eye mgd? How much is recommended?
This was extremely important information. Unfortunately you got the the unit of measyue reversed for E2 and T. T is measured in ng/dL while E2 is pg/mL. Otherwise -great presentation.
In another of her videos in regards to levels, Dr Susan also mentions testosterone is best between 100-150 PG/ML units, as I took notes, she is consistant with this unit of measurement for testostosterone. As I needed to convert this via online testosterone conversion calculator, as different labs use different units to take to my hrt provider.
150 would be way to high in that unit of measurement of pg/ml. That would be 1500 ng/dl ad that level would be 500 over normal range fpr a 25 year old male. 100 to 150 is a good range in ng/dl units. Which would be 10 to 15 pg/ml
I am in late peri and having pain during intercourse. My family doc is wonderful and prescribed me estradiol and testosterone gel. I told him I wanted to try them vaginally and he is all for me trying it. I am just not certain how much to use of the testosterone gel. They come in tubes containing 50 mg each. I just don’t know how much to apply and my doc knows I will find the answers myself 😀 Any advice?
I am really wondering if my GP will even prescribe testosterone for me, even though she happily did that with estrogen and progesterone. So it’s best to do a blood test and if it’s low then I should ask for it?
Thanks so much for this information! I can not wait for my appointment with you. I just had my blood work done at my GP office so I will have it when I drive in from Arkansas! 😊Your office has been amazing with answering my questions and sending me information. I want to also Thank You because some how my email was sent to you and you responded back to me and directed my email to Carolina which has been a huge help! Thank You!
Any contraindications if one has high thyroid peroxidase antibodies- @ 35(am menopausal two years ago) and sadly I now have high Cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) but started Ezetimib since I can't do any statins due to IBSD. Unfortunately, my male PCP said am " much older now"(am 57years olds) and he wouldn't recommend any Hormonal Therapy because of the above stated and his words: "you should have started Hormonal therapy in you mid 40s" I so fatigued daily that no amount sleep is not enough to feel rested 😢 11:30
It’s Amazing how Everything continues to CHANGE in What we are Told is True throughout our Lives!! Like what was pumped into our heads Most of my Life & I just turned 74 like what you said about ESTROGEN & Testosterone is Not causing Cancer is Just the opposite of what was ingrained into or minds Forever‼️I take Both! Sometimes you have to really pay attention to your Own body & gauge what’s good & what’s not good for Us because more than likely in just 10 years or less it WILL CHANGE ‼️I’ve seen it Over & Over in All kinds of health topics! Just One example: When I had my first child at the young age of 18 my Dr. was Not teaching how Great Breast Milk is for my baby but Formula⁉️Nobody I knew or saw was Breast Feeding‼️What a waste of such a Natural Milk that was soo very important for good health! 🤷♀️❤️🩹🤦♀️
When I was about 27 years old (I am 51 now) I got given testosterone cream and it was really good in leveling emotions and my endometriosis. But I was single at the time so it was a tough time in that way. 😂 I highly recommend it though, just from a personal perspective, I have some very basic knowledge of hormones and changes, due to the previous hormonal problems I have had. I am on my 4th Merina now which is progesterone. I have benefited from this video thanks so much.
I would like to know more.. You say you were put on testosterone to help with endometriosis... My daughter has Endometriosis she had it removed last year but it could grow back... Q: what help was testosterone with endometriosis
The most important hormone for me and women is thyroid hormone, optimal levels of TH by otself can increase levels of testosterone sometimes, avoiding the need for TRT.
Hello dr from canada thank you for alllll the information may i ask what is pallet ? i take estrogen topic and progesterone has pils but i ear you say often pallet is it a different way to absorb the hormones thank you ?
How long does it take for pellets to work? And if you are low or at 0 with these hormones… can you get or can it cause depression and anxiety? I always stopped drinking during this time of all this and been on many SSRI and they have helped some what with anxiety but the depression is still there… and I have numbed/blunted emotions with a lot of these meds! I am beside my self feel lost .. 2 weeks on the pellets 2 months on proestrogen!
What about the women who experience hairloss from testosterone???? My testosterone was never high always in range , DHT was normal but I'm sensitive to it genetics not on my side . I experienced hair thinning on the crown went to Dermatologist & he said I had mild/ moderate androgenic alopecia.. So what can I do ??? I stopped using testosterone 9 mths 😢😢 ..energy is gone libido gone what options do I have ??? ❤
Usually it's a dosing question- and we didn't lose hair when we had normal amounts of testosterone in our 30s -so generally it's because levels are being raised too high- and regardless of DHT levels, we would use a DHT blocker like spironolactone or finasteride
@@niamhbyrne4036 Hi Niamh thank you for your reply much appreciated 🙏 I agree with your suggestion I was on full dose first then I reduced my dose so I'm not sure if that will solve my problem, I do know that less testosterone was fine for me I definitely just need less because when I was taking full dose it wasn't better.. It's a minefield 3yrs on HRT & still trying to figure it out .my menupause specialist is useless 😒
@@niamhbyrne4036 Niamh I am on now 2pumps of estrogel & 200mg of utrogestan due to abnormal bleeding had ultrasound it showed 2 small friboids & 2cm cyst on my right ovary. Thought I was coming to the end of the spotting/bleeding after 1month of nothing I have a bleed again since yesterday..at times I just feel like given it up completely....I was on 3pumps of estrogen & I feel it has caused my ongoing issue with spotting/bleeding hence I reduced bk to 2...I normally take 100mg ot utrogestan orally & the other vaginaly but I switched it around & took 200mg orally Fri/ Saturday Sunday due to not get much sleep that week wake up Monday with a bleed not sure it this is the reason but I seem to be sensitive to everything I do now ...Between my hair issues spotting & bleeding going on now 8mths zero lack of joy & motivation & zero libido..I feel like this is just a waste of time 🙏🙏😘 Oh it was Testogel the mens version normal dose was pea size over 10days which I did on the beginning then was nervous ref my hair & reduced it over 20/25 days & I was much better than I am now. Then I had massive family stress /sadness & my hsir fell out lost about 60% due to TE tellogen Effliuvm July 2021 it started it just shed ^ shed & texture was horrible. I'm still dealing with it but it's much better & from the research I've done it can take up to 2yrs to recover from Chronic tellogen Effliuvm which I clearly had , no bald spots just massive diffused shedding all over. Thank god I had really long thick hair to start with it literally saved me. . I'm totally fed up its just one thing after another xx
Im kind of confused about the testosterone now.. ? We have to be really careful on how much we get or take , right ? Because too much will make us grow unwanted facial hair , among , other things , correct ?
