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Low Testosterone

71,464 Views | 233 Replies | Last: 22 days ago by OregonAggie
Mondemonium
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Anyone had blood pressure spike on TRT? Mine has gone through the roof recently. I'm already on HBP meds. Got an appointment to see my doc but I was curious if anyone else had this. Not sure if it's from TRT or what, but that's really all that's changed.
Swarely
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No issues with that here
Some Junkie Cosmonaut
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AG
What's the difference between the shots, the gel or the pellets (biote?)?
DeangeloVickers
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AG
Check your prostate regularly if you start this ..
OaklandAg06
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AG
Could be one of two things- either elevated hemoglobin/hematocrit (trt can make your body produce more red blood cells), which can cause an increase in blood pressure; donating blood will reduce those. Or it is likely due to elevated estrogen/estradiol due to your body converting excess test from your trt protocol to estrogen. If you aren't on an aromatase inhibitor you should discuss w your dr adding one.

Either way a blood test should give you an idea as to what is causing it.
AgTech88
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AG
Some Junkie Cosmonaut said:

What's the difference between the shots, the gel or the pellets (biote?)?


Bump to get info on this question. I did BioT pellets for a while and liked results but expensive (not covered by insurance) and got tired of my the injection site being sore for 2-3 weeks after treatment. Tried the gel several years ago and didn't get results expected and was kind of a PITA. Idea of self injected shots sounds good, but is it as effective as other treatments? Mid 50's, healthy, maybe 10 # overweight, quit drinking a year ago, just having normal symptoms of low T.
PatriotAg98
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AG
Really just method of administration. I use Xyosted. It's a subcutaneous self-injection in skin either side of your belly button. Google it. My insurance covers it. Painless, so easy, and just throw it away after the shot!
BCOBQ98
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AG
Curious to what insurance you have. Dr told me that mine wouldn't cover the regular shots or the biote pellets both of which sounded like a pain anyways. The self shot seems like a good alternative.
PatriotAg98
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AG
Aetna PPO
JeremiahJohnson
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AG
Well finally getting it going. My doctor in BCS started me on the Test injections. I'll see how long I can take it sticking myself or if I would rather drive to Houston to do the pellets. So far it wasn't bad. My doctor and insurance company are still going back and forth so I just paid cash.

100mg/week. Roughly $3 per week.

A New Hope
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Swarely said:

They said the low end of normal is 240 and that I'm at a 70.

I have been pretty tired all summer. Still have managed to complete two races however. Currently on the tail end of training for Chicago Marathon. Pace times are pretty down currently.


70 is darn low. Plenty of things to try to correct it though. I was 400, and at 620, I felt a lot better. Imagine how good you'll feel going from 70 to 500-600. Good luck.
BCOBQ98
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AG
Need some additional advice, I've posted before in the above.

I really want to fix this the right/scientific way. If in the end that is me taking TRT then I'm good with that.

11/12/2021 : Total 103, didn't have free done
12/03/2021 : Total 369, Free 63.6
04/21/2022 : Total 181, Free 34.6

All tests done about the same time, 8-9 AM.

No major changes in the last couple of months to warrant a lower test. I've cut my drinking way down and hadn't had a drink for 5 days prior to the last test. I've eaten ~3 eggs a day and 5 brazil nuts and have really cleaned up my diet. My weight has come down slightly. I'm 220lb and 6 foot 1. I don't lift weights, need to start, but cycle hard 3x a week for a total of 70 miles.

Test on 12/03/2021 was done by my GP office who has a PA that "specializes" in TRT. She was eager to put me on the biotine pellets and somewhat less eager but still would do the shots. I felt they were just trying to make money and not solve the issue. As such I didn't contact them and they didn't either possibly because my results came in higher.

Still feeling crappy and possibly even worse. Test on 04/21/2022 was done by a Baylor college of medicine endocrinologist. It took 4 months to get into see him. He ran tons of tests and other than the poor testosterone tests the only other test that was bad was the LH: Luteinizing Hormone at 0.6 which has a normal range of 1.6-9.3. After the results he called me and said I need to book an appt with a Baylor Urologist to get the pellets but that appointment is only able to be booked for 4-5 months from now. He did say they could do a MRI on my pituitary, not sure if that is needed.

Needless to say I'm frustrated and possibly caused by my own actions. I don't want to wait another 5 months to get started on something. I'm confused on the wild swings of my numbers. I did a home sleep study in 2020 that showed I was borderline apnea. I'm planning on getting one done at a true sleep center clinic.

HELP! Recommendations for actions or doctors in the Houston area.
OaklandAg06
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AG
If you are looking to get into it right away, and can manage doing injections at home (recommended), take a look at/contact Defy Medical - https://www.defymedical.com/

Hoosegow
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Are you fat? T an obesity go together.
Do you exercise? Strength training can raise test.
Are you an endurance athlete? heavy endurance training has a negative effect on test.
You said you have sleep apnea - it does lower test.

I would start taking the shots (already do).
Class of '94
BCOBQ98
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AG
Hoosegow, thanks for the reply, see below...

