Testosterone Deficiency

[livingwith]

My husband was recently diagnosed with low testosterone and has started taking the Testim gel.
He had been sleeping in every morning until 10:00 or later, and nothing I could do would shake him out of bed.
Every day he complained all day long. His tummy hurt. His back hurt. You name it, it hurt. Thing was, it didn’t hurt when he was at work, on the computer, watching TV, or doing some other activity he wanted to do. He only seemed to “hurt” somewhere when I would try t...Read the full article

[learningaboutT]

WOW. WOW, WOW, WOW. WHAT A DIFFERENCE A FEW WEEKS MAKES!!!!

I wrote the original post a few weeks ago, shortly after my husband began taking Testim testosterone gel, 5g daily.

We are now on day 20 on Testim. I have seen such a difference this week that I am amazed. He is feeling better, better overall mood and attitude, more energetic, much more focused.

He is knocking out projects at work like he used to when he was younger. He is getting organized at home and at work. He isn't grumpy all the time like he used to be. He has stopped complaining about random body pains. He doesn't criticize me and isn't negative all day long the way he was before taking Testim. He has a more positive outlook on family, finances, work, planning for the future - he is a different person.

This week (SO FAR) we had sex 4 times, 3 times of which was completely his idea - HE pursued ME for a change! Twice he woke me up from a dead sleep for it - and I didn't mind one bit!!

Today alone we had sex twice; once in the middle of the night and then again when I went home on my lunch break. That kind of thing never happened before because before, it took a TON of stimulation and TIME to get things going at all... but this week he has been wanting it and chasing me all over the house. It is overwhelming and wonderful!!!! He is much happier, I can tell.

I realize the meds are probably just now kicking in pretty good, so maybe there will be some leveling out... but what a difference! I have my husband back, and then some!

If you are THINKING about seeing a doctor or getting treatment, DO it!!!!! Not just for yourself - your spouse will appreciate having you feel better too!

[learningaboutT]

We are now on day 32 of treatment. My husband's doctor switched him to Androderm, I think mostly because of the stickiness issue of the gel. Here's hoping the improved results continue!

My husband's overall mood is better, but he still seems slightly lethargic and sleeps in a lot, still not sleeping through the night very well. However, he no longer complains about random aches and pains all the time like he did before he started hormone therapy. The sex is still better, he initiates more, and has stronger erections overall. I think there is plenty of room for improvement; but to me, the most important thing is his well being. He really does seem to feel better. I hope the Androderm patch works out for us.

[learningaboutT]

We are now on day 33 of testosterone replacement therapy. My husband's attitude and mood are so much better than before treatment, I just cannot emphasize enough how glad I am that we sought help.

Obviously we haven't had enough experience on the Androderm to say for sure whether it is going to be long term effective. I believe that the Testim made a huge difference in his overall well being, although he was only on that for 30 days total.

He is thrilled with the patch in that he no longer has the messy, smelly, sticky gel to put on every morning. I am thrilled that I can hug him without fear of getting it all over me! The one drawback is that the patch pulls on his body hair as it is being removed - so we are trying to find spots without much hair to place them!

I wish more people responded in these forums. It is so helpful to know that we are not going through this all alone. I am going to try to keep giving regular updates of how he is responding to treatment.

We are also both trying to take better care of our bodies by watching the things we eat, trying to eat more nutricious foods at every meal. I suspect that will also help us both with general health.

It's only Thursday and so far we've had sex 3 times this week. The sex has been more spontaneous and far more energetic than before we started hormone therapy for him. A definite improvement!

[learningaboutT]

Day 34. More morning sex today!

He is really wanting it lately, with very little stimulation on my part - which is so much of a relief. Prior to Testosterone hormone treatment, sex was not possible without a good 30 minutes of intense stimulation. Even then, sex was not a guarantee, as the erections would sometimes fade anyway.

The past few weeks, that has not been a problem! He gets semi's all the time now, and just the slightest touch produces serious results! He comes at me a lot in the mornings now, unexpectedly and very nice surprise to wake up to!

I do believe the Testosterone therapy is making all the difference.

He is sleeping a little better the past 2 nights. Still could use a boost in overall energy. Mood so good. Room for improvement for sure, but there is definitely measurable progress!!!

[learningaboutT]

Day 38, things have taken a turn for the worse. My husband has been completely lethargic for the past three days. No sex in 3 days. Very little communication at all, in fact. He is back to sleeping the day away and not getting much done at work. He has begun complaining again about random aches and pains and his sleeping habits are completely out of whack again.

Last week we changed from Testim gel to Androderm patch - I am hoping this is merely his body adjusting to the different type of hormone replacement.

I have asked him what is wrong, and I get the typical male shoulder shrug, "nothing honey."

This is somewhat discouraging, as he had been making so much progress! Last week he was cheerful and energetic, and we had sex 5 times last week.

This week we have had no sex, no touching, no affection, and once again it brings about the feelings of isolation and rejection.

[MikeKo]

it sounds like your husband may have experienced a surge of T when he first starting using. Your body decreases it's natural production after stating replacment therapy however the amount would be higher for a period of time. He may be having rebound symptoms and feeling like he did before. It takes time and a good Dr. to get it right.

[jeffie]

i just signed up on this forum and was reading your post.
i have been on transoderm patches now for 20 days. i have so much more energy and strength and like your husband , i always hurt all over but not now , not like i have been for years. i am 46 years old. and have disabled for like 3 years now. i wished i had known about low testosterone treament before now. i mean who knows how well i would have felt all these years. im concearned that after your husband was doing so good and then he went back to doing the same as before. i dont want that to happen to me. i have always had a strong sex drive, but my tool has not wanted to participate, so my wife never wants to even try to have sex. i understand how she feels, but its been at least 5 years since we have had sex. the thing is i need the closeness, hugging kissing etc. she doesnt. makes me feel even worse about my condition like im not man enough for her anymore . anyway please post latest with you and your hubby

[jeffie]

woops my first post i said i was on transoderm lol i meant androderm
sorry

[learningaboutT]

Thanks for the responses, it is so helpful to know that maybe we can help each other understand more about this whole Testosterone issue.

There is some good news. We had lunch together yesterday and spent a little more time talking and connecting in the evening last night. I made a point of coming home from work a little earlier than usual so we could have more quality time together. We watched a show we both like together, and made a point of holding hands and really communicating during the evening. I think that is as important as any drug.

My husband was practically begging me to come to bed last night. That was very encouraging after half a week's drought in that area. Then this morning we both woke up a bit earlier than usual and he was kinda perky so I thought, well, let's give it a shot, which worked out very well! As soon as we were done the oven dinged telling me breakfast was ready.

So, even though sex-wise things are doing very well, after a brief pause, I don't think he's entirely back to his old self. Still no energy, although, when I left him snoozing this morning, that's pretty understandable after two rounds of sex in an 8 hour period.

I'll try to keep posting updates. I'm sure there will be ups and downs throughout the hormone treatment, just as in all other areas of life. I definitely have hope though, hope that he will soon be feeling better, more energetic, more full of life, and happier overall.