No sexual response

Hi, It's been a year and months since my hysterectomy. I had everything removed (ovaries, etc.)Well, I'm taking Estrogen (2 mg. a day of Estradiol) and my sexual responses seem to be getting worse.

I've always had a satisfying sex life, and my husband and I love each other very much. We are raising our granddaughter, so we don't have a lot of intimate time together, but lately when we do no matter what we try I cannot achieve an orgasm.

My husband has no problems and we have plenty of foreplay, but it's just like it's not meant to be for me to have an orgasm. I'm still interested in sex, but I'm getting very frustrated.

Any suggestions? I keep reading about Testosterone. Should I be taking that? I just don't understand all this and I wish the doctors would explain more.
Furthermore, I wish there was a pill for women like Viagara is form men.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Sandy

Hi Sandy

Many of us have found that adding in testosterone can help with libido and/or response issues.

I personally use a compounded testosterone cream along with my estrogen replacement and it is what has made the difference for me.

Here is an article about testosterone that you might find interesting to read and discuss with your doctor.

http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/view_testosterone.htm

It's also a good idea to have your testosterone blood levels (free and total) checked to see what range they are in. My guess is that they might be below normal, since your ovaries are gone (like mine), and perhaps supplementing with some testosterone will help as it did for me.

's

Gail20,
I just read your thread, I too am struggling with the same thing. I had a complete hyst. at 28yrs old and I am now 30. I feel robbed of my sex life. I've tried testosterone. I've been on it for a while now in a compound form along with est/progest. it helped a little but the side effects for me were not worth it. I had to call today to have them take it out of my compound completely. I had breakouts really bad on my face, Hair loss, and increased facial hair, and also my eyebrow were falling out!!! It may be different for you though. I was on a compound cream for one month that you insert vaginally. It was a combination of test. and estrogen. it seemed to help some to with feeling and acheiving orgasm. For some reason you can only take it for a month then you have to take a break from it before you do it again. You can check with your doctor or pharmacist. Sorry if I couldn't help more. I'm still struggling too. Hang in there. Your in my prayers. Shellsong

Hi again

The compounded testosterone cream that I use is applied to the vulva 3 x a week. Fortunately, I haven't had any side effects, except for the desired ones, increased libido and response

It is a very good idea to have compounded hrt creams mixed separately, instead of together. It's much easier to tweak that way if you start to notice symptoms of too much or too little.

It's interesting, too, that sometimes a thyroid imbalance can mimic symptoms of too little or too much when it comes to our hormone replacement. That's why it's always a very good idea to ask your doctor to check your thyroid levels as well while on the journey of seeking hormonal balance!

There are several other articles in the link below that are valuable and helpful to read when it comes to discussing sexual dysfunction with your doctor.

Female Sexual Dysfunction Articles

Hope some of this helps.

Although I agree with the comments on the addition of testosterone, I also think it's important to not overlook whether your estrogen replacement is adequate. For me, if my estrogen level is too low, I cannot have an orgasm, and it also feels like "It's not meant to be" - as you said. Even if I have the desire, which is fueled by my testosterone. You might consider a dfferent form of estrogen replacement such as the Vivelle or Climara patch and it might be a good idea to get your blood level of your hormones checked as well if you have not already. With the patch, you get a continuous release or a steady supply of the hormone 24/7. When I reduced my patch strength I could not have an orgasm. Just something to think about. Best of luck to you!