Compounded testosterone cream questions.....

Since my estradiol level finally reached an acceptable point (102), my dr has now agreed to add testosterone cream. Am hoping it will help with my incredible muscle weakness (opposite of what it was before) and lack of libido. She said she's ordering the lowest dose, from a local compounding pharmacy. I asked about instructions and was told that you rub it into a hairless area of skin once/daily and that it will take up to 4-6 weeks to notice results.

Can you please tell me how long it's taken you all to see/feel any results? And where exactly is a hairless area - where do you use it? What type of dosage is average? Has anyone experienced the following side effects: hair loss? deep voice? chest hair?

Does testosterone need to be balanced with estrogen and testosterone? I mean, does adding testosterone affect how the estrogen and progesterone are working? Will it mess up the other hormones? Or is it an independent type hormone?

Thanks for your answers. Am nervous about adding something new, but also sort of excited and hope it improves my life.

Good luck with your Testosterone! You should be excited! I hope you will love as much as the rest of us.
My first noticable change was in my skin amd muscle tone (within a two or three weeks). I was less flabby feeling. My energy returned. My libido took a lot longer. I must say it helped my mood the most....my sense of well being. My changes were noticable but gentle.
I think it's wise for your DR to settle on your estrogen dose first and then add a low dose testosterone.
I started with a low dose also (0.1%) and still use the very same Rx two years later. I love it. For me, there was no feeling of imbalance with the other hormones. It just added my "missing link". Because I use a low % testosterone, I am able to use it daily which helps me feel more even.
My "hairless" areas are my inner forearms and inner thighs.....alternate sites. I apply it once a day after my morning shower.

Best of luck!!

prettyanxious,
Thanks so much for your reply. I don't know yet what the "low dose" is, as I'm waiting for the compounding pharmacy to call me when it's ready sometime next week. I am hoping this is the missing link too. Appreciate your help!

I'm using .02ml every other day. I will soon be working up to everyday. I apply it to my inner thigh. I haven't noticed too much difference yet. Except libido is a little better now and I had NONE before.

Did you have your testosterone and free testosterone levels testing to be sure you are indeed low in that hormone? It is usually recommended to test those levels before supplementing with it.

That said, I usually apply a dab to my inner wrists. When I first started using it I applied daily for about 4 weeks, than every other day, than a few times a week and it is now kind of as needed. I do think the cream can build up. I had my levels checked last year and they were spot on.

Yes, had blood serum levels tested in March - total, free and % were all very low. The levels were also low on saliva testing back in December.

How often do you have your levels tested after starting the cream?

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Kim M I had my levels checked last year and they were spot on.

Can you tell me what you consider "spot on level"? Middle of the range?

Was wondering when you have levels tested, is the "normal range" considered for what age woman? For young/old/premenopausal/postmenopausal? How does one know? Do they take your age into consideration when they publish results - your age, menopausal status/size?

One more question: what made you spread out your testosterone doses? Were you getting symptoms of too high testosterone? Just wondering how one knows how often... is it solely based on blood tests? Thanks for ALL your help.

My testosterone and free levels were smack dab in the middle of the normal range. Of course, everyone is different, some may feel better at the lower end or higher end, but for me, middle is good.

I go by how I feel. In the beginning it was necessary to use more frequently, but not so much now.