I've been reading this forum for a while now, and thought it was time I made a contribution. I'm in the early stages of treating my low T. Here is a summary of my progress so far...
29yo
6'1
91kg
I've been weight training for 8 years, never used AAS (but did research them a fair bit). I consider myself fairly healthy.
In Aug 2013 I went to my GP for a general check-up, and to specifically have my testosterone level checked. I had been having libido and ED issues for the previous 6-12 months, which I explained to my GP. He was more than obliging to have the test done.
Result was TT = 7.5nmol/L (216 ng/dL)
After receiving this result I was almost relived as it explained a lot of other symptoms I was having. This included: anxiety, some depression, total lack of motivation, lack of concentration. However it was only the lack of libido and ED issues that prompted me to see a doctor.
GP scheduled a retest for a month later. Second test came back 12.1nmol (348). He sent me off to an endo.
Endo did a bone density test, semen analysis, and fondled my wedding tackle. All these tests/examinations didn't find anything abnormal. Endo then scheduled a third blood test, result: TT=8.5nmol (245). After all of this the endo's diagnosis was that i had naturally now T levels and that treatment was not recommended. Endo suggested we retest in 6 weeks, then retest again in 3 months and to 'hope' T levels raise naturally. I know the general consensus on these boards when it comes to most endos, but i went into my appointments with an open mind. I left feeling confused, angry and disappointed.
I called my GP back and told him everything that had transpired, and asked him if he would treat me. He had no hesitation in saying yes. He too was mystified by the endo's diagnosis and lack of willingness for treatment based on symptoms and clinical evidence. (I will say that I've been seeing my GP for 20+ years).
I had done my research on protocol. I asked to use Primoteston Depot (testosterone enanthate 250mg/mL). I wanted to do 125mg/wk, then retest at 6 weeks. He didn't want to stray from the recommended guidelines of 250mg/14 days. So i just accepted (knowing that once I'm self medicating i can adjust dosing frequency).
I've just had my second shot of 250mg yesterday.
My GP is unfamiliar with AI's and HCG for the purpose of TRT. We'll see how treatment goes and I might need to discuss these down the track.
In terms of feeling any results from treatment, it's still early days and I don't know if what I'm feeling is natural fluctuations in emotions, placebo effect or the T working. But generally I feel like my mood, motivation and anxiety/depression is all slightly improved.
That brings us up to date. I'll continue to provide updates as treatment continues.
For the bloodhounds, here are some of my other blood test results (over various tests in the past 4 months):
TT: 7.5, 12.1, 8.5, 9.8 nmol (11.5 - 32.0)
SHBG: 21, 23, 18 nmol/L (15-50)
E2: 54, <50 pmol/L (<160)
LH:1.7, 3.8, 2.3, 1.8 IU/L (0.6 - 12)
FSH: 1.6, 1.9, 1.8, 1.6 IU/L (1.0 - 12)
TSH: 2.41, 1.79 mIU/L (0.4 - 3.5)
PSA: 0.49 ug/L (0.2 - 2.0)
Prolactin: 211, 390 mIU/L (85 - 500)
Haematocrit: 0.51, 0.48, 0.51, 0.49 (0.39 - 0.54)
Generally speaking I have low T, E2, SHBG, LH & FSH
I'm secondary hypogonadal
I'll need to closely monitor my haematocrit levels
NC.
29yo
6'1
91kg
I've been weight training for 8 years, never used AAS (but did research them a fair bit). I consider myself fairly healthy.
In Aug 2013 I went to my GP for a general check-up, and to specifically have my testosterone level checked. I had been having libido and ED issues for the previous 6-12 months, which I explained to my GP. He was more than obliging to have the test done.
Result was TT = 7.5nmol/L (216 ng/dL)
After receiving this result I was almost relived as it explained a lot of other symptoms I was having. This included: anxiety, some depression, total lack of motivation, lack of concentration. However it was only the lack of libido and ED issues that prompted me to see a doctor.
GP scheduled a retest for a month later. Second test came back 12.1nmol (348). He sent me off to an endo.
Endo did a bone density test, semen analysis, and fondled my wedding tackle. All these tests/examinations didn't find anything abnormal. Endo then scheduled a third blood test, result: TT=8.5nmol (245). After all of this the endo's diagnosis was that i had naturally now T levels and that treatment was not recommended. Endo suggested we retest in 6 weeks, then retest again in 3 months and to 'hope' T levels raise naturally. I know the general consensus on these boards when it comes to most endos, but i went into my appointments with an open mind. I left feeling confused, angry and disappointed.
I called my GP back and told him everything that had transpired, and asked him if he would treat me. He had no hesitation in saying yes. He too was mystified by the endo's diagnosis and lack of willingness for treatment based on symptoms and clinical evidence. (I will say that I've been seeing my GP for 20+ years).
I had done my research on protocol. I asked to use Primoteston Depot (testosterone enanthate 250mg/mL). I wanted to do 125mg/wk, then retest at 6 weeks. He didn't want to stray from the recommended guidelines of 250mg/14 days. So i just accepted (knowing that once I'm self medicating i can adjust dosing frequency).
I've just had my second shot of 250mg yesterday.
My GP is unfamiliar with AI's and HCG for the purpose of TRT. We'll see how treatment goes and I might need to discuss these down the track.
In terms of feeling any results from treatment, it's still early days and I don't know if what I'm feeling is natural fluctuations in emotions, placebo effect or the T working. But generally I feel like my mood, motivation and anxiety/depression is all slightly improved.
That brings us up to date. I'll continue to provide updates as treatment continues.
For the bloodhounds, here are some of my other blood test results (over various tests in the past 4 months):
TT: 7.5, 12.1, 8.5, 9.8 nmol (11.5 - 32.0)
SHBG: 21, 23, 18 nmol/L (15-50)
E2: 54, <50 pmol/L (<160)
LH:1.7, 3.8, 2.3, 1.8 IU/L (0.6 - 12)
FSH: 1.6, 1.9, 1.8, 1.6 IU/L (1.0 - 12)
TSH: 2.41, 1.79 mIU/L (0.4 - 3.5)
PSA: 0.49 ug/L (0.2 - 2.0)
Prolactin: 211, 390 mIU/L (85 - 500)
Haematocrit: 0.51, 0.48, 0.51, 0.49 (0.39 - 0.54)
Generally speaking I have low T, E2, SHBG, LH & FSH
I'm secondary hypogonadal
I'll need to closely monitor my haematocrit levels
NC.