Are you fat? T an obesity go together.
I absolutely have more weight I can lose. I got up to 250 during covid and have since reduced to 220 at 6-1. Would like to get down to 210-200. It's tough because increasing exercise and wanting to increase my performance only makes me more hungry. I'm working to eat as cleanly as possible and not cheat on junk/worthless food.

Do you exercise? Strength training can raise test.
I've been cycling ~70 miles a week for the past few months. I just started strength training as I know this helps more than cardo type exercise.

Are you an endurance athlete? heavy endurance training has a negative effect on test.
I wouldn't classify my above activity as "endurance". I will be increasing my cycling training as I'm preparing for a 100 mile ride in August. Still it's not like I'm training for an ironman or anything.

You said you have sleep apnea - it does lower test.
I'm working to get a clinic sleep test done ASAP. If it shows I need a cpap I will get one reluctantly.

Swarely
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Fedup said:

Swarely said:

They said the low end of normal is 240 and that I'm at a 70.

I have been pretty tired all summer. Still have managed to complete two races however. Currently on the tail end of training for Chicago Marathon. Pace times are pretty down currently.


70 is darn low. Plenty of things to try to correct it though. I was 400, and at 620, I felt a lot better. Imagine how good you'll feel going from 70 to 500-600. Good luck.


Oh, I've been on the shots for a few months now and feel terrific. I had Covid, and then a surgery over the winter so I was off them for a couple months and felt terrible. Then when I went back on them it was like all of puberty crammed into one month. It has evened back out though.
KidDoc
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AG
BCOBQ98 said:

Need some additional advice, I've posted before in the above.

I really want to fix this the right/scientific way. If in the end that is me taking TRT then I'm good with that.

11/12/2021 : Total 103, didn't have free done
12/03/2021 : Total 369, Free 63.6
04/21/2022 : Total 181, Free 34.6

All tests done about the same time, 8-9 AM.

No major changes in the last couple of months to warrant a lower test. I've cut my drinking way down and hadn't had a drink for 5 days prior to the last test. I've eaten ~3 eggs a day and 5 brazil nuts and have really cleaned up my diet. My weight has come down slightly. I'm 220lb and 6 foot 1. I don't lift weights, need to start, but cycle hard 3x a week for a total of 70 miles.

Test on 12/03/2021 was done by my GP office who has a PA that "specializes" in TRT. She was eager to put me on the biotine pellets and somewhat less eager but still would do the shots. I felt they were just trying to make money and not solve the issue. As such I didn't contact them and they didn't either possibly because my results came in higher.

Still feeling crappy and possibly even worse. Test on 04/21/2022 was done by a Baylor college of medicine endocrinologist. It took 4 months to get into see him. He ran tons of tests and other than the poor testosterone tests the only other test that was bad was the LH: Luteinizing Hormone at 0.6 which has a normal range of 1.6-9.3. After the results he called me and said I need to book an appt with a Baylor Urologist to get the pellets but that appointment is only able to be booked for 4-5 months from now. He did say they could do a MRI on my pituitary, not sure if that is needed.

Needless to say I'm frustrated and possibly caused by my own actions. I don't want to wait another 5 months to get started on something. I'm confused on the wild swings of my numbers. I did a home sleep study in 2020 that showed I was borderline apnea. I'm planning on getting one done at a true sleep center clinic.

HELP! Recommendations for actions or doctors in the Houston area.
I would have started T shots or gel back in 11/2021 with those labs.

With LH low I would get the MRI of your brain. LH is excreted by the pituitary gland and it tells your gonads to put out hormones (for men and women). The question in your specific case is why is your pituitary failing. Is it a mass or just primary failure?

Regardless of your etiology of Low T (central vs primary testicular failure)- you have Low T and will benefit from correction.

edit: Note I am a pediatrician not an endo or adult doc-- but I know the hormonal axis stuff.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
BCOBQ98
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AG
Dr only scheduled the MRI after I kept asking questions. I don't think he really felt it was necessary. It's almost $400 out-of-pocket after insurance so I'm gonna cancel it. I've got an appointment in a couple weeks with the urologist will see what they say.
Heartstrong Sleep
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BCOBQ98 said:

Hoosegow, thanks for the reply, see below...

Are you fat? T an obesity go together.
I absolutely have more weight I can lose. I got up to 250 during covid and have since reduced to 220 at 6-1. Would like to get down to 210-200. It's tough because increasing exercise and wanting to increase my performance only makes me more hungry. I'm working to eat as cleanly as possible and not cheat on junk/worthless food.

Do you exercise? Strength training can raise test.
I've been cycling ~70 miles a week for the past few months. I just started strength training as I know this helps more than cardo type exercise.

Are you an endurance athlete? heavy endurance training has a negative effect on test.
I wouldn't classify my above activity as "endurance". I will be increasing my cycling training as I'm preparing for a 100 mile ride in August. Still it's not like I'm training for an ironman or anything.

You said you have sleep apnea - it does lower test.
I'm working to get a clinic sleep test done ASAP. If it shows I need a cpap I will get one reluctantly.