@@samanthavandenbosch1621 Look at it this way. Women transitioning to men take 100-200 mg per week of testosterone. A woman simply maintaining her natural level takes about 20 mg a week.
Hello! I love your site. So much great info. Just a little confused on the units. My lab results are reversed on the units. My lab results for my estradiol (on .0675mg patches - use .025 and .05 - .075 makes my boobs sore) are in the pg/mL units at 36.2 pg/mL and my total testosterone (2.5mg a day cream) is at 107 ng/dL units (a little high based on lab range even for premeno, but just dropped to the 2.5mg, so will get tested again in about 3 months, my gyn prefers testosterone to be around 55 ng/dL, but she's not freaking out that I'm at 107 with no side effects). If I multiply my pg/mL, which is my estradiol, then I'm at 362 ng/mL for my estradiol and 107 ng/dL for my testosterone, which would be a lot lower than my estradiol...? Regardless, my labs show me high on my testosterone, based on the lab ranges for premono levels of 10-55 ng/dL testosterone, and "normal" for my postmeno estradiol levels of 36.2 pg/mL at 6-54 pg/mL. Anyway, just checking regarding which hormone is at which measurement and if it depends on the lab...? Because mine are reversed. How would I convert mine...? Just confused as to why my lab result units are the opposite and then that technically makes my testosterone levels lower than 5 times either way. I do have a wee more energy on the testosterone (3 months now) so it has helped, but wonder if this means I could go higher, despite the labs...? Thanks in advance if you get to see this comment and can respond!!!
The labs are showing high from the company who's doing your bloodwork because they're still setup on the old system. Mine always come back showing as high too since I've been on HRT. Well of course; they're going to be higher than the "average" female who is NOT on HRT.
My wife Testosterone level was 75 ng/dl back in 2022 and doctor said it was high because it was above normal range of 9-55, but biote website says optimal Testosterone should be 150 to 250. So confused 🤦
At that test time she was 27, now 37 and a testosterone of 40. Symptoms testosterone related or just hormonal in general: moodiness, poor sleep, super low libido (she wasn't like that ever), tired all the time.
@@tdane5017that is not true . Everyone is different and need to go by how they feel. A friend of my get barely get out of bed when her testosterone was 250 she functions amazing at 450 so that is it
@@lanibennett5081 she will look like a man in 5- 10 years! If a 40-50 yo male went into a clinic with 450 they would be considered normal and wouldn’t even qualify for testosterone replacement. I’m a former male bodybuilder. I felt great when my testosterone level was 5000+, but it’s Not possible nor safe to stay at that level forever. Every woman I know from the 90s that took testosterone for a long period of time winds up looking like a male. I’ve known about 100 of them. Tell her good luck.
What is worse ? - having too much of Testosterone or too much of Estrogen? I suspect that I have hormonal imbalance and I am thinking of taking DIM but I am not sure if it would be a good idea. My goal in DIM supplementation is to prevent CIN3 from progressing into cancer. I am 39, I have Hypothyroidism and Hyperprolactinonemia. I recently have been diagnosed with severe dysplasia CIN3 and soon will have 2nd LLETZ. I have always suspected that I have hormonal imbalance, have measured my estrogen and progesterone levels many times and the results were inconsistent (sometimes there was too much of E, sometimes too much of P) but I consistently have high levels of Cortisol, Prolactin and Testosterone. Is DIM a good idea? I am afraid that since it inhibits aromatase I might end up having even more Testosterone :-(.
Please do not take Dim. It will completely tank your estrogen and then you will have more side effects. I am not a Dr, just a person on hormones for 7 years and have been reading about this for 7 years. Please do much more research on Dim.
Living in South Georgia 80 miles from Jacksonville Fla. is there a Dr. / Clinic near me that will prescribe testosterone for a woman who had Hormone Positive BC?
Hi Dr. I started out with 1/4 ml of the t testosterone cream. My Dr kept increasing it every 3 now and after getting to 1ml I had almost no testosterone. Now I am in a testosterone cypionate and it is still hard getting my levels up. My body is not absorbing the medication. Have you seen patients like this and will my levels eventually rise? It's so frustrating
My testosterone level is 3. The gel is not working for me. I’m afraid of the pellet because I’m afraid the doctor won’t get the dosage right and I will be stuck with the wrong dose for 3 months. Is there a specific dosage you would suggest?
In my country we don't have testosterone supplements or cream, so what can I take to help my body produce its own? I'm in early menopause due to a historectomy.
At 57 I was on HRT (pellets). Worked great for about 9 yrs. During those years, I never had any problems with bone loss. However, I started having too much hair loss (testosterone) even though I decrease it to a very low level. I continued for 2 more years and had finally had enough w/hair loss. I stopped at age 66 for 3 yrs. During that time, yes my hair fullness increased but I gained 22 pounds, no energy, no sleep, some hot flashes…. My last bone density test showed after 3 years of no HRT, there was a decreases. At age 69, I changed to injections of estradiol and testosterone. I take a lower dose then prescribed and after a few months felt like my old self. Lost 20 pounds just from the increased energy, more sleep…. Friday I will be 70. It’s great but it’s a balancing act with me to make sure I don’t get too much build up.
Thanks, very interesting
Libido?
How much testosterone do you inject and how often?
@@CatamaranChannel Once a week 2 ml. When I first started last year I was advised to take 1.5 3 x a week. No problems until about 8 months later when hair thinning. I’ve gradually reduced it to 2 ml once a week and I still feel great.
How about twice a week 1mg each?
If a woman don't have enough Estradiol and Testosterone, that eventually equals possible nursing home from broken bones and definitely adult diapers.😝 .... I personally don't want that to happen to me, that's one reason I have to pay out of pocket for a Hormone Doctor & at a Compounding Pharmacy. Good luck to anyone who can get bioidentical hormones from any doctor under the big hospital umbrella. They are mainly good at covering up symptoms and Not getting to the root of any problem ... especially with Hormones & Vitamin/Mineral deficiencies. Be your own advocate & research, research, research ... your life depends on it!!!
But compounded pharmacy's are not regulated or FDA approved ..how do you know how much of anything do you know your getting??
