Low Testosterone?

[FALex]

Hey folks, I decided to post this due to my own experience, and I think it will help many others. My apologies in advance for the extended post, but I think background info is important...

I am 6'4", 230 lbs. 30 years old (just turned 30, by the way). I started this whole trip because I was telling a dude I work with how crappy I was feeling. I was super lethargic, apathetic, I had a horrible memory, and did not want to do diddily shit at my job due to a kind of fogginess in my head (sorry, kind of hard to describe).

He suggested I go to this clinic where they prescribe some bioidentical cream (testosterone) rubbed onto the inner thigh once daily when my test level was at 140 (should've been at about 700-900). That did not work at all, so I went to my primary care doc, who put me on androgel. Unfortunately, I had to take so much of it, I was bathing in it, which was ridiculous. Additionally, after being on it consecutively for 7 months, my level got to 367. The bad part is is that he felt this level was "perfect."

Then, my insurance changed, and the gel was going to become a ridiculous amount of money every month so my primary care doc gave me a 200mg injection of Test Cypionate, to be repeated every 3 weeks!!! Anyhow, I knew, just from my research, that this was not right. The injections should be on a weekly basis to mitigate the "roller coaster effect" on your hormone levels. Luckily, I work with two other gentlemen who go to a doc who is "in tuned" to the entire TRT process. This guy is legit! After his first session with me, he ordered a gallon of blood, to be tested for everything. After not having any test for 2 weeks, my level came back at 367 (yes, again). He said, "your testosterone level is in the toilet." Music to my ears because he said it should be 800-900 at my age. He said it is currently in the "100 year-old man's range." Let me break down the regimen:

*Arimidex 1x weekly - estrogen blocker (half a pill, not sure of mg)
*100mg Test Cyp IM injection 1x weekly (will probably go to 200 after first set of labs in 6 weeks)
*Armour Thyroid 30mg every morning (first two weeks then switch to 60mg every morning)
*.25mL HcG subcutaneous injection on day's 6-7 every week
*10mg's micronized Progesterone every night before bed
*12.5mg Iodoral daily
*150mg Zinc daily
*50mg DHEA every morning
*10,000 IU's Vitamin D3 every morning
* An entire boatload of Vitamin C (daily, seriously, about 4 grams daily)
* 500mg of any OPC I can get (these are primarily antioxidants- Resveratrol, Noni, Acai, etc...)

How's that looking? I have been on this regiment for five weeks now. The good part- I have a great outlook and already feel infinitely better. Well, you might be wondering how much better am I feeling since starting the injections? I'll tell you what, I went from doing nothing (literally) in terms of working out to waking up everyday at 4:30am, putting in 10 miles on the elliptical, mega loads of pushups, and other free weight training all before I leave for work at 7:15am.

The ONLY bad part- the HcG and Progesterone have to be compounded and are no that cheap (80 bucks a month, but the testosterone is way cheaper than it used to be). Oh well, I need my life back. I'll be checking in routinely. I have labs in another week and I will update again after those as well.

If any of you folks have any questions, please feel free to ask!

Again, sorry for the Russian novel-type post...I do believe the subject matter does warrant it, though. Have a good day all.

 

[tiNdvenTFHwMdqKW]

Re: Low Testosterone?

I bet a lot of people are paying out of pocket to get most of what you are taking. They are also paying some guy who is giving it to them out of a gym bag.

Glad you found a good doctor to help you. Hormones are powerful and sometimes complex chemicals to regulate. They have lots of interactions that need to be considered.

 

[koobs84]

Re: Low Testosterone?

If your feeling much better than it sounds good!! Wish my doc was for all this...

 

[Trocar]

Re: Low Testosterone?

We have similar stories. I'm 38, 5'10', and 215 lbs. For years, I kept a low level headache that the doctor said was due to eye strain from a permanent eye injury. The summer of 2008 I was in the hospital twice within six weeks with 103-104 temp and severe migraine-like headaches. I was given two spinal taps, two MRI's, one CT scan, and a Cerebral angiography (which was NOT fun), and numerous blood panels. I was also given the maximum level of morphine which made me drunk enough not care about the headache. They were "looking" for spinal meningitis, but never found the cause. Then, three months later I had flu like symptoms that lasted five weeks. All I felt like doing was staying in the bed. I went back to my doctor for the fifth week in a row, and the nurse practitioner pulled a blood panel to look at my Testosterone level. It came back at 200. I started Androgel, and my health did a 180. Then the insurance stopped paying. My doc changed me to injections (200mg @ 1ml) every two weeks. My levels stay around 850. No more sickness or headaches.

