Using Clomid To Test Your Nuts For Low T

[babyface58]

So i made an appointment to see Dr. Eugene Shippen and see what he can do for my low T and high estrogen levels...

He just sent me a letter in the mail along with a prescription for Clomid...

It's for a "Clomiphene Stimulation Test"

Apparently this test can be used to help identify the source of the problem in cases of low testosterone output.

Here's the letter that describes the test:

The clomiphene test evaluates the pituitary and the testicle functions at the same time helping to identify the source of problem in cases of low testosterone output. Proper treatment may more easily be determined if the problem area is first identified.

Clomiphene blocks hormonial receptors in the brain, fooling the receptors into reacting as though there is no hormone available from the glands. This results normally in a robust release of the signals from the pituitary gland to the testes, called FSH and LH, which signals the testicles to increase production of testosterone.

When we want to test for the integrity of this natural feedback loop, clomiphene can "rev up the engine." If there is a problem at one point or another in this loop, it will be clear from the test where the problem is located.

Treatment can then be aimed directly at the problem area.

The test takes one week. One half (1/2) clomiphene 50mg tablet is taken at bedtime for 7 days. Blood testing is then done on the morning of the eighth day testing for FSH, LH and testosterone output.
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Thought this was an interesting test that I haven't heard of so I decided to share.

It makes a lot of sense to me to test the feedback loop and see where the problem exists before identifying the best treatment.

Maybe something to think about for guys considering Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) before jumping right into injecting T right away.

 

[tjkita]

clomid

Good note it explains everything. Thanks for sharing.

 

[DeusMalo]

He's just testing to see if you are primary or secondary. Most endos do this type of test, but afaik there are still only two outcomes. Nothing special unless I'm missing something.

If you are 26 and can get your natural production back to normal, do it. I don't think anyone on this board would say otherwise. I didn't notice that in your signature before... testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn't temporary, it's lifelong -- definitely don't be "injecting T right away".

My point in the other thread was injection vs gels vs pellets. Don't confuse the points.

 

[Nordic11]

The specialist I saw before going with Maximus had me do the same Clomid Challenge. It was a waste of my time as it increased LH and total T but only by very slight amounts. As noted, this is to see if someone is primary or secondary.

 

[rowdybrad]

I am halfway through mine as well. Mine is 50mg twice a day for 10 days. I noticed a small increase in libido and my anxiety and mood are slightly better.

Hopefully by 10 days it will be much better and will show that it is related to low test. Then I can get started with test therapy if the blood results aren't up to snuff, or don't stay up.

 

[babyface58]

I am halfway through mine as well. Mine is 50mg twice a day for 10 days. I noticed a small increase in libido and my anxiety and mood are slightly better.

Hopefully by 10 days it will be much better and will show that it is related to low test. Then I can get started with test therapy if the blood results aren't up to snuff, or don't stay up.

Awesome, good to hear your libido, anxiety and mood are doing better - I hope I can say the same soon!

So apparently you're taking like 4x the dose I'm taking, haha. I wonder why the doc gave me such a low dose. Oh well, I'm gonna stick with it and see what happens.

Are you planning on starting T injections right away or are you going to try and use Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) and an Anti-E to see if you can boost your body's T production first?

 

[TR2838]

HCG therapy will do nothing for you if you are diagnosed as primary hypogonadism (testes not functioning).

 

[babyface58]

HCG therapy will do nothing for you if you are diagnosed as primary hypogonadism (testes not functioning).

Yeah that's what I figured. That's why I'm taking this Clomid test - to figure out if I'm primary or secondary, and if I can do a "restart."

If I'm primary then I guess my only option is T injections.

 

[cjw2021]

Babyface if you had bad acne have you considered that maybe you have low serotonin? A low dose SSRI seems to be helping my acne.

 

[rowdybrad]

I will see what my test results will be with the upcoming lab after my last clomid pill.

I also started taking an additional anxiety pill, so that could be why my mood is better or it could all be placebo.

I think I am primary. I got a vericocele when I turned 19 that hurt like hell and shrunk my nuts. I gained 90 pounds and went in to a deep depression all at that time.

I have always been extremely weak and couldn't gain muscle and have almost no body hair except pubes and my head. The rest is very thin.

If the results indicate no significant raise in my hormones I will contact Chip/Maximus and continue the process with them.

Brad

 

[TR2838]

Babyface, Any sides from the clomid at 50mgs?

 

[babyface58]

Babyface if you had bad acne have you considered that maybe you have low serotonin? A low dose SSRI seems to be helping my acne.

Good point, it's certainly possible. Didn't know that would help with acne. Are you seeing any side effects of the anti-depressant? I checked these out on mayclinic.com and found the list of sides:

Side effects of SSRIs can include:

Nausea
Dry mouth
Headache
Diarrhea
Nervousness, agitation or restlessness
Reduced sexual desire or difficulty reaching orgasm
Inability to maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)
Rash
Increased sweating
Weight gain
Drowsiness
Insomnia

You may experience less nausea with extended- and controlled-release forms of SSRIs. As with most antidepressants, sexual side effects are common with SSRIs. They occur in over half the people who take them.

 

[babyface58]

Babyface, Any sides from the clomid at 50mgs?

I've actually been prescribed 25mg per night so I cut the pills in half.

I've been getting morning erections and my libido is definitely improved. I can also feel more energy in the morning when I wake up - like a buzzing feeling of healthy energy - like I used to feel when I was on T.

I've also been much more motivated the past few days to work on my business and have been a lot more productive. I definitely feel like just this small dose of Clomid is making a difference so that is a good sign.

As far as negative side effects I haven't noticed any yet.

 

[RocBawse]

Very interested babyface, as I am in a similar situation... Please keep us updated.