Where can I find more information on the
hCG stimulation
test (or similar) that can be done to see if one's body can respond to stimulation for
testosterone production?
I had a "situation" develop last June (2004) where I started experiencing some very severe anxiety and then went into a very sudden hypogonadal state. Erectile functioning and libido went from an 8.5 (on a ten scale) to a ZERO almost overnight. The specialists are still testing to try and find out what may have caused this problem - which is still on-going (by the way, the hypogonadism was just one of several serious symptoms that surfaced within a 2 - 3 week period). At one point, there was a belief that I had "Cushing's Disease" (in fact one endocrinologist diagnosed it very emphatically), but more advanced testing has since ruled out Cushings. Current testing is being directed toward the possibility of having a "Pheo tumor" (especially since a CT Scan last September found a small tumor inside my left adrenal gland - and my symptoms fit the various listings of Pheo tumor symptoms... with the exception that I have fluctuating BP rather than consistent high BP which is a "usual" symptom of Pheos, but it is conceded that mine is in an early stage apparently).
Anyway, I was put first on 2.5 grams
AndroGel (by my initial PCP), then as an after thought was put on 5.0 grams
AndroGel (with no testing other than total T and PSA). In late Sept (2004), I was put on 7.5 grams AndroGel (by my initial Endo who had me go off the AndroGel for almost 4 weeks and then re-
test). I have since switched to a new Endo (at a major metro hospital). While he has re-tested my levels, he is - for now - satisfied with my T levels and the 7.6 grams AndroGel... and is concentrating on my "main problem". I have some serious hopes that this "main problem" is going to be a Pheo tumor and that surgical intervention would then take care of the chemically generated anxiety (long story but the Pheo tumor causes chronic secretion of adrenalin, etc.) and the various physical symptoms.
To cut to the chase: My hope is that a regimen of
hCG (or similar) would cause the HPAT Axis to "re-set" and resurrect that natural production of T. So any information in that regard would be appreciated.
Also - in the meantime - not being satisfied with where I am at with the 7.5 grams dosing of AndroGel (Total T- 358 reference range of 220 – 1000, Free T - 112.8 - reference range of 40-240, Estradiol - 25 - reference range 0 – 60), are there any suppleemnts that can be taken to increase the Free T levels while on AndroGel? Was specifically thinking of something like 6-OXO or similar? Am already taking Zinc and DIM to counter aromatase factor to some extent. Wondered if rotating it with something stronger, such as 6-OXO might have benefit of lowering estradiol a little further while increasing Free T?
Thanks for any input.
P.S. Am a new poster, so if this should be primarily posted in a different section, please advise.
LRS