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: Low Testosterone?

My question is how long can you stay on these and not have any adverse side effect? Does the doctor discuss side effects and how long the treatment will be? Will your body every come back to naturally producing testosterone?

 

[palma]

Re: Low Testosterone?

Have you guys with low testosterone tried lifting weights on a regular basis (and drop some weight as well)? I had my levels tested just for the heck of it after lifting for about a year, and I was in the high normal range. I could feel it too! It's good stuff.

 

[mdesign]

Re: Low Testosterone?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: palma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have you guys with low testosterone tried lifting weights on a regular basis (and drop some weight as well)? I had my levels tested just for the heck of it after lifting for about a year, and I was in the high normal range. I could feel it too! It's good stuff. </div></div>

Are you saying that lifting weights on a regular basis helps you maintain testosterone? What was your level before and after 1 year of lifting?

 

[FALex]

Re: Low Testosterone?

palma - yes, for a few years I lifted weights (a few years before I started feeling so down). I ALWAYS became super agitated at the fact that I never could progress in my weight training. It is like I would hit this plateua that would remain forever. Additionally, my muscles would tire immediately. After describing this to my current Doc, he said I could've been dealing with low T all along. My brother lifts houses for shits and giggles. Honestly, dude is a monster. He's lifted weights since age 14. His T level was 280 when he checked it two years ago. The testosterone spike from weight lifting lasts for about an hour after your lifts. Weightlifting has no lasting impact on one's resting testosterone levels.

Furthermore, three years ago, I weighed 335. I lost 120 lbs. without TRT. I started the TRT after I lost the weight. I thought my fatness was the cause of my lethargy, but it was not.

JSTARSZ - if you start TRT, chances are, you'll be on it for life. There are some cases where the TRT kind of "kick starts" a persons own natural T production, but this is not the usual. The HcG subcutaneous injections will keep my eggs from atrophying into raisins. It will also keep the line of comms open between my pituitary and eggs, so the pathway does not shut down permamnently. This is in case you want to stop TRT. It is obviously more expensive this way, but it is a kind of fail safe. The HcG also keeps a person's T levels normalized toward the end of their weekly injection, so there is no "crash" by the end of the week.

In regards to side effects, please reference Dr. Abraham Morgantaler's studies on low T and the use of TRT for the treatment of said condition. Essentially, he says there is zilch evidence of a correlation between TRT and prostate cancer. He makes a great point: if testosterone caused cancer, we would see more 17-23 year-olds with prostate cancer. The reciprocation, however, is when you're T is too low (like when you're 50-60+, or, in my case, 30!), a person is more prone to a lot of varieties of cancers, prostate included.

Consequently, having too low of T levels leaves a male more open to adverse health problems than if the T were at a healthy level. Check it out for yourself.

 

[JRose]

Re: Low Testosterone?

I would be nervous of all those meds. That much synthetics in me would worry me, personally... If you need it, you need it, but I would be lying if I said it didn't concern me.

Do they test T levels with normal physicals? I have my annual physical at work in a few weeks. I don't think I have any issues with low T, but I'd like to know my levels.

 

[Johnny Sasaki]

Re: Low Testosterone?

I have a feeling I have low testosterone. I'm tired all the time, never feel like doing anything, sleep well into the afternoon, feel weak, etc. I would go to the doctor, but I'm literally to lazy to even do that, plus I can't figure out if it's just me being extremely lazy, or if it's actually a problem.

And yes, I have horrible memory. Didn't know that was a symptom of low testosterone though.

 

[koobs84]

Re: Low Testosterone?

They make home kits that you can purchase to check your test levels. You take a sample of your saliva on a swab, mail it to the lab, and in a few weeks they mail you your results. You can take the results to your physician if you have any concerns

 

[kmussack]

Re: Low Testosterone?

If you're boosting your "T" keep a close eye on your PSA.
Prostate Cancer feeds on testosterone.

 

[2 dogs]

Re: Low Testosterone?

Hmm, Im 52, been on the T injections for a couple years now. I cant imagine life without it. For some reason, my body just quit making it.

 

[FALex]

Re: Low Testosterone?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JRose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would be nervous of all those meds. That much synthetics in me would worry me, personally... If you need it, you need it, but I would be lying if I said it didn't concern me.

