Sketch2000
Member
- Awards
- 0
Hi,
I'm a 32 y/o male with a history of long standing ED (since at least 2000).
I also have a history of fluxuations in my Test levels from the low to low normal range.
My endo has diagnosed me with Secondary Hypogonadism (I also have Subclinical Hyperthyroidism). My endo is probably the best I've seen in my life, and very reputable in my area.
To make a long story short - I've suffered from Erectile Dysfunction and lack of libido since 2000!
Its horrible!
In 2005 I was placed on Testim and began feeling great! However, within 8 months the treatment was discontinued as my Test levels reached the "limit" (within range) but no PCT was implemented. Again, I went "limp".
I did have some Androderm treatment in 2009 (I believe) - which again, helped, But that too was discontinued due to insurance issues.
From 2012 to just recently. I used Clomid as TRT. This was primarily due to my insurance issues (my insurance not covering Androderm, Androgel, etc.) It worked VERY WELL at first - I'd say the first 3 months I was "back".
My lab reports reflected an increase in Total Test. My Free test stayed about where it usually does which is 50% of the range.
But over time the Clomid wasn't as effective. I was also concerned as Its not a drug used for TRT (although it can be) and if i use Androderm or something in the future I would need the Clomid to "restart" (natural production) and didn't want to risk it not being as effective as I've used it for so long.
So....My insurance finally covered Androgel. I discontinued the Clomid and began Androgel last week on the 12th. LAST WEEK WAS GREAT! My energy, Mood, Focus, and Libido were back! I exercised 3 days, ran a mile on my days off! I felt incredible!
But on Friday my libido was gone! I've seen Sex Therapists and been thru all of that BS and the bottom line is if i take TRT and feel good then that's what i need. My energy and motivation is still pretty good, I've just been feeling down because the libido returning has always been my main concern and now that i don't feel like i did last week Its made me a little depressed.
My initial thoughts are that since I'm now getting Test externally my natural production has shut down and therefore it'll take a while for the Androgel to get my levels to a point where I feel like i did the first week - What do you guys think?
I'm scheduled for labs in 4 weeks since the start date.
Anyway, the reason I put "Does Total Testosterone Matter" in my title. Is because yesterday morning I created a "Hormone Log Spreadsheet".
I literally went thru ALL MY LABS since 2002 and listed them (all hormone labs).
Thyroid, Test, Free Test, LH, FSH, Cortisol, SHBG, The whole gang!
What i found after i finished the log (took a few hours) is that my Free test has always been "normal" - Its actually been HIGH in some cases. But its my Total Test that has been fluctuating from low to low normal and when i use TRT - its my Total Test that increases (before i began Clomid for TRT my Total Test was around 360, within a month it was over 600!)
So....Since Total Test is bound to SBHG and "they" (even my endo) has stated its not "Free" in the body to be used - does it really matter? Because it definitely seems to matter in my case!
As for the Androgel - I apply it every morning - try to keep it as close to the same time everyday. I don't always shower before i apply it, because I've showered the night before. Biggest draw back is not being able to workout, sweat, bathe, swim, etc. for 5 hours - I live close to the water. I'm curious if i can apply it at night??
Any info would help. I have long standing ED issues and this is the only thing that has a track record of helping. I'm unsure what happened for me to lose that "drive" last Friday (I've thought of everything from Food to Supplements, etc.). My erections have also not been as full as they were the first week - my only logical explanation is natural test production is (or already has) shut down and i need to wait.
Also, I'm still taking my Tribulus. Should I stop?
I'm currently using 5g (1%) daily.
Sketch
I'm a 32 y/o male with a history of long standing ED (since at least 2000).
I also have a history of fluxuations in my Test levels from the low to low normal range.
My endo has diagnosed me with Secondary Hypogonadism (I also have Subclinical Hyperthyroidism). My endo is probably the best I've seen in my life, and very reputable in my area.
To make a long story short - I've suffered from Erectile Dysfunction and lack of libido since 2000!
Its horrible!
In 2005 I was placed on Testim and began feeling great! However, within 8 months the treatment was discontinued as my Test levels reached the "limit" (within range) but no PCT was implemented. Again, I went "limp".
I did have some Androderm treatment in 2009 (I believe) - which again, helped, But that too was discontinued due to insurance issues.
From 2012 to just recently. I used Clomid as TRT. This was primarily due to my insurance issues (my insurance not covering Androderm, Androgel, etc.) It worked VERY WELL at first - I'd say the first 3 months I was "back".
My lab reports reflected an increase in Total Test. My Free test stayed about where it usually does which is 50% of the range.
But over time the Clomid wasn't as effective. I was also concerned as Its not a drug used for TRT (although it can be) and if i use Androderm or something in the future I would need the Clomid to "restart" (natural production) and didn't want to risk it not being as effective as I've used it for so long.
So....My insurance finally covered Androgel. I discontinued the Clomid and began Androgel last week on the 12th. LAST WEEK WAS GREAT! My energy, Mood, Focus, and Libido were back! I exercised 3 days, ran a mile on my days off! I felt incredible!
But on Friday my libido was gone! I've seen Sex Therapists and been thru all of that BS and the bottom line is if i take TRT and feel good then that's what i need. My energy and motivation is still pretty good, I've just been feeling down because the libido returning has always been my main concern and now that i don't feel like i did last week Its made me a little depressed.
My initial thoughts are that since I'm now getting Test externally my natural production has shut down and therefore it'll take a while for the Androgel to get my levels to a point where I feel like i did the first week - What do you guys think?
I'm scheduled for labs in 4 weeks since the start date.
Anyway, the reason I put "Does Total Testosterone Matter" in my title. Is because yesterday morning I created a "Hormone Log Spreadsheet".
I literally went thru ALL MY LABS since 2002 and listed them (all hormone labs).
Thyroid, Test, Free Test, LH, FSH, Cortisol, SHBG, The whole gang!
What i found after i finished the log (took a few hours) is that my Free test has always been "normal" - Its actually been HIGH in some cases. But its my Total Test that has been fluctuating from low to low normal and when i use TRT - its my Total Test that increases (before i began Clomid for TRT my Total Test was around 360, within a month it was over 600!)
So....Since Total Test is bound to SBHG and "they" (even my endo) has stated its not "Free" in the body to be used - does it really matter? Because it definitely seems to matter in my case!
As for the Androgel - I apply it every morning - try to keep it as close to the same time everyday. I don't always shower before i apply it, because I've showered the night before. Biggest draw back is not being able to workout, sweat, bathe, swim, etc. for 5 hours - I live close to the water. I'm curious if i can apply it at night??
Any info would help. I have long standing ED issues and this is the only thing that has a track record of helping. I'm unsure what happened for me to lose that "drive" last Friday (I've thought of everything from Food to Supplements, etc.). My erections have also not been as full as they were the first week - my only logical explanation is natural test production is (or already has) shut down and i need to wait.
Also, I'm still taking my Tribulus. Should I stop?
I'm currently using 5g (1%) daily.
Sketch