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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by former poster on August 9, 2010, at 22:59:27
After getting the results of some blood work, my Physician told me to reduce my Androgel from taking it daily to every 3 days. Now, it seems I have less energy and confidence. It also seems like my voice is getting higher. I'm a strait male. This high voice is very upsetting and disturbing as I feel my masculinity dwindling, self esteem down the drain. At my daughters birthday party I hardly spoke. It's hard to believe my T levels were too high. My question is, how well is he qualified in hormonal treatments. Should I be seeing an Endocrinologist?
Posted by morgan miller on August 9, 2010, at 23:22:18
In reply to Androgel dose reduced to 1/3, = High voice, posted by former poster on August 9, 2010, at 22:59:27
See an Endo!! Have you been taking other steps to make sure estrogen and other hormone levels are in check? I think it is in your best interest to see an Endo for TRT and stop seeing your primary care physician.
You may want to go over the MindandMuscle.com and ask a few questions there in the Antiaging/HRT forum.
Morgan
Posted by Phillipa on August 10, 2010, at 0:12:56
In reply to Re: Androgel dose reduced to 1/3, = High voice, posted by morgan miller on August 9, 2010, at 23:22:18
Might also try googling a bioidentical doctors in your area and see him. Phillipa
Posted by linkadge on August 10, 2010, at 16:15:27
In reply to Re: Androgel dose reduced to 1/3, = High voice » morgan miller, posted by Phillipa on August 10, 2010, at 0:12:56
The acute effects of reducing the testosterone may level out.
Linkadge
Posted by Jay_Clockwork_Angels on August 10, 2010, at 16:40:45
In reply to Androgel dose reduced to 1/3, = High voice, posted by former poster on August 9, 2010, at 22:59:27
> After getting the results of some blood work, my Physician told me to reduce my Androgel from taking it daily to every 3 days. Now, it seems I have less energy and confidence. It also seems like my voice is getting higher. I'm a strait male. This high voice is very upsetting and disturbing as I feel my masculinity dwindling, self esteem down the drain. At my daughters birthday party I hardly spoke. It's hard to believe my T levels were too high. My question is, how well is he qualified in hormonal treatments. Should I be seeing an Endocrinologist?
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I have been on Androgel for 5 months. 1st 3 months your testosterone levels will go down, and your body stops producing it's own testosterone. But, after the time I indicated, the body builds up the T from the Androgel. I know it is tough, but you have to be patient with this stuff. I think it is best to see an endo about your case. Have you had other low signs of T, such as very light beard/less need to shave? How about sex drive?How long have you been on the Androgel for?
Jay
Posted by former poster on August 10, 2010, at 21:52:15
In reply to Re: Androgel dose reduced to 1/3, = High voice » former poster, posted by Jay_Clockwork_Angels on August 10, 2010, at 16:40:45
Thanks all for the replys to this thread. I started on the 1% gel last October. After 7 months I had the levels checked. This was my request. (My GP never mentioned following up on this). We found out the level was high, I don't have the exact levels. I was then told to take the same dose except every other day instead of daily. Had another level check July 20, still high. My GP told me to take it every 3 days.
Sex drive is now reduced. I'm lethargic. Maybe a bit more depressed. I would like to see and Endo but unless my GP approves it, I won't be covered by insurance.
Time to get my lethargic self moving and find a new GP that will take my health seriously.
Posted by former poster on August 10, 2010, at 22:09:47
In reply to Re: Androgel dose reduced to 1/3, = High voice, posted by former poster on August 10, 2010, at 21:52:15
I forgot to mention: I could not grow a beard till I was 40. I think I have had low testosterone all my life. People often mistook me for being gay. I don't have any dislike for gays but it is very painful when not gay and having people think you are just from your physical features.
I wonder how my life would be had I been diagnosed with low T when I was young and had medical treatment.
Posted by morgan miller on August 10, 2010, at 22:38:43
In reply to Re: Androgel dose reduced to 1/3, = High voice, posted by former poster on August 10, 2010, at 22:09:47
Yeah man that sucks. Hope your GP refers you to a good Endo. I don't know why he wouldn't, it's your choice not his. If he doesn't, definitely find a better GP.
Good Luck!
Morgan
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 11, 2010, at 16:11:53
In reply to Re: Androgel dose reduced to 1/3, = High voice, posted by former poster on August 10, 2010, at 22:09:47
>I forgot to mention: I could not grow a beard till I was 40. I think I have had low testosterone all my life. People often mistook me for being gay. I don't have any dislike for gays but it is very painful when not gay and having people think you are just from your physical features.
Gay people do not have low testosterone, nor do they have any physical features suggestive of low testosterone. Body hair, facial hair, depth of voice, fat distribution and genitalia are all normal.
Some gay men appear to have a high voice. This is a habit and a mannerism; it is not due to any abnormality of the voice or vocal cords.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 11, 2010, at 16:25:48
In reply to Androgel dose reduced to 1/3, = High voice, posted by former poster on August 9, 2010, at 22:59:27
>It also seems like my voice is getting higher. I'm a straight male.
Your voice may not be very deep, but this doesn't mean that it's getting higher. You may perceive that to be the case due to your anxiety. Once the vocal cords have enlarged in the presence of adequate testosterone, they do not get smaller again. The effects of testosterone on deepening the voice are known to be irreversible.
Some men have naturally high voices. Testosterone treatment does not always lower the voice in these cases. Such men are not any less masculine than anyone else. Try not to be too hard on yourself.
Ed
Posted by former poster on August 11, 2010, at 21:57:51
In reply to Re: Androgel dose reduced to 1/3, = High voice, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 11, 2010, at 16:25:48
Thats interesting about the vocal chords staying the same. Maybe my voice is softer? Some physical problem is going on here with my voice. I normally have a deep voice. I'm also a musician and singer. I can't sing the songs I used to sing because of lack of control of my vocal cords. Anxiety makes it worse, but its still a problem when I am not anxious.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 12, 2010, at 10:08:59
In reply to Re: Androgel dose reduced to 1/3, = High voice, posted by former poster on August 11, 2010, at 21:57:51
>That's interesting about the vocal chords staying the same.
Yeah, it's true. For example, when androgenic drugs are used in women (eg. danazol for endometriosis), permanent changes to the voice can occur.
It's important to monitor testosterone treatment carefully. If the dose is too high, adverse effects may occur. You don't want your testosterone level to be above the normal range. This might cause symptoms such as acne, fluid retention, hair loss from the scalp and mood changes. An excessive dose could potentially increase your risk of heart disease. Even at normal doses, testosterone treatment can sometimes cause testicular atrophy. I imagine that this is more pronounced if the dose is too high.
I think you need to see a doctor who is experienced with TRT. He would then be able to ensure that your dose is just right....not to high....and not too low.
Posted by Phillipa on August 12, 2010, at 19:31:14
In reply to Re: Androgel dose reduced to 1/3, = High voice, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 12, 2010, at 10:08:59
Could it be something else and not the androgel? Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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