Do they test T levels with normal physicals? I have my annual physical at work in a few weeks. I don't think I have any issues with low T, but I'd like to know my levels. </div></div>

yeah, J, I was kind of nervous at first too. But compared to how I was feeling before the T injections, I'll take it. Also, the caveat I did not mention is this: the HcG, Arimidex, and Progesterone are not mandatory, and in fact, will likely be cut off once the Doc gets my first, second, or third set of labs back. Essentially, if you don't work out while on the injections and have belly fat, that will make the excess T convert into estrogen. The Arimidex and Progesterone aid the body into not making that conversion. I am, however, working out, so I believe I may be able to get off these guys sooner rather than later. Lastly, the progesterone is a little slice of heaven on earth! It puts me right on my ass (just before bed too!)

As far as checking your T levels with regular physicals, my Doc never checked them, you need to request it on your labs. Bear in mind that your primary care, or general physician will think a T level of 300 is good, and most likely, will not treat. Mine thought 367 was "perfect." That's when I ran the hell out of there!

 

[snave58]

Re: Low Testosterone?

keep in mind guys, just like kmussack said, Testosterone will feed Prostate cancer and other cell growth, and like docs not testing T in a normal physical, they do not test PSA in a normal physical either. So if you are on T supplements make sure you are getting the proper test, especially if you are in your mid 40,s and up.

 

[JRose]

Re: Low Testosterone?

Interesting.

 

[BgBmBoo]

Re: Low Testosterone?

So who is the "best" doctor to see about this? My GP and another GP I saw claim my T levels are fine. I am 43, work out 4-5 times a week ( mix of weight lifting and cardio ) and have a good sex drive.
But my T levels are in the lower 400's and I do not sleep as well as I feel I should. Have mood swings from time to time....nothing horrible but when it happens I think, "this ain't me"... What's the deal?!?!

The main issue I have is I have no health insurence. So I have to pay out of pocket for everything. And again...trying to locate a doctor who thinks outside the box or is up on the latest studies is hard to find here. Any suggestions?

 

[GreggNY]

Re: Low Testosterone?

There is literally a ton involved in manipulating testosterone levels. Natural body causes, as well as environmental and nutritional influences can all have an effect on hormone production. Like mentioned, TRT is usually for life. I'd suggest looking hard for a doc that will get to the actual cause of the low T before hopping on the TRT. I am on a similar road now, and have been working with a pretty thorough doc/nutritionist/wellness guy to improve my levels. We added 100 points to my testosterone levels just by improving some stomach issues I had and also increasing my 'good' fat consumption. Fats are one of the building blocks for the body to produce T, and my body wasn't getting enough, as well as not being able to properly use what I was getting because of the stomach absorption issues. Just one of the many, many avenues to look into as causes for low T. Many guys are low in Vitamin D, which also has a lot to do with T production.

Also, to the guys mentioning what their T levels are. It's really helpful to include a testing range. If you're at a 500 in a range 200-800, it is a lot different than being at a 500 in a range of 300-1100. Depends what labs are doing the testing. Just an FYI

 

[USGUNWORKS]

Re: Low Testosterone?

Very interesting.

 

[USGUNWORKS]

Re: Low Testosterone?

Ok. So are there factors in diet that can cause low testosterone? What about drinking beer? Chewing Skoal? Exposure to paint fumes lol

 

[FALex]

Re: Low Testosterone?

BgBmBoo - I would recommend a TRT doc in your area. Your best place to start is a website called bodylogicmd.com. You can type in your zip code, and it will give you your local TRT clinic. They also fall under age-restoration specialists, or rejuvenative medicine. Your best bet is to find an Endocrinologist who is up to snuff on this info. If you're having trouble, and you are interested, PM me and I can call my doc for you see if he can give you a good lead.

30calsniper - my doc said alcohol "directly attacks the testicles," and thus, a male's production of Test. There are many, many factors that can contribute to this, but the primary issues are shots to the dome...football players (ever get a concussion, two or three?), knocked out in a fight, boxing, etc...? Other factors are substance abuse and alcoholism.

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: Low Testosterone?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FALex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Other factors are substance abuse and alcoholism.</div></div>

Well there you have it 30cal, you have low test for sure.

 

[FALex]

Re: Low Testosterone?

HAHA!! I kinda' figured that one would strike a chord, maybe a few chords, huh? You drunks!!!

