New guy here...32. Dx with low T at 29. What to do now?

[chriswarren1]

So, like the title says, I'm new around here, but have been looking a quite a few posts lately. When I was dx with Low T and my PCP suggested HRT, I didn't hesitate. I was in the midst of some other issues in life at the time and didn't have enough fight in me to even question or debate the suggestion.

I have been on Test. Cypionate since then, in varying doses until we found a dose that seemed to keep my levels at mid to mid/high range consistently....that being 180mg a week.

What concerns me (which I really should have been a little more proactive in the past) is that I ultimately feel like I have been given a band-aid and that's all. I guess this is no surprise coming from a PCP, who doesn't really specialize. I do feel better overall that I did before the HRT, yet still feel like somethings missing....like I've lost my step or something. I don't really have a ton of energy, can't seem to loose any fat around my love handles/low back and have a little gyno. no matter how hard I exercise and eat correctly, and most importantly....still have absolutely NO sex drive except for maybe a few days a month.

I have a pending appt with and Endo. in April, and it's clear I need some more blood testing, but are unclear as to which exact tests would be optimal for someone who has been on HRT for a few years. All my PCP checks is free and total testosterone every 3-4 months. I had to pull teeth to get them to check estradiol and cortisol..and those test were just done once and came back "within range'' at the time.

I tried to not be too long-winded here, and can offer more details if needed. I just want to be prepared and have everything in order before I see the endo. and possible get more tests, fix anything before if my PCP will agree to it....which they may or may not. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[The Matrix]

Look into.factors to why it was low in the first place. Many of them.are.listed on here. Understanding the proper.pathology is crucial.to.getting at root cause not just the symptoms.

 

[chriswarren1]

Look into.factors to why it was low in the first place. Many of them.are.listed on here. Understanding the proper.pathology is crucial.to.getting at root cause not just the symptoms.

OK. Thanks. Not to sound dumb, I'm just trying to get a feeling for what the heck to do.....should I ask to have the labs done you suggested in this post: Invalid Link Removed, and add prolactin to the mix?


The results will give a better idea of the root cause, correct?

 

[chriswarren1]

Look into.factors to why it was low in the first place. Many of them.are.listed on here. Understanding the proper.pathology is crucial.to.getting at root cause not just the symptoms.

OK. thanks. Not to sound dumb, but should I ask to have the labs done you are reffereing to in this post?
Invalid Link Removed and add prolactin to the mix?

The results will point to the source of the problem? Correct?

 

[chriswarren1]

ok, thanks. After looking through this forum, it looks like it would be a good idea to get the blood work done you reference here:

Invalid Link Removed

That should give a hint at the root cause, correct? Sorry to sound dumb, I'm just now trying to smarten-up about this and get to the bottom of it. I also have a pretty much centered varicocele that has never been medically diagnosed. Just now found out what the heck it was after roaming through the forum. It's never been painful...had it since l6-17 yrs old as far as I can recall....sounds like that could be related.

Get the lab work..with prolactin added in, and go from there? Is that a good start?

 

[chriswarren1]

Look into.factors to why it was low in the first place. Many of them.are.listed on here. Understanding the proper.pathology is crucial.to.getting at root cause not just the symptoms.

Thanks, I would assume by doing the lab work you listed under the "lab testing and getting to the core" thread is the lab work that needs to be done to at least get myself pointed in the right direction, and give us a clue at the possible source of the problem?

Don't mean to be dumb.....just want to be sure to start off on the right foot.


I also have a varicocele, which by reading about here seems like it could be related to my problem.

 

[The Matrix]

Thanks, I would assume by doing the lab work you listed under the "lab testing and getting to the core" thread is the lab work that needs to be done to at least get myself pointed in the right direction, and give us a clue at the possible source of the problem?

Don't mean to be dumb.....just want to be sure to start off on the right foot.


I also have a varicocele, which by reading about here seems like it could be related to my problem.

Some times correct the structural imbalance will correct T levels. I have a Dr patient who I am working with going through this now. I have suggested to Dr to retest in 6 weeks after surgery to see if levels come back. cross fingers

 

[chriswarren1]

Some times correct the structural imbalance will correct T levels. I have a Dr patient who I am working with going through this now. I have suggested to Dr to retest in 6 weeks after surgery to see if levels come back. cross fingers

I've read that (surgery could be a fix) here on the forum somewhere. Thanks for bringing that up. Currently, I'm not concerned with fertility issues, as I have two kids and don't plan on any more. I also have never had pain or anything like that since I discovered it when I was about 16-17 years old.

Since I am not really looking at surgery as an option....or at least make it the last resort if that is something I HAVE to have....back to the bloodwork to get a good start I assume?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[The Matrix]

I've read that (surgery could be a fix) here on the forum somewhere. Thanks for bringing that up. Currently, I'm not concerned with fertility issues, as I have two kids and don't plan on any more. I also have never had pain or anything like that since I discovered it when I was about 16-17 years old.

Since I am not really looking at surgery as an option....or at least make it the last resort if that is something I HAVE to have....back to the bloodwork to get a good start I assume?

Thanks again for your help.

Blood work is highly suggested in all cases in order to have some kind of validation to form a possible l explaination

 

[chriswarren1]

Blood work is highly suggested in all cases in order to have some kind of validation to form a possible l explaination

Great. I will try to get all the lab tests that you have listed on another thread from my PCP. If that doesn't work, it may be a while before I get back to you as my current endo. appointment isn't' until April....but I am going to start calling around to see if I can get in with anybody sooner. If you know of anybody in the Kansas area, that would be awesome. If not, then I proceed as I have been.

Get back to ya ASAP....

Thanks again.

 

[chriswarren1]

Thanks Matrix for the message. I can't PM yet...tried, but my total posts aren't enough yet. I will run with the game plan you laid out. I may even run this by my PCP. I don't think that they don't care...just are un-educated about such matters. They have been very attentive in the past with all health issues. If they are open to direction from you about my care, I will let you know. If not....well, I will go with what you told me yesterday.

Thanks again. You have NO IDEA how much I appreciate this.