Low testosterone symptoms getting worse

[Complete novice]

Hello all,

I got diagnosed with low test last de***ber and have since seen a urologist to get checked over and have now been transfered to an endocronologist that i am due to see on the 20th of this month! and i cant wait for it to come round.

I am getting really down and depressed more so all the time, and it seems like anytime i do any exercise after about 30 mins i start to feel faint, sickly and needing the loo desperately, i`m not sure if this is something to do with the low test or just something i`m going through..either way i`m worried and can`t speed anything up with the NHS.

I have yet to recieve my full test results as i can`t get them of the hospital and the next apointment i could get with my GP is later than the 20th. i had another blood test (which they said they were going to test everything) and a semen test the day after i saw the urologist and after countless phone calls the urologist secretary told me he had said my semen count was fine and i had nothing to worry about there, and my LH is in the high 9`s and my test is in the low 5`s, this means nothing to me but she said it indicates there is something wrong with my testicles..

anyway i`m 33 have never ever taken any kind of steriod , but have trained and eaten clean for many years and have never really changed my body, i`m a big strong lad but have never been ripped no matter how hard i try.

Just wondering what i should expect from the endocronologist and if anything any suggestions on what to say or do...probably really stupid question but i`m really worried and getting worse day by day, and losing friends ect over it..

[Herman Munster]

First, I would speak to the endo about the cause of the Low T, he would need to explain what "something wrong with my testicles" means. Also, pressure him and/or his staff to supply a copy of each of the tests - you will need these, very important. Call them, stop at their office, write them a letter - whatever it takes, they're YOUR results. I have found that doctors are somewhat limited in this field (TRT) and performing your own due dilligence is a must and w/out the labs your driving drunk. Due your homework now so you can have an educated discussion and be persistent. Let them know, the treatment path is as much your decision as it is theirs, your the end user. They may get frustrated and/or offended, I explain is as Youwould not allow the local mechanic to work on your car w/out first explaining the reason, why would you allow a doctor to manipulate your hormones or suggest a diagnosis w/out a reasonable explanation?

Once you have the cause, you have a route for correction.

Search hypogonadism; assuming this is the issue, be ready to have a conversation with your endo. Do not be afraid to offer your own treatment advice, injections, gels etc.... Keep us posted, we have all been in a similar situation. I am 44 w/ two little kids, a year or so ago I had similar symptoms, used to think it was just "a rut". Until I realized this wasnt right, my kids demanded, expected and deserved my physical involvement in their lives. Today, I'm active with them, coaching sports, lifting weights , playing softball and little Hermie rises to the occassion when the wife beckons.

Good Luck -

[Complete novice]

Thanks so much for the reply, i have a 5 year old that i feel i dont spend enough time doing the father things and spending quality time with him, and have also just come out of a relationship due to the unnessesary arguements that i have started!!

I am still very horny which i thought wasnt normal, but i do have errection issues. either way i dont have a partner now and as stupid as it probably sounds (apart from the obvious) it seems to make me feel much better about myself when i have some sort of sex. could this raise my testosterone naturally? as now i havent done anything for nearly a week i feel worse than ever???

I have had a read about TRT and hopefully i will get put on something sooner rather than later, is there any possibilitys that my natural testosterone production could be repaired or is it the case that once its gone its gone and i need TRT for the rest of my life?

Thanks again

[pugster]

getting , or trying to get treatment in the UK is alot differnt from in the U.S herman , here you wait along time to see an endo /uro and you go where they (the Gp) sends you , unless you know enough on who to ask to be sent to , this can and does take months, if you refuse to goto one endo because you dont agree with them getting to see another can take a long time (we cant pick and choose as much as in the U.S , not unless we go private and pay alot of money upfront (it has taken me approx 10 mnths to get treatment and thats fast)
...somethings i would suggest (im in the UK)
i cant post links but do a google for 'The Testosterone Deficiency Centre -andriods uk)
theres alot of info on the site for you to read , download /read the UK + EU guidlines (under guidleines tab)
do not be afraid to ask questions, but i would not recommend ranting at the endo and / or 'offering' advise , esp if you have a large build /look like a body builder , you will just assumed to be a steriod abuser.
if your total test was low 5 n/mol you are deff a candidate for hrt and will prob be put on it (time scale depends on whether endo wants to do more tests or start you right away and monitor)
good luck

[Complete novice]

Thanks again for the advice it really is appreciated, After waiting over a month i went to the doctors and basically broke down infront of him, I filled in a depression form and he wanted to put me in a straight jacket!! I refused medication for depression and within 5 days I was seeing the urologist!! 2 weeks later and I have 10 days to till I see the endo!!

