Question with hyperthyroidism and Low T

**Aquaslow** · 06-30-2014, 11:16 AM

Okay so for about a year I could feel my libido, metabolism and over all energy just plumit.

Finally got a doctor who did a blood test after I kept telling them I think there is something wrong with my hormones. They didn't believe me and were very reluctant. Hmmm anyways here are my stats and levels and my question is, Will I have to keep taking a Testosterone replacement after some time and is the Androgel (topical) really going to make a difference in the long run?

Prescribed Levothyrox and Androgel 1%

Age 29
Ht 6' 2
Wht 240
Physical activity limited. Shoulders are waiting for construction surgeries etc..

Diet pretty dang good, cook healthy foods.

Blood work ;
Glucose 83
Cholesterol 138
Triglycerides 66
Hdl 50
Ldl 84
Vldl 13
Thyroid High
Testosterone low

Thanks in advance and any input.

**kelkel** · 06-30-2014, 11:23 AM

Well, your doctor should have treated your thyroid first before putting you on androgel . Being hypothyroid is a direct cause of hypogonadism. Cure one you can often cure the other.

Androgel is effective. My thought would be when a full thyroid panel (not just TSH) reveals things to be in order you could come off the agel (via a proper PCT) and restart your natural production and see where you land. If your T level does not return to a good level then welcome to our world.

Welcome to the forum aquaslow.

**Aquaslow** · 06-30-2014, 11:38 AM

Thanks for the info.

So ask doc for a thyroid panel and free test in about a month or so?

I think most docs including the one now just assumes I am healthy because of my age. Other doctors just said go home and forget about it.

**MuscleInk** · 06-30-2014, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by kelkel

Well, your doctor should have treated your thyroid first before putting you on androgel . Being hypothyroid is a direct cause of hypogonadism. Cure one you can often cure the other.

Androgel is effective. My thought would be when a full thyroid panel (not just TSH) reveals things to be in order you could come off the agel (via a proper PCT) and restart your natural production and see where you land. If your T level does not return to a good level then welcome to our world.

Welcome to the forum aquaslow.

Correct, tests for adrenal and thyroid function should have been top priorities in ordering labs. Personally, I would have screened for full hormones including full male panel (and E2), thyroid and test of adrenal function/cortisol levels.

**Rusty11** · 06-30-2014, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by MuscleInk

Correct, tests for adrenal and thyroid function should have been top priorities in ordering labs. Personally, I would have screened for full hormones including full male panel (and E2), thyroid and test of adrenal function/cortisol levels.

...and that's why I wish you were my Dr.

Can't add to what the guys have already stated. More than likely, your doc tested TSH only. A lot do that. At 29, there's a good possibility that your issues are related to thyroid, or something else-not simply low T. A gel has worked great for me, but if low T is not the underlying cause of your symptoms, it's not the correct route to take.

Edit: btw, a high tsh# means you have an underactive thyroid-hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism.

**kelkel** · 06-30-2014, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by Aquaslow

Thanks for the info.

So ask doc for a thyroid panel and free test in about a month or so?

I think most docs including the one now just assumes I am healthy because of my age. Other doctors just said go home and forget about it.

At a minimum for thyroid you'd want: TSH, FT3, FT4, RT3 and Antibodies. Then read post #4 again by MI. Know that cortisol can effect T levels as can prolactin and many other factors. It's why FULL blood work is so important. Also remember that most doc's simply don't know hormones as they're really not trained in them. That said, you need to be proactive.

In the Finding A Doc Sticky thread is a list of BW. You can pare it down based on other recent BW you may have had. Speaking of which, you should post up your most recent BW for us to review and maybe catch what your doc did not.

When initiating any hormone therapy follow up testing needs to be done. Your doc should have scheduled this appt before you left. You need to know how things are working and what titrations are needed. Always test your free test as this is what works for you. Total serum test is really irrelevant.