Low Testosterone

[Corey Bryant]

I think I have actually had low testosterone all my life - it explains a lot (depression, hair growth, pain).  Right now, my number is 187 and apparently that is low.  Depending on the site, etc it should be (on the lowest end between 200 / 300).  They gave me a shot and I was put on Testim.  My levels stayed the same. 

So reading a bit more, I tend to see that my body might be having a problem processing a few vitamins etc.  The doctors suggested I take Caltrate as well.  But I am wondering if these low testosterone levels might also contribute to my body not able to process calcium properly?

Right now, I am on no medications for HIV.  I was hoping that maybe someone else has gone through this process already and knew a bit more

[Miss Philicia]

Testim is the same as Androgel, I think.  I took Androgel for a while, and it did get my "t" levels up to an acceptable amount, however it is not an instant fix.  You don't mention how long you've been on the Testim.

Previous to Androgel, as I don't think at the time it was yet on the market, they gave me shots every other week, and that's more like the stuff bodybuilders abuse (i.e. nandrolone decanoate).  That works MUCH quicker, so you could look into if that is an option -- however I first began this more for wasting issues than for simple low t-levels.  I know recently they've restricted the use of this, but someone here made a thread about how you can still get it at certain pharmacies, but they must take a couple of components and mix it on location.  I guess that means you'd have to administer the shots yourself, and as they go in the buttocks it's not a particularly easy thing to do.

Also, I think some doctors now shy away from this as you can develop higher blood pressure if used long-term.  I was on all of this crap for a good 5 years and I indeed must now take blood pressure medication, though that began after I'd stopped all of the testosterone supplementation, so I'm not sure what conclusion to draw.  Could just be coincidental in my case.

[Corey Bryant]

Sorry I thought I did say (I meant to)

I started on Testim about 15 Oct.  Since my testosterone was low, they gave me a shot and had me come back (31 Oct) in two weeks for another test.  I had been on Testim then for two weeks (same results).  I went back in the middle of November for another draw and then one in the middle of December (two months by then).  The results were the same. 

A doctor did a bone density test (osteopenia) there.  High cholesterol (not on anything because my liver function are abnormal). 

For giving myself injections, I don't think I would ever be able to.  Drawing blood is a nightmare for me unfortunately. 

I have a few teeth problems as well and I am wondering if they could be attributed to this?  Never did any drugs (except marijuana in high school) so no other contributing factors for this.

[RapidRod]

Corey, it took me several injections to increase my testosterone levels. I too am now on Testim 1% 50mg a day. It finally upped my levels and now I have trouble with waking up with a woody in the mornings. I'm to old for that shit. Give it time to work. You'll notice that a lot of other things that happens too, such as, your moods will level and you won't be up and down with the mood swings as much. It also helps if you are taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds.

[Corey Bryant]

In the beginning, I did notice a few things but I think that it was mind over matter more than anything. 

I have an appointment with some of the docs next month to discuss a few other options as well.   Luckily, I have two brain MRIs actually so they will be going back through them to review a few other things also.

[lucas clay]

Corey, it took me several injections to increase my testosterone levels. I too am now on Testim 1% 50mg a day. It finally upped my levels and now I have trouble with waking up with a woody in the mornings. I'm to old for that shit. 

Well it will stop you from rolling out of the bed in the middle of the night

                                                                             Lucas

[marc11864]

... It finally upped my levels and now I have trouble with waking up with a woody in the mornings. I'm to old for that shit...

Nonsense! You're never too old to wake with your best friend 

[red_Dragon888]

You know I ask my Doctor to check for low testosterone but he said my levels were normal, but I feel that he either was evasive or did not think it was important.  You think I should get a second opinion?  I am just asking because I feel a direct difference between myself now and ten years ago.  It is like a lost of energy or something. 

[Miss Philicia]

Why don't you ask for a copy of the test?  It shows up (if tested) along with my other lab numbers in the print out.  There's no "opinion" in interpreting the numbers, either your doctor took the test or he didn't.  It will show if they are in or out of normal range.

[red_Dragon888]

Thanks for the advice.

[red_Dragon888]

Why don't you ask for a copy of the test?  It shows up (if tested) along with my other lab numbers in the print out.  There's no "opinion" in interpreting the numbers, either your doctor took the test or he didn't.  It will show if they are in or out of normal range.

i dont think my doc did the test.  when i see him next week i will request it.

[red_Dragon888]

I have requested it.  Now I'm waiting for the result.