A Perfect Moment
This week a heterosexual couple in my office were discussing the possible use of testosterone for the female in the couple. She had gotten the blood tests that I had requested for total testosterone (TT) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). I plugged her results into an online calculator. And, as I suspected, she had low levels of free testosterone (a key hormonal level when identifying the possible causes of low sexual desire in both men and women).
I had recommended that she consider using Testim, a product that has been designed for males, since it comes in little tubes that can be re-closed and used over a ten-day period, the approximate starting dose for female supplementation with this product. By contrast, males would use one tube per day, a dose ten-fold of that for women.
My client had many excellent questions, including one that stemmed from her checking the Testim website and noting their statement about the product being for use by males only.
I have medical colleagues who have been using this product for female patients for about five years with no adverse results. Their testosterone supplementation has been monitored by their physician -- including checking on symptom relief and doing periodic blood tests.
This type of prescribing is called off-label. It means using a prescribed substance that is originally intended for one purpose for another medical concern. Examples of this include Propecia for hair loss and SSRI-type antidepressants for slowing down rapid ejaculation.
We were wrapping things up with a "plan." She was to purchase the female condom and make an appointment with her nurse practitioner for the trial of Testim. Her nurse practitioner had mentioned that she had a few samples of Testim. We didn't know how many "a few" was. My client inquired about whether having only two Testim tubes would offer her a result or even any change.
I replied that the two tubes would not offer sufficient supply to be absorbed and counter balance her high level of SHBG. I added that if her nurse practitioner was willing to prescribe, she should move forward with the Testim.
Then, I parenthetically mentioned that a local pharmacy called Priceless which I had recently recommended to her was going out of business. So I wasn't sure where would be the best place to purchase it if insurance did not cover it.
My client then replied, "I checked with Costco, and found that it was actually cheaper than Priceless, by $20-$30."
I answered, "Oh, at one time Costco was higher than Priceless. That sounds great. When you really get down to it, a prescription of Testim is 30 tubes, which is approximately 300 days. It equals out to less than $1 per day...and if that provides what you need to have a functional sex life it's..."
Then her husband interrupted with just one word, "Priceless." It was a great laugh and a perfect moment.
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Technorati Tags: sexuality, testosterone
I had recommended that she consider using Testim, a product that has been designed for males, since it comes in little tubes that can be re-closed and used over a ten-day period, the approximate starting dose for female supplementation with this product. By contrast, males would use one tube per day, a dose ten-fold of that for women.
My client had many excellent questions, including one that stemmed from her checking the Testim website and noting their statement about the product being for use by males only.
I have medical colleagues who have been using this product for female patients for about five years with no adverse results. Their testosterone supplementation has been monitored by their physician -- including checking on symptom relief and doing periodic blood tests.
This type of prescribing is called off-label. It means using a prescribed substance that is originally intended for one purpose for another medical concern. Examples of this include Propecia for hair loss and SSRI-type antidepressants for slowing down rapid ejaculation.
We were wrapping things up with a "plan." She was to purchase the female condom and make an appointment with her nurse practitioner for the trial of Testim. Her nurse practitioner had mentioned that she had a few samples of Testim. We didn't know how many "a few" was. My client inquired about whether having only two Testim tubes would offer her a result or even any change.
I replied that the two tubes would not offer sufficient supply to be absorbed and counter balance her high level of SHBG. I added that if her nurse practitioner was willing to prescribe, she should move forward with the Testim.
Then, I parenthetically mentioned that a local pharmacy called Priceless which I had recently recommended to her was going out of business. So I wasn't sure where would be the best place to purchase it if insurance did not cover it.
My client then replied, "I checked with Costco, and found that it was actually cheaper than Priceless, by $20-$30."
I answered, "Oh, at one time Costco was higher than Priceless. That sounds great. When you really get down to it, a prescription of Testim is 30 tubes, which is approximately 300 days. It equals out to less than $1 per day...and if that provides what you need to have a functional sex life it's..."
Then her husband interrupted with just one word, "Priceless." It was a great laugh and a perfect moment.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: sexuality, testosterone
15 Comments:
What are the side affects of women using Testim? Hair Growth? As an Italien woman, I don't need help in that arena. How soon do you see results and improvement in sex drive? Is this something you have to stay on forever? How common or accepted to prescribe?
I am a female. I am taking a 3.5 mg dosage of testosterone every day and have been for about 2 years. I am now 42. How long can I take this? My OBGYN has not done any blood work since the original RX. What should I have tested and how often? Are there any side effects that I should be aware of?