I take BHRT have now for 3years but I'm am still not in a good place ..Too many tweaks / on testosterone off testosterone.. Had hairloss still struggling with that, my testosterone free & total was never high but Dermatologist said I had mild / moderate androgenic alopecia..He wasn't helpful so I asked him so that means I can't go back on testosterone??? assuming I'm more sensitive to androgens he just said listen to your body & give it what it needs !!!!
So I guess if I want my libido bk I will have to go bald ...you just can't win menupause just robs you if your life as it was. I envy the women who swear by BHRT how amazing the feel how grt their skin & hair is ...well I guess that is only a minority...😢
It's a misconception that FDA approval makes something safe, and the lack of it makes it not safe. Think about all of the drugs that are FDA approve that can kill you and are full of multiple horrendous side effects! That being said bioidentical hormones are FDA approved, and you can get estradiol patches and progesterone for example, from any pharmacy that are bio identical, but we do not have a bio identical testosterone, yet that is FDA approved for women for the reasons that I mentioned, which doesn't mean that it's not good it just means that there's a lot of sexism and slowness within the FDA and the world. But the FDA has approved bioidentical testosterone just not in a method that's available for women, so the product is safe. It's just the delivery method for women that has not been approved yet because of all of the reasons mentioned !Compounding pharmacies are very tightly regulated and just like with vitamins or other things that we take, we need to make sure we have a very good resource and that we have our blood levels followed to make sure that we're in the right zone. And when hormones are managed this way it is much safer than the FDA options that some think of as being "normal" like birth control pills, or Prempro.
If someone is taking bioidentical hormones, and they're not feeling great, I will just tell you that your levels are not correct, and keep searching for someone who can manage them in a customizable way for you or come visit me in Houston.
Same experience
Gyn dropped me because he didn’t want to prescribe at levels that worked for me. Gave me a googled list of providers - non were valid . Going to mgh midlife clinic but took 3 months to get appt . Hope I don’t run out before appt.
It’s not FDA approved but also not disapproved . It’s just that FDA was not involved .Like supplements, FDA doesn’t go against nor approve .
Do what works for you and don’t wait for mother FDA to save you.👍
Because it’s for women
I’m 70. Been on TRT for 6 mos. Game changer! Finally, convinced my wife to jump on board. She has an appointment next week. Found you as I was trying to research women’s stuff. Love your channel….subscribed. Blessings
How wonderful that you are concerned and reaching out to help your wife. Most men, even though they care wouldn’t begin to try to figure any of this out. Kudos to you!
I am on test and trying to get my husb too. He’s so stubborn.😡
I simply share my testosterone (we call it Vitamin T) with my wife. I'm only sacrificing 10% of my dose for her and its WORTH IT!...lol
@@Russellviews 👍awesome .we don’t need much but a little makes a huge difference 🤪
Do you go to a specialized clinic, urologist or just primary doctor? I went to primary doctor and my vitamin-T is in the low 200 and he said I didn't need it 🤦
I found this out the hard way. Now have osteopenia, memory issues, hair loss..its not just for libido. Took 4 visits just to get my Dr to prescribe it
Thanks doc... that was a ground breaking information. I was just thinking how much women suffered before youtube came into being as we women knew nothing about how to take care of all the hormonal havoc it was causing to our health. Its huge- Oesteoporosis, thyroid issues, menopause... now so many highly experienced, informative docs are coming out with podcasts and on TH-cam. I just love this era of digital information. Every common women have full access to world renowned providers, doctors, scientists and research.
Thank you Doc for such valuable information.
Yes Thank God for TH-cam! At 59 I am working with my Doctor for me to start HTR, must get cholesterol down first because every Doctor I've seen in person says estrogen causes heart attacks and strokes.
Im on estrogen and progesterone and after an hr of argument, i got my dr to give me testosterone. What a pita we have to fight fpr what we need.im 46 and ive been suffering in periomenopause for a year. Started hrt a month ago.
And frustrating that we have to pay to have it compounded when men only have to pay copay.
Thank you! I was feeling exhausted, moody and irritated all the time in addition, my sex drive was decreasing. I had a blood test and found out I had 0 testosterone. I decided to receive the Biote pellets and I’m starting to feel so much better. This is not talked about enough!
how long did it take for you to feel better?
@@nancycaron8227 about 2 weeks,
@@nancycaron8227 about 4 weeks.
@@Tweezy222thank you for responding. I really hope it’ll also work for me. I’m getting so desperate. I’m also extremely deficient in VitD and iron so supplementing with that as well. Hopefully I’ll feel more like myself soon. It’s been years and I feel like I’ve missed out on so much.
@@nancycaron8227here in the world are you?
I’ve been doing Biote pellet therapy for over 4 years. I’m 69 years old. I feel better than I have ever felt. Sleep good, more stamina, my recently bone density test is normal. Sex drive is back big time, which hubby loves!
Yay ! So happy to hear 🎉
Wow!
👏👏👏
How often do you get the pellets? To what doctor or clinic do you go?
I go every 11 weeks
Listening to Dr. Susan's channels over the past weekend has been a HUGE eye opening for me. Now, I understand what has been happening on my body and on my mind over the past four years. Thanks You so much for sharing your findings and your wisdom based on your own experience.
My female, mid age doctor was mute when I mentioned I was on pellets. Maybe she knows the benefits but does not offer it to her patients, but she encouraged patches available at the pharmacy. Thank you, Dr.Susan!
Injections over pellets
Pellets are not good for you. Pellets are not regulated by FDA.
"Currently, no drug manufacturers in the United States make estrogen pellets under FDA approval. Instead, hormone pellets are made only by “compounding pharmacies.” Compounding pharmacies make non-FDA-approved customized medications that may not be commercially available."
With pellets, you don't really know what you are putting in your body. And, if something happens to you, the compounding pharmacies are not responsible.
Great information and so true - the sexism when it comes to hormone treatment. I think the generation coming into menopause now is not going to settle for sub-par treatment. I'm incredibly thankful for the information spreading now for women. We want to feel vital and healthy and get stuff done! It's so important to have both sexes contributing to a better world, well beyond our 40s. If anything, people beyond 40 are MORE important to be present and available to share and contribute in our world due to experience and wisdom gained.
thats solid
Fabulous! Thanks.
I just saw my lovely NZ gyn for a routine check-up.
She asked about my hrt, as part of the picture (the appt wasn't about hrt). She said that although she knows nothing about hrt, she thinks I should stop testosterone, as it's not required!!! God give me strength!
