Testosterone Deficiency

[cottnpickr]

Hello all; I found this site while researching why my testerone level is so LOW!!. I've suffered from a lack of energy & stamina for several yrs-was always very active and looked to be in good physical condition. Was diagnosed about 15 yrs ago with fibromyalgia. Have had nine back surgeries-4 fusions from an auto accident. Have suffered decreasing energy recently; seven wks ago went to my MD and he did a workup. Most levels were fine but testosterone was "8"!! He said for my age (61) it should be 350-720. He said that he has never seen a level anywhere near that low in 20 yrs of practice, and he was surprised I could even walk. For about 3 yrs have had no libido & ED. Could hardly get an erection and could never finish what I started. At any rate, have now had 3 injections, with small increase in libido, but no more energy. Can hold an erection now, but no climax-just get tired and quit. I go back this wk for a T level test & another injection afterwards. But no idea why level is so low, and don't know what to do from here; I guess he'll prob. send me to an endocrinologist. What will he/she do? Also, have any of you heard of a count that low? I am now worried about gland problems, or something more serious. Thanks.

[RANDO88]

One site that I found very informative is [moderator note: website address has been removed] This video series is long, but well worth watching. Good Luck!

[panamint]

I was just tested and found my level was 98 and I am 46 yrs old. I have had one injection so far and I am going in today for the second one. The Dr. has me getting 1.5 cc of 200MG Testost CVP. I also have had fibromyalgia since a semi truck accident in 1989 and have been unable to work since. I have fatigue and pain all day every day. I hope the injections help with me. Just wanted to say hi and its not very often you see a male with the Fibro.
Scott

[panamint]

Well just got my labs and my level went up to 178 after one shot. Dr increased the dose to 2 cc every three weeks and a follow up and more blood test in Oct.
Scott

[bama14]

I am a newbie also, and have been having problems for years..the family dr put me on androgel, but made me an appointment with a specialist,, my test level is 17, yes SEVENTEEN..im 32 yrs old and in otherwise good health but this is to say the least a major problem for me to deal with and could use any / all help and advise anyone can sewnd my way..thanks and good luck to all of you.

[RANDO88]

I have NEVER heard of a total testosterone level so low. My level (54 yr. old male) was taken at 8:00 AM, since your T levels are highest in the morning. My total testosterone was 193--free testosterone was 2.20. My MD. prescribed 200 ML self injections per wk. I found that I did better taking 2 injections per wk. at half that dosage. I had low energy, almost no libedo, just a very depressed mood. Usually Dr. will throw anti-depressants at you before they ever check your testo level. That was my situation. I must have tried 6 or 7 anti-depressants over the years, with no help, before I read about low testosterone. ( It was my idea to ck. the testo levels) I feel much better now. I think physicans are reluctant to prescribe testosterone (STEROIDS) because of the bad press, or maybe it is something that did not seem prevalent when many Dr. were in med school? I do know that I feel much better because on the testosterone replacement. Good Luck to You!

[bama14]

i know exactly what you mean...my total test level is 17 and he put me on 1 pack of androgel a day..drs just make it EXTREMLY hard on those of us with a problem..Soooo, when i get my results to my specialist he got a good laugh out of it and put me on some real hormone replacement therapy..i get the meds in a few days..its depo-test inj. with anastrozle..the shots 2x a week..hope it works better than the gel.

[RANDO88]

This TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) that your new MD has you on now should help you feel much better. As I said earlier, I am prescribed 1 ML of 210MG/ML self injection of testosterone cypionate per wk. I did find that 2 injections of half that doseage per wk. seemed to make me fill better (less up after the 1st injection-without feeling kind of sluggish near the time of my next injection) I see he also prescribed Anastrozle (Arimidex) as an anti-aromatase. This I understand helps keep excess testo from converting to estrogen. You will know if this happens if your breasts seem to be growing.UGH Also too much testo will cause your nipples to get sore. I was told to take Zinc supplements as it acts as a natural anti-estrogen/anti-aromatase. If you get a chance ck. [moderator note: website address has been removed] for some great info. from Dr E Barry Gordon. BEST WISHES< RANDO88

[forrest_and_trees]

Hi all, I'm 41 and tested with a level of 174 about 2 months ago. I used to be *very* active and now at 41, I feel like such at old man at times. For me, the fatigue and pain are the most difficult to live with on a daily basis. The shame of it is, the ED and loss of libido go back almost 18 years; it was only just recently that *I* recognized it as Low T and asked for a test. I had brought it up to a doctor about 3 years ago and all she did was laugh at me. That was before I came across the "ADAMS" questionnaire, which is what finally convinced me to demand the test. I only wish I didn't have to waste three more years of my life suffering, not to mention I had insurance then. Now, I'm out of work and paying out of pocket. Fortunately I have a good doctor now; I'm on my 5th week of the Testim 1% gel. I started with a shot a month back and that gave me a noticeable improvement but it only lasted one day. The gel seems to make a difference but it's slow going and a bit of a roller-coaster ride at times; I never know from one day to the next how I'll be. I just got my second shot yesterday and this time I really don't feel it. I guess I'll have to wait and see what happens. On a scale of 1-10, the first shot was a 5 for a day. This time I'd give it a 2. The doctor did mention I may need to up my daily dosage but he wants to wait until I've been on the stuff for a full 3 months and then test my levels again.

bama14, it will be interesting to see what your specialist prescribes, please keep us informed.

[RANDO88]

I have found that it is against forum rules to name a specific website here, whatever, you can google Dr E Barry Gordon and find some very helpful, possibly life changing information. He explains causes of low testosterone,different ways to administer, and videos of patients who have had unbelievable changes since starting TRT. Well worth the time to check it out!