Hi Everyone - New to the forum and have been reading pretty heavily for a while now as I’m on this journey of trying to figure out if I need TRT and how best to proceed. I had seen a few docs over the course of the last 6 months with some half assed blood work done and the typical “oh you’re just fine” More recently my urologist has been totally on board and strongly felt my T was low based on the bloodwork I brought in, but sent me to a male fertility specialist doc he works with for a consult because I still want to have another child or two and don’t want my balls to shrink.
Saw the fertility doc last week (outta pocket, he doesn’t take insurance), anyways he wasn’t as on board with the TRT but said lets take it one step at a time and do a full hormone panel first. He then performed a quick physical exam and has me “push” down while he felt my balls and the crevice between them and my thigh. Following this he said that I have varicoceles (varicose veins affecting the testes) and while TRT may treat my problem this is likely the root cause and we may want to look into repairing that. I’m a bit skeptical as it seemed like a quick and easy diagnoses which leads to surgery but I see my urologist again next week and will see what he has to say.
Also, at the end of our consult he said lets go ahead and give you 200mg T and see how you feel over the next week. I agreed and honestly, while I might have felt a minor improvement I would say it was VERY minor, possibly even just a placebo effect. I understand everyone is different & not feeling anything after just one shot doesn’t really mean anything.
My symptoms are just generally am often tired & sluggish. It is hard to lose weight, esp. around the gut. In the past and again more recently when I do work out the results are lacking. Libido is moderate as is morning wood, but ability to maintain erections is not too great.
Now down to my specifics:
-age: 32
-height: 5’7"
-waist: 34"
-weight: 175lbs
-describe body and facial hair: Very hairy (middle eastern & runs in the family)
-where you carry fat: My fat is primarily around the belly & stubborn to get rid of.
-health conditions, symptoms: None
-Rx and OTC drugs: None
-lab results with ranges:
Total Test. - 292 (241-827 ng/dL)
Free Test. - 7.10 (4.25 - 30.37 pg/mL)
E2 - 20.9 (0-39.8 pg/mL)
FSH - 1.8 (1.4-18.1 mIU/mL)
LH - 3.6 (Males 20-70yrs) 1.5-9.3 mIU.mL
(I have previous test results which only have TT and Free T which I can post if needed, but the results were low on those as well)
-describe diet: I’m on a lower carb diet which includes a lot of meats, veggies and plenty of water. I cheat a few days a week but generally stay away from carb heavy, sugary foods & drinks.
-describe training: I’m mostly recovered from a surgery I had 6 months ago and I am doing Physical Therapy 2-3 times a week. I get a pretty healthy work out there. No major lifting or weight training.
-testes ache, ever, with a fever?: A few years ago I had sore testes and saw a doc to no help. Problem went away, never had it with a fever.
-how have morning wood and nocturnal erections changed: Morning wood is moderate and libido is moderate. Main problem is maintaining erections.
I’d like to thank you in advance for your help, this forum is really awesome. If I left anything out or you need more info please let me know.