I'm sure I will need to have more tests ect! Just out of interest, how long was it after seeing the endo before you got your first treatment?

Thanks again

[Herman Munster]

Pugster,

One of the issues I am battling here is the inability to view profiles; I assume do to my "new member" status. I apologize, typical American assuming all others are American. To the OP, assuming you are TRT deficient due to hypogonadism, there is hope.

[kelkel]

Good advice given by Herman. You need to see complete BW to even begin to determine what path to take. High lh/fsh can be an indicator of the beginning stages of primary hypogonadism. If you can compare older bw with current it would be a plus. Start reading all the stickies. Good knowledge to be gained there.

Good luck and keep us posted on this thread.

[pugster]

novice , if you put cursor over my name you will see my posts ,my first post gave some of my history (saves me typing it again :P ) ,
i was referd to an endo who did not want to see me unless i was below 9 n/mol (i was 10.5 ref 9-30)
the endo did not even bother contacting me and after waiting 3 months i contated them (to be told the above , 3 months wasted waiting)
then i set about educating myself by reading alot inc the above uk+eu guidelines , which say that at my lvl i should be given a trial based on symtoms.
the gp was clueless on the matter and admitted such , tho he has been very helpful and supportive.
i looked at who wrote the above guidlines , did some searching and asked my gp to refer me to him (uk law says you can now be refered to who you wish) .
the trouble is that there are very few specialists in the uk who are upto date regarding protocols.
after seeing the one i asked to see i was given a script right away to take with me (i had alrdy had multiple blood tests showing low test on diff occcasions)

i now feel better than a have in a long time im talking over 10yrs here..... , i still have some probs that im working on that i think are a result of long term low test.
with your test being so low i dont think ther will be any problem getting therapy , it just depends on how much the endo/euro wants to investigate , as i stated , most are very wary of steriod abusers , which tbh i cant fault as they are just covering themselves from a proffesional viewpoint.

[Herman Munster]

Pugster,

FYI this is my response from the board when I try to view member profiels - not sure why
"Herman Munster, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:
1.Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
2.If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation."

[Vettester]

Pugster,

FYI this is my response from the board when I try to view member profiels - not sure why
"Herman Munster, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:
1.Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
2.If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation."

Herman, you should have access to view profiles and the ability to PM other members at 25 posts. I'm sure you will get there in no time. Give my best to Grandpa and Eddie!!

[Ace111]

Thanks so much for the reply, i have a 5 year old that i feel i dont spend enough time doing the father things and spending quality time with him, and have also just come out of a relationship due to the unnessesary arguements that i have started!!

I am still very horny which i thought wasnt normal, but i do have errection issues. either way i dont have a partner now and as stupid as it probably sounds (apart from the obvious) it seems to make me feel much better about myself when i have some sort of sex. could this raise my testosterone naturally? as now i havent done anything for nearly a week i feel worse than ever???

I have had a read about TRT and hopefully i will get put on something sooner rather than later, is there any possibilitys that my natural testosterone production could be repaired or is it the case that once its gone its gone and i need TRT for the rest of my life?

Thanks again

This could be the fact that you're getting validation from someone which gives you confidence. Although I did read on another forum about a guy who had testosterone levels in the 200's then sometime later he got a girlfriend and when he got re-tested his levels were in the 700's.

So I dunno it could be the actual act of having sex that brings testosterone up or the change in mindset. I think there was a study on monkeys that showed that when one of the beta males got to the alpha position, its testosterone shot up.

[Complete novice]

Thanks for the replys guys, I had my test levels checked in 2009 as i wasn`t feeling to good and have found it hard to change my body for the better (get ripped) but it came back within the normal range so my doctor thought nothing of it, but now it is well below so very strange, maybe my last reading was normal due to what i had been eating, or doing? i know i wasnt having as much sex back then as i have been doing recently.

since last september i have been two different girls and have been swapping between the two just about everyday, mainly oral sex of both, but ocasionally i would have sex with both in a day, now i`ve stopped with both (due to my own stupid fault) and am feeling like absolute shit as i haven`t had sex in nearly a week now and not much chance of getting any in the next few days!! anyway i dont know if this would of either hightened or lowered my test levels (having all the sex ect i mean)??

