few questions

[curiousGeorge]

Went to my doctor about two months ago because I wanted to get my cholesterol checked. Also told him about lack of sex drive, being tired alot, intermittent ED. I get a call about a week later and the nurse tells me my cholesterol is ok but testesterone was only 125 and that I should come in a pick up a prescription. It was for Androgel and I was to use one packet a day. Now, two months later, my nads are half the size they were before I started on the gel. The volume of semen is also half of what it used to be. Sex drive did increase and performance was good too. After reading some stuff on the net (and here), it seems like he should have done more tests before he just threw me on Androgel. I stopped using it two days ago and am waiting on a call back from the Dr. What tests should I ask if he ran and which ones should I ask him to do? Or should I have him refer me to an endocrinologist (sp?) Thanks

[earthdog]

George,

Love that name. Anyway, you can read about how Swale does it in "TRT: A Recipe for Success" and "The Labs I run", both stickied above. Being on TRT can shrink your nuts and reduce sperm output if hcg is not used. Based upon what others have written here, it's hit or miss when going to an endo. Some are good, but many aren't, because they do not specialize in male TRT. Since your regular doc is willing to treat you, if it was me, and if I didn't have access to Swale (Dr. John Crisler), I'd try and work with him first. You might ask him if he's willing to read the above, and if he would be willing to consult with Swale. If not, then it's up to you what you do next, but count yourself lucky that you have a doc willing to prescribe TRT. I went to two who refused, and many others here have had similar experiences.

[pmgamer18]

Tell us more about your self how old are you if your under 40 your Dr. should have run enough tests to find out why you are low. You can be low for a number of reasons and when these are fixed your T levels will go back up how long have you felt bad.
Print this out and give it to your Dr.
http://www.aace.com/clin/guidelines/hypogonadism.pdf
Most of the Dr. that read SWALES Recipe for Success I feel get pissed off when they see that they don't know what the hell they are doing and won't admit it. You need a very humble Dr. to admit he made a mistake. So try the AACE Guildelines first then after he digests that then lay SWALES Recipe for Success on him.
Phil

[mranak]

curiousGeorge: You were actually fortunate to accidentally run into a physician that actually though to test your testosterone levels. Most docs would have just given you a prescription for Viagra and said the rest of depression or similar.

The shrunken balls is to be expected, but the solution is available in the form of hCG. Personally, I don't recommend your discontinuing the Androgel at this time.

I _do_ recommend that you get a copy of your labwork.

[curiousGeorge]

I started back on the Androgel today. Man, now I know what menopause must feel like. Talk about bad mood swings from hell! Doing a phone consult with the Dr. on monday. I'll ask what tests were run and what he thinks about the hcg. Also see if he is interested in reading the AACE guidlines and the recipe. I'll try to be diplomatic about it! The ball shrinkage is the only complaint I have. How is hcg given? I assume it is Rx only.

[Glaim]

Originally Posted by curiousGeorge

I started back on the Androgel today. Man, now I know what menopause must feel like. Talk about bad mood swings from hell! Doing a phone consult with the Dr. on monday. I'll ask what tests were run and what he thinks about the hcg. Also see if he is interested in reading the AACE guidlines and the recipe. I'll try to be diplomatic about it! The ball shrinkage is the only complaint I have. How is hcg given? I assume it is Rx only.

Men have Andropause as well which is similar to menopause...which is probably what you are going through. It's more or less swept under the rug and discarded unfortunately.

HCG is an injectable and yes, it's RX only. Many people report feeling significantly better when combining testosterone with HCG as opposed to testosterone alone.

[mranak]

Many doctors don't really know much about what hCG is. If the physician voices concern about your doing the hCG shots at home, then let him know that they are just as effective when done subcutaneous, which is much more simple than intramuscular.