Testosterone Deficiency

[Mr. T]

One tube a day. Last year T level was 180, last month 292. Both done with blood taken in the a.m. at yearly physical. 40 year old otherwise healthy, no other meds. Over the last 4 years I have had low energy, general "blahs", stressed out, low libido. I had attributed it to working as a child abuse investigator, but mentioned lack of energy at my last physical. Well my GP prescribed Testim and here we go.

I have "average" sized kit, normal puberty, no injuries to testicles (who hasn't been kicked in the nards at some point though), as far as I know normal sperm count.

So far this first week seems pretty good! The first day I noticed a small energy boost within the first hout of applying the gel. Since then I don't have a noticable boost of energy, but my energy has been high and my mental sharpness pretty accurate. Plus I made love to my wife twice, which is about the same as the last 3 months.

I will be getting my T level rechecked in another 3 weeks. So far so good.

Question to Uro Doc or whomever, since this appears tertiary (hope I have that right) do I need to worry about my pituatary/brain? Or could this be otherwise unremarkable. sort of borderline low effects of low T due to marginal testicle production rate?

[UroDoc]

The only thing you need to check on is a prolactin level.

[Mr. T]

Forgot to mention last night I had a sleep study, some thing that sliped over my index finger and measures oxygen and pulse rate. My guess is since I complained about not feeling rested when I wake up, and sleep apnea being listed as a side effect, my doc is covering the bases.

As far as the prolactin level, should I ask my GP to include that in my blood work? What does it mean?

Thanks,

Mr. T

[UroDoc]

Prolactin can suppress (make lower) testosterone. If your prolactin is high then the possibility exists of a prolactin secreting tumor. If you have a tumor and it is treated then your testosterone will return to normal.

[Mr. T]

Well I have made love to the wife more in the last 30 days then I did the rest of the year! I am down about 10 lbs, lost a belt notch, feeling good, and am getting leaner. Just in general I feel better.

When I went to my doc for my annual I really had no complaints. I mean the last few years I have felt way less energy, stress, poorsleep, etc. Pretty much chalked it up as my job as a child abuse investigator, and getting to be the big 40. He told me at last year T level was like 200 and now 299.

Totally loving the Testim. I go back in two weeks to have my T level checked. I will mention the Prolactin level check.

UroDoc or whomever, just wondering if my low T could be "normal" or if I need to worry about a tumor? My doc mentioned a cat scan or MRI. I have no hx of any reason for low T.

[UroDoc]

MRI would rule out a prolactin producing tumor in your pituitary gland located at the base of your brain