 

[GreggNY]

Re: Low Testosterone?

Well now that we have all been diagnosed as alcoholics with low T lol, the next step is to differentiate between having primary or secondary hypogonadism (low T). If primary, there is damage to the testicular function. If secondary, the signal for the testicles to produce T is not being sent or received. In some cases, the signal can be 'jump started' to get the T production going again and no TRT is required. Link to some general info:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-hypogonadism/DS00300

*Just trying to pass on some info that I've accumulated that might help some of you start your own research. Be as informed/educated as possible since a lot of this is just starting to be mainstream and A LOT of doctors aren't caught up yet. I am in no way trying to give anyone medical advice.

 

[FALex]

Re: Low Testosterone?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: g2004</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well now that we have all been diagnosed as alcoholics with low T lol, the next step is to differentiate between having primary or secondary hypogonadism (low T). If primary, there is damage to the testicular function. If secondary, the signal for the testicles to produce T is not being sent or received. In some cases, the signal can be 'jump started' to get the T production going again and no TRT is required. Link to some general info:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/male-hypogonadism/DS00300

*Just trying to pass on some info that I've accumulated that might help some of you start your own research. Be as informed/educated as possible since a lot of this is just starting to be mainstream and A LOT of doctors aren't caught up yet. I am in no way trying to give anyone medical advice. </div></div>

yes, g, good points. My pituitary gland does not secrete any Leutinizing Hormone (LH) anymore; LH is the enzyme that tells your guys you need more T. Thus, I have secondary hypo. The HcG mimics the LH and is the reason why it keeps the comms open between the pituitary and the fellas. Some folks will just do the HcG sub-q injections and this will improve their T levels dramatically. It also keeps a male's capability to have younguns open. I, however, have my last bun in the oven (due any minute as I type, in fact), and so this was of no import to myself. To expedite the raising of the T level, I supplement with the T Cypionate.

 

[JRose]

Re: Low Testosterone?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 30calsniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok. So are there factors in diet that can cause low testosterone? What about drinking beer? Chewing Skoal? Exposure to paint fumes lol

</div></div>
In your case I would suspect lack of testicels first.

 

[USGUNWORKS]

Re: Low Testosterone?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JRose</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 30calsniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok. So are there factors in diet that can cause low testosterone? What about drinking beer? Chewing Skoal? Exposure to paint fumes lol

</div></div>
In your case I would suspect lack of testicels first. </div></div>

Because I havnt sent you a pic of me Tbagging your rifle lately?

 

[jfd0913]

Re: Low Testosterone?

this was good to know might have to get a test done. I do like my sleeping, and relaxing

 

[BgBmBoo]

Re: Low Testosterone?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FALex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BgBmBoo - I would recommend a TRT doc in your area. Your best place to start is a website called bodylogicmd.com. You can type in your zip code, and it will give you your local TRT clinic. They also fall under age-restoration specialists, or rejuvenative medicine. Your best bet is to find an Endocrinologist who is up to snuff on this info. If you're having trouble, and you are interested, PM me and I can call my doc for you see if he can give you a good lead. </div></div>

Thanks for the info. I tried the site you listed above...no joy. Closest Dr. is 150 mi. away.
I have an appointment with GP and plan on taking the info I have gathered and asking him for a referral. I just had a blood draw today and am interested in the results.

 

[GreggNY]

Re: Low Testosterone?

BgBmBoo- make sure you get a copy of the blood test results. Don't take the Dr's word that everything is normal or in range. Normal by today's standards is basically f'ed. This is especially true with T levels given the broad range of scores and the lack of age specific norms. By the black and white numbers, a 70yr old guy and a 30yr old can both have T levels of 400 in a range of 300-1100. They'd both be considered 'normal'. The 70yr old would probably be feeling like a million bucks at his levels and age while the 30yr old would be feeling like a pile of crap.

If you are showing symptoms of low T or other issues, and your Dr is trying to tell you that your results are within the normal range, find a new Dr. There are more and more out there that are understanding the difference between test results being normal vs being optimal. And also seeing that the numbers don't tell the whole story. Good luck.

 

[r44astro]

Re: Low Testosterone?

