Hey guys,
been using the search function on the board but I have some questions about HRT. First off, 34 yrs old, noticed a drop in libido about 4 yrs ago but it’s become progressively worse. Mood swings, trouble concentrating etc. My pcp did a blood test for testosterone serum. Mine came back at 240. The range is 241-827 through Labcorp. He referred me to a urologist.
This is my first question. Most of the guys on here seem to go to an Endocrinologist rather than a urologist. I asked if I should see an endo and my doc said that urologists usually take care of this. Is this true? don’t want to go to a urologist only to find out I have to get another referral to an endo.
Next, I understand from reading up on this that I need more detailed blodwork for free test, estrogen and a spew of other things before anyone on here can give me direct advice but…
In general, if someone has a number as low as mine do you end up on HRT for life or is this something that can give your body a boost over time to produce higher levels of test on its own?
Any other advice you guys can provide would be appreciated. Read a lot of posts on here but I’m sure I’ve missed some info.
I finally got to an endo just yesterday. I don’t have an answer on which specialist is the correct one. I did alot of research on which has more experence in HRT paying close attention to their perspectives on treatment protocols.
The best thing I walked away with from my visit was that there is a underlying problem causing the low T level. Not just the old adage that it is age progression.
According to him there has to be a problem in the pituitary or the testes and there is specific testing to find the problem so that it can be treated.
Sounds like until the problem causing the low T is treated your body will not be able to get you to the correct levels of T to get you feeling right again.
Hope that helps. Do alot of research before you go to your specialist whoever it ends up being so that you can talk relatively intelligent with them.
It isn’t about Uros vs. Endos. It’s about whether or not the guy you’re talking to is up on the latest info, or whether he is just doing what the drug salesmen tell him he should do.
I agree with hammertime2 that at your age I would want to know why my test is so low.
HRT is a treatment for a condition. It is not a cure. It definitely isn’t going to stimulate your body to make more on it’s own. It will, in fact, have the exact opposite effect. Whatever T production you have going on now will stop completely once you start taking exogenous testosterone and it will be that way for as long as you’re on HRT (basically for life).
At this point it’s pretty fruitless to speculate much until you find out what the problem really is and that takes full spectrum blood tests and a good doctor to find out.
Good luck!