Well i am a 14 year old soon to be high schooler, and when it comes to be that time of the month i experience horrable cramps and bloating big time and killer mood swings. Ive talked to other girls my age and in my class and they dont experience the things that i do! And it can get very frusterating! In my family their runs a very high risk for indemetriosis, but im not sure if i should go get some tests or not my mom said that its all up to me but i just dont now what to do !! Does anyone have any suggestions? And just so you all know it wasnt exactly easy to tell the world about my situation so the more comments and advice the better!!Thanxs for your time.
Hello im a 14 year old high schooler and i sleep around with everyone!! And i just cant say no to anyone !!And im sure that i have some kind of S.T.D but i dont know how to tell my parents!! Can yall help me !! Please!!!!
hi to all,
i am a 34 yr old women married and not conceived yet.
i had 1 IVF treatment but it did not suceed. the doc told me that the problem was that it did not get implanted.
kindly advise me as my husband and i would love to have a child of our own.
how many chances can a couple take to do IVF?
To those of you who have questions about trying to conceive, please visit our Getting Pregnant message boards to post.
Just a little help to the 14 year old who sleeps around with everyone!! If you think you have an STD and cant tell your parents.find the local health dept. go there and have your self checked, if you have something they can clear it.you dont have to tell them your real name or age. be smart and stop spreading something if you think you have something tell your prespective partner and they wont want to f*%k you at this time.
To the girl that might have Endo. The only way to officially diagnose is surgery. But don't worry it doesn't nearly as bad as you would think. I would definetly advise having something done about it. I am 22 and have had severe periods since I was 12 (my very first one.) I have seen over 5 doctors that said "it's normal" untill last year I finally found a doc who would help.
My advice to you don't ever let the doc tell you it is normal, as it isn't, don't give up untill you get the results YOU WANT!!!
If you ever want to have kids I would suggest having it taken care of sooner than later, as it can cause infertility.
To the 14 yr old that sleeps around:
1) Find your health department
2) Quit sleeping around, before you get sooo sick (AIDS, HIV) that you won't just be telling your parents that you have an STD you will be telling them your dying.
3) Find someone to talk to, there is a reason for needing this attention.
to the 14 year old who sleeps around, tell your parents the one you are the closes to. yes it may hurt them but ,love of a parent is stronger than you can understand until it's your time to be a parent. They will get you the right help you need and it will be safe. Don't let nothing stand in your way in being honest with your parents. You may think they would hurt you, but not so. I've gone through a lot with my children, My love was in planted in me when I felt them move within me, Please don't short change a parents love. We do get hurt, but love always pulls you through. They may be upset but my dear they would died for you so to say, to help you and protect you. I will pray for you Remember. You are worth more than you realize, You are special. And never forget that.
To the 14 year-old girl who has very painful periods...You should see an OBGYN and ask about getting on birth control. BC helps to shorten your period, decrease your flow and cut down on cramps so that your periods aren't as painful. It also helps to control endometriosis. If your doctor sees fit, he/she can put you on a continuous cycle of BC, so you'll only have a period once every 3 months. It has helped me tremendously.
April 26,2007
I'm a recently turned 17 years of age, female junior in high school. Sexually inactive, and for the majority of my life have been.
Six months ago (NOV.06) I was taken advantage of, or raped... after being administered a drug that made me pass in and out of consciousness.
I believe I now have an STD.
(The reason I say believe, is because I haven't gone to get tested due to a lack of an income and transportation)
I have searched for free or even very low costing treatment, but have yet to come across anything, 40 dollars is quite expensive, if that's considered low, even $30!
I've decided to tell my mother (an ultimate last resort and single parent), but I'm not exactly sure how to, and am questioning whether I should. We live from pay check to pay check, and any sort of clinic visit would be strenuous.
Has anyone else had to confess to their parents about a STD? How should I start the conversation?
Seeking any advice, especially regarding free, very low cost clinics and treatment.
why dose it hurt after sex.it burns in my vaginal area after im done with sex?please tell me why can you send it to my e-mail atcutefrog2006@yahoo.com thank you!
To those of you with questions about your own situations, please post on our Sexual Issues: Member to Member board to get answers.
To the anonymous poster who is looking for STD testing, please contact your local Planned Parenthood or Women's Health Clinic. And we invite you to talk with others on our Sexual Abuse Support Group message board.
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