Has anybody started TRT and been cured and not had to carry it on? or is it something that you have to do for the rest of your life? my semen levels have come back fine but if i was to start TRT would this mean i couldnt have children, also if i start TRT and my test goes up to normal would the doc stop the treatment and i`d have to go through the whole process again??

Sorry if these are stupid questions i have been reading alot of threads but still have loads of questions, hate having to wait for my next ap..

Thanks again everyone

[Complete novice]

Hello all, I am going to see the endo in the morning, this will be my first meeting with him, I have written down all my symptoms! And will explain how I feel!!

He has my results and will make the decision whether or not I can have trt but is there is a possability I may get it!!

Is there anything I need to ask? Not just for myself but to help others on here?

I really want to be prepaired what to ask!!

If I receive treatment is it likely I will start on gel/patches as I have exema so don't want to be putting cream on and I am allergic to plasters/sticky bit on them so my only option would be injections are they likely to start me on them?

Thanks for any advice ppl

[JohnnyVegas]

It seems like you are doing a lot of guessing right now as well as trying to connect life situations with symptoms...but the only thing that really matters is your blood work. It will let you know, without a doubt, whether you have low Test levels.

Only your doctor knows what protocol his is going to put you on. Many here prefer injections, but I have a family member that is extremely happy with the cream.

Definitely do a lot of reading. The stickies at the top of this section are a good start. One thing to watch out for is a doctor that wants to put you on injections any further apart than one week. If he wants you to inject once every two weeks, he may not be knowledgeable. You can either argue with him, or cut your dose in half and inject every week.

[Complete novice]

I've just been to see the endo, he told me that all the results have come back absolutely fine apart from low testosterone !

I need to have an MRI scan to check purity gland!!

They are going to start me on Nebido injections 1000mg every 12 weeks! He said I should expect A big improvement in energy levels and erectile symptoms!

Has anyone used this before? What should I expect?

Thanks

[kelkel]

Are you in the USA? Some of the vets here overseas swear by nebido btw. Search some threads here on it.

[Complete novice]

In the UK, I`ve PM`d Marcus300 as i`ve been reading a fair few of the threads and he seems to know alot about it.

I`ve never taken anything before and dont really know what to expect, got loads of questions, but hopefully it will get me sorted..

Thanks for the reply.

[pugster]

im also in the UK , i started on gel then switched to nebido -i get my second shot this week , no problems at all cept for a numb ass for a few mins .

[Complete novice]

How are you getting on with it?

Have your symptoms subsided? and has training improved any? (i think i have suffered with low test for a long time and no matter how hard i train and diet i dont get results)

The endo wanted to start me on gel, but i have exema so they are putting me straight onto the nebido, it`s all new to me but to be fair has moved quite fast from being diagnosed in de***ber i should be having my first injection this month.

Thanks for the reply

[pugster]

i was told that the full benefits could take upto a year to show, so far for me, improved mood /wellbeing , sleeping alot better , increased libido (gone up from non existent) ,theres probably alot more i cant think of right now , im still working on some problems i have which i think are from long term low test , i dont really train tho i can say im not as tired (i used to fall asleep alot in the day) , i used the gel for 3 months but it gave me ezema and made my skin itch like crazy , i used the gel right upto the day i got my first nebido shot to try and keep some continuity.

*yup marcus is prob the one to talk to as he's been on nebido some time and done quite a few threads regarding it, hes the one i pm'd when i first came here looking for info last year , trying to find help in the UK regarding male HRT and the problems that come with low test is like trying to find rocking horse shit.

[Complete novice]

Thanks again for the reply, I have lived with my symptoms for as long as I can remember talking years! Before I got tested! I think the only thing that has kept me sain is training and exercise!! I'm in the gym religiously 4-5 days every week and have been for easily the last 5 years!! But have never got the body I've bin looking for!!

I'm hoping that having "normal" test levels will help me out!! But first and foremost I want to get my energy levels up as well as my little man!! Anything else is a bonus!! If it means I get the body I have bin after for most of my life I will be a very very happy man!! But I'm not expecting miracles!

