Testosterone Deficiency

[deltoromd]

I am a 30 yr old male recently diagnosed with Hypogonadism For about 3 yrs I have known something was going south (lack of energy, lack of labido, weight gain, sleeplessness, irratible, etc) After severl blood test my PCP sent me an endocrinologist becasuse my Total Testosterone was 253. On the 1st visit with the endo he check my total test and free avail test. Total was 193 with a 2.9 % avail test. The endocrinolgist now has me on Androgel 1%, once daily. After 8 weeks of use went back to the endo and my blood work now shows total test 208 with a free avail 3.9 %. Now the endo is telling me that becasue my bio avail free test % is above normal he does not wish to increase dose or change treatment at this time. The endo seemed quite perplexed at the fact my total test is so low but my free is above normal. To be honest he sounded lost and not sure what to do so he just told me to stay on the Androgel 1%. I am not sure what to do now... Should I be seeing a Urologist instead of a Endocrinologist? Are there Doctors that "specialize" in male hormone therapy? I have been doing a lot of reading online and there appears to be some corralation with mineral defencies such as Zinc but my Endocrinologist did not check any other levels other than my Total and Free Test. Previous test from 5 yrs ago showed LH and FSH normal. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. I have am father of 3 daughters and have a beautiful wife with a zest for a love life. I want my energy levels back so I can keep up with my daughters and I want my sex life back.

[concernguy]

Good morning, it seems you may have secondary Hypogandism, which affects the brain and not your testicles. Congratulations on fathering children. You can always seek a second opinion on this matter by simply finding a different Endocrinologist. If you have researched, you will know Endocrine doctors are specialize in hormone matters. Urologists are different specialize doctors. Given your FSH and LH levels are normal, it does tell me that you did father children and if you have Hypogonadism, it is caused by a gland in the brain that is a hormone. Actually, thats treatable and great for you. You should have normal sexual male characteristics as well. Try finding a different Endo Sir. Good luck.

[deltoromd]

Thanks for the reply. Your the 1st person to reply since I posted this question in May. Since my post in May, we increased the Androgel 1% to double the dose. After using the Androgel for almost 4 months and the last 2 months I have doubled the dose, no significant gain in total test. My last test was last week and total test was 236 with 3.9% free avail. Pretty concerning to me that I have been on Androgel for that long with no results. Dr. took me off Androgel and started me on 200 ng of test inj. Hate needles but looks like I dont have a choice. Anyone use Androgel before with no affect? Any idea why?

I have not heard of Secondary Hypogonadism?

Thanks.
Mike

[concernguy]

[quote="deltoromd"]Thanks for the reply. Your the 1st person to reply since I posted this question in May. Since my post in May, we increased the Androgel 1% to double the dose. After using the Androgel for almost 4 months and the last 2 months I have doubled the dose, no significant gain in total test. My last test was last week and total test was 236 with 3.9% free avail. Pretty concerning to me that I have been on Androgel for that long with no results. Dr. took me off Androgel and started me on 200 ng of test inj. Hate needles but looks like I dont have a choice. Anyone use Androgel before with no affect? Any idea why?

I have not heard of Secondary Hypogonadism?

Thanks.
Mike[/quote]
Hello Mike, with Secondary Hypogonadism, the testicles are normal but function improperly due to lack of stimulation by the pituitary hormones. An abnormality in the pituitary gland can impair the release of hormones from the pituitary gland to the testicles, thus affecting normal testosterone production. Once again, please try to find another Endocrine doctor in your area.

Here is a start in finding another Endo:
http://www.healthgrades.com/local-doctors-directory/by-specialty/diabetes-endocrinology-metabolism

I see you are very concerned with blood tests and how your levels are not responding to treatment. It could be a possibly your treatment plan is wrong and may include or take away a med.

There is a yahoo group that can help you better understand why and what to do next. Once again please try to find another Endocrine doctor, if that link doesn't help let me know and Ill find links in your area if you would like Sir.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hypogonadism2/

That is the yahoo group. Free to join and you can start (after being accepted) immediately with all of your concerns within a very good time frame.

Take care.