Androgel...is it necessary???

[Onceaday]

I've been on Atripla for over a year now, and in the past few months have noticed I'm tired more than I used to be, sleep more than I used to, and my sleep pattern is way off, I have trouble falling asleep only to wake up 2-3 hours later, have trouble falling asleep again and repeating until wake up time.  I don't have motivation or energy to do things I used to do, so my doc did a testosterone test, which came up normal at 90%, she said it was very healthy for someone my age (33).  I've been reading lately that testosterone therapy could still benefit me, however my insurance will not approve it for benefits based on my lab results.  Anyone else think it would help?  Should I just force myself out of bed and into the gym?

[ad2san]

Hi onceaday,

well I pretty well know your problem .... I did take the testosterone shot and nothing notable happened (I am not 33 but 47 so my TT level was not top). I did what you suggest: I went to the gym. I found a nice gym, well equipped with good looking people, nice atmosphere and a nice bath/sauna inside ... since then I am feeling better  (and look better too  )
Cheers

[Miss Philicia]

I've been on Atripla for over a year now, and in the past few months have noticed I'm tired more than I used to be, sleep more than I used to, and my sleep pattern is way off, I have trouble falling asleep only to wake up 2-3 hours later, have trouble falling asleep again and repeating until wake up time.  I don't have motivation or energy to do things I used to do, so my doc did a testosterone test, which came up normal at 90%, she said it was very healthy for someone my age (33).  I've been reading lately that testosterone therapy could still benefit me, however my insurance will not approve it for benefits based on my lab results.  Anyone else think it would help?  Should I just force myself out of bed and into the gym?

Why are you or your doctor not considering the effects of untreated depression and/or anxiety?

edit: I see from your other post you've been on Atripla for 30 months -- there can sometimes be a lengthy delay in the sustiva portion's CNS effects that manifests itself in depressive/anxious symptoms.  This is widely known and your doctor should screen you for it, and if it's found to be the cause switch you to another HIV regimen.

[WillyWump]

Not necessary if your levels are normal. Test replacement therapy is not all happy "energy and muscles", there are side effects...such as shrinking testes. Trust me, I know. Just look at my Avatar caption.

-Will

[Onceaday]

I think it may be time to talk to my doc about depression/anxiety, although the reason I seriously doubt it is because I do enjoy work, my friends and family.  But, since I've never been clinically depressed or diagnosed with any mental health issue, I can't say for sure.
Perhaps I do need to just bite the bullet and force myself to be more active even though my body tells me otherwise.

[newt]

I've never been clinically depressed or diagnosed with any mental health issue, I can't say for sure.

You've never taken Atripla til now. Fatigue/depression is is a noted side effect, there are various ways to manage it if this is indeed the case.

Also, give yer body time, it's recovering from uncontrolled HIV infection, this might just be it's priorty right now, and it takes energy to rebuild.
.
- matt

[deibster]

Hi guys, there is another test, a 'Free testosterone' test that HIV poz men should request. I am on a large dose of antidepressants and still have little motivation, depression itself is much better. I had a low sex drive and my doc put me on Androgel. One advantage of Androgel, you don't have to use it every day if you're worried about testes size or the cost. I use it every other day, or even twice per week and it still improves my sex drive, and the sex has the added effect of making me feel better. Best wishes, Deibster