Low test score? not my IQ
Just got back from the Doctor, I got my test results back and my test is at 72 (I think my 11yr old son has higher test then that :( ). The Doctor refered my to a spiecalist for HRT, he perscibe some gel for the time being, but my insurance doesn't cover it, that's a good thing right?
So I'm alittle depressed at first, that I realize that I've put on about 10lbs of lbm in the last year, with the low test, now I'm not depressed, because if I put lbm on, with low test what will happen when I get my test up to normal range or higher ;) with alittle aas help. I need some help here.
He did tell me that the high b/f is from low test and high estrogen, that is why I'm having a hard time getting it off. I did talk to him about some Femara to combat the estrogen and raise plasma test, but he said I should take it up with the specialist, but he did want to read the study on Femara raising plasma test in men, so he could be more informed on it.
JohnnyB
Re: Low test score? not my IQ
Quote:
Originally posted by JohnnyB
Just got back from the Doctor, I got my test results back and my test is at 72 (I think my 11yr old son has higher test then that :( ). The Doctor refered my to a spiecalist for HRT, he perscibe some gel for the time being, but my insurance doesn't cover it, that's a good thing right?
Right, although very expensive (assuming he put you on Androgel, which goes for about $175 per 30-day supply for one 5 mg. packet daily, which will not make much difference).
At a total test level of 72 (the normal range is 241-827), my guess is that you will benefit most from the ol' tried-and-true, injectible testosterone (enanthate or cypionate). The gel is very weak (not to mention expensive) for a level that low and, unless you want to shave your balls and blow dry patches on them (seriously), the trans-scrotal patches will not be an attractive option. The transdermal patches have a high level of skin irritation, so ditto.
My suggestion: Before you see the specialist (who, hopefully, is an endocrinologist rather than a urologist - endo's are trained to see the big picture better than urologists, especially if the pituitary gland is involved), read the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists guideliens on Hypogonadism. The AACE guidelines are the standard for issues surrounding testosterone replacement, and you can find them in a PDF (Adobe Acrobat) file at this link. (By the way, these are the same guidelines that endocrinologists read. Take a copy with you to your appointment so the doctor will see that you have read them - it will impress him or her, and more of the decision making will be left to you based on your obvious knowledge at that point.)
Also request that your endo get an IGF-1 and estradiol test done with your labwork. (He or she should also order additional lab work to determine the cause, if anything specific, of your low TT level. You may also have to get an MRI to rule out any pituitary gland dysfunction.)
In the meantime, don't let this thing get you depressed. Low test levels are very common in adult males. (You didn't mention your age, but I'll assume you're over 30 since you posted in this forum.) Using the Search option at the top of this screen, do a search on the term hypogonadism (the usual diagnosis for low TT levels), and you'll find several threads dealing with the issues of HRT and low test levels.
And, if it's any consolation, most guys who do AS would love to have the opportunity that you have - to use testosterone legally, and to have a way of getting good ol' U-S-of-A grade-a prime test made by a real pharmaceutical company for real human beings. Make the most of it. :)
