How to turbocharge your testosterone HRT: It can give you your life back, but so many women make these mistakes that stop it working. Here are the simple tweaks to boost its effects WITHOUT needing a bigger dose

This is the drug that middle-aged women are increasingly claiming as the key to overcoming menopausal symptoms, relieving fatigue and revitalizing their libido.

It’s no surprise, then, that NHS prescriptions for testosterone HRT have increased eightfold in five years, thanks to the therapy backed by celebrities from broadcaster Davina McCall to celebrity chef Dame Prue Leith.

But for some, the impact of testosterone therapy can be overwhelming. Or the benefits may disappear quickly, often within weeks or months.

It was the same for Daily Mail columnist Nadine Dorries; He revealed last week that just three months after he started testosterone therapy to deal with brain fog and fatigue, ‘the positive results began to fade’. Nadine has previously detailed the remarkable recovery she experienced when she started treatment. ‘I was once again able to think clearly and felt great relief,’ he wrote. ‘I had truly forgotten how beautiful life could be.’

In response to quitting, his doctor opted to double the dose and thankfully once again said he could ‘feel the difference already and I’m back in shape’.

However, experts say that increasing the dose is not always necessary for many patients in whom the effects of testosterone diminish. Instead, they suggest that many patients can ‘step up’ their testosterone treatment by making other changes.

These include changing sleep patterns, cutting out certain foods and drinks, and following a specific exercise routine.

NHS prescriptions for testosterone HRT have increased eightfold in the last five years

Experts also say many patients make common mistakes when administering testosterone, which can affect its effectiveness.

Dr. is one of the authors of Davina McCall’s book Menopause. ‘It is very normal for the effects of medications to decrease over time,’ says Naomi Potter. ‘But there are things you can do to maximize your body’s response.’

Although testosterone is generally considered the male hormone, women also produce smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands.

It plays an important role in sexual desire by increasing dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ chemical linked to pleasure, decision-making, mood and focus.

Levels peak in the mid-to-late 20s, then gradually decrease with age. But experts say that doesn’t mean all women should take it. Most women who develop menopausal symptoms in middle age will respond well to standard hormone replacement therapy, which usually includes the two female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.

But for some, especially those with persistently low libido, testosterone may be recommended.

Almost all women receiving testosterone therapy in the UK receive it as a gel, usually applied to the skin every day.

However, treatment will not be effective for everyone. Reproductive and sexual health consultant at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Dr. Paula Briggs believes that only one in ten women take advantage of this situation.

It’s also still unclear whether it improves menopausal symptoms beyond libido; because there is no data to suggest that it combats other common problems such as confusion or poor sleep; However, studies investigating this issue continue.

However, the way to get the best results from testosterone therapy is to also focus on increasing natural testosterone levels.

‘Medication is not the only way to raise your levels,’ says Dr Potter.

‘You can’t just take medication and hope all your symptoms go away. It’s also important to take good care of your body.’

One of the most important factors is getting enough sleep. Research shows that most people need between seven and eight hours a night; However, it is also important not to sleep too much.

A 2023 study published in the journal Andrology found that middle-aged women who slept less than six hours had lower testosterone levels; However, the same was true for those who slept for more than nine hours.

Davina McCall holds a testosterone tube in her hand. The publisher is a vocal supporter of therapy

Co-author of Davina’s book Menopause, Dr. Exercise is crucial for boosting testosterone, says Naomi Potter. Resistance training twice a week can boost levels in two months

‘One of the best ways to ensure you’re getting the right amount of sleep is to go to bed and wake up at the same times,’ says Dr Potter. ‘This will help regulate your hormones so they don’t go up or down.’

Another way to increase testosterone levels is to avoid caffeine and alcohol.

‘During menopause, the body becomes more sensitive to caffeine,’ she adds. ‘So you’re more likely to feel more anxious and sleep less, both of which will worsen your testosterone levels. The same goes for alcohol.’

Dr Potter also argues that exercise is crucial for increasing testosterone. A 1998 US study found that resistance training (muscle-strengthening exercises involving weights or bands) done twice a week could increase testosterone levels in women within two months.

Any exercise is beneficial; as long as you don’t multitask while doing so.

‘One of the most important parts of exercise is combating stress levels,’ says Dr Potter. ‘And all exercise has this effect, whether it’s running or lifting weights.

‘But if you’re also watching something on your phone or responding to emails while exercising, this will keep your stress levels high and reduce its positive effects.’

Another reason why many women feel that testosterone therapy doesn’t work or isn’t as effective as they expected is because they don’t use it correctly.

Testosterone medication typically comes in a pump dispenser or sachet. But Dr Potter says many patients don’t use enough.

‘It is common for patients to not be able to take the entire gel from the pack,’ he says. ‘And if you take it at a low dose like this for a few weeks, you’ll start to feel the difference.’

He adds that many patients don’t realize they need to wait for the medication to penetrate the skin. ‘If you wear clothing over the area where the gel is applied, this may cause the gel to rub off,’ he says.

‘Similarly, if you swim in the sea, apply sunscreen to that area, or even just sweat in the sun, all of these can reduce its effect.

‘I’ve even had patients go into a jacuzzi or sauna right after applying this and not realize it would reduce its effect.’

Dr Potter says anyone who thinks testosterone therapy is no longer working should speak to their doctor.

‘It is possible that a larger dose is required,’ he says. ‘But often it’s worth checking if you’re taking the medicine correctly and doing everything possible to keep your body healthy.’