Newbie Questions on Replacement Therapy

[let_her_flicker]

I first want to apologize if my questions are redundant.

Story - 52 yr old male. Diagnosed with low testosterone (below 300) about 3 years ago. Symptoms started about 5 years ago. Started out with Androgel 2.5 and have worked up to max. of 10 mg per day. Only time testosterone levels were above 300 was when I was riding my bike every day. It was around 325 (on 10 mg) of Androgel. Ht. 6'3 Wt 245

My PCP sent me to an endocrinologist and he ran the typical hormone tests to determine cause of low testosterone. Neither he or my PCP has ever tested Free Testosterone. Results came back and the cause is idiopathic (no know medical cause).

I have finally decided to do the shots (endocrinologist wanted me to do them back in February, but I wanted to give it a little longer). I currently take 300 mg of Wellbrutrin for depression.

Questions:

1. What kind of blood tests should I have doctor run after I start taking the shots?

2. Will I be able to discontinue the anti-depressant after I have been on shots for awhile?

3. I am a middle school teacher, could stress have any affect on testosterone levels?
(I was medically retired from US Army and feel more stress teaching than ever downrange)

Also, if you feel there is anything else I need to ask the doctor before starting this, please feel free to let me know. I appreciate any input from those who have forged this trail before me.

Thanks

[HeadDoc]

take a look at the threads that are stickied in this forum. The labs are listed. Yes, free test is listed. I suggest that on the days before you get labs you refrain from exercise and sex. Any idea what your body composition looks like? Are you over-trained? If the free testosterone is therapeutic, it can act as an antidepressant. Also check your pregnenolone and dhea levels. They too can work as an antidepressant.

I went back to check my spelling and grammar. Don't want a bad grade.

Please remember that I am not a physician.