--- In Rejuvenation@yahoogroups.com, "c.horton28" <cmh203b@...> wrote:
>
> Does it matter when I apply testosterone cream?
>
> Does the dose vary if I take DHEA?
>
> What time of day and time of month is best for a cycling woman?
>
> Does it reduce estrogen or progesterone during the cycle?
>
> Or is it as simple as taking it the same amount everyday?
>
> Thanks for your help. Thanks, Christine
>
>
> Ellis: Hello Christine. I will answer what I can, and then I
> will let the women in this forum tell you their experience because
> they know more than I do about this...
>
> I THINK you can apply testosterone cream any time of the day,
> but I don't know what effect it has on female hormones during
> your monthly cycle. Yes, if you are taking DHEA, your dose
> of testosterone is probably lower, but your dose of testosterone
> is very low anyways... The problem with testosterone cream and
> gels is that it is difficult to know what dose is actually
> being absorbed... in any case, use about one fifth to one tenth
> as much as a male would use. I am not sure if it will affect
> your estrogen or progesterone during your cycle. Can any
> woman answer this question? Thanks for writing. Ellis
>


Hi Christine and Ellis,

Using testosterone cream in addition to DHEA and estrogen can
complicate matters, so just be aware of a few things:

* Generally, when a woman uses DHEA, there is no certain pathway it
will take ~ usually it converts to testosterone and possibly some of
that will go then to estrogen as well. In some women, DHEA alone
supplies enough E & T (Estrogen and Testosterone) so that she needs
no other hormones.

* when a woman begins to use testosterone, she often no longer needs DHEA, or
she finds that she is beginning to get androgenizing effects from the DHEA, such
as oily skin, facial hair and acne. DHEA is used differently by the body when
you add testosterone. Most of the time using DHEA as well is redundant. If
using both, you might think that the T is causing these problems since you did
not have them before using , but actually it will probably be the DHEA.

* When a woman uses T, she can often stop using estrogen. This is only if she
is using a high enough dosage of T. T converts to E where needed in a woman.
When using both E & T cream, I found I got terrible facial hair, but when I used
T alone, it seemed to supply me with all the estradiol I needed PLUS the
increased sex drive, stamina and muscle tone I was hoping to get from the T. I
am talking only about bio-identical hormones... synthetic T will not convert to
estrogen.

* There are women who use both T & e and in this case, usually, the T is a very
small dosage.

* You may find that any of these things will change the balance you now seem to
have, so it will take experimentation, of say, at least a month doing each
thing: all three, E&T only, and T only to see how your body uses them.

* Use T whenever you like..maybe AM is best, because since your muscles and
stamina should benefit, the earlier in the day, probably the better. but try
and use it about the same time every day.

* Use it daily...it will not alter your estrogen or progesterone if the right
amount is used. T can slightly lower P that is too high and can raise the
estrogen when it converts to E. So you may need to experiment with your
hormones to see how adding the T cream changes the balance.

But don't use one thing one day and change it the next... give each way you try
T (alone, with estrogen, or with DHEA & estrogen) at least a month or two (or a
"cycle" to see how the various combinations affect you.).. It is doubtful the
balance you now have will stay the same with the addition of T.

Diana


Ellis: Hello Diana. THANKS for such a good answer. As I said, I
am not an expert on testosterone or DHEA for women, except that
I know that testosterone for women is a fraction of what men
need. Thanks again. - Ellis