20 yr old living with Low T. Need some advice.

[Stevens03]

Hey guys, I have been diagnosed with low t about 5 months ago. I first noticed I had problems when I couldn't get erections with my GF and I was tired alll the time. I went to an Endo and she found my levels were below average. I have hypothyroidism and she believes that it's related to my low T.

She first put me on testim for 2 months, 10 mg a day. After the tests she found there were 0 improvements and wanted to move to androgel . I have been on Androgel for about 3 months now. I started with a month and a half of 5mg and am now on 10mg a day.

In my latest blood test, my Endo told me my levels are in a normal range now. Only problem is, I still feel tired all the time and my sex drive isn't near where it used to be. I asked her about injections but she tells me I don't need them. I told her I would stay on the 10mg for another month but if I find no improvement, I'm switching to injections.

What do you guys suggest? Should I stay on the gel and see how I progress for another couple of months. Or should I find a new Endo and get Injections?

Ps: I was wondering if Injections can be done at home. I have read it is possible but my current Endo thinks that it can't be done.

I appreciate the help.

-Steven

[MuscleInk]

Hey Steven. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Low T is unpleasant for any guy to hear but more so at your age. At least it was diagnosed and is being treated which is good to hear.

Many endocrinologists prefer gels and transdermals. I'm personally not a fan of them because they often provide lower doses of testosterone , transfer easily to females that you may come in contact with (and have virulizing effects) and depending on when you apply them could be less effective if you sweat excessively (for example, applying them before a work out). It's my own personal preference but many men have had success with gels.

If you are unhappy with the course of treatment provided, you could seek a second opinion, but again, many endocrinologists prefer the topical applications and some patients find it easier to self apply a gel than make a trip to a clinic weekly for an injection.

I doubt any reputable endocrinologist will give you injections to take at home. It's too great a liability because they are responsible for supervising your care. Moreover it would be far too easy for patients to adjust their doses upwards without the supervision and vigilance of a health provider who is ultimately reasonable for the treatments you receive.

I don't know where you live but there are many clinics offering HRT and depending on your insurance coverage, you may be covered. These clinics will monitor your progress and adjust your doses based on labs.

With respect to your ED, there are meds available but at your age I'd prefer the condition be managed "as needed" rather than prophylactically (daily). Your endocrinologist or PCP should be able to prescribe an effective treatment (Viagra, Levitra, cialis, etc.)

[kelkel]

Explain exactly what the diagnosis was other than low T. What did they say caused it. Can you post up the blood work used to make that diagnosis with ranges so we can have at it. Most docs don't understand hormones and you can easily be only putting a band aid on the actual problem instead of fixing it. Especially interested in LH/FSH levels and thyroid levels. Did he indicate if you were primary or secondary?

Muscleink is on target. Finding the right doc is key. Having the title endo means nothing. Read the finding a TRT Physician Sticky as well as the sticky on what to expect from TRT. Then read the rest of them also. Self-education is key here. You are your only advocate.

Welcome to the forum Stevens. You'll learn a lot here if you stick around. Post up the BW!

[Stevens03]

Thanks a lot Muscle Ink and Kelkel. They believe the problem is damage to my pituitary gland. I've had an MRI to see if it's a tumor but it's not. They believe it's a autoimmune disease that has effected the gland.

As far as injections. I can't really get them once I'm back in college because their are 0 places that will do it.

Here are the latest results:

Tests: (1) Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (tsh)
1TSH 1.18 uIU/ml 0.36-5.04

Tests: (2) TESTOSTERONE (testo)
! 1TESTOSTERONE 701 ng/dL 241-827
Male Ranges:0-5mo 75-400;6mo-9yrs<7-20
10-11yrs <7-130;12-13yrs <7-800;
14yrs <7-1200;15-16yrs 100-1200;
17-18yrs 300-1200; >19yrs 240-950

That's a copy and paste of the email. Let me know if you need anything else thanks!

Ps: I also put the gel on my chest and upper arms. I wait 2 hours before doing anything that can make my body wet.

[kelkel]

Well your Total T level looks good at the time of the draw. Exactly when was it relative to when you applied your gel so we know if it's trough level or mid-stream. Also, read the insert on agel. I don't believe it should be put on your chest. Just shoulders and abdomen depending on if it's 1% or 1.62%. You don't have to wait 2 hrs. Well, don't go swimming but it dries quickly. Also, here's a tip, if you put on moisturizer about an hour after application it will improve absorption by around 14 - 17%, can't remember which but it's actually on the insert or used to be as I previously used it. TSH is good but always nice to see all thyroid panels.

Back to your pituitary. I'm familiar with pituitary issues as I have a microadenoma myself. There are many types of auto-immune pituitary disorders. Did he name it? Hypophysitis maybe? Symptoms can be the same as having a microadenoma by shutting down some or all of your hormones. How was your prolactin level at the time of discovery?

Now that your are on TRT you need to make the best of it. You need to learn to self inject if you move away from gels. Some people do fine on gels and if that's the case, great! If not, injections are easy. A doctor cannot realistically expect you to come to an office every week for the next 60 years!

Take a look at the bloodwork on the Finding a TRT Physician Sticky and also look at www.allthingsmale.com and read everything there. Make sure you get the correct things tested next time. Be sure to include vit D and if your not already supplementing with it, do so immediately as everyone is low and it will improve your free T level. Possibly the best vitamin you can take. Consider picking up "Testosterone for Life" by Morgantaler. Easy read and will help educate you. Also talk to your doctor about HCG .

I know you have a lot on your plate at such a young age but your not alone. There are others here in similar situations. Imagine not having the ability to supplement with testosterone!

[Times Roman]

Welcome to the board mate!
Your T will be all over the place for a few years. Probably should wait for a few more years til your hormonal system "stabilizes" sometime around your mid twenties. Hopefully it will self correct.
---Roman

[Stevens03]

Thanks a lot Kelkel. These past 5 months have really been a mess for me and I have been searching everywhere but all past information were insufficient. I really appreciate it.

I took the gel about 3-4 hours after I put it on my skin. Like I said, I'm gonna wait for this month of gel is over to make my decision but I do agree and think I should find a TRT doctor.

Thanks Roman, I hope so as well.

[Misery13]

S3 do you have any vision problems? Are you on any kind of thyroid replacement medicine? Have you considered seeing another endo for a second opinion?

[Stevens03]

My vision is pretty good. I wouldn't say perfect, but it's better then most. I am on Thyroid medication, have been since I was 12.

I'm currently looking into a new doctor.