Estratest????

[woof]

I have an appt w/ my doctor tomorrow to discuss my low (more like non-existant) libido. On the phone, he mentioned the possibility of putting me on Estratest:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202037.html

Does anyone know how this would affect my athletic ability? I realize that the test would help, but it seems like there is an awful lot of estrogen mixed in compared to the low dose birth control pill that I take (allesse). Also - I am NOT post menopausal.

I was thinking of asking for a script for oxandralone instead due to its lesser androgenic affect but after learning that the "real" reason ox is prescribed is to fight severe muscle wasting due to AIDS or cancer, I have my doubts if he'll be up for that.

Any advice? Thanks.

 

[witkowsd]

I've been taking estratest for about 2 months now - but I am premenapausal - I have had no bad side effects with it - maybe just a little bloating feeling - even though someone on the web said the test wouldn't help in building muscle, it seems like I have put on some inches. I have noticed that my clit has become a little bigger - there is a wesite that will tell you the side effects but if it is helping to get me bigger, I'm all for it. When I went to my doctor, I told him I wanted something to make me bigger and he said to try the estratest - to me it is helping. But I think if I wasn't lifting heavy I would be gaining fat -

 

[woof]

thanks for the reply witkowsd,
so your doc put you on it just for helping your training? wow.
do you notice an increased libido (or was it fine before)?
had you tested low for test?
thanks again.

 

[FitFossil]

Here are some good threads on the subject:

http://boards.elitefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=164202&highlight=estratest

http://boards.elitefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=157442&highlight=testosterone

I highly recommend reading the book Natural Hormone Balance for Women by Uzzi Reiss before taking any kind of supplemental hormones. The treatment of women's libido issues is still very much unchartered territory, so you owe it to yourself to learn as much as possible about symptoms, treatment options, side effects, etc.

It's best to start with the mildest form of treatment, which would be natural testosterone creme from a compounding pharmacy. Because it's applied topically, it doesn't have to pass through the liver like oral testosterones, which can be hard on the liver, especially if taken long term. Because compounded testosterone is bioidentical to human testosterone, it cannot be patented, meaning there's no money in it. That's why pharmaceutical companies don't produce it. It's also why many doctors don't know about it, because they're constantly being bombarded by big pharmaceutical company advertising instead. Being "bioidentical" means it'll act like your own natural testosterone, meaning fewer possible side effects as long as dosed properly.

Estratest is a combination of estrified (horse) estrogens and Methyltestosterone. Very few women if they've got some body fat at all have need for supplemental estrogen prior to menopause, if then. Methyltestosterone is a synthetic testosterone. While it can produce quick results, your actual testosterone levels can't be accurately measured while on it, so you have to be very vigilant about side effects.

 

[woof]

Thanks fit fossil,
The links were very informative. I am going to try to pick up a copy of Dr Uzzi's book for me and my doc (he is very progressive). Im really not sure what to do about this problem - it is more of a problem for my husband than for me !

About the test gel from the compounding pharmacy:
Would this typically be covered by insurance?
If not, what kind of $$ are we talking here?

As far as getting to the real cause of the problem vs taking a pill for it (as adressed in some of the links), I am pretty sure my problem is caused from the 10-20hrs/week of intense training that I do for cycling/triathlon + the full time job. Unfortunately I really enjoy my "2nd career", so to speak, of racing and can't really cut back on the training.
Thanks again.

 

[wilson6]

Use T-gel. Much better choice, better results, less sides.

W6

 

[witkowsd]

He gave it to me for starting menapause but I also was kidding and asking him if he could give me some steroids to build muscle so - he said to try the estra test - as far as libido = I am also on Zoloft - it takes about 6 months to get any feeling down below - so I went out and got a vibrator - works great - orgasms are very intense - plus I use a hot gel - now I found after about 2 months I am starting to get some feelings back - (but I am also seeing someone on the side so the sex is def. unbelievable and as far as he is concerned, I am always horny). The only other side effect of the test is I notice my clit getting larger.

 

[FitFossil]

About the test gel from the compounding pharmacy:
Would this typically be covered by insurance?
If not, what kind of $$ are we talking here?

I guess i would depend on your insurance plan. For me, a 1 month supply is $45. (I prefer to just pay for it myself outright w/o filing an insurance claim due to privacy issues.)

As far as getting to the real cause of the problem vs taking a pill for it (as adressed in some of the links), I am pretty sure my problem is caused from the 10-20hrs/week of intense training that I do for cycling/triathlon + the full time job. Unfortunately I really enjoy my "2nd career", so to speak, of racing and can't really cut back on the training.Thanks again.

If you haven't already, have a full hormone and thyroid panel done. Get a copy of the results and keep on file (you never know when stuff like this will come in handy). There are many things that can cause low libido - stress being one, and while stress and overtraining can also cause a drop in testosterone, low thyroid symptoms can be very similar. Like you said though, I think it's best to find the real cause first, so if you do have to take something, it's the right something.