Can HCG cause depresssion? Anyone have experience with this?

[anyman]

As some here may recall, Dr. Shippen started me on hcg about 1 1/2 weeks ago. So far, I've noticed no changes--except possibly for the introduction of depression of a kind I am wholly unfamiliar with.

I've had problems with general irritation, fatigue and even "down" times since this whole low T thing started, but nothing like I've experienced over the past 1+ week. I could be wrong, but I could swear that depression has been stronger and unlike anything else I've experienced. Maybe it's just coincidence. Maybe not. I did some quick research and noted depression as a listed side effect.

Based on the positive reviews of hcg I see here this took me as a complete surprise. If hcg doesn't work then my options are indeed limited. I'm going to stay on it till I speak with the Dr in a month (blood work is on 8/10), but I gotta say, I'm a bit perplexed.

Any thoughts/comments? Thanks in advance

 

[ItsHectic]

What dose are you on and how often?

 

[anyman]

Dosage: 500ic M,W fnd F

What dose are you on and how often?

If I understood Dr S correctly, it's 500iu 3 times per week every M.W and F.

Gotta say, I'm stumped and welcome suggestions....

 

[SoMdHunter]

Can't say I've ever heard of this. I know my HCG hasn't caused this for me.....thank goodness.

 

[anyman]

There is some information out there indicating such is possible (m)

Can't say I've ever heard of this. I know my HCG hasn't caused this for me.....thank goodness.

Take a look here:
Invalid Link Removed

Here is the relevant part:

"Side Effects with HCG Novarel
....... Other side effects of HCG Novarel include: headache, irritability, restlessness, depression, fatigue, edema, precocious puberty, gynecomastia and pain at the site of injection.

I found other sites as well.

I REALLY hope that hcg is not the cause of my new found recent bouts of "black cloud" and nearly constant fatigue. I thought low T was bad--this is much worse.

Still, it could be coincidental. I mentioned it to Dr. Shippen's assistant. I hope it isn't related. If hcg isn't possible for me then my options are indeed quite limited.... That would really stink.

 

[ItsHectic]

U probly got high E2 thats causing it.

 

[anyman]

High E2 on HCG? Never thought of that one. Would TRT cause the same issues?

U probly got high E2 thats causing it.

Now I am really stumped. Assuming what you say is true and hcg can cause heretofor "normal" E2 levels to spike, what can one do? Would regular TRT like T cyp cause the same thing?

A real puzzlement here...... I thought TRT and the like was supposed to produce an improvement.

 

[T800]

What ItsHectic mentioned is all I can think of.

Some men are very sensitive to E2...particularly changes in E2 level.

I ran HCG alone as TRT for awhile in 2005...about 300iu per day every day. I didn't get depressed on it, but about 5 weeks in, I got on a small dose of Selegiline. I did get anxious and depressed after the Selegiline was added in. The blood test I got while I was on the combo showed Total Test and Free Test in the middle of the range, DHT in the middle, and E2 at the top of the range.

I do have to caution you to take this with a grain of salt because every man is different. Some men have a very narrow "operating range" with regards to E2...assuming that E2 is even the cause.

Stay in touch with your doc. With all of his experience, he can probably give you very solid feedback and advice.

Good luck.

Sonny

 

[anyman]

Good points. I'll be raising them with Dr. Shippen

Some men are very sensitive to E2...particularly changes in E2 level.

I do have to caution you to take this with a grain of salt because every man is different. Some men have a very narrow "operating range" with regards to E2...assuming that E2 is even the cause.

Stay in touch with your doc. With all of his experience, he can probably give you very solid feedback and advice.

Good luck.

Sonny

Hey, if I can't trust Dr Shippen, then I can't trust anybody. The whole thing was and is unsettling. Never experienced such dark, "head imploding" sensations. I could do without them.

 

[jomi822]

HCG is a potent gonadatropin...produced by pregnant women to spike hormone levels higher and higher to maintain pregnancy.

in men this means testosterone....and also estrogen. HCG stimulates aromatase production, which converts testosterone to e2.

i would say your recent moods are caused by this spike in e2.

