Hey everyone. I have been browsing on and off for a few years and this is my first post. This might be a bit long, and I appreciate your time and help if you read.
I have many health issues, some of which probably contribute to my hormone issues. I am 33. I was on accutane and long term antibiotics in my late teens which I have permanent damage from: digestive issues, dry skin, dry eyes, joint aches, other stuff. Accutane and long term antibiotics are bad stuff. It ages you drastically. Eating low carb seems to keep these issues somewhat controlled at the moment. I have a very rare form of scoliosis, have been in chronic pain since age 13. I had 2 surgeries for it. I now have chronic neck pain which is mostly muscular but it is pretty much 24/7 to different degrees. There’s not much to do for it at this point other than lifting to keep the muscles strong and massage. Despite all this, I’ve managed to keep very high confidence, positive outlook, live a normal life, etc.
But in addition to the above, I have been having a dizziness/foggy/spaced out issue for almost a year now. It’s really taken a toll in the last few months, physically and mentally. I’ve been to a dozen specialists and none can figure out this dizzy issue. The only guesses are PPPD, vestibular migraine, or a random neurological issue. Do not know if it is related to my neck or not but I don’t think so. Have had many tests by my primary doc, neurologists, ENT’s, orthopedic, and ophthalmologists, all normal so far. This issue has become quite bad in the last couple months. I can’t figure out what is causing it. It’s become a real big problem, been having to take a lot of time off from work. My neurologist is very thorough though and is trying to help me. She has advised me to see an endocrinologist.
I have a history of low test and low test symptoms: TT consistently in the 200’s range for the last 7 yrs. My lowest was at my first testost test at age 26, it was 181 ng/dl. Highest was 332. FT consistently 7.0-11.0 pg/ml. Have enjoyed lifting and fitness since I was diagnosed with the spine condition, always had to stay in the gym to keep the muscles strong for support. A real big problem putting on much size and strength though. Have been through bunch of dif training programs over the years. Diet is good and mostly clean.
The only treatment I have ever done for the low test was test cyp for a little bit a few years ago (primary doc prescribed) but did not keep up with for long due to severe acne outbreaks. The accutane I was on in my teens did nothing for my acne and it is still moderate-severe to this day. There’s absolutely no more routes for me to take with dermatologists as I’ve developed allergies or sensitivites to all prescription treatments. They are all toxic crap. I control the acne down to mild-moderate with benzoyl peroxide topical. It’s infuriating that I still have acne like this at age 33, it is such a pain to deal with the acne regimen while dealing with the health issues. And it got unbelievably bad when I was on the test cyp and it was an unbelievably low dose. Stuck between a rock & hard place, you know?
I have had recent CBC’s, CMP’s, TSH, lipid, vit d, b12. Everything is within the ranges other than a few things that are slightly low or high. As most of us know, we have to do our own research when it comes to seeing doctors. Seeing endo for the first time in a few days, please tell me if I am forgetting anything:
TT
FT
TSH
FT3
FT4
RT3
SHBG
LH
FSH
E2-sensitive
Prolactin
DHEA-S
IGF-1
Cortisol-saliva
Ferritin
Am I missing anything? I couldn’t find a solid thread or post of exactly what to get in a solid list, could only find sporadic stuff. Due to alll my issues, I am interested in all hormones, not just testosterone. I am not sure if there’s anything more or less I should have them check. Also, is there anything special I need to say? I know E2 needs to be the “sensitive” one? Cortisol needs to be saliva? Anything else special in case the endo is just another clueless doc? I am only 5’3’', don’t know if there’s anything regarding that to get checked at this point. I’ll post all labs at once when I get the endo ones back unless you guys want any of the ones I have had that I listed above.
Thanks again guys and thank you for having me.