I can totally relate!!! Lord help us all!
I'm 69. I take HRT. I still have my uterus, so I chose the Femring for my estradiol and progesterone 100mg nightly. I have osteoporosis. HRT stopped further bone loss. But, it has not increased sex drive. I've been curious about taking testosterone.
If anything is going to increase your sex drive, besides the man of your dreams...lol....its testosterone.
She is 100% on point about Pellets... Got a # of my Female Clients in there late 40's & 50's on Test Pellets with fantastic results & almost zero side effects. This is a Ultra Low Dose!!!
Yet another superbly presented factual video. Thank you Dr Susan. 🩷
Thank you so much for your continued education and support for those of us out here struggling to find ways to optimize our health. 🙏 Much gratitude.
Is there a video in your list that explains what changes women will or should typically notice from first week of T-hormone gel use? 🤔
This gave me so much hope! I just started with the pellets
You are so lovely and honest. I hope you keep discussing this, we can't get pellets in Cananda.
We can now! Calgary and Toronto.
@BLEE000. Do you have source info? I'm close to Toronto
I do well with transdermal DHEA which converts to testosterone and other hormones. Relatively cheap, easy to find and no prescription required. Please consider doing a video about this. Not everyone has the $$ for repeated testing, dr visits and prescriptions.
@Melissa, thank you so much. You are right, and a lot of the less expensive, telemedicine HRT clinics don’t offer testosterone, so it’s great to know that about DHEA. ❤
How much dhea do you take and how often?
Where do you get the transdernal DHEA?
@@melissab467 I bought on ebay and I started with 5 mgs a day and now I do 10mgs a day The difference for me has been amazing. No more brain fog and better energy! Good luck !
@@julieellis6793 Amazon
Subscribed! This was so informative, thank you. Do you have any videos that talk about the effects of DHT for women?
This is great information. Thank you!
Thanks so much for this important information! I'm going to ask about all of this in my next annual gynecological appt. I've been doing the Keto diet/ lifestyle for the last 3 1/2 years. It has had significant health benefits including 50lbs weight loss, increased energy, cleared brain fog and also increased libido. 👍I'm very thankful for this at 65 yrs old.😂
How do you do the Leto style? In three years you now must have learned the do and don't
@cilitagaspar2132 I did keto for a couple of years and have transitioned to carnivore. It's a huge topic. I follow quite a few doctors who are carnivore or keto here on TH-cam. That's how I learned about it. Dr. Boz, Dr. Berry, Dr. Cywes, Dr. Westman, Carnivore Doctor (Dr. LIsa Wiedeman. .. eye doc), Dr. Chaffee and others.
I am so glad I have found you
I have been on androfemme cream for about 8 months and estradiol patch 50 for a year
The patch is ok but I get a few side effects with circulation if exercise is down and I not want breast cancer risk although not in family
I’d love to wein off this and stay on testosterone only but my doc and GYNO are not as up with this as you are so what do I do ? Go to diff doc
You are such a help
I do notice testosterone is good on so many levels 🙂💕
I really appreciate this important information.
I do have to say that we need our doctors to actually make the time to keep themselves updated on the new information coming out about this topic.
It really shouldn't just be left to the patients to try and figure out their hormone issues.
Great video, thank you so much for making this video!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻💫
I seriously cannot wait to try it. I have virtually every symptom you can have.
Thank for all of this information .
Thank you for the useful information
Thank you for your great information! ❤❤
Hello Dr. Susan, Question? is DHEA a different option for women with low testosterone?, ,was told testosterone gel can convert to estrogen dependent on the path it's metabolized and therfore can be liitle to no benefit to testosterone level, I'm confused.... my testosterone (which is very low) and DHEA (mid range) and provider prescribed a DHEA tablet?..... no option for testosterone pellet. I did the search button option on your YT channel and couldn't find anything in regards to this topic? Could you please address this, much appreciated, and much appreciation to you for your time, dedication and wisdom to educate women.❤👍
DHEA can convert to testosterone or to estrogen. Depending on several factors and there's no way to know which way it will go until you take it.
Dr Andrew Huberman has had some guests on to talk about DHEA. Go to his channel on TH-cam.
This is perfect timing for me. I was really, really discouraged today. Being 63yo I don't qualify to start estrogen therapy. This gives me hope that I can access the benefits of hormone therapy. THANK YOU for your podcast!
Well- just because you're 63 doesn't mean you can't take estrogen! That's another common myth that doctors often talk about based in the women's health initiative, but not necessarily true! For sure there are lots of options ...and if anyone is telling you that you can't take hormone replacement because you're 63 you need to knock on some more doors or come visit me in Houston! 💕
Well I am 63 and was not denied HRT. But in almost a year I still can not find a balanced dose. I am now weaning down to one pump and one oral micronized progesterone every other day ,? (for the second time around.) Thinking of weaning completely off Hrt.and going on Testostrone only. Tried Testostrone with a higher dose of P And E...but that was not a great addition for me. Maybe reintroducing it back with the low dose progesterone and estrogen will be the magic dose. If not I am done with this dance. Especially when the options seem limited here in Canada (at least where I live). My doc tries to consider my individual needs but GP are care full not to go over the set guidelines . I have seen a naturalpath but she can't prescribe HRT. But I gained some inside on alternatives if I can't sort this out.. Good luck to you and I sure hope Testostrone works for you.
@Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith my identical twin sister has been to your clinic after trying dr after dr that did more harm than good. I have used Indian Health Services who are woefully uninformed. I have an appt in May with a dr in my area who gave me my O Shot a couple of years ago. If she doesn't listen, I'll be seeing you. I'm at the age where I'm not afraid to be cheeky. 😉
@@KAR-x5c Hi..glad your Dr was agreeable. How are you making out with your HRT so far ?. I am on my second time trying this i am age 63 . I am having a problem adjusting. What did your Dr start you on.? I have been on a very low dose...100 micronized progesterone and I pump estrodial every OTHER day...I could not tolerate a daily dose. Hoping to work my way up to at least daily. But when I up the progesterone I get bad symptoms. Eastrogen is kinder to me but I have to take progesterone with it because I have a uterus. Take care and happy hormones to you.
