Testosterone Deficiency

[livingwith]

I have been having energy problems for a couple years now and every doctor i went to said i was just out of shape.I really do not think they believed me when i told them if i took out the trash i was fatigued for the rest of the day.In the last year my doctor did some mri’s and said i had degenerative disc disease in my back.So i finally asked could i have low testosterone after not being intimate with my wife in 6 months.My doc took some blood and said i did indeed have low testosterone M...Read the full article

[demersj]

Charles,
Sorry it has taken this long to reply to your question. I've been very busy with work and my kids' sporting events. I am sorry to hear about your problem. It's frusterating when the doctors will not listen too us and just tell us we are out of shape and depressed. I don't know about you but the low T took a serious strain on my relationship with my wife. Hopefully yours will be as understanding as mine while your levels and energy return to normal.

First, your T was very low, if you have not done so already I would get a referral to an endocrinologist. These are the docs that specialize in "gland problems" and hormones. You should have more bloodwork done to check for thyroid disease, as low thyroid can also cause bone problems and low energy. Your should also consider having an MRI of your brain to check for pituitary problems because a defective pituatary gland can cause many hormones to be out of balance, including testosterone. Your endocrinologist can determine which tests are best for you and when to do them.

Second, I tried Androderm for 2 days but was allergic to the adhesive so I went back to the shots. Concerning your question of feeling the effects for a full 24 hours, you should give it chance to "build up in your system" for 2 to 3 months. This is what is called reaching steady state. After 2 to 3 months you should have your T levels checked again. Please do not take "normal" for an answer if your level comes back in the "normal limits" but on the lower side, especially if you dont feel good enough yet. A normal total T for someone your age is about 700. (http://www.mens-hormonal-health.com/normal-testosterone-levels.html) This website is helpful to convince your doctor.

Third, I use the injections because they are generic and a cheaper copay on my insurance. There are 2 types of injections. Testosterone enanthate and Testosterone cypionate. They are pretty much interchangeable. It is testosterone in an oil base that is injected intramuscular into the buttocks every 2 weeks. Some doctors are getting away from the injections because the may not produce as good of consistent levels as the patch or the gel. ( The gel is similar to patch. It's a gel you rub on you upper torso every morning after showering. According to some sources it is supposed to have the most consistent levels. It is called Androgel and they have their own website at www.androgel.com) Plus many people are unable to give themselves injections into the buttocks, it's a big needle that does hurt a little. As mentioned I do the injections because they are cheaper and I don't mind them.

Lastly, as I have found out try to get execise, especially weight lifting. You do not have to go crazy and "bulk up" like a bodybuilder but this will help the testosterone work better. I am actually doing jui-jitsu, kick-bocking, weights, and kettlebells to get in shape for an amateur MMA bout. I have contacted the promoter to try and get on a July or November fight card. I hope this info was helpful and if you have any more questions let me know. I will be happy to answer to the best of my ability.
Jason