T Nation, I need help!!!
I know that I am an idiot of not researching more about HRT and the effects that it will have on my boys, but hopefully I got on the issue in time to revert some of the damage done.
Background. I have been lifting weights since I was 21, about 14 years now pretty much non stop, 4-5 days per week, about 45 min plus cardio on some days. Usually I gained about 10 lb during winter, then dieted down in the summer, staying in 160-170 lb range, about 10-12% bf (5.7ft heigth). Last Summer, my libido went downhill after another cutting phase, on top of a lot of loss muscle. I have not had a physical in some time, so I found a local Primary doc that supposedly specializes in Hormone therapy.
The doc seemed helpful, listened to my concerns(was mostly loss of libido, weak erections but could still perform when needed) and ran a blood test and saliva test to check my hormone levels.
The doc was adamant to use a Saliva test for hormones as he feels that testing at the cell level is more superior to the blood tests.
Results:
Basically, he told me that he does not know why my body does not produce enough Testosterone, gave me a script for Androgel 1.62, 2 pumps per day and told me “see you in 6 month”. He did ask I was trying to make any children currently, informed that Androgel may not allow that.
He most definitely did not inform me that my balls will basically atrophy and this is basically drug educed castration.
Again, my fault for trusting a doc, fortunately I have a generally good health and did not have to deal with docs a lot in the past.
Thank god for this forums and some knowledge I already picked up by just readings some of the stickies.
Like for instance, the doc did not diagnose me with Primary or Secondary Hypogonadism as he did not test for FHS or LH levels.
Now, here is the Question for you guys.
Can I stop using Androgel 1.62 and follow it with some kind of over the counter PCT?
I have used APE in the past and had moderate results, or will I need a prescription cycle of HCG and Anastrozole? I had been put on the gel about 5 month ago, I am on my 4th bottle and things are staring to feel bad in my testes for few weeks now. As with many, after about 2nd week, my previous low T symptoms were gone, I felt stronger in the gym, lifts were great, and libido was back like I was 20 again. Well, that was short lived, after about 2 month, the libido started to fade, and my testicles started to feel weird, smaller and tuck back into the body as described by many others. Now, this is something that just recently started, so I am assuming that my body started to shut my T production and my testicles are shutting down. To describe the feelings, its like having blue balls 24/7, sex is a chore now, and orgasms are non existent. Is the damage done? Morning wood is gone, my strength is still there, but that is not my concern.
Can I or should I stop cold turkey, pick up some test booster and hope for the best? I am due for a follow up visit with the doc in few weeks, I already collected the saliva test and blood test is due this weekend. Now, he is still not checking my FHS, LH levels in this current blood order.
My test levels was borderline low, but the test was done after my 5 month diet during the summer. What are the chances of bringing my levels to what it was and getting off this damned drug?
What do I need do besides asking to see an Ando? I want to have children some day, I dont want to let this drug take away my cohones? Please help?
-age 35
height 5.7
-waist 32
-weight 162
-describe body and facial hair: a lot of hair, I am practically a chubaka if I donâ??t shave, everywhere
-describe where you carry fat and how changed: some on stomach area and love handles, after the initial androgel kick I dot dryer, but lately fat came back.
-health conditions, symptoms [history] in great health: no issues prior to androgel.
-Rx and OTC drugs, any hair loss drugs or prostate drugs ever NONE
– real dangers! see this http://propeciahelp.com/overvi…
-lab results with ranges
-describe diet [some create substantial damage with starvation diets] mostly low fat diet, chicken breast and veggies, some carbs. about 1500 to 2000 cal
-describe training [some ruin there hormones by over training] for the past 14 years, 5 days per week, about 45 mins to 1 hour each work out.
-testes ache, ever, with a fever? Yes, after on Androgel 1.62 for about 3 month.
-how have morning wood and nocturnal erections changed working: wood was there, but gone in the last month, erections are now hard to gain and keep.
Test came back as: saliva ZTR Labs.
Estradiol out of range, <0.5 Range is 0.5 â?? 2.2 I assume this is good that my body did not convert test to Estrogen.
Estrone 1.2 Range is 0-3.0
Testosterone 58 Range 58-120 for my age group, 35-50
Cortisol AM 8.7 Range 3.7 â?? 9.5
Cortisol NOON 2.3 Range 1.2-3.0
Cortisol PM 0.4 Range 0.4-1.0
Blood test was done for T3 and vitamin D
Vitamin D 37 Goal 30-100
THS 3.02 Goal .4-4.50
T3 Free 3.2 Goal 2.3-4.2
Vitamin B12 508 Goal 200-1100
