jambi227
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I'm 23 years old and have had a suspicion of low testosterone for a couple of years, due to fatigue, little facial hair, and low sex drive. I had a blood workup for the first time (morning readings) and the following was found:
Testosterone, total - 253 ng/dL - (250 - 1100)
Testosterone, free - 46.7 pg/mL - (46 - 224)
Testosterone, bioavailable - 108.3 - (110 - 575)
SHBG - 18 nmol/L - (7 - 49)
Albumin, serum - 5.1 g/dL - (3.6 - 5.1)
LH - 5.6 mIU/mL - (1.5 - 9.3)
FSH - 5.3 mIU/mL - (1.6 - 8.0)
TSH - 3.38 uIU/mL - (0.4 - 4.50) (although I have read the AACE states above 3.0 should be examined)
T-4 (thyroxine), free - 1.1 ng/dL - (0.8 - 1.8)
After receiving these tests at the student health center at my college, I am now on my first day with Androderm 5mg therapy. I can be referred to an endocrinologist or an urologist by my physician whenever I would like to, if this is necessary. Based on my low testosterone levels, but normal LH/FSH, he is diagnosing me with "idiopathic hypogonadism." He also does not think that my TSH is worth examining any further, especially since my T-4 is normal, but said it's worth watching for any changes.
So, am I on track for the treatment of my newly diagnosed low testosterone? Is 5 mg Androderm a good option for now? Should I be referred to an endocrinologist to further examine and treat the testosterone, and possibly thyroid?
One concern I have about the testosterone therapy, especially at my younger age of 23, is the possible infertility and testicular atrophy with long term use. I have read online it can be beneficial to use testosterone injections instead, along with a weekly hCG injection to prevent testicular atrophy, and also saw a recommendation for an aromatase inhibitor such as Arimidex to prevent the conversion of testosterone to estradiol, which would begin to negate the short-term benefits from a treatment like Androderm. I also read about initiating Clomifene therapy. Is all of this necessary, and I should speak with the endocrinologist about it?
My main concern about beginning testosterone therapy, especially at the age of 23, is the infertility issues. I am engaged, and we definitely plan on having at least one child when I am 28-30 years old. I also know once you begin testosterone therapy, it is for life... so my question is if it is even worth it or if I should wait for treatment.
I called the office of the endocrinologist that I would be referred to and asked if she uses hCG and (as far as the staff knew) they said no. If I do get a referral and visit this doctor, should I be armed with a printout of any sort of publications recommending regimens with hCG, Arimidex, Clomiphene, etc?
Thank you for any and all advice and suggestions about any of the above questions... I'm at a loss for how complicated this all has become and don't know what steps to take. Thank you!
Testosterone, total - 253 ng/dL - (250 - 1100)
Testosterone, free - 46.7 pg/mL - (46 - 224)
Testosterone, bioavailable - 108.3 - (110 - 575)
SHBG - 18 nmol/L - (7 - 49)
Albumin, serum - 5.1 g/dL - (3.6 - 5.1)
LH - 5.6 mIU/mL - (1.5 - 9.3)
FSH - 5.3 mIU/mL - (1.6 - 8.0)
TSH - 3.38 uIU/mL - (0.4 - 4.50) (although I have read the AACE states above 3.0 should be examined)
T-4 (thyroxine), free - 1.1 ng/dL - (0.8 - 1.8)
After receiving these tests at the student health center at my college, I am now on my first day with Androderm 5mg therapy. I can be referred to an endocrinologist or an urologist by my physician whenever I would like to, if this is necessary. Based on my low testosterone levels, but normal LH/FSH, he is diagnosing me with "idiopathic hypogonadism." He also does not think that my TSH is worth examining any further, especially since my T-4 is normal, but said it's worth watching for any changes.
So, am I on track for the treatment of my newly diagnosed low testosterone? Is 5 mg Androderm a good option for now? Should I be referred to an endocrinologist to further examine and treat the testosterone, and possibly thyroid?
One concern I have about the testosterone therapy, especially at my younger age of 23, is the possible infertility and testicular atrophy with long term use. I have read online it can be beneficial to use testosterone injections instead, along with a weekly hCG injection to prevent testicular atrophy, and also saw a recommendation for an aromatase inhibitor such as Arimidex to prevent the conversion of testosterone to estradiol, which would begin to negate the short-term benefits from a treatment like Androderm. I also read about initiating Clomifene therapy. Is all of this necessary, and I should speak with the endocrinologist about it?
My main concern about beginning testosterone therapy, especially at the age of 23, is the infertility issues. I am engaged, and we definitely plan on having at least one child when I am 28-30 years old. I also know once you begin testosterone therapy, it is for life... so my question is if it is even worth it or if I should wait for treatment.
I called the office of the endocrinologist that I would be referred to and asked if she uses hCG and (as far as the staff knew) they said no. If I do get a referral and visit this doctor, should I be armed with a printout of any sort of publications recommending regimens with hCG, Arimidex, Clomiphene, etc?
Thank you for any and all advice and suggestions about any of the above questions... I'm at a loss for how complicated this all has become and don't know what steps to take. Thank you!