@@KAR-x5c Thank you. That is helpful as I am thinking that might be my next move. I have heard that some gals do better on the combi patch even tho the progesterone is synthetic. The micronized progesterone seems to kick my butt .I just got my standing order blood work back and my iron is very low not enemic but only 2 points off. I was enemic as a child and most of my adulthood. Wondering if I was blaming the hrt for my symptoms when it maybe low iron ?. Heres a little something I read about iron deficiency....estrogen can block iron. This was not told to me by my Doc...I just read it while researching low iron stores. So something to be aware of as we introduce estrogen back into our bodies. Time will tell. Is it hormones or iron deficiency. ? Oh to be a lady. Glad to hear you are adjusting well. Thank you again it is great to hear how others are actually doing on their doses and choice of hrt. Doctors don't always expand the options.
I'm very confused. The general concept of testosterone needs in women certainly make sense but my Estradiol is in pc/dl and Testosterone is measured in ng/dl. Also conversion is 1 ng : 1000 pc not 10 as you are suggesting. Can you offer clarifications?
I thought my estrogen was low (had a hysterectomy at 40,kept both ovaries but had one removed in 2020) so I had my blood work done with my GYN who has been with me since my TTC infertility years delivered my son, and has don every reproductive surgery sense . At 50 years old she told me I was still a far way from menopause but my testosterone was at 10. I started the pellet last week. Hopeful my symptoms will be relieved.
Any change?
Any update??
Dr. Susan you’re a blessing. I’d like to make an appointment with you for BHRT for my repellet. I’m here in Houston area for four months.
I started testosterone in 2019, and after two years, my testosterone jumped to 386!! I stopped taking it, started again after a couple of months now im at 40.
Good call. Too high levels will give you masculine features real fast.
@@tdane5017 That 386 I typed by mistake, it was actually 886!
@@rondacompton7206 😵💫Wow! Are you on topical compounded testosterone now?
I actually want to start, but still not sure the safe/best dose and administration of it. Would you please share.
Where you on pellets?
Thank you so much for this video ! You’ve addressed a lot of my issues
Thankyou for all the information ❤
I just spoke with my doctor who uses accupuncture and other wellness protocols, and we read my hormone levels which seem good according to the standards but he’s putting me on testosterone which I realized i need at 75 with no argument. I do my research and he allows me to ask for certain testing, a natural T4 for my removed thyroid, and has approved my requests for Estradiol and progesterone. He does his homework, is very knowledgeable and listens and discusses. I’ll be giving myself a shot every week, which i know how to do from my NYU days giving myself a B12 shot weekly. We all really must take back control and responsibility for our bodies.
51 going through menopause and feel absolutely miserable. Recent labs indicate T
Keep looking for another doctor. I suffered horribly until 59 and then saw 4 docs was given all the crap you were had horrible vaginal pain even and so bad at night. Now after 6 weeks taking oral estrogen/progesterone (it’s what the doc I found decided to give me so I agreed I’ll look into possibly a patch maybe later) but anyway I can sleep. No more pain. Im gonna look into T next. I have other health issues so get them mixed up and it makes it harder to figure out what to do especially when you have hope a doctor will help you. Ask them on the phone specific questions. Don’t give up. Cheers.
Do not except NO! So many are against hormones/testosterone! This was my answer from Dr’s as well! Since I found a new female dr who cares- I started Pellets… WOW- What A game changer! On my second round of pellets! 🙏🏼🫶
Give me a break, black cohosh doesn't do ANYTHING when your menopause symptoms are out of control. I had a doctor waste my time for two months with the black cohosh. Thankfully I found a doctor to turn my symptoms around!
Midi Health online had been great for me! Couldn't find anyone to help locally.
You are amazing for making this video. I learned a ton! Thank you!
I found out the hard way also, but hopefully able to reverse the osteoporosis. I'm 59 and been on BHRT for 2 years now. It's been a scary ride and both my past 2 male OBGYNs have retired from practice. How ironic.
Amazing video and info...
Dr. Hardwick-Smith - I'm 7 years into Post menopause with no help and had a stroke in August 2023. I finally found a Toronto Doctor who does BHRT. I was intending to come see you (or to your office) in Houston. They've told me that because I had a stroke I couldn't have estradiol. Is this true?
I am so sorry that happened to you, hope you are better. I am in Toronto too and it is almost impossible to get a doctor that has knowledge on HRT
Total testosterone with high SHBG is an unhelpful scenario. SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) decreases free testosterone in many people. There are speculative suggestions on how to decrease SHBG, but nothing conclusive. Would appreciate your take on how to reduce SHBG, so that free testerone is actually available in the body.
Many sources say after menopause, the adrenal glands produce some sex hormones. Do you not agree? You never mention this. Thanks!
Yes, a small amount of testosterone can be produced by the adrenal glands. I did actually mention that briefly in the video.
Not much conclusive information on how to lower SHBG ...but in that case, we would follow free testosterone, rather than total, and try to keep the free testosterone at the desired level
@@drsusan what is the desired level for free T?
If you take a small dose of boron daily you will bring down your SHBG and increase your free testosterone. I'm a male and have done before and after bloodwork to confirm this is indeed the case. You'll have to figure out the correct dose for you but for me it was 3 mg per day.
@@_FightForYourFreedom_ I've heard of this approach (boron), but research results are inconclusive. I average 20 organic dates daily from the Middle East and also 1 avocado. I'm getting at least 3 mg boron daily.
@@linneasimchah1621 in that case I would recommend you abstain for a while, then do some before blood work, then get back on the dates for boron formula for a few months and do another set of blood work and see how things might have changed.
It should be noted that it depends on the lab performing the test and what country you live in. My testosterone measured by different labs always showed ng/dl. If you’re in Europe you’ll probably see nmol/L. So it’s not a given you’ll see pg/ml.
If you want to compare the numbers to other publications or previous test that measured with different units there are several good conversion calculators online.
I am in Canada, was trying to find a good conversation for the us results, did not find one that is easy to use
What would be the suggested dosage by IM injections for post menopausal women?
I took estro and progest for 4 months and almost all perimenop symptoms are gone … except one : the ankle pain. I am 48 and from an energetic Tasmanian devil who’s always right 😂I turned into a slow motion oldie who almost needed a cane .
It’s been almost 2 months my nurse put me on 1 mg testosterone . ANKLE PAIN IS GONE!!!!!I am confused, why suffered for so long ?😢My GP dismissed me saying I have long Covid.😮
I would treat for parasites
@@sarahhuls4591how did you come up with parasite issue?