We can help with the home sleep test, telehealth visit and CPAP set-up!
Heartstrong Sleep. Stop snoring. Start dreaming. For more information visit www.heartstrongsleep.com

*Aggie Owned and Operated

insulator_king
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AG
I've never had my T checked, glad I ran across this thread. Have had issues with lack of energy, muscle fatigue, lack of stamina when doing physical tasks etc.

WIll be looking at doing this soon.
Null and Void
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Started TRT in 2011, and it has been a game changer for me. Currently self-injecting 150mg every four days. T-levels are high, ranging from 1129 - 1304 for the last year. Taking anastrozole to help manage Estradiol. PSA numbers are excellent. 62 years old, 6'7", 230, lift 5 days a week, body fat around 17%.
Aggie_Boomin 21
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AG
Null and Void said:

T-levels are high, ranging from 1129 - 1304 for the last year.

Is this in ng/dL ?
Null and Void
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Yes.
Aggie_Boomin 21
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AG
Those would be super physiological levels for someone in their 20s, I'm not surprised you feel great.
Null and Void
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Indeed, and I'm very pleased that my PSA numbers (and exams) are normal.
BAP Enthusiast
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Aggie_Boomin 21 said:

Null and Void said:

T-levels are high, ranging from 1129 - 1304 for the last year.

Is this in ng/dL ?


From trt alone my test levels hover anywhere from 1100 to 3000+. This is from 200 mg/ml a week. I am possibly a super responder though so I know not everyone has this experience.

150 mg/ml every 4 days is more or less 300 mg/ml week, that is a pretty impressive dose.
JeremiahJohnson
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AG
Damn that is awesome!
Ag12thman
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AG
I was finally able to get mine checked after having to wait for weeks for an appointment opening. My doctor's nurse called to say mine is 203 ng/dL and she called this "borderline." Everything I've seen and/or read (including other posts on this thread) has suggested that the normal range is 300 - 800 ng/dL, though. Is this correct? If so, it seems like a real reach by the doctor/nurse to call it "borderline."

She said the doctor wants a more accurate fasting test done now, so I have to go back to have more blood drawn in a fasted state this time. I'm not sure why they didn't just have me fast the first go-around.
TheBiggerEvent
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AG
found this thread and wanted to see what the board thought here..

Most recent physical was this week and got blood work back. Total Testosterone was 334 ng/dL.. no comments from Dr as was within range (250-857) but as compared to some of the figures on this thread seems a bit on the lower end. Is this something i should seek out a specialist or just monitor?
OasisMan
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AG
Regarding TRT,

Are y'all not concerned about the need for continued/lifelong TRT, teste atrophy, BPH, etc?
True Anomaly
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AG
OasisMan said:

Regarding TRT,

Are y'all not concerned about the need for continued/lifelong TRT, teste atrophy, BPH, etc?
I sure as hell am

I'm at my ideal weight, and am able to sustain loads of energy and keep up with workouts, even in my early 40s. I want to push things as far as possible without any sort of hormone replacement. Even though I don't know what my levels actually are, it doesn't really matter so long as I can keep up how I want to physically
Aggie_Boomin 21
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AG
TheBiggerEvent said:

found this thread and wanted to see what the board thought here..

Most recent physical was this week and got blood work back. Total Testosterone was 334 ng/dL.. no comments from Dr as was within range (250-857) but as compared to some of the figures on this thread seems a bit on the lower end. Is this something i should seek out a specialist or just monitor?

Don't base what you think your numbers should be off this thread's small sample of other peoples'. There's a reason the range is so massive. It's more about how you feel and if you exhibit low T symptoms.
Aggie1
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AG
DeangeloVickers said:

Check your prostate regularly if you start this ..

This is some of the best advice on this thread!!
I started taking shots and it kicked my Prostate issues into high gear!
I went from 4.PSA to 7.5 PSA in about 6 months, and
Yes as result my prostate was cancerous and subsequently removed via da vinci...
jtraggie99
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AG
Aggie1 said:

DeangeloVickers said:

Check your prostate regularly if you start this ..

This is some of the best advice on this thread!!
I started taking shots and it kicked my Prostate issues into high gear!
I went from 4.PSA to 7.5 PSA in about 6 months, and
Yes as result my prostate was cancerous and subsequently removed via da vinci...
The way these clinics have exploded, popping up all over the place, you'd think TRT was the fountain of youth with little to no negative side-affects....
Ag12thman
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AG
Aggie1 said:

DeangeloVickers said:

Check your prostate regularly if you start this ..

This is some of the best advice on this thread!!
I started taking shots and it kicked my Prostate issues into high gear!
I went from 4.PSA to 7.5 PSA in about 6 months, and
Yes as result my prostate was cancerous and subsequently removed via da vinci...
My doctor has me on a low dosage of TRT for this very reason. I recommend letting your regular family physician handle this as mine had done a fine job of monitoring my testosterone levels alongside my PSA levels. I'm not sure how closely the clinics do this. One guy I work with is taking a high dosage and doesn't think they have been checking his PSA levels much, so now he's scheduling to have them checked with his regular doctor.
 
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