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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by uncouth on July 14, 2011, at 16:29:49
Hi everyone,
I just got my labs back and my testosterone went from 450 (below average) down to 335 over the past six months. I've been exercising, etc. I'm 31 year old male, bipolar 2, on a crapload of meds, and in some respects I'm glad to find I have very low T (although it's still in the "normal" range, it's pretty low for my age) because then maybe once its treated the depression and amotivation and anhedonia will work itself out.Has anyone with low T treated it effectively? What did you use? Doctor prescribed Axiron, a gel. Do you know of any psych drugs offhand that might cause low Testosterone numbers in men?
Or any supplements?
Any supplements I can use that have been actually shown to increase T?
Posted by joe schmoe on July 15, 2011, at 1:40:57
In reply to Testosterone supplementation and depression, posted by uncouth on July 14, 2011, at 16:29:49
Not sure why you would use a supplement when the doc has prescribed the real thing....
Tongkat ali is supposed to increase testosterone, according to some studies cited in the Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongkat_ali#Biological_effects
As a result it is popular on a number of bodybuilding sites.
Whether it actually increases testosterone or not, I have no idea, but it has helped me with combating the anti-sexual effects of ssris.
If I were you I would use the real testosterone the doc prescribed instead of a supplement of unknown strength and effect. Is there some reason you don't want to use what was prescribed?
Posted by emmanuel98 on July 15, 2011, at 20:21:32
In reply to Re: Testosterone supplementation and depression, posted by joe schmoe on July 15, 2011, at 1:40:57
My husband (59) shoots himself in the thigh with testosterone every week. He said he's never felt better.
Posted by Prozac Pro on July 18, 2011, at 10:11:19
In reply to Re: Testosterone supplementation and depression, posted by joe schmoe on July 15, 2011, at 1:40:57
> Not sure why you would use a supplement when the doc has prescribed the real thing....
>
> Tongkat ali is supposed to increase testosterone, according to some studies cited in the Wikipedia article
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongkat_ali#Biological_effects
>
> As a result it is popular on a number of bodybuilding sites.
>
> Whether it actually increases testosterone or not, I have no idea, but it has helped me with combating the anti-sexual effects of ssris.
>
> If I were you I would use the real testosterone the doc prescribed instead of a supplement of unknown strength and effect. Is there some reason you don't want to use what was prescribed?What formulation/dosage do you use?
I've tried Tongkat, and it might have a slight positive effect, but the info I read on dosing is all over the place....
Posted by joe schmoe on July 18, 2011, at 14:00:22
In reply to Re: Testosterone supplementation and depression, posted by Prozac Pro on July 18, 2011, at 10:11:19
> What formulation/dosage do you use?
>
> I've tried Tongkat, and it might have a slight positive effect, but the info I read on dosing is all over the place....
I use the Indonesian (Pasak Bumi) tongkat ali 1:200 extract, 300 mg capsules. They come 100 to a bottle for about $60 mail order if you find the right discount retailer. Manufacturer is UD Sumatra Pasak Bumi. I take one a day, along with some maca capsules (either root powder or 6:1 concentrate). This combo has worked very well for me, so I haven't tried taking more than one tongkat ali capsule a day, although taking two or even four seems to be a common dosage.I also tried the 1:50 extract from the same company, I like the 1:200 more (less pills to take).
You are supposed to cycle tongkat, so two weeks on, one week off kind of thing, to maintain effectiveness (and also give your body a rest). Often I find the best response when starting or stopping it - seems like the change is more stimulating than a steady state.
This is the end of the thread.
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