Testosterone Deficiency

[whyme]

I was just told by my Urologist that I have Hypogonadism and I have been having difficulty accepting it. I know this is stupid but now that I know this - I feel as though I am not man enough - don't know if anyone out there can appreciate what I am going through. I have spoken to my wife but I don't think she quite understands. I have become very depressed and will need to sit on my emotions for over 2 months untill I can see an endocrinologist. Can anyone tell me how they worked through their first few months after being diagnosed? I joined this forum in hope of finding people to talk to about this - as again, I am having a hard time coping.

Thanks in advance.

[rockofage]

I was diagnosed with hypogonadism when I was 34yrs old (I am now 40). Unbeknownst to me, I previously exhibited symptoms for about eight or ten years. The symptom I noticed (or at least my wife did) was irritability, sometimes downright meanness,

It has been seven years, and honestly it took me about four years to accept my diagnosis (one does take a hit to the ego). I found out about a year ago I have an uncle with the same diagnosis, rest assured there are many more like us out there. However, it is both an embarrassing topic, and probably widely misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed.

I don't advertise my condition, however I am not shy about it now if someone notices the patch (I take androderm), if I am wearing it on my upper arm.

Honestly, being diagnosed, and getting treatment has been a true blessing. When my T level drops I become very moody & depressed, and It can be crushing. If I had gone on longer without getting diagnosed and treated, I cannot imagine what could have happened. God intended me to be this way, and I am truely thankful I live in a time I can receive treatment.

I said a prayer for you for the next two plus months while you are waiting to see the doctor again. It will get better. Especially when you find the Testosterone treatment that works best for you.

God Bless

[Mr. T]

Hey brother I was borderline (190 to 290 range) low T for 2 years now am on the Testim. After 30+ days I wished I would have started two years ago. Yes it is quite an embarassing topic. Who the heck wants to talk about low libido, etc. ? I too am a younger guy, just 40. Can tell you I am pretty much "average" in the lower unit department so I do not feel like less of a man or anything. I am in law enforcement so I never really felt like a "sissy" or whatever. That said I always have been the "mellow" dude throughout my life, rarely do I lose my temper beyond control and I am almost always able to talk to people and deescalate them.

What makes me nervous is why I might be low. Brain tumor, pituitary etc. I go back in a few weeks for mere tests. No histroy of any of the primary reasons for low T.

I wonder if there are a certain group of men who are just kinda borderline low T without any serious medical reason why. Just how we are built or whatever. I hope that's the case. I mean if low is 300 and you lose 1% a year at age 30, well WTH I'm going to be a borderline low 270 at 40.

In the end short of the wife and a close friend I have not told any of my buds or coworkers. Who the heck wants to fess up on not being able to make enough "man juice" LOL.

Hang in there. I can tell you the HRT seems to be making a big differnece! It does suck it's potentially a life long deal, still the benefits are EPIC.

Cheers-

Mr T