Testosterone Therapy?

Shooting a question out there for anyone:

Has anyone here been treated with supplemental testosterone for T-levels that are low, but in the “normal” range? I’m also 31, so I wouldn’t be the typical patient for test therapy. Never done any anabolic steroids, or prohormones. Only ever used OTC supplements and vitamins.

Reason I’m asking is that I’ve had two free-testosterone tests over the last two years, the first normal, but in the low end (and I was actively weightlifting at the time), and the second also normal, but much lower than the first. The tests were about a year apart.

Long story short, I’m planning on making another apt. with my physician, getting another free test level done, and talking to him about Test therapy. Over the past two years I’ve developed:
1) Depression
2) ED
3) Fatigue+++
4) Irritability and mood swings
5) Frequent colds and flu
6) Insomnia

And, recently, weight loss of about 15 lbs.

I’m not looking for an online dx, but opinions and/or other guys that have been treated for the same.

I have not been treated for low T.

If you do decide to be tested again, do a blood test, not saliva and ask for a complete hormonal panel to be done - not just “free T”; estrodial, prolactin, the whole works. This will give your doctor a much better idea of everything that is going on.

Keep in mind that testosterone replacement therapy is often a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Great initial improvement then a drop, sometimes a very deflating one, then more T and another upswing, etc. An endochrinologist is your best bet, or a very savvy urologist with a lot of experience in hormonal treatments.

Replacement of low-normal free T, even in men that are not otherwise suffering from primary or secondary hypogonadism, can improve feelings of general wellbeing, improve libido and reduce erectile dysfunction. The ups and downs that are often experienced by men who receive testosterone injections every 3 weeks can often be avoided by daily topical formulation, or weekly topical patch.

T replacement is not the answer if the problem is a mood disorder - ie depression or dysthymia. This by far is a much more more common underlying cause of fatigue, sleep disorders, mood swings/irritibility, sexual dysfunction and a multitude of other systemic symptoms. After mood disorders comes excessive alcohol intake.

Will it help grow your dick? And why do androgel instructions say not to put it on your penis?

1) No.

2) If you need to ask, then…well, do a search for an applicable thread. This thread isn’t about that.

Are you taking Yohombe? Yohombe can give you symptoms of a similar nature. Also try taking St. John’s wort, especially for the depression. See your doctor. Get a complete blood works done.

How much added T does it take to cause infertility? FSH will be suppressed to some extent. How much and at what dosage?

At 31, especially if kids are in your future, I’d investigate alternate modes of therapy.

Big bump on this. So many things can effect T levels. Also ask him if the panel includes SHBG. That can be a biggy for T.

I agree more tests are needed. Lots of things can affect free T.

A young guy shouldn’t jump into long-term HRT on a whim. Have more tests, see an endocrinologist (or several, since many seem to be incompetent/ignorant about male hormones), spend some time searching the Net for info, and then make an informed decision.

Hobby is right. HRT at 31 is crazy. Blood tests shown in men, the more insulin you secreted, the less SHBG you had. So what im trying to say is, hi glycemic carbs are the way to go. It will increase insulin production and decrease SHBG. SHBG binds with free T in the blood, The less SHBG you have, the more free T you will have floating around in you blood. Something doctors might not know. Having more free T should alleviate your problems. :)

I only kid about the doctors not knowing some stuff because I have a friend who is, and he is like “WTF are you talking about”?

A high calorie, high carb diet would raise T if he had been starving himself when his hormone levels were measured. Restricting calories and/or fat will lower T.

If he has been eating a normal diet at or near maintenance calories, snacking on sugar won’t boost his T.

I’m not kidding about doctors being completely ignorant in regard to male hormones. Many, dare I say most, don’t have a clue. It can be damn hard to find one who does. Do a search on Dr. Eugene Shippen.

Thats very true, I just made the assumption that he ate healthy. :)

SHBG levels don’t mean much. Most testosterone, something like 98% of it, is bound to varying degrees.

If SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) is high, what action do you propose to lower it? From what I’ve read, increases in SHBG seem to be responsible in part for lowered free T levels as men age. Some study protocols that tend to raise free T in younger men don’t do the same for older guys because SHBG increases and basically soaks it up.

I’m not an expert in this field. We could use one.

In the meantime, Canwood should have more things tested.

Thanks for all the replies.

I have an apt. with my family physician next week; I’ll hit him up for the tests—-I know getting my free T tested won’t be an issue, but we’ll see what else he’ll want to look into, if anything.

Don’t get me wrong—-I’m not crazy about jumping into HRT at 31, either. I know it’s been a recent topic of interest, and I’ve heard things about guys with low-normal T levels getting treatment. I’d like all the facts before I start messing with supplemental T.

I have an idea that my doc will push some anti-depressants before anything else. Probably because:

1) That’s what he sees more of, and is comfortable prescribing that course of treatment, and

2) Even though he is an excellent, young doctor, I doubt he’s seen or treated anyone under 50 for HRT.

But, like I said, I want to at least get tested, and push for more than just a free T. I’ll post after my next apt.