An anti-aromatase drug such as aromasin or arimidex will easily lower your e2 levels.

 

[bioman]

Ditto what Jomi said.

E2 is awful when it rises fast..it can really make you fall to peices. HCG though usually has me feeling like a million bucks.

 

[anyman]

Very possible that E2 is an issue. If so, then why only negatives?

HCG is a potent gonadatropin...produced by pregnant women to spike hormone levels higher and higher to maintain pregnancy.

in men this means testosterone....and also estrogen. HCG stimulates aromatase production, which converts testosterone to e2.

i would say your recent moods are caused by this spike in e2.

An anti-aromatase drug such as aromasin or arimidex will easily lower your e2 levels.

If E2 is an issue, why aren't I seeing any benefits from higher T (unless it's ALL converted to E2)? Still no AM erections, much fatigue and worse. I didn't think that boosting natural T could or would do this. All is want to do is start to get at least some enjoyment from life. Shouldn't be this hard (slight pun intended).

 

[plymouth city]

HCG is a potent gonadatropin...produced by pregnant women to spike hormone levels higher and higher to maintain pregnancy.

in men this means testosterone....and also estrogen. HCG stimulates aromatase production, which converts testosterone to e2.

i would say your recent moods are caused by this spike in e2.

An anti-aromatase drug such as aromasin or arimidex will easily lower your e2 levels.

Great post

 

[plymouth city]

If E2 is an issue, why aren't I seeing any benefits from higher T (unless it's ALL converted to E2)? Still no AM erections, much fatigue and worse. I didn't think that boosting natural T could or would do this. All is want to do is start to get at least some enjoyment from life. Shouldn't be this hard (slight pun intended).

All the T in the world won't save you from E2.

I remember Ksman saying he had all sorts of issues with a T level bordering on 4 digits because his E2 was high.

 

[anyman]

Are you saying it is possible for hcg to essentially create ONLY E2? What about TRT?

All the T in the world won't save you from E2.

I remember Ksman saying he had all sorts of issues with a T level bordering on 4 digits because his E2 was high.

This is increasingly hard for me to grasp. If I take the recommended steps to make things better then I might end up worse?? WTF?? I admit to being stumped as to how stimulating the body to do it's thing can make the situation worse. If this is true and hcg is a factor I'd hate to see how bad things would/could get on ordinary TRT. Never had an E2 problem before, at least not that I am aware of. I see from the posts here that there may be a solution, but I'll hold off on doing anything until I hear back from Dr S.

Thanks again to all. Look forward to hearing more.

 

[bioman]

No, no and no.

What they are saying is that when you elevate T levels, some of that T gets aromatized into E2 (by the enzyme aromatase). This ALWAYS happens but in some people, like say..who have more aromatase in their system, more T is going to get converted to E2. All one has to do to correct this is to get a presciption for an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) and you'll slow down that conversion thus lowering your E2 levels to a comfortable place. Your E2 will be low, your T will be where it needs to be and all will be well.


There may not be a huge amount of E2..some people are just very sensitive to it. Like me. Makes BiO a sad boy. lol

 

[jomi822]

regular trt would probably imrpove your situation.

INjection of transdermal testosteron will not directly or indirectly stimulate aromatase or estrogen production. HCG is directly stimulating aromatase, and therefore directly stimulating estrogen.

again, regular testosterone therapy will not do this, though there will be regular levels of natural estrogen conversion.

 

[anyman]

Makes sense now. Thanks for taking the time to help.(m)

No, no and no.

What they are saying is that when you elevate T levels, some of that T gets aromatized into E2 (by the enzyme aromatase). This ALWAYS happens but in some people, like say..who have more aromatase in their system, more T is going to get converted to E2. All one has to do to correct this is to get a presciption for an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) and you'll slow down that conversion thus lowering your E2 levels to a comfortable place. Your E2 will be low, your T will be where it needs to be and all will be well.