Thank you for sharing, do you mean 1mg a week? Is it cream/gel. Thank you
Hi Dr Susan, so relieved and thankful to have come upon your videos! I am unable to get the pellets where I live according to the website and am wondering if we have no choice but to use the testosterone cream how often should our levels be checked and do we always need to take a dht blocker with it? Thanks for your help 😊
You are a breath of fresh air, esp to those of us struggling with peri/menopause. Thank you. 💗
Thank You for mentioning sexism as a problem when it comes to help with libido issues in women. I’ve experienced this so many times🙄
Love Dr. Susan!!🙂
I was wondering what your thoughts are on taking DHEA post menopause
Are you taking DHEA?
I’d like to know an answer to that also.
1) Apart from dosage, is there any difference between testosterone hrt creams, gels, jabs, for men and women?
2) Progesterone is great when you take it at night, SO when's the best time to apply the T-hormone gel/cream? Morning, night?
3) Because it's not oral or pellets, If you apply the T-hormone gel/cream, say, in the morning after a shower, do you need to reapply after an evening shower before bed to keep it going? 🤔
dr. thank u so much this is very very helpful. do you know of any home test kits that can be bought online to test these hormones in women? unfortunately, i don’t trust many pcps or gynecologists to do this. and I would like to test my own hormone levels at home and go from there.
You are wonderful…thank you so much doctor for your guidance for us women!
How many women are on the fda board that approves medications for women?
Probably close to zero
Hopefully RFK will change that 🙏
I have been on HRT for a few years but have had to lower the testosterone level due to increased hair growth on my face, stomach and breasts. Then my libido, etc went down. I have tried other meds to enhance sexual function but they don't work as well as testosterone. I am in a quandary as to what else to do. Seems my doctor has run out of options. Can you suggest anything else to improve my libido?
Exercise!
Testosterone and hair is not a male thing , it's for women as well . Dont let people fool you into thinking you less of a woman for having T . Males have more T because we have evolved that way due to the lifestyle
You could try PT-141. Its a peptide.
I would guess you're doing single dose of Test too far apart - and not small regular doses. A high single dose is the cause of aromatisation. Smaller doses replicating your normal physiological pulses reduces the aromatisation caused by a big dose, which will then be followed by a big drop until you dose again.
Smaller dose taken more often over large dose far apart is the key to reducing side effects.
@@Cateater123there are some socially acceptable norms. Most women do not like having hair all over their face and chest with a deep voice with height test levels. Just like men don’t like having breasts with low testosterone/high estrogen ratios.
Does taking testosterone along with estradiol in pellet form have a decrease in breast cancer as testosterone alone does?
🙏🏼👌🏽 thanks! Wonderful to hear this!
Hi Lila, how's your day going with you?
PLEASE DR. WHAT IS A GOOD DOSAGE OF TESTOSTERON FOR A WOMAN ON A CREAM PRESENTATION? PLEASE AND THANK YOU
I’ve been doing testosterone for years. I’m 68 and had to stop due excessive hair on face and back. One year after and most hair growth gone, I’ve decided to give it a try again and here comes the hair back. Advice
What dosage you were on?
My guess is you're getting too much and I would look for a blood levels in the 100 to 150 range with a pellet -often people are giving too much and that can create side effects
Thank you, this is great. Just to note you had the nanograms per deciliter and picograms per milliliter backwards. Testosterone is measured in nanograms per deciliter and Estradiol is measured in picograms per milliliter.
I just got the BioTe pellet with estradiol and testosterone, 2 weeks in, feeling better but still getting hot flashes in the day (not as many). Are these considered bio-identicals? And are they compounded if they go in a pellet? Dr. Taylor is totally against non-pharmaceuticals and testosterone, so I am very confused. It is really difficult to weed out all of the medical opinions. I saw you on Dominiques channel and starting watching your videos. I also saw Dr. Taylor, there and she says the bio/Ids do nothing to prevent heart, bone, etc. diseases. BTW in one month it will be exactly a year since my last period, so now is the perfect time for me to start - and get this sorted out. Thank you for your education!
Dr., do you recommend the Dutch test prior to taking HRT?
If my dhea is high should i still get testosterone pellets? Can that effect me in a negative way? Thank you
So informative and eye opening thank you Dr.Susan! I’ve been on estrodial patch (.050) and progesterone pill (100 mg) and really want to introduce testosterone for all the reasons you explained. Can you recommend an HRT doc in Miami or the South Florida area please and thank you!
I don't have any colleagues that I know of personally but you can check the biote.com website
@@drsusan thank you!
Hi Mary, I live in Coral Springs and I’ve been going to 4ever young. Hope it helps.
Did you find a doc? I’m in Port St. Lucie and looking for an HRT place. Not pellets.
@@betsyeberle8116 not yet but I do have a consultation with a highly recommended doc here in Miami. Good luck to you!
I'm curious if your clinic accepts insurance? None of the providers available to me, and covered by insurance are supportive of HRT. I am almost 70, and have been doing bioID HRT for 20 years. I was recently persuaded that I should stop because "breast cancer." After two MRIs, a biopsy, and a surgery, there was nothing more sinister than some "atypical cells," not a mass, not a lump - some cells. After a horrible OA flare in late December, I am back on my HRT regimen, and hope to add testosterone to it, though I've only used transdermal testosterone in the past. I just requested that my doctor send in a prescription to my compounding pharmacy, but have not been encouraged by her attitude toward HRT. I know there are some doctors around here who could help, but I'm not in the bracket of people who can pay cash for medical services. Sad. Anyway, just really feeling "seen" by your videos - thank you so much for all you do!
My dna says that my hormone profile is codominant between estrogens and androgens. I wonder if my DHT is high - hair falling out, post menopause acne just popped up. I do have testosterone included in my compounded hrt but I'm wondering if I should.
Curious if there are increased efforts to re educate doctors on the benefits of hrt?
My pellet insertion was quite unpleasant and took over 10 days to heal. It doesn't just implant under the skin, its burrowed in the upper butt muscle and I was quite sore. Normal? who wants to go through this every 3 months?? I tried the cream and it did't budge my low levels.
This is great info, however, how does it work if i don’t have ovaries or no longer produces estrogen?
I have mgd and found out that low androgen levels can cause this. I'm on bioidentical hrt and it's been a game changer for me it does have testosterone in it but I'm wondering if I need a bit more for low libido and for my dry eye mgd? How much is recommended?
