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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Bob on July 1, 2010, at 0:11:45
I've tested two years in a row now with low testosterone with levels around 220ng/dL. The lowest part of the normal range I've seen is 240 in literature. Free testosterone was also tested and came in at a 5, with the low end of the normal range being 6.
With that information, my primary care doc and I decided to try testosterone replacement therapy in the hopes that it might raise the levels and help me with some of the lethargy and anhedonia I experience with my depression. Last week he gave me Testim 1% samples to try. I applied it the first day and had significant depression for the next 24 hrs or so. This surprised me, to say the least. Additionally the Testim had a strong odor I wasn't digging, so I asked to try the Androgel instead.
It's been a couple days of using the supplements at lower than recommended doses and I seem to be having a lot of fatigue, daytime sleepiness and depression. This is counter to anything I would have expected from taking a testosterone supplement, and I'm wondering how long to stick with it. I mean, does the body adapt to some of these effects like happens with some psychotropic drugs? I can't seem to find any evidence of that in my research on the internet. If I quit, I'm not sure what to do about my low levels. Seems like my only option is to ignore them and just live with it.
Unbelievable how nothing ever turns out like what I might have envisioned. I keep telling myself to never be surprised by what happens with a new treatment, but I often am.
Bob
Posted by tiopenster on July 4, 2010, at 21:35:45
In reply to Low Testosterone, posted by Bob on July 1, 2010, at 0:11:45
I just tested at 163 and I have the same questions about whether supplementation would help with drug induced apathy and lethargy.
You may want to try the patch or the injections. I heard that absorptions with the gels can be tricky with some people.
Posted by Bob on July 4, 2010, at 23:35:10
In reply to Re: Low Testosterone, posted by tiopenster on July 4, 2010, at 21:35:45
> I just tested at 163 and I have the same questions about whether supplementation would help with drug induced apathy and lethargy.
>
> You may want to try the patch or the injections. I heard that absorptions with the gels can be tricky with some people.What do you mean by "tricky"? Does that mean it doesn't absorb properly?
Posted by tiopenster on July 5, 2010, at 9:52:43
In reply to Re: Low Testosterone » tiopenster, posted by Bob on July 4, 2010, at 23:35:10
Some people find that it doesn't absorb properly because of thick skin or some other factors. Some people find that the injections work when the gel did not.
Posted by Dan_MI on July 7, 2010, at 8:25:04
In reply to Low Testosterone, posted by Bob on July 1, 2010, at 0:11:45
Please keep us posted as this is a topic of import to all of us y chromosomersI've tested two years in a row now with low testosterone with levels around 220ng/dL. The lowest part of the normal range I've seen is 240 in literature. Free testosterone was also tested and came in at a 5, with the low end of the normal range being 6.
>
> With that information, my primary care doc and I decided to try testosterone replacement therapy in the hopes that it might raise the levels and help me with some of the lethargy and anhedonia I experience with my depression. Last week he gave me Testim 1% samples to try. I applied it the first day and had significant depression for the next 24 hrs or so. This surprised me, to say the least. Additionally the Testim had a strong odor I wasn't digging, so I asked to try the Androgel instead.
>
> It's been a couple days of using the supplements at lower than recommended doses and I seem to be having a lot of fatigue, daytime sleepiness and depression. This is counter to anything I would have expected from taking a testosterone supplement, and I'm wondering how long to stick with it. I mean, does the body adapt to some of these effects like happens with some psychotropic drugs? I can't seem to find any evidence of that in my research on the internet. If I quit, I'm not sure what to do about my low levels. Seems like my only option is to ignore them and just live with it.
>
> Unbelievable how nothing ever turns out like what I might have envisioned. I keep telling myself to never be surprised by what happens with a new treatment, but I often am.
>
> Bob
Posted by morgan miller on July 7, 2010, at 9:02:14
In reply to Low Testosterone, posted by Bob on July 1, 2010, at 0:11:45
Get on to websites like Mind and Muscle and ask some questions and do some research.
It is possible that there is a different testosterone product you may react better to and you may want to try weekly injections.
I would give Androgel some time before switching though.
Posted by Bob on July 7, 2010, at 20:39:08
In reply to Re: Low Testosterone, posted by Dan_MI on July 7, 2010, at 8:25:04
I will definitely keep you guys posted about any new developments, but for now I have to achieve more stability with my psych drug cocktail before I delve into the testosterone again. As far as I could tell from my last endeavor it caused depression, so I want to be ready next time for that possibility.
-Bob
Posted by morgan miller on July 8, 2010, at 16:10:32
In reply to Re: Low Testosterone, posted by Bob on July 7, 2010, at 20:39:08
Good luck getting your meds right.
Have ever considered taking something like DHEA? I've heard it can help with mood.
There are some natural ways to boost testosterone like ginger. I take a ginger supplement daily. Not sure if it has really impacted my testosterone levels though.
This is the end of the thread.
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