Am I alone in feeling embarassment and even worse if I need TRT?

[anyman]

I'm just gonna lay this out there and see what the guys say: As the reality of my need for eventual TRT and the like sinks in my 43 year old mind can't help but feel much embarassment and no small amount of shame. There is no way I'd talk about this with anyone buy my doctor and my wife--and I talk to her only because the symptoms are kinda obvious.

While I have no idea what could have caused my secondary hypogonadism (never took drugs, steriods or anything), I can't help but feel like a damned eunuch and less than manly. I can't stand being dependent on anything, especially male hormones. It just doesn't seem fair. Exercise, eating well and more apparently didn't do a damned thing. How am I supposed to feel like a man if I must take shots and more just to avoid seeing my balls shrink into raisins and a stiff penis a thing of the past?

My question is thus: How do/did other guys deal with these isses, assuming I'm not the only one to have them?

[bioman]

Personally, I thank the stars above that there is even an option for TRT. I'll probably need it fairly soon having had a sordid past with steroids.

In your case, you should keep in mind that it's not your fault nor is it a weakness of any kind that your own test production got screwed by some unknown chemical or other factor. We're all exposed to contaminants everyday and some of those, we are just now finding out, have the ability to disrupt the endocrine system in many ways.

Manhood is defined by the actions you take in this life..not by how well your junk functions.

[anyman]

I would not recommend embarrassment as suffering asthma, either. Unless, of ocurse, one knew of the disease, and refused to treat it.

On an intellectual basis I agree. Emotionally, however, I still have trouble and feel a substantial lack of honor and dignity, but I am working on it, hence my presence here. I am most grateful for the help and contributions of people here like yourself. Helps in getting rid of the "why couldn't I have gotten something more manly like brain cancer?" thoughts.

Curious, though, about the apparent rise in testosterone and male issues. The more I research, the more I see a rising trend in male issues like global drops in T and sperm counts. Just today there is an article on msnbc.com mentioning a drop in male babies being born as well as lower T and sperm counts. Here is a link: Number of baby boys declining - Kids & Parenting - MSNBC.com

Any thoughts as to why this may be and what we can do about it? Are we poisoning ourselves without even realizing it?

[SufferingEd]

As you know anyman I am having issues as well. I am not looking forward to a lifetime of drug dependenacy either, but it is a health issue. I also work out and eat healthy. Many people depend on drugs for a healthy life, diebetics; high blood pressure, ect. Try to stay postive. Good luck.

[JanSz]

I'm just gonna lay this out there and see what the guys say: As the reality of my need for eventual TRT and the like sinks in my 43 year old mind can't help but feel much embarassment and no small amount of shame. There is no way I'd talk about this with anyone buy my doctor and my wife--and I talk to her only because the symptoms are kinda obvious.

While I have no idea what could have caused my secondary hypogonadism (never took drugs, steriods or anything), I can't help but feel like a damned eunuch and less than manly. I can't stand being dependent on anything, especially male hormones. It just doesn't seem fair. Exercise, eating well and more apparently didn't do a damned thing. How am I supposed to feel like a man if I must take shots and more just to avoid seeing my balls shrink into raisins and a stiff penis a thing of the past?

My question is thus: How do/did other guys deal with these isses, assuming I'm not the only one to have them?

I felt real bad when I had to extract my first tooth.
It was a milestone for me. I realized that from then on I will be giving up on pieces of me. Luckily I must have had my testosterone at good level, I was able to get over this quickly.
My low testosterone was much less obvious. I had depression periods way before I had my ED. Only very recently I have given name to it. I was feeling bad, had a bad thoughts without knowing what was really bothering me. I got over it without making effort to treat my depression. I think that was my good luck. Had I went to a doctor I would still had my ED and be full of antidepressants. All I was missing was a $1.00 a day worth of Testosterone. It took about year and half or so of testosterone levels to be somewhat close to where they should be, before my depression went away. Next step is ED, that requires much more precise tuning.

I am 67yo now. Had my share of problems. 6 surgeries one cancer. Other than that life is good.

With out technology I be pushing daisies long time ago.
Instead my main problem is on how to tame beautiful girls.
Last night I had a class with this one.
Starlight Dance Center | Welcome
Better than daisies.
Your choice.
Take advantage of technology or die, either slow or fast.
If you are an artist the choice is not clear.
Personal misery often results in better art.
For every day folks, like me, there is no contest, I choose happy life (as possible), and I do not care that large part of it depends on available technology.

[plymouth city]

On an intellectual basis I agree. Emotionally, however, I still have trouble and feel a substantial lack of honor and dignity, but I am working on it, hence my presence here. I am most grateful for the help and contributions of people here like yourself. Helps in getting rid of the "why couldn't I have gotten something more manly like brain cancer?" thoughts.