If there is anything else you can think of please let me know as I'm struggling to find anything in terms that I can understand if you know what I mean!!

Do you take anything else supplement wise and have you changed anything?

Thanks again

[pugster]

my symptoms have also been goin on a long time (over 10 yrs) , i used train years ago but like you never saw any /much gains so gave up on it and went over to more cadio (i like rowing) , ive bust 3 rowing machines and am now looking for my fourth , i wish i had bought a concept 2 first time round but always tried the cheaper versions.... which i killed as i was rowing for 30 min to 1 hr 4 times a week.
only other supps i take are mult vits and 5000 i.u d3 , ive never taken any AS before hrt , any other questions let me know and i'll answer if i know them,if i dont im sure someone else will , btw your 'little man' should be well within a few weeks of the first injection, i can now get a hardon looking at my fish tank

[Complete novice]

Thanks again for the replys, What is d3? I too have never taken any AS before so this is all very new to me!! I'm going to get my diet and workout sorted this week!! And hopefully everything will come into place!!

Ps, They must be some exotic fish you've got there!!

[Complete novice]

I have had my first injection of nebido today, I have agreed with my endo that if it doesn't make a big difference I will stop it and try other treatments as i want to have more children in the future!! And he was a bit confused at why my sperm count is so normal yet my test level so low!!

Anyway had the injection at 10 am this morning, there was and still is a little pain in the injection spot!! And I feel my prostate clenching, like a nervousness thing but apart from that I feel no different what so ever!! I'm aware it will take time but just a quick update for anyone else on or thinking about nebido!!

Any time scales for feeling different? I have had my diet sorted recently and will be lifting heavy in the gym so hopefully I notice a change in my body thanks to the higher test levels!

Please let me know your experiences with nebido!! As I will be sharing mine!!

[pugster]

lol you wont notice any difference when you have just had the shot, you should notice within about 2 weeks as test lvls rise ,nebido is slow release , you should get another injection in 6 weeks (loading phase) and then every 10-14 weeks depending on lvls.
i was told that you are looking at 4 shots before you will see a stable lvl (endo should then take a blood sample just before your 4th shot to see the lowest point).
d3 is just vitamin d3 ( it act as a pro-hormone , most ppl are low with it)

ive also just ordered some dandelion root for water retention and stinging nettle to lower shbg (i thought i'd give them a try )

other than a bit of bloat after my 2nd shot ive had no probs at all tbh

[Complete novice]

Yeah didn't think I'd feel anything for a couple of weeks tbh, just writing to tell ppl about my experience today really!!

I'm not having the 6 week shot as this is just a trial for me!! And if I don't notice a massive difference I won't be having it again!! Due to wanting a bigger family!! I've still got to have an MRI and get my final results and diagnosis in a months time!!

My endo has given me several personal calls, to explain things as he is slightly baffled by my results and has said they are not the norm for ppl with low test!! Not just my semen but other results aswell!!

I didn't know wether I should expect anything as in side effects before I actually notice the treatment working!!

Thanks again and keep the comments and information coming!!

[Complete novice]

Update: arse still sore, even more so than yesterday and I'm feeling bad, worse than I can remember!! Literally had to drag myself out of bed this morning and left work at dinner time!! Not good!!

[pugster]

cant see it being the nebido thats causing your problems, you only had the shot yesterday :P

[Vettester]

I suggest documenting everything you are feeling, and get with your doctor ASAP. Yeah, it's normal for this to cause problems, but certain people even have serious complications with taking an aspirin. Don't be alarmed, but be aware and keep your doctor in the loop.

[Complete novice]

Thanks for the replys guys, 7 days since jab in the morn!! No difference what so ever in anyway!! I know it's only a week but thought I'd feel something!!

[FONZY007]

Thanks for the replys guys, 7 days since jab in the morn!! No difference what so ever in anyway!! I know it's only a week but thought I'd feel something!!

They say takes about 3-4 weeks to start to notice the change or feel a better well being

[JD250]

It's slow release for a reason my friend, I know you feel bad but hang tight for a couple more weeks, it'll go fast and one day you'll realize that your starting to feel pretty good, it'll only get better, hang in there and keep us posted.

[pugster]

yeah, that why i dont understand why your doc has agreed to only one shot , it might take 3 week before you feel anything and you need the loading shot at 6 weeks to reach a stable lvl , a trt trial of nebido should last 4 shots (they should take bloods just before 4th shot to see lowest lvl) , this was how it was explained to me by endo .

