Low T, low DHEA, high cortisol. - MESO-Rx

KimberCT · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 08:18 PM

Hi everyone, glad to have found this place. I'm a 28 year old male suffering from constant fatigue "brain fog" and anxiety. I used to be very active and even a fairly aggressive weight lifter who suddenly woke up to the above symptoms one morning. No illicit drug use although I have nothing against them. I recently had a blood test done which showed the following. I'm only including the sections I think may be relevant.

RBC 4.25 (4.3-6.0m/ul)
HGB 13.4 (13.5-18.0g/dl)
HCT 39.9 (40-52%)

FASTING GLUCOSE 109 (70-100mg/dl)
CORTISOL 24 (8.7 -22.4mcg/dl)
DHEA-S 272 (280-640ug/dl)
TESTOSTERONE 362 (400-1080ng/dl)

Iron, folate, B12, zinc, mangnesium, and vitamin D were all in normal levels. I've been poked and prodded for 3 years while they attempt to determine the cause of the anemia, but so far the conclusion is "Don't worry about it, it's not very low."

The second section was ordered by a naturopathic doctor. She has me taking 25mg of oral DHEA daily in the hopes that it will raise my DHEA-S and T levels while simultaneously reducing cortisol. The first day on the DHEA I felt great... no more brain fog, increased energy, and even a bit of aggression... but by the third day I no longer felt any effect from it.

I mentioned this to my pharmacist, and he mentioned I may want to consider HRT... hence my arrival here.

Any advise for me? Can anyone recommend a good doctor near CT? I'm going to request a full hormone panel at my next doctor's visit.

AlexanderDenmark · #2 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 02:40 PM

What does thyroid look like?

terresw · #3 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 02:50 PM

Sounds like my situation very similar. However my DHEA levels are ungodly high for what reason no doctor can explain. LIke twice the top range of normal! ANybody know why that might be?

I would try a restart before going on TRT. Thus far TRT has been a nightmare for me and I am exploring a restart very soon. You may feel like shit now but I would try and hold on and see about working with HAN and Dr O or an experienced TRT Dr who has experience in helping men like you regain your levels naturally.

KimberCT · #4 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:20 PM

The only thyroid value I've gotten was for TSH 1.39 (0.34-5.60uUI/ml). I'll be sure to request a full workup.

A restart... is that like PCT without ever actually being "on cycle"? I'll have to search for more info on it. IIRC, Clomid and 6-OXO were popular.

HