RS1
New member
Navigating my way around this minefield has been a challenge to say the least. My experience with doctors I have seen have been awful (they don't understand the problem (or intend to) and tend to follow a script). Any help anyone could provide would be most appreciated.
I had been diagnosed with secondary hypogonadism at 15 (currently 31). Initially I had been treated with Sustanon (fluctuating hormone levels, extreme acne etc) and moved to Pregnyl when I was 20 (This significantly improved appearance although I was self-administering which I didn't do properly/against a regular schedule) and so experienced symptoms of lethargy etc.
I moved to Androgel at 25 and have been on this ever since. The symptoms I experience include - bloatedness, brain fog, deficiency in constructing words (don't take me wrong, I can communicate but it noticeably takes me longer to 'find the right word' if that makes sense). I also feel 'deflated' most of the time. Energy is also sub-optimal.
At times I supplement the Androgel with a shot of Pregnyl (once a week 1000IU) and this gives me a boost for a day or two. What I notice is if I stop administering the Androgel for a day (off-day) and administer the Pregnyl on this day and then continue the Androgel the next day - it lessens my brainfog for a while and increases my energy levels for a few days.
The last blood test I did was for Serum Testosterone (nmol/L) in Jan 2009 yielding a result of 24.5.
However, I intuitively feel that Androgel on its own is not enough. Something is missing, as I am feeling like a robot most of the time i.e. not particularly vital, have a lot of visceral fat (40" waist) and a lack of mental clarity/acuity. I also find that my muscles are tight, everytime I move my back I hear clicks through my shoulders and my neck.
Can anyone relate/post advice re. these symptoms?
Can anyone suggest what tests I should do to gain a clearer picture before taking ownership for this problem and correcting?
I am based in the UK and my doctor is a doormat. I've had to go to him and educate him on this topic. I saw him last in 2009 when I requested to measure my E levels and his response was "that's rediculous, why would you want to do that, I don't think that has any bearing on your symptoms what so ever" - which I thought was unreasonable as I have never had my E checked.
Very worried about this and I instinctively know that I need to take ownership for this problem if things are to improve. I just don't quite know which way to go. Your views would be appreciated.
RS
I had been diagnosed with secondary hypogonadism at 15 (currently 31). Initially I had been treated with Sustanon (fluctuating hormone levels, extreme acne etc) and moved to Pregnyl when I was 20 (This significantly improved appearance although I was self-administering which I didn't do properly/against a regular schedule) and so experienced symptoms of lethargy etc.
I moved to Androgel at 25 and have been on this ever since. The symptoms I experience include - bloatedness, brain fog, deficiency in constructing words (don't take me wrong, I can communicate but it noticeably takes me longer to 'find the right word' if that makes sense). I also feel 'deflated' most of the time. Energy is also sub-optimal.
At times I supplement the Androgel with a shot of Pregnyl (once a week 1000IU) and this gives me a boost for a day or two. What I notice is if I stop administering the Androgel for a day (off-day) and administer the Pregnyl on this day and then continue the Androgel the next day - it lessens my brainfog for a while and increases my energy levels for a few days.
The last blood test I did was for Serum Testosterone (nmol/L) in Jan 2009 yielding a result of 24.5.
However, I intuitively feel that Androgel on its own is not enough. Something is missing, as I am feeling like a robot most of the time i.e. not particularly vital, have a lot of visceral fat (40" waist) and a lack of mental clarity/acuity. I also find that my muscles are tight, everytime I move my back I hear clicks through my shoulders and my neck.
Can anyone relate/post advice re. these symptoms?
Can anyone suggest what tests I should do to gain a clearer picture before taking ownership for this problem and correcting?
I am based in the UK and my doctor is a doormat. I've had to go to him and educate him on this topic. I saw him last in 2009 when I requested to measure my E levels and his response was "that's rediculous, why would you want to do that, I don't think that has any bearing on your symptoms what so ever" - which I thought was unreasonable as I have never had my E checked.
Very worried about this and I instinctively know that I need to take ownership for this problem if things are to improve. I just don't quite know which way to go. Your views would be appreciated.
RS