Curious, though, about the apparent rise in testosterone and male issues. The more I research, the more I see a rising trend in male issues like global drops in T and sperm counts. Just today there is an article on msnbc.com mentioning a drop in male babies being born as well as lower T and sperm counts. Here is a link: Number of baby boys declining - Kids & Parenting - MSNBC.com

Any thoughts as to why this may be and what we can do about it? Are we poisoning ourselves without even realizing it?

Yes, we are poisoning ourselves. Its pretty evident when you educate yourself, turn off the TV and really tune in to whats going on in the world.

Diet is a big factor. Maybe one of the biggest factors. Wether you believe that we were created in Gods image or have evolved from a simple species, or a combination of the two - the simple and undeniable fact is that we are primarily a carnivorous species designed to eat a diet high in animal protein with some fruit and veggies mixed in. I do believe that the development of agriculture that eventually led to the processed, carb heavy diet that the average american consumes today to be our downfall. I will argue this all day with anyone who thinks we can handle a carb based diet.

Throw in the xenoestrogens and pollution in the mix, our lack of overall daily energy exposure and presto - the average american of today, a pathetic site to see compared to your typical man of a few hundred years ago. Your average joe of today pales in comparision.

[fit4life05]

Yes, we are poisoning ourselves. Its pretty evident when you educate yourself, turn off the TV and really tune in to whats going on in the world.

Diet is a big factor. Maybe one of the biggest factors. Wether you believe that we were created in Gods image or have evolved from a simple species, or a combination of the two - the simple and undeniable fact is that we are primarily a carnivorous species designed to eat a diet high in animal protein with some fruit and veggies mixed in. I do believe that the development of agriculture that eventually led to the processed, carb heavy diet that the average american consumes today to be our downfall. I will argue this all day with anyone who thinks we can handle a carb based diet.

Throw in the xenoestrogens and pollution in the mix, our lack of overall daily energy exposure and presto - the average american of today, a pathetic site to see compared to your typical man of a few hundred years ago. Your average joe of today pales in comparision.

well said

[spinn]

Thats an interesting thought.........

What did the average man of 150 or 200 years ago look like?

I know life expenctcy is increasing...but from the looks of the old people in my building, quality of life is lagging at best.

[bioman]

I agree. People are living longer but not really living in many cases. Many just seem bent on taking up space.

I am big on the concept of comparing how our early ancestors lived versus how we are living now. IMO, we've enslaved ourselves to the luxury of convenience and we are paying a steep price. So is the planet.

[toast]

I'm just gonna lay this out there and see what the guys say: As the reality of my need for eventual TRT and the like sinks in my 43 year old mind can't help but feel much embarassment and no small amount of shame. There is no way I'd talk about this with anyone buy my doctor and my wife--and I talk to her only because the symptoms are kinda obvious.

While I have no idea what could have caused my secondary hypogonadism (never took drugs, steriods or anything), I can't help but feel like a damned eunuch and less than manly. I can't stand being dependent on anything, especially male hormones. It just doesn't seem fair. Exercise, eating well and more apparently didn't do a damned thing. How am I supposed to feel like a man if I must take shots and more just to avoid seeing my balls shrink into raisins and a stiff penis a thing of the past?

My question is thus: How do/did other guys deal with these isses, assuming I'm not the only one to have them?

Anytime our bodies fail us it's a hard blow to our self esteem. I have to agree with the others that this is in some ways no different than cancer or heart disease in that it's a problem that needs to be treated and thankfully can be treated.

With that said if you feel like less of a person because this wierd problem we all share here, you should consider talking to a professional counselor of some sort.

I suffer from hypogonadism, Depression and Fatigue issues. I personally don't feel like less of a man because my balls don't work. I discuss it openly with whomever shows an interest in talking about it. I kinda feel an obligation to get the word out that hypogonadism is a real problem and it can be treated.

The depression is a different story. I talk about it, but I do feel a sense of personal failure in this regard. I feel like since the problem is related to how I think, I should be somehow able to control it. My shrink feels differently. Hopefully someday I will be able to come to terms with my feelings on this issue as well.

Hang in there. Get help and do all you can to try to get better.

[colkurtz_spf]

I'm just gonna lay this out there and see what the guys say: As the reality of my need for eventual TRT and the like sinks in my 43 year old mind can't help but feel much embarassment and no small amount of shame. There is no way I'd talk about this with anyone buy my doctor and my wife--and I talk to her only because the symptoms are kinda obvious.

While I have no idea what could have caused my secondary hypogonadism (never took drugs, steriods or anything), I can't help but feel like a damned eunuch and less than manly. I can't stand being dependent on anything, especially male hormones. It just doesn't seem fair. Exercise, eating well and more apparently didn't do a damned thing. How am I supposed to feel like a man if I must take shots and more just to avoid seeing my balls shrink into raisins and a stiff penis a thing of the past?

My question is thus: How do/did other guys deal with these isses, assuming I'm not the only one to have them?

Read this article. You're not alone. Testosterone levels have fallen in American men over the past 2 decades

Most men need it and don't even know.

[jaydee]

I dont have any problems with taking testosterone. The only problem I have at the moment is depression because its not working yet. I can understand not feeling like a man when its not working, because all the things that make you a man are not balanced. Kind of like when guys get emotional if their estrogen is out of control. It really changes who you are.

But really, I am thankfull that their is the option of TRT and I think if you do feel less of a man simply because you are relying on a medication, then the issue would be that you are insecure about yourself. I think relying on the medication is somthing you would learn to adapt to anyway, especially once you start seeing results and it would become a non-issue.

[JanSz]

I agree. People are living longer but not really living in many cases. Many just seem bent on taking up space.

I am big on the concept of comparing how our early ancestors lived versus how we are living now. IMO, we've enslaved ourselves to the luxury of convenience and we are paying a steep price. So is the planet.

I am a slave of testosterone, not enough, and estrogene, too much.
I agree it is luxury to being able to do the required adjustments.
I hope nobody gets the idea of slapping luxury tax on my testosterone and AI bill.

[Charlie]

anyman:
You and your body are not the same. You are not your body. Your body is not you. Your body is a place where you live. The quality of your life is very much influnces by the condition of your body, so it is wise to do everything possable to take care of your body. Some of us were born with better bodies than others, but that becomes the challange to make the best of what we have. Technology has made it possable for us to improve our bodies/health, we would be fools not to take advantage of it. When you see it like this, then there will be no shame in doing everything possable to keep your body functioning the way it should, and we will enjoy being alive.

[rfish1966]

I feel the same way....not to mention 3 of my buddies had accidents last year and got their wifes preggers and I found out not to long ago my count is so low there is almost zero chance of it happening without drastic measures. Plus the fertility urologist just removed me from the test shots and honestly don't what to do.
If I could actually articulate any better I would post more, but I feel your pain.

[JanSz]

I feel the same way....not to mention 3 of my buddies had accidents last year and got their wifes preggers and I found out not to long ago my count is so low there is almost zero chance of it happening without drastic measures. Plus the fertility urologist just removed me from the test shots and honestly don't what to do.
If I could actually articulate any better I would post more, but I feel your pain.

What is your test level.
Did he give you HCG and HMG before he have given up?

[rfish1966]

I don't want to hijack this thred but, test was 286 he (original urologist) measured everything but E2. So I got test cyp 200mg every two weeks, i felt like crap after 8 days so I went to once a week....The new urologist (fertility specialist) didn't even look at my blood work and said no more test and won't refill it. Afer 6 weeks off of test he wants a full panel including e2 testing and said we will probably start with HCG.
I know, and my wife knows without a doubt that test made a
%100 diffenerence. Hell I mowed the lawn for the first time since I got married. I do want to have kids but what good will being fertile be if I can't get it up.....The specialist my wife is going to consults with mine which is the only reason I go to this guy. She said she is going to ask about it with her doc since he is an endo.

6 effing weeks of feeling like this....WTF

[JanSz]

I don't want to hijack this thred but, test was 286 he (original urologist) measured everything but E2. So I got test cyp 200mg every two weeks, i felt like crap after 8 days so I went to once a week....The new urologist (fertility specialist) didn't even look at my blood work and said no more test and won't refill it. Afer 6 weeks off of test he wants a full panel including e2 testing and said we will probably start with HCG.
I know, and my wife knows without a doubt that test made a
%100 diffenerence. Hell I mowed the lawn for the first time since I got married. I do want to have kids but what good will being fertile be if I can't get it up.....The specialist my wife is going to consults with mine which is the only reason I go to this guy. She said she is going to ask about it with her doc since he is an endo.

6 effing weeks of feeling like this....WTF

Before you give up on fertility, try this:
Go to Dr John, get his TRT, after you good and steady, get HMG for couple of months. May take over a year time.

Or find some doctor who will give you all scripts that you will ask for, then get my long list for blood test, post results here.

With help of others we will make you a baby, I mean we will make you fertile.

-------------------

[rfish1966]

I really do feel for these guys on here with doctors that are not innovative and forward looking. I have read countless ohter posts here and it's amazing how long some guys struggle to get this under controll...good to have some support out there. Especially those of us who cannot afford to see doc like Dr. chisler.
Jansz, thanks for the reply.

P.S. could you explain what hmg is?

[rfish1966]

I really do feel for these guys on here with doctors that are not innovative and forward looking. I have read countless ohter posts here and it's amazing how long some guys struggle to get this under controll...good to have some support out there. Especially those of us who cannot afford to see doc like Dr. chisler.
Jansz, thanks for the reply.

P.S. could you explain what hmg is?