I had a neck injury and was on narcotics for two years, testosterone went to 200, my doc had me take DHEA can be bought over counter at heath food store, in two weeks was over 800 only took for a few months till the narcs got out of my system,,check out Mayo Clinic they have a bunch of info on DHEA

 

[snave58]

Re: Low Testosterone?

hey Guys remember that when you have blood drawn for testing it is very important that the lab knows what you are testing for. all important info like indepth T testing and PSA testing are not just automatic. yes they can give you general results, but a doc needs to imput exactly what he wants and how complete he wants them. I just had my blood work done again, still waiting for results, but the doc drew 12 vials of blood to do a complete workup. even at that I asked him about T test and he had to make another entry on the paper work for the lab. just ask alot of questions and educate your self. again, you must be proactive about your health!

 

[JJones75]

Re: Low Testosterone?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FALex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
*Arimidex 1x weekly - estrogen blocker (half a pill, not sure of mg)
*100mg Test Cyp IM injection 1x weekly (will probably go to 200 after first set of labs in 6 weeks)
*Armour Thyroid 30mg every morning (first two weeks then switch to 60mg every morning)
*.25mL HcG subcutaneous injection on day's 6-7 every week
*10mg's micronized Progesterone every night before bed
*12.5mg Iodoral daily
*150mg Zinc daily
*50mg DHEA every morning
*10,000 IU's Vitamin D3 every morning
* An entire boatload of Vitamin C (daily, seriously, about 4 grams daily)
* 500mg of any OPC I can get (these are primarily antioxidants- Resveratrol, Noni, Acai, etc...)
. </div></div>

Ask your dr or better yet check into using Tomaxifen citrate "Nolvadex" (10-20mg ed) rather than the Armidex , A-dex at a 1mg a week dose is kind of pointles cause its halflife is real short , trouble is you only need about .125 mg a day at your dose but they only make the pills in 1mg and you can even cut those little bastards in half. The A-dex is real hard on your liver values and will tank your HDL if not monotored where Nolvadex actualy help raise HDL !! Granted A-dex work great for knocking estrogen out its not needed with a TRT dose of test.
Not sure why he has you taking HCG , unless your just worried about how big your balls are. HCG is used in men to stimulate the testies back into production after being on TRT or a cycle of steroids that shuts them down. If you are on TRT due to natural low test and not from messing your balls up (like i did) then trying HCG first may have worked and prevented the need to use exogenious test in the first place. But no doubt the test is way easier and known to work.
100-150mg a week is a very common dose for TRT , at 150mg a week with one shot every 7 days brought my test to the upper 700's , switching to 75mg every 4 days brought it to the mid 800's this is due to the over lapping of the half life of the compound even though you are getting slightly less MG totla per week (just somthing to think about)
If he has you on Idoral and Armor then your thyroid must have also been low
I personaly dont bother with the progesterone , my insurance doesent cover it and i never saw a differance with it vs without it.

Kimmel is right , you need to keep an eye on your prostrate

 

[snave58]

Re: Low Testosterone?

every thing comes with a price...kudos for the medical field that they can help a guy with all this stuff and make us feel better. BUT, you must be educated and make sure of your doc,s skill or genuine concern of your safety. you read down the list of some of the things guys are doing and taking, and can be some major side effects. Be carefull and smart and make damn sure that you are not over looking Prostate health! not much sence in taking care of your T levels so you feel good, just to harm your prostate and or die from prostate cancer.

 

[FALex]

Re: Low Testosterone?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JJones75</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FALex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
*Arimidex 1x weekly - estrogen blocker (half a pill, not sure of mg)
*100mg Test Cyp IM injection 1x weekly (will probably go to 200 after first set of labs in 6 weeks)
*Armour Thyroid 30mg every morning (first two weeks then switch to 60mg every morning)
*.25mL HcG subcutaneous injection on day's 6-7 every week
*10mg's micronized Progesterone every night before bed
*12.5mg Iodoral daily
*150mg Zinc daily
*50mg DHEA every morning
*10,000 IU's Vitamin D3 every morning
* An entire boatload of Vitamin C (daily, seriously, about 4 grams daily)
* 500mg of any OPC I can get (these are primarily antioxidants- Resveratrol, Noni, Acai, etc...)
. </div></div>

