Hello to all-
Been reading here for awhile and decided to post now that I'm starting to understand the terms and definitions used here.
I'm a 43 yr old male who recently discovered I apparently have secondary hypogonadism. T readings hover around 190-290, with FHS and LH both very low. I now have some ED issues, but a good sex drive. I've noticed much irritability, weakness at the gym and weight gain around the middle despite good diet & exercise. I apologize in advance for the length, but didn't want to sacrifice accuracy. Thanks to all who do read this and comment.
Let's start with a little history.
I'm 43 and otherwise in pretty good health and shape. About 2 yrs ago I realized I had some inexplicable anxiety and irritability. Out of consideration for my wife & kids I tried Paxil. That lasted for about 1 1/4 yrs until I suspected my T may be off as erections just weren't as firm. Initial tests last fall confirmed this, so my GP suggested Wellbutrin. 4 weeks of that made so even a crane wasn't going to get me up, so I dropped it. I then consulted with a local urologist, who did blood work and found low T. He suggested Androgel, which I tried for about a month with minimal improvement. Seems I'm one of those who doesn't absorb it all that well.
I had a feeling there was more to this and started to really research the issue. Quickly discovered that TRT alone leads to dependency and worse. Many doctors are inclined to just slap an Andorgel bandaid on the problem. I want to fix the root cause, so I consulted with an endo. That was useless- he never heard of using hcg and was another "Androgel is the universal solution" guy. At least he did an MRI to rule out any tumors. Is it possible my 1 1/2 yrs of paxil and 4 wks of wellbutrin could have caused this? Or, was the perceived need for same early T problems in disguise?
I have read with interest here the use of HCG and am strongly leaning towards that, if appropriate. I cannot see deliberately rendering my testicles permanently useless.
By far, the most difficult part of this has been finding a doctor who has a clue and can/will do more than just suggest Androgel. Local doctors don't seem to know a thing. I've gotten more from this and similar boards than all my local doctors put together. I have an appointment in 2 weeks with a supposed expert in hypogonadism at Mass General hospital, but remain skeptical. So far, the only drs I've learned of who have a clue are Dr. John here and Dr Eugene Shippen. Havn't been able to find anyone even remotely in my area even after reading the "how to find a doctor" sticky here, which is very discouraging.
Is there any chance I could actually reverse this? Any other tests/thoughts/ideas? Really not sure what to do-
Any and all thoughts, comments and suggestions are welcome and very much appreciated.
Been reading here for awhile and decided to post now that I'm starting to understand the terms and definitions used here.
I'm a 43 yr old male who recently discovered I apparently have secondary hypogonadism. T readings hover around 190-290, with FHS and LH both very low. I now have some ED issues, but a good sex drive. I've noticed much irritability, weakness at the gym and weight gain around the middle despite good diet & exercise. I apologize in advance for the length, but didn't want to sacrifice accuracy. Thanks to all who do read this and comment.
Let's start with a little history.
I'm 43 and otherwise in pretty good health and shape. About 2 yrs ago I realized I had some inexplicable anxiety and irritability. Out of consideration for my wife & kids I tried Paxil. That lasted for about 1 1/4 yrs until I suspected my T may be off as erections just weren't as firm. Initial tests last fall confirmed this, so my GP suggested Wellbutrin. 4 weeks of that made so even a crane wasn't going to get me up, so I dropped it. I then consulted with a local urologist, who did blood work and found low T. He suggested Androgel, which I tried for about a month with minimal improvement. Seems I'm one of those who doesn't absorb it all that well.
I had a feeling there was more to this and started to really research the issue. Quickly discovered that TRT alone leads to dependency and worse. Many doctors are inclined to just slap an Andorgel bandaid on the problem. I want to fix the root cause, so I consulted with an endo. That was useless- he never heard of using hcg and was another "Androgel is the universal solution" guy. At least he did an MRI to rule out any tumors. Is it possible my 1 1/2 yrs of paxil and 4 wks of wellbutrin could have caused this? Or, was the perceived need for same early T problems in disguise?
I have read with interest here the use of HCG and am strongly leaning towards that, if appropriate. I cannot see deliberately rendering my testicles permanently useless.
By far, the most difficult part of this has been finding a doctor who has a clue and can/will do more than just suggest Androgel. Local doctors don't seem to know a thing. I've gotten more from this and similar boards than all my local doctors put together. I have an appointment in 2 weeks with a supposed expert in hypogonadism at Mass General hospital, but remain skeptical. So far, the only drs I've learned of who have a clue are Dr. John here and Dr Eugene Shippen. Havn't been able to find anyone even remotely in my area even after reading the "how to find a doctor" sticky here, which is very discouraging.
Is there any chance I could actually reverse this? Any other tests/thoughts/ideas? Really not sure what to do-
Any and all thoughts, comments and suggestions are welcome and very much appreciated.