Testosterone Deficiency

[livingwith]

I was recently diagnosed with low testosterone levels. I’m 43 years old and I’m really worried about it. I was prescribed testosterone in gel but I only applied it for a week because I had so much discomfort. I also noticed that my genitals shrank and that made me feel depressed. Now I don’t know what to do. I take viagra every time I want to have sex because I can’t have an erection to perform with my partner. Any suggestions will be very appreciated. Thanks
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[danner10]

I too have been diagnosed with this, but i was diagnosed at the age of 32. I tried the cream which only loweredd my levels even more. My dosage was then increased to 2 tubes a day which still did not help. It wasn't until i found another doctor who started giving me injections every 2 weeks that i started to feel better. So my advice is to find a doctor who is willing to give you shots of testosterone. Downside is your appetite goes through the roof and having to seeing a doctor every 2 weeks for the injection. The quality of life outweighs the downsides though.

[r1012]

I am 57 (male) with testosterone levels of 300 NG/DL and have most of the symptoms of low testosterone deficiency. The "normal" range for me is 241-827 NG/DL according to the lab that did the testing.

My doctor is going to start me on injections. What levels should I hope to reach with injections and has anyone experienced significant improvement with depression when treated with testosterone?
(I have chronic chemical depression, i.e. sadness and hopelessness that never goes away, and have had it for over 30 years with antidepressants and therapy helping only enough for me to function and keep my job.)

Also, what side affects can I expect from testosterone shots (based on what an endocronologist will give me so as not to worry about his liability.)

I have heard that testosterone treatments may cause my penis to shrink. Is that true?
Any answers will be appreciated.
Robert

[danner10]

My levels were below 200 when i started injections and after the first week were over 500. Over the period of a year or so my levels were anywhere from 500 to 800, a week after the injection.
i definitely see a mood change if i go more than two weeks between shots. my levels drop severely after the two weeks so i can't miss a shot. but that's just me.... you may be different

As for side effects:
my appetite has grown through the roof and i'm holding an extra 10-15 lbs. water weight is some of it
i am a little short tempered the first day or two after my shot but it's nothing i can't control
and yes you may experience shrinkage for everything down there

[learningaboutT]

I believe that it would take longer than a week to see if the Testim gel would work for you. There are no miracle cures out there, which is what we all want, but the truth is any therapy is going to take time to see if it works for you.

If you are married it is not just you but your wife is suffering along with you. Don't give up, keep asking your doctor about finding a therapy that is right for you. You are too young to give up on a normal sex life.