This was extremely important information. Unfortunately you got the the unit of measyue reversed for E2 and T. T is measured in ng/dL while E2 is pg/mL. Otherwise -great presentation.
In another of her videos in regards to levels, Dr Susan also mentions testosterone is best between 100-150 PG/ML units, as I took notes, she is consistant with this unit of measurement for testostosterone. As I needed to convert this via online testosterone conversion calculator, as different labs use different units to take to my hrt provider.
150 would be way to high in that unit of measurement of pg/ml. That would be 1500 ng/dl ad that level would be 500 over normal range fpr a 25 year old male.
100 to 150 is a good range in ng/dl units. Which would be 10 to 15 pg/ml
I am in late peri and having pain during intercourse. My family doc is wonderful and prescribed me estradiol and testosterone gel. I told him I wanted to try them vaginally and he is all for me trying it. I am just not certain how much to use of the testosterone gel. They come in tubes containing 50 mg each. I just don’t know how much to apply and my doc knows I will find the answers myself 😀 Any advice?
Test creams do not always work well. Pellets much better.
You also need to be taking progesterone to balance the estrogen
@@AmyMcLin-ms3xxthat’s if you still have a uterus, then include progesterone. If you do not have one, you needn’t add it.
I am really wondering if my GP will even prescribe testosterone for me, even though she happily did that with estrogen and progesterone. So it’s best to do a blood test and if it’s low then I should ask for it?
Kaiser never prescribes testosterone for women. Discrimination lawsuit will be on the horizon.
@@CH-cm4qethe fda has not approved testosterone use in women in the United States, but doctor’s can prescribe it off label.
Thanks so much for this information! I can not wait for my appointment with you. I just had my blood work done at my GP office so I will have it when I drive in from Arkansas! 😊Your office has been amazing with answering my questions and sending me information. I want to also Thank You because some how my email was sent to you and you responded back to me and directed my email to Carolina which has been a huge help! Thank You!
So glad to hear !
Progesterone also stops t from aromatising into e2
Where can I find this litetature.?
Any contraindications if one has high thyroid peroxidase antibodies- @ 35(am menopausal two years ago) and sadly I now have high Cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) but started Ezetimib since I can't do any statins due to IBSD. Unfortunately, my male PCP said am " much older now"(am 57years olds) and he wouldn't recommend any Hormonal Therapy because of the above stated and his words: "you should have started Hormonal therapy in you mid 40s" I so fatigued daily that no amount sleep is not enough to feel rested 😢 11:30
It’s Amazing how Everything continues to CHANGE in What we are Told is True throughout our Lives!! Like what was pumped into our heads Most of my Life & I just turned 74 like what you said about ESTROGEN & Testosterone is Not causing Cancer is Just the opposite of what was ingrained into or minds Forever‼️I take Both! Sometimes you have to really pay attention to your Own body & gauge what’s good & what’s not good for Us because more than likely in just 10 years or less it WILL CHANGE ‼️I’ve seen it Over & Over in All kinds of health topics!
Just One example: When I had my first child at the young age of 18 my Dr. was Not teaching how Great Breast Milk is for my baby but Formula⁉️Nobody I knew or saw was Breast Feeding‼️What a waste of such a Natural Milk that was soo very important for good health! 🤷♀️❤️🩹🤦♀️
How do I find a practitioner in NJ? My gyn is clueless.
Most are.
Great video.
What product do you recommend and where can I buy it?
Thank you
When I was about 27 years old (I am 51 now) I got given testosterone cream and it was really good in leveling emotions and my endometriosis. But I was single at the time so it was a tough time in that way. 😂 I highly recommend it though, just from a personal perspective, I have some very basic knowledge of hormones and changes, due to the previous hormonal problems I have had. I am on my 4th Merina now which is progesterone. I have benefited from this video thanks so much.
I would like to know more.. You say you were put on testosterone to help with endometriosis... My daughter has Endometriosis she had it removed last year but it could grow back... Q: what help was testosterone with endometriosis
The most important hormone for me and women is thyroid hormone, optimal levels of TH by otself can increase levels of testosterone sometimes, avoiding the need for TRT.
My estradiol was measured in pg/mL and it was .5…when you say that we should be between 40-80 my/dL to feel great, what would that amount be in pg/mL?
Hello dr from canada thank you for alllll the information may i ask what is pallet ? i take estrogen topic and progesterone has pils but i ear you say often pallet is it a different way to absorb the hormones thank you ?
How long does it take for pellets to work? And if you are low or at 0 with these hormones… can you get or can it cause depression and anxiety? I always stopped drinking during this time of all this and been on many SSRI and they have helped some what with anxiety but the depression is still there… and I have numbed/blunted emotions with a lot of these meds! I am beside my self feel lost .. 2 weeks on the pellets 2 months on proestrogen!
What about the women who experience hairloss from testosterone???? My testosterone was never high always in range , DHT was normal but I'm sensitive to it genetics not on my side . I experienced hair thinning on the crown went to Dermatologist & he said I had mild/ moderate androgenic alopecia..
So what can I do ??? I stopped using testosterone 9 mths 😢😢 ..energy is gone libido gone what options do I have ??? ❤
Usually it's a dosing question- and we didn't lose hair when we had normal amounts of testosterone in our 30s -so generally it's because levels are being raised too high- and regardless of DHT levels, we would use a DHT blocker like spironolactone or finasteride
@@cearilindubhlaoi9507 could you use the cream every third day instead of every day? See can you get benefits from it without side effects?
@@niamhbyrne4036 Hi Niamh thank you for your reply much appreciated 🙏
I agree with your suggestion I was on full dose first then I reduced my dose so I'm not sure if that will solve my problem, I do know that less testosterone was fine for me I definitely just need less because when I was taking full dose it wasn't better..
It's a minefield 3yrs on HRT & still trying to figure it out .my menupause specialist is useless 😒
@@cearilindubhlaoi9507 It is very complex, which hrt are you on & which testosterone?
@@niamhbyrne4036 Niamh I am on now 2pumps of estrogel & 200mg of utrogestan due to abnormal bleeding had ultrasound it showed 2 small friboids & 2cm cyst on my right ovary.