There may not be a huge amount of E2..some people are just very sensitive to it. Like me. Makes BiO a sad boy. lol

I see where you are coming from and admit that my thinking has become clouded to say the least. I'm still angry at the universe for inflicting this on me, but at least thee is hope unlike in years past.

I'll keep the gang here apprised of what happens and what Dr. Shippen says. Perhaps others will benefit from my history as I have from those before me.

Thanks again-
Glad to see others so willing to help. I repay it here when I can.

 

[BigJimCalhoun]

I started HCG about 1 month ago. I am taking 250 IU 2 days a week, plus my 100mg test. I feel like crap. I was feeling good on 115-120mg T a week, but have not feel well since starting the HCG

 

[JanSz]

I started HCG about 1 month ago. I am taking 250 IU 2 days a week, plus my 100mg test. I feel like crap. I was feeling good on 115-120mg T a week, but have not feel well since starting the HCG

Try 250iu E2D, every other day.
What is your last known SHBG
and TT on your current T dose?

 

[plymouth city]

Try 250iu E2D, every other day.
What is your last known SHBG
and TT on your current T dose?

I am hearing from more and more people who do not like the TRT + hcG protocol of 100mg one shot per week + hcg on 5/6.

More frequent injects seems to make EVERYONE happy.

Have yet to hear from ANYONE who has switched to more frequent injects complain much, or switch back.

 

[anyman]

There could be many factors at issue here. I wonder if we are having the same issue

I started HCG about 1 month ago. I am taking 250 IU 2 days a week, plus my 100mg test. I feel like crap. I was feeling good on 115-120mg T a week, but have not feel well since starting the HCG

First and foremost, are you under a doctor's care? What does he say? I'd be hesitant to unilaterally start changing dosages, etc without him knowing.

This said, I am beginning to wonder if whatever is afflicting me is getting you as well. Is it possible that adding hcg to your T regimine has boosted your T and Estrogen to "bad" levels? You lowered your T from 115-120 to 100 per week, but added hcg. If your testes were still capable of producing T is it possible that you've got too much going on and have an estrogen imbalance?

I did my injection just now, after lunch and am waiting to see if the 'black cloud of vision-narrowing depression" returns. If it does, I'll know something is going on. For the 2 weeks I've done them it was generally in the AM, so it'll be interesting to see where things go. I'll try the next one (due Friday) in the late evening to see what happens then. I've been on it for all of 2 weeks and feel, if anything, worse. No erections at all, generally "down" feeling and constantly fatigued. Helluva way to go through life, huh? I anxiously await word from Dr Shippen when the bloodwork is finally done. Too bad that's a full month away...

This whole thing is a PITA, or HPTA to be exact. I just want to work normally, without all this nonsense.

 

[hardasnails1973]

If you are low on cholesterol and possible hypothyroid then HCG could possible drive choleserol even lower. Low cholestrol has been linked to depression. By taking pregnenolone cream this as dr J saids fills in the back space so your pathways are optimized. And people with depression have low pregenonlone sulfate as well as hypothyroid and adrenal fatigue people. So it does make sense ..Low cholesterol is also can affect serotonin with in platelets some how as well. Plus cholesrtol is needed for detoxifcation and cell membrane stability..

 

[anyman]

Thanks, Dr J- Follow up on your note that an appropriate dose must be used.

"Depression" can come when HCG is stopped. IOW, from a "crash". Or, if too much is administered (AHEM!) and estrogen rises sharply. But in my hundreds and hundreds of patients on HCG, I have not seen appropriately dosed HCG cause depression.

Well, that is good news, i.e that an appropriate dose does not cause depression. The key is obviously to find an "appropriate" dose. I've got 500iu 3x/week and am increasingly certain that the start of it and the now alarming bouts of near crippling depression are connected. Not sure what to do and would welcome input, as I have over a month till any follow up. Gonna be a looong month otherwise. Honestly, this shouldn't be so damned hard.

Thanks, however, for your time and effort. Appreciated.