Ask your dr or better yet check into using Tomaxifen citrate "Nolvadex" (10-20mg ed) rather than the Armidex , A-dex at a 1mg a week dose is kind of pointles cause its halflife is real short , trouble is you only need about .125 mg a day at your dose but they only make the pills in 1mg and you can even cut those little bastards in half. The A-dex is real hard on your liver values and will tank your HDL if not monotored where Nolvadex actualy help raise HDL !! Granted A-dex work great for knocking estrogen out its not needed with a TRT dose of test.
Not sure why he has you taking HCG , unless your just worried about how big your balls are. HCG is used in men to stimulate the testies back into production after being on TRT or a cycle of steroids that shuts them down. If you are on TRT due to natural low test and not from messing your balls up (like i did) then trying HCG first may have worked and prevented the need to use exogenious test in the first place. But no doubt the test is way easier and known to work.
100-150mg a week is a very common dose for TRT , at 150mg a week with one shot every 7 days brought my test to the upper 700's , switching to 75mg every 4 days brought it to the mid 800's this is due to the over lapping of the half life of the compound even though you are getting slightly less MG totla per week (just somthing to think about)
If he has you on Idoral and Armor then your thyroid must have also been low
I personaly dont bother with the progesterone , my insurance doesent cover it and i never saw a differance with it vs without it.

Kimmel is right , you need to keep an eye on your prostrate </div></div>


JJ - I have read about the Tamoxifen, but I will be having labs done in another couple of weeks, so it is something we'll keep checking. The Progesterone I ended up getting ripped off on at one pharmacy in town. I just called another compounding pharm in town, they'll fill it for 90 day supply for what I paid the other for a one month supply! Oops! Anyhow, I probably won't bother with it for long, but damn is it wonderful! After 30 mins, it's lights out! In fact, I probably won't bother with that or the HcG for long. Doc wants to see how this combo works.

BgBmBoo - Don't worry about the bodylogic deal. There is an endocrinologist in your area who specializes in TRT: Mitchell Akman, M.D.
Primary: 530-243-3231
1555 East StSte 300
Redding, CA

I guess you can keep this dude on the back burner after you see what your GP says.

Good luck, man.

 

[BgBmBoo]

Re: Low Testosterone?

So back from the doc. T levels are 521 ng/dl on a 249-836 scale. Doc says that is fine for my age/cond. All my other labs are "outstanding" in his words. Recommends I keep my diet and workout routine as it seems to be working according to the labs.

Now...his opinion on my lack of focus, moodiness, etc., is due to lack of sleep and stress. I am a extremely light sleeper...I mean I "feel" air pressure changes when Amber tries to sneak into the room...lol...I mean yeah...that sensitive.
Comes from way back when it was my life if I slept to soundly I guess and I have never let it go.

So...to his credit he did not want to prescribe anything and told me to get some sleep and recommended I look into EMDR.

So...????

I have to say...I like my doc. He is 44, into guns (easy to get side tracked on gun talk) and seems to stay up on latest and greatest treatments etc.

 

[JJones75]

Re: Low Testosterone?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BgBmBoo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Now...his opinion on my lack of focus, moodiness, etc., is due to lack of sleep and stress. I am a extremely light sleeper...I mean I "feel" air pressure changes when Amber tries to sneak into the room...lol...I mean yeah...that sensitive.
Comes from way back when it was my life if I slept to soundly I guess and I have never let it go.
So...????
</div></div>

have you tried melatonin ?
5-10mg a night works wonders for me

 

[JustPlinking]

Re: Low Testosterone?

+1 for Nolvadex

With the test injections , keep an eye out for gynecomastia. Its an abnormal growth of gland tissue. It can happen naturally during puberty and also while you are cycling test and other anabolics. You will have no doubt if you experience it, you get noticeable pain behind the nipple and will eventually start to feel a marble sized lump.

 

[TallShot]

Re: Low Testosterone?

I assume a natural test booster would be out of the equation in these cases...?

 

[JJones75]

Re: Low Testosterone?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TallShot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I assume a natural test booster would be out of the equation in these cases...? </div></div>

Some natural test boster do work and are worth the try depending on your levels , some guys can even just get their diet back in order and raise their levels alot.

All depends on why yout levels are low

Ive seen blood test of guys in the 20-30's after using this for 4 weeks and it certainly works
http://truenutrition.com/p-1140-mgs-super-test-booster-7713mg-capsules-240-capsules.aspx

 

[TallShot]

Re: Low Testosterone?

Hm. Thanks for the link.

 

[FALex]

Re: Low Testosterone?

Bg - sounds like you're doing alright! Good for you, man. +10 on the melatonin (ever tried Valerian root?)...that may help with your sleep. Gotta' get that REM sleep going!