Thought I was coming to the end of the spotting/bleeding after 1month of nothing I have a bleed again since yesterday..at times I just feel like given it up completely....I was on 3pumps of estrogen & I feel it has caused my ongoing issue with spotting/bleeding hence I reduced bk to 2...I normally take 100mg ot utrogestan orally & the other vaginaly but I switched it around & took 200mg orally Fri/ Saturday Sunday due to not get much sleep that week wake up Monday with a bleed not sure it this is the reason but I seem to be sensitive to everything I do now ...Between my hair issues spotting & bleeding going on now 8mths zero lack of joy & motivation & zero libido..I feel like this is just a waste of time 🙏🙏😘
Oh it was Testogel the mens version normal dose was pea size over 10days which I did on the beginning then was nervous ref my hair & reduced it over 20/25 days & I was much better than I am now. Then I had massive family stress /sadness & my hsir fell out lost about 60% due to TE tellogen Effliuvm
July 2021 it started it just shed ^ shed & texture was horrible.
I'm still dealing with it but it's much better & from the research I've done it can take up to 2yrs to recover from Chronic tellogen Effliuvm which I clearly had , no bald spots just massive diffused shedding all over. Thank god I had really long thick hair to start with it literally saved me. .
I'm totally fed up its just one thing after another xx
Im kind of confused about the testosterone now.. ? We have to be really careful on how much we get or take , right ? Because too much will make us grow unwanted facial hair , among , other things , correct ?
Not really. If its too much just lower it. You make notice a hair or two and thats when you back off.
@@Russellviews ok thanks
@@samanthavandenbosch1621
Look at it this way. Women transitioning to men take 100-200 mg per week of testosterone. A woman simply maintaining her natural level takes about 20 mg a week.
Hello! I love your site. So much great info.
Just a little confused on the units. My lab results are reversed on the units. My lab results for my estradiol (on .0675mg patches - use .025 and .05 - .075 makes my boobs sore) are in the pg/mL units at 36.2 pg/mL and my total testosterone (2.5mg a day cream) is at 107 ng/dL units (a little high based on lab range even for premeno, but just dropped to the 2.5mg, so will get tested again in about 3 months, my gyn prefers testosterone to be around 55 ng/dL, but she's not freaking out that I'm at 107 with no side effects).
If I multiply my pg/mL, which is my estradiol, then I'm at 362 ng/mL for my estradiol and 107 ng/dL for my testosterone, which would be a lot lower than my estradiol...? Regardless, my labs show me high on my testosterone, based on the lab ranges for premono levels of 10-55 ng/dL testosterone, and "normal" for my postmeno estradiol levels of 36.2 pg/mL at 6-54 pg/mL.
Anyway, just checking regarding which hormone is at which measurement and if it depends on the lab...? Because mine are reversed. How would I convert mine...? Just confused as to why my lab result units are the opposite and then that technically makes my testosterone levels lower than 5 times either way. I do have a wee more energy on the testosterone (3 months now) so it has helped, but wonder if this means I could go higher, despite the labs...?
Thanks in advance if you get to see this comment and can respond!!!
The labs are showing high from the company who's doing your bloodwork because they're still setup on the old system. Mine always come back showing as high too since I've been on HRT. Well of course; they're going to be higher than the "average" female who is NOT on HRT.
how do u know how much testosterone we had when we were young/healthy to try to match that amount to now?
Lots of studies and experience!
google it
My wife Testosterone level was 75 ng/dl back in 2022 and doctor said it was high because it was above normal range of 9-55, but biote website says optimal Testosterone should be 150 to 250. So confused 🤦
At that test time she was 27, now 37 and a testosterone of 40. Symptoms testosterone related or just hormonal in general: moodiness, poor sleep, super low libido (she wasn't like that ever), tired all the time.
150-250 is way too high for a woman. Not many women have natural levels like that at any point in their life.
@@tdane5017that is not true . Everyone is different and need to go by how they feel. A friend of my get barely get out of bed when her testosterone was 250 she functions amazing at 450 so that is it
@@lanibennett5081 she will look like a man in 5- 10 years! If a 40-50 yo male went into a clinic with 450 they would be considered normal and wouldn’t even qualify for testosterone replacement. I’m a former male bodybuilder. I felt great when my testosterone level was 5000+, but it’s Not possible nor safe to stay at that level forever. Every woman I know from the 90s that took testosterone for a long period of time winds up looking like a male. I’ve known about 100 of them. Tell her good luck.
What is worse ? - having too much of Testosterone or too much of Estrogen? I suspect that I have hormonal imbalance and I am thinking of taking DIM but I am not sure if it would be a good idea. My goal in DIM supplementation is to prevent CIN3 from progressing into cancer. I am 39, I have Hypothyroidism and Hyperprolactinonemia. I recently have been diagnosed with severe dysplasia CIN3 and soon will have 2nd LLETZ. I have always suspected that I have hormonal imbalance, have measured my estrogen and progesterone levels many times and the results were inconsistent (sometimes there was too much of E, sometimes too much of P) but I consistently have high levels of Cortisol, Prolactin and Testosterone. Is DIM a good idea? I am afraid that since it inhibits aromatase I might end up having even more Testosterone :-(.
Please do not take Dim. It will completely tank your estrogen and then you will have more side effects. I am not a Dr, just a person on hormones for 7 years and have been reading about this for 7 years. Please do much more research on Dim.
Living in South Georgia 80 miles from Jacksonville Fla. is there a Dr. / Clinic near me that will prescribe testosterone for a woman who had Hormone Positive BC?
I go to Femme wellness or Dr Pennant in Ponte Vedra. She is great. She does Biote pellets. Might want to give her a call.
Hi Dr. I started out with 1/4 ml of the t testosterone cream. My Dr kept increasing it every 3 now and after getting to 1ml I had almost no testosterone. Now I am in a testosterone cypionate and it is still hard getting my levels up. My body is not absorbing the medication. Have you seen patients like this and will my levels eventually rise? It's so frustrating
My testosterone level is 3. The gel is not working for me. I’m afraid of the pellet because I’m afraid the doctor won’t get the dosage right and I will be stuck with the wrong dose for 3 months. Is there a specific dosage you would suggest?
Have you thought about injections?
Indeed I prefer injections as you can adjust the dosage and they will let you self inject.
Hi. What happens if the pellets raise ur testosterone too much and how do they know how much to give u. Can they remove them easily if need to
Nope
This is why I would _never_ do a testosterone pellet!! Or any pellet.
In my country we don't have testosterone supplements or cream, so what can I take to help my body produce its own? I'm in early menopause due to a historectomy.
Can you get pregnenolone as a supplement? Or DHEA?