No Libido at 25

Training Over 35 Lifter
1

Here is the issue…lengthy but here goes:

For the past couple of years, certain things have been fading and I just now realized the depth of it. Lack of morning erections, no libido, everything in life is bland and so on. These things didn’t just happen overnight. It took 9 months of hard training and a correct diet that yielded absolutely zero gains to make me realize it. As with any bulk, fat gain occured but its placement was centered on my glutes. No change in muscle mass, just fat gain.

I paid for a blood test and discovered my total testosterone level was 402. While not under the accepted bottom of ~200, it is very symptomatic. I understand there is an array of hormones at work at any given moment and without more tests I cannot know for sure what is going on. I have been working for the past year to naturally raise this level and correct the symptoms. From making changes to my diet, to ensuring enough sleep and staying concious of the fact that overtraining can also take its toll on hormone levels.

The issue at hand is my status in the national guard. I found the regulation regarding this type of problem and they will gladly issue a waiver for treatment…as long as there are two tests on two different occasions showing a total T of below 200ng/dL. This is my rock and hard place. Low enough to be symptomatic but not low enough to treat.

As I understand it, if my full set of tests show a result of low total T and high LH, it shows primary hypogonadism. This is my worry…they will only issue a waiver for primary. In pursuing treatment for this problem, I could very well boot myself out of the military.

A little about me: I am the oldest, but smallest, of three brothers. My father is very well built (250 but not all muscle) and my brothers are built as well. I only have to shave once or twice a week. I have trouble getting above 150lbs on any lift and I have always been an overly sensitive guy. Confidence has always been a problem but as of late, it’s at a ridiculous low.

My question is this: do I pursue corrective action with my hormone levels or just say “screw it” and ignore the issue altogether. I cannot build muscle. Strength does not increase regardless of calorie intake. I no longer have any sexual attraction. I no longer have any emotion. I feel no need to leave the house or contact people anymore…I just don’t care anymore…I have to be clear: this is not a depression or that type of “sad” feeling. It’s a feeling not unlike being a hollow husk.

I understand if a person is experiencing bradycardia (low heart rate under 60bpm) and they are feeling okay…chances are they are an athelete or that is their norm. If that same person is dizzy and lightheaded…it is symptomatic bradycardia and is treated aggresively. I am symptomatic and realize there can be huge waves created in my life by treating it (whatever the cause).

I’m an open book…any questions will be answered to the best of my ability. Any input is greatly appreciated. I have no clue who to turn to and I figure this forum is full of people with the advice I seek. Thanks

2

Those are all very good questions. Are you sure you just aren’t plain DEPRESSED?

Overtraining can cause those symptoms. Are you overtraining?

I feel THE EXACT SAME WAY but I am 42. But, I do get erections in the morning and during the night.

I would recommend trying EFT, emotional freedom technique, and see how your body responds. You can learn about it at www.emofree.com

Mark

3

Is there a diagnosis of hypopituitarism?

You might have a pituitary adinoma or scarring from a blow to the head or whip lash. This should always be considered with younger men. Any blows to the head in the time frame before the onset of your condition?

Describe body and facial hair patterns. That is an indicator of your past T levels and body type.
Have you lost hair on your lower legs?

What changes to skin, hair nails? Dry skin, brittle nails? Thinking of hypothyroidism.

Most TT is SHBG bound T [SHBG-T] that is essentially inert. You need to test FT. You can be hypo based on FT while TT is not.

Hypothyroidism and hypogonadism share many symptoms. Low thyroid levels can lower T levels too. Do you get cold easily? Check body temps when you wake, before you get out of bed. Consistent low temps indicate thyroid problems. Is your thyroid enlarged? Do you get iodine from salt? Sea salt and Kosher salt do not contain iodine. If testing thyroid, test TSH, fT4, fT3… not just TSH.

Your emotional problems can easily be caused by low T and/or low thyroid levels. But after time, emotional problems become self-sustaining as established patterns of thought.

You need to test serum E2 [estradiol]. Note that elevated prolactin can also suppress the the HPTA and is associated with depression. If DHEA-S is low, you should be taking DHEA. You could take 50mg/day without the test and see it that is helpful.

What are your stress levels like and stress reactions?

Fish oil caps, 6-8000 iu vit-D [get 2000iu oil caps], vits and minerals. You need a nutritional foundation.

Some drugs, OCT and Rx, can increase E2 and lower T. Ditto alcohol, weed, grapefruit…

If paying out of pocket for labs, you might find the male panel at LEF.org to be cost effective.

4

No Dx of hypopituitarism and as far as blows to the head, there has been only one when I was eight…a baseball and just above the left eye. Around the same age, I was treated surgically for bilateral undecended testes. I have questioned Docs through the years and they all said it should be fine, regarding their health and development (the testes).

The hair is thinner on my legs then I remember it being, though pubic hair seems as if its growth has almost halted. I had been getting dry skin for a while now, but believe it’s due to the water in my house. I have not measured my temps and I do ensure I get iodine through salt.

I do take vitamins as well as fish oils. I ensure I eat a fish like salmon twice a week in addition to the oil caps. I do not take drugs, prescription or otherwise…and not a fan of grapefruit. I do not drink.

I did rule out all of the usual suspects such as overtraining. I lowered training to three days a week and then not at all to give everything a chance to reboot. That was about two months ago. Not only do the symptoms remain, my confidence for even going to the gym has disappeared.

My stress levels are within comfortable levels and nothing I can’t handle. My reactions to things are almost annoyed with every fiber but it’s not really an emotion. It’s not anger…it is extremely hard to describe. I get the same annoyed reaction with the thought of interacting with people or going fishing. Things I used to do…seem like there isn’t a drive or requirement to do anymore.