 

[padronanniversary]

Re: Low Testosterone?

well guys, I went in to do some blood work, since I had experienced the same symptoms. My blood pressure was high, and test low as well. Blood pressure meds helped alot, feel much better. Thank you for at least getting me motivated to get in. Still waiting on status of the course of action for test. Definitely worth doing, and also checking your liver functions.


The doc is an Indian guy, and he was drawing out an inverted heart. Then draws the artery at the base, I sht you not looked like a penis. Then goes on to say in his accent, this blood pressure medication, one is for blacks and one is for white, then goes to draw two circles, and one is colored in. I was trying my best best not to laugh. One med has side effects of impotency, the other a chronic cough, but these rarely come up he says. Then he goes on ask if I want a blue pill . Just classic !

 

[r44astro]

Re: Low Testosterone?

The Matrix!

 

[FALex]

Re: Low Testosterone?

you shouldn't need a "blue pill" if he treats your low T. Good luck. Sounds like we should all make an appointment with him, just for the laughs alone!

 

[Jmilera]

Re: Low Testosterone?

There has been extensive studies done that prove medications work diffrently among different ethnic groups. Biologically races are slightly different and react different to blood pressure meds. As for the meds that give you cough, those are ace inhibitors they block the renin angiotensin cycle in the lungs and kidneys that make you retain sodium and water. The side effects are cough and in some guys a limp D..! Hope this helps

 

[Mr.Maim]

Re: Low Testosterone?

WOW! I'm glad I check the "Active Topics" regularly otherwise I never would have come across this thread! Didn't expect to see a serious T-level and health disussion on the 'Hide!

A couple questions for you guys that are seeking treatment:

-What was your sleep like prior to treatment, and now with treatment?
-Have any of you had vasectomys?
-Does low T-level actually contribute to weight gain or is that a byproduct of the lethargy from low T?
-Any other factors involved here like high blood pressure or diabetes that are directly related to low T?

This thread has me VERY interested in this topic, something that I was really unaware of!

Also, are there other resources for searching out specialists in this area other than: http://www.bodylogicmd.com/ ? Their selection of professionals is very limited.

 

[FALex]

Re: Low Testosterone?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mr.Maim</div><div class="ubbcode-body">WOW! I'm glad I check the "Active Topics" regularly otherwise I never would have come across this thread! Didn't expect to see a serious T-level and health disussion on the 'Hide!

A couple questions for you guys that are seeking treatment:

-What was your sleep like prior to treatment, and now with treatment?
Sleep was actually great for myself prior to starting treatment. There is no noticeable difference. However, it is one of the major indicators my Doc said he looks for when treating patients. He said low T symptoms are always different for everyone, but the one (almost) constant, is poor sleep patterns.
-Have any of you had vasectomys?
Negative.
-Does low T-level actually contribute to weight gain or is that a byproduct of the lethargy from low T?
Yes, it is a seemingly fine line as too low of T can cause weight gain yet too much T can also cause weight gain. Essentially, excess T can convert to estrogen, which, in higher levels in males, can cause weight gain. Thus, the importance of blood tests regularly!
-Any other factors involved here like high blood pressure or diabetes that are directly related to low T?
ABSOLUTELY! Yes to all, additionally, males with low T are at a much greater risk for many types of cancers, arteriosclerosis, heart disease, poor bone density/structure, and the obvious: more body fat...

This thread has me VERY interested in this topic, something that I was really unaware of!

Also, are there other resources for searching out specialists in this area other than: http://www.bodylogicmd.com/ ? Their selection of professionals is very limited. </div></div>

There are other resources, if you have insurance, or a shit ton of cash, you may want to contact an Endocrinologist. Additionally, you can always try your primary care Doc. It is just that myself and two other friends had poor luck with our PCP's, and as a general rule of thumb, they are recalcitrant in prescribing a regimen as the one I illustrated in the OP. As I told another member, research TRT clinics, HRT clinics, or Restorative/Rejuvenative Medicine clinics.

 

[Mr.Maim]

Re: Low Testosterone?

Endocrinologist, TRT clinics, HRT clinics, Restorative medicine clinics. Check. Thanks, that'll set me in the right direction.

I have excellent insurance but would not go to my PC for something like this. This requires a specialist.

Are any of the items prescribed require injection or are they all taken orally? Meaning: do you have to visit the specialist weekly?

 

[jlaw973]

Re: Low Testosterone?

Give the injections yourself and save the office visit fee.