*tbh just taking 1 shot is pretty pointless , im baffled your endo has agreed to it

[Brohim]

Yeah didn't think I'd feel anything for a couple of weeks tbh, just writing to tell ppl about my experience today really!!

I'm not having the 6 week shot as this is just a trial for me!! And if I don't notice a massive difference I won't be having it again!! Due to wanting a bigger family!! I've still got to have an MRI and get my final results and diagnosis in a months time!!

My endo has given me several personal calls, to explain things as he is slightly baffled by my results and has said they are not the norm for ppl with low test!! Not just my semen but other results aswell!!

I didn't know wether I should expect anything as in side effects before I actually notice the treatment working!!

Thanks again and keep the comments and information coming!!

Buddy let me try and help you. This is a new long acting testosterone You don't just "try it out". You can't get one shot and then say ah it didn't work. It could take up to a year to see all results. Give it at least few month's and yes you need the 6 week loading shot. This is therapy and there are certain protocols that have to be followed in order for it to work. I would advise you go with the 6 week loading shot and then the 12 week shot minimum before you make any decision's.

[Complete novice]

The endo is very curious about my results! He said they are strange and wants to do more tests, I'm having my cat scan next wed!! As I've stated before, I want to have more kids and don't want mess anything up or be on anything for life!!

So I am just trailing this as if I don't feel anything at all which buy the way it sounds I won't be doing it again!! I've not used gel or anything else just gone straight onto nebido and had very high expectations!! So far I really do just feel worse than ever!!

Don't think I can afford to wait a year for something to work, not if I'm not gonna improve anytime soon!!

[lovbyts]

Doing TRT isnt going to make it so you cant have kids. It's POSSIBLE it could lower your sperm count but using HCG can counter that easily.
TRT is for life and many many many guys have kids while on TRT or cycle without the use of HCG.
I'm betting you will notice a big difference soon. Not all at once but little by little. One of the key things to look for is the return of morning wood. You will know then it's kicking in for sure.

Good choice on refusing any anti depression meds. Many are miss diagnosed with depression who have low T and since most anti depression meds cause ED this just makes things worse. Most people who start TRT/HRT the depression disappears.

Keep us posted.

[Complete novice]

Thanks a lot for the reply, spose I'm just a bit nervous at the fact of having to take something for the rest of my life, I was going to judge the progress on my errections! Still no difference on that front but yeah that's how I thought I'd judge things!! I'm gonna try and forget that I've even had the injection and let it develop!! Kinda thought I'd notice something by now!! But like everyone has said its very slow release!!! And I shouldn't expect miricles!!

I feel like I'm getting worse day by day!! And it's ruining the time I spend with my son not to mention the money I lose with no being able to work a full day!!

Could do with a boost of something just till it gets into my system!!

I'd prefer not to do anything for life as I'm sure if I got the weight back off and led a healthy life style again I would be fine!! But at the minute anything I eat goes to my waist and I feel and look like a bloater

Getting worse but what can I do apart from wait?!?

[lovbyts]

Coffee is always a nice little boost. Yeah not much you can do but wait except get up and get out. It's best if you also get active. It gets everything working better. I know it seems impossible but it's a catch 22. If you dong get going also it take longer and wont work as good.

[kelkel]

If your not already, get disciplined with an exercise program. Work on your diet. You should check out the before and after pics of Lovbyts. Amazing transformation. Even if the Nebido ends up working out great for you there is a lot you can do in the mean time. Test does not do it all for us. Lifestyle matters. Check out the nutrition forum. You may garner some good advice there too! Good luck and hang in there.

[Complete novice]

Had my MRI this morning, think it was one of the worst experiences of my life..felt like i was in a coffin.. had to relax and think of nice things to get through being in there...nearly had a panic attack lol, them things arn`t made fore beefcakes like me... just over two weeks after having the nebido injection, still no difference in any aspect what so ever!! but i`ll hang in there and let it develop as i keep being told its slow release.. started a new diet a week last monday and feel less bloated and a little lighter, still training as hard as i can.. its seams point less at the minute but i`ll stick at it as its a hobby more than anything else..

Anyway just thought i`d give you guys an update, and i`m going to see the endo again on the 16th of april to get my final diagnosis...so should be interesting