 

[anyman]

Thanks, Dr J. Is is possible for hcg to cause spikes in E2, etc? (more)

I have not seen it.

Remember, too, that the info out there is for both adult males and females. Children, too.

The scope, severity and sudden onset of the "black cloud" is alarming me to no small extent. Not knowing what to do makes it worse.

I am trying to make sense of it, thus far without success. As always, suggestions, hints or places to look are welcome.

 

[plymouth city]

Just to poke a little good-natured fun at our pal KSMAN, doesn't this run counter to his "T/E ratio" beliefs?

The ratio thing is definitely too broad of an issue to pinpoint something down.

I didnt understand it until a few days ago when I was looking at charts with BW from teenage boys.

These kids BW were a sight to behold. Ratio's, or any idea of them, were completely thrown out the window.

They had TT levels in the 600's, 700's, 800's, and 900's.

E2 levels were all in the mid teens, regardless of TT levels. Pretty cool to see.

 

[JanSz]

Well, that is good news, i.e that an appropriate dose does not cause depression. The key is obviously to find an "appropriate" dose. I've got 500iu 3x/week and am increasingly certain that the start of it and the now alarming bouts of near crippling depression are connected. Not sure what to do and would welcome input, as I have over a month till any follow up. Gonna be a looong month otherwise. Honestly, this shouldn't be so damned hard.

Thanks, however, for your time and effort. Appreciated.

I do not remember you lattest blood tests, provide link.
There was recent discussion on another thread, that basically ended with conclusion (in my mind):

When SHBG is 20 and less and on emotional/depression rolercoaster, do very frequent;
E2D subq shots, both T&hcg on same day.
T dose to keep FreeT~250 (per dr Shippen's chart)
HCG 250iu/shot
-------
I would add to that, keep
FreeT3 on top range (Armour)
FreeT4 almost on top (either nothing or add T4 after FreeT3 is in right place.
-------
And control your E2 and other estrogens if indicated by blood tests.
-------
Use 31ga needle for both shots, otherwise doing shots will get old quickly.

 

[anyman]

Thanks, JanSz- Here is a summary:

I have not yet had blood work since starting hcg 2+ weeks ago, but here is a compilation of results from various tests over the months preceeding seeing Dr. Shippen:

IGF-1 181 (86-220)
SHBG 11 (8-46)

Total/free T (test 1)

Total T 205
% Free T 5.7
Free T 11.6 (5-21)

Total/free T (test 2)

Total T 185
% free T 2 (1-2.7)
Free T 37.3 (50-210)

FSH 2 (1-15)
LH 2 (2-12)
DHT 10.28 (no range given)
E2 9.1 (0-35 pg/ml)
Prolactin 6 (2-18)

Thyroid:

TSH .98 (.40-5.5)
T4 free 1.1 (.8-1.8)
T3 free 297 (230-420)

Cortisol (24 hr test)

Cortisol: 44.6
Cort Free (24hr) 66.9 (5-50) ** seems high **

Cholesterol

Cholstrl 160 (162-280)
Trigylc 257 (55-327)
HDL 23 (27-67)
LDL 86 (87-186)

Hope you (and others) can make some sense out of it. I suspect the thyroid is off a bit, but know nothing about this area.

What do you see here and whar should I discuss w/ Dr S?

Thanks-

I do not remember you lattest blood tests, provide link.
There was recent discussion on another thread, that basically ended with conclusion (in my mind):

When SHBG is 20 and less and on emotional/depression rolercoaster, do very frequent;
E2D subq shots, both T&hcg on same day.
T dose to keep FreeT~250 (per dr Shippen's chart)
HCG 250iu/shot
-------
I would add to that, keep
FreeT3 on top range (Armour)
FreeT4 almost on top (either nothing or add T4 after FreeT3 is in right place.
-------
And control your E2 and other estrogens if indicated by blood tests.
-------
Use 31ga needle for both shots, otherwise doing shots will get old quickly.

 

[JanSz]

I have not yet had blood work since starting hcg 2+ weeks ago, but here is a compilation of results from various tests over the months preceeding seeing Dr. Shippen:

IGF-1 181 (86-220)
SHBG 11 (8-46)

Total/free T (test 1)

Total T 205
% Free T 5.7
Free T 11.6 (5-21)

Total/free T (test 2)

Total T 185
% free T 2 (1-2.7)
Free T 37.3 (50-210)

FSH 2 (1-15)
LH 2 (2-12)
DHT 10.28 (no range given)
E2 9.1 (0-35 pg/ml)
Prolactin 6 (2-18)

Thyroid:

TSH .98 (.40-5.5)
T4 free 1.1 (.8-1.8)
T3 free 297 (230-420)

Cortisol (24 hr test)

Cortisol: 44.6
Cort Free (24hr) 66.9 (5-50) ** seems high **

Cholesterol

Cholstrl 160 (162-280)
Trigylc 257 (55-327)
HDL 23 (27-67)
LDL 86 (87-186)

Hope you (and others) can make some sense out of it. I suspect the thyroid is off a bit, but know nothing about this area.

What do you see here and whar should I discuss w/ Dr S?

Thanks-

Your cholesterol is low, try to raise it.
Fish oils, eggs, steaks

Your thyroid is low, get up to three grains of Armour, check pulse, slow down or stop (stop increases not the dose at the time). Recheck FreeT3 and FreeT4

Your E2 is low, your DHT is low.
You have to use transdermals (not injections)
Your SHBG is low, I suggest
one 5gram packet of Androgel/day

Androgel may not absorb since you have thyroid problem.
You may end up putting Androgel on your scrotum to raise DHT.

I do not see DHEAs, pregnenolone, progesterone.
You are probably low on most of them.
Use compounded pregnenolone cream, 100mg/1gram, use 1gram/day

Very low SHBG is a sign of other problems that have to be identified.
Ask Dr Shippen for this type of help.
Dr Shippen probably will hold you of from Androgel to give a chance for HCG to work.
But you are still low on DHT.
You are tough nut to crack.
Wish you luck.

 

[wondering]

Given you are seeing Dr. Shippen, I would STRONGLY recommend you take advice from him and not from folks here. No offense to well-meaning participants, but you are not seeing a clueless physician, you are seeing a true specialist in the field

Be patient, follow his counsel.


---

I have not yet had blood work since starting hcg 2+ weeks ago, but here is a compilation of results from various tests over the months preceeding seeing Dr. Shippen:

IGF-1 181 (86-220)
SHBG 11 (8-46)

Total/free T (test 1)

Total T 205
% Free T 5.7
Free T 11.6 (5-21)

Total/free T (test 2)

Total T 185
% free T 2 (1-2.7)
Free T 37.3 (50-210)

FSH 2 (1-15)
LH 2 (2-12)
DHT 10.28 (no range given)
E2 9.1 (0-35 pg/ml)
Prolactin 6 (2-18)

Thyroid:

TSH .98 (.40-5.5)
T4 free 1.1 (.8-1.8)
T3 free 297 (230-420)

Cortisol (24 hr test)

Cortisol: 44.6
Cort Free (24hr) 66.9 (5-50) ** seems high **

Cholesterol

Cholstrl 160 (162-280)
Trigylc 257 (55-327)
HDL 23 (27-67)
LDL 86 (87-186)

Hope you (and others) can make some sense out of it. I suspect the thyroid is off a bit, but know nothing about this area.

What do you see here and whar should I discuss w/ Dr S?

Thanks-

 

[jomi822]

those blood tests certaily put things into perspective.

are you on any cholesterol or anti depressant medications?

 

[anyman]

I was not taking anything--and am very curious as to your comment on "perspective"

those blood tests certaily put things into perspective.

are you on any cholesterol or anti depressant medications?

I am certainly curious as to what you mean. These numbers are a compilation of very tests taken over a one month time +/-. I was on Androgel for about a month 6 + weeks prior, but nothing else.

Do you see something here or a pattern?

Thanks in advance

 

[anyman]

I am indeed following the Dr's suggestions, but am puzzled as to recent events (m)

Given you are seeing Dr. Shippen, I would STRONGLY recommend you take advice from him and not from folks here. No offense to well-meaning participants, but you are not seeing a clueless physician, you are seeing a true specialist in the field

Be patient, follow his counsel.


---

Patience, however, is another matter. Never was too good at that. Right now I am trying to educate myself as best as I so as to 1) Understand what is going on and 2) Be a better informed patient so I might ask better questions and participate in the recovery process. I readily admit to being knocked for quite a loop when the sudden bouts of strong depression hit out of nowhere soon after starting hcg. Scared the hell out of me. Never had anything like this in my life and don't want to ever again. I just want a normal 43 yr old life not encumbered by shots, labwork and a body too stupid to fix itself.

 

[JanSz]

I am certainly curious as to what you mean. These numbers are a compilation of very tests taken over a one month time +/-. I was on Androgel for about a month 6 + weeks prior, but nothing else.

Do you see something here or a pattern?

Thanks in advance

And then you report
Total T 205
or
Total T 185


are you still on Androgel??

 

[anyman]

Havn't touched in in 5+ months. I just had 2 diff tests, that's all.

And then you report
Total T 205
or
Total T 185


are you still on Androgel??

All Androgel did for me was take me from 200 +/- to 300 +/-. Here's the weird part: I had none of the weird depressive episodes and fatigue as mt 2 1/2 wks on hcg has seen. Still trying to figure this one out. I won't have add'l blood work for another week or so. I'm anxious to see what the effects/numbers are.

 

[JanSz]

I have not yet had blood work since starting hcg 2+ weeks ago, but here is a compilation of results from various tests over the months preceeding seeing Dr. Shippen:

IGF-1 181 (86-220)
SHBG 11 (8-46)

Total/free T (test 1)

Total T 205
% Free T 5.7
Free T 11.6 (5-21)

Total/free T (test 2)

Total T 185
% free T 2 (1-2.7)
Free T 37.3 (50-210)

FSH 2 (1-15)
LH 2 (2-12)
DHT 10.28 (no range given)
E2 9.1 (0-35 pg/ml)
Prolactin 6 (2-18)

Thyroid:

TSH .98 (.40-5.5)
T4 free 1.1 (.8-1.8)
T3 free 297 (230-420)

Cortisol (24 hr test)

Cortisol: 44.6
Cort Free (24hr) 66.9 (5-50) ** seems high **

Cholesterol

Cholstrl 160 (162-280)
Trigylc 257 (55-327)
HDL 23 (27-67)
LDL 86 (87-186)

Hope you (and others) can make some sense out of it. I suspect the thyroid is off a bit, but know nothing about this area.

What do you see here and whar should I discuss w/ Dr S?

Thanks-

anyman
is there somewhere your post that would give your history in some kind of logical order of complaints, action taken, blood tests so one could get sense of of your status and be able to draw some conclussions?
Something that one could constantly refer back to during discussions.

 

[anyman]

You'r right- I am only now starting to see what degree of organization I'll need. (m)

Thanks, JanSz- See below for a heavily REVISED and hopefully easier to make sense of list of blood results.

I lived this for only a year or so, but it feels like forever. Sometimes I forget that others are not, quite understandably, familiar w/ my situation.

My issues started lst fall when I switched from 1 1/2 yrs of Paxil to Wellbutrin due to weight gain. Felt like a switch got turned off as all of a sudden, w/i 2 wks on WB erections were non existent, which for me is dman near worse than death. I had been on Propecia for about a month max a good 7+ yrs prior. Dropped it when erectile issues surfaced and recovered-or so I thought. On reflection I realize that erectile quality and general energy levels had been dropping over the preceeding 2-3 years, which is why the Paxil, etc was suggested. I have no proof as to what might have caused what, although I blame the Propecia and W/B.

On a hunch I had my T tested in the fall of 2006 and there it was: 200. FSH and LH were both low (2 or less). I knew next to nothing and saw a local Urologist, who suggested Androgel. I knew next to nothing so I went along w/ it. Net result after 1 & 2X/day trials: 300. Research revealed the ball-shrinking issue and dependency issues, so I visited an Endo, who was even more useless.

Time spent on these boards and a desire to get to the root cause led me to Dr. Shippen, who is trying hcg, which thus far has only given me bouts of depression, a general malaise and near constant fatigue. Intellectually I know that the diagnosis process is often trial and error, but I am tired--and even more tired of BEING tired. There are too many days I wouldn't GAS if I woke up the next day, which is no way to be with 2 beautiful and energetic young daughters who need me. I am frustrated as nearly every day is a damned struggle-I often look forward to sleeping, where I don't have to think or worry about this anymore. Not trying to be melodramatic-just the way I feel. Since I believe this is a chemical issue I am trying desperately to fix it and give my family some quality of life. I'm not the psychiatry type and don't feel it would do much unless the underlying body chemistry is fixed.

The blood tests I list are a compilation of different ones taken post Androgel over a roughly 4-6 week time this Spring. They're a mix of what the Dr. @ Mass Gen'l wanted, Dr Shippen wanted and what I read about here. I am well aware of your list and would like to have it all done, but so far not even Dr Shippen has asked for that much data. Nobody has been willing to write me a scrip for all that just yet.

The bottom line is that I am trying to educate myself so I know what to look for symptom wise (might make for more accurate diagnosis), ask better questions and be a partner in an eventual recovery. I am fully aware that my mental state stinks, which I view as part of the problem. I can detach myself, so to speak, and look at myself from a 3rd party prespective. I don't like what I see: A tired, frustrated, PO'd at the world, sometimes scared and angry once strong 43 yr old watching everything I've worked for at risk and terrified of having to live the rest of my life like this. Yeah, I know this is a but "heavy", but I need to be honest with myself in order to find a way out. Sometimes I feel like life did this to me: :nutkick:

I very much appreciate the extremely helpful input and help given me by you and guys like you. Wouldn't have made it this far w/o it.

Here we go in chronological order:

Total/free T (test 1: 4/10/07 Lab work for possible clinical trial which I did not do)

Total T 205
% Free T 5.7
Free T 11.6 (5-21)
E2 9.1 (0-35 pg/ml)
FSH 2 (1-15)
LH 2 (2-12)
DHT 10.28 (no range given)
Prolactin 6 (2-18)


Total/free T (test 2: 4/12/07 Lab work w/ Quest)

Total T: 185
% free T 2.0 (1-2.7)
Free T 37.3 (50-210) Noted "low"
FSH: 1.8 (1.8-8.0)
LH: 2.0 (1.5-9.3)
E2 <32 (doesn't say much)
Prolctn 8.6 (2-18)
SHBG 11 (8-46)


MISC RESULTS FROM 4/07:

Thyroid:

TSH .98 (.40-5.5)
T4 free 1.1 (.8-1.8)
T3 free 297 (230-420)

Cortisol (24 hr test)

Cortisol: 44.6
Cort Free (24hr) 66.9 (5-50) ** seems high **

Cholesterol

Cholstrl 160 (162-280)
Trigylc 257 (55-327)
HDL 23 (27-67)
LDL 86 (87-186)

This seems to be warning me about metabolic syndrome unless I fix this......

RESULTS POST CLOMID TEST W/ DR. SHIPPEN:

Test. 319 (up from avg of 200)
FSH 2.4 (up from 1.8-2)
LH 5.0 (up from 2)
DHEAS 250 (241-827)
DHT 18 (25-75)
E2 <32 (<52 Dr did NOT ask for sens. test)

Cortisol: 18.5 (4-22 Once again, cort is high)

anyman
is there somewhere your post that would give your history in some kind of logical order of complaints, action taken, blood tests so one could get sense of of your status and be able to draw some conclussions?
Something that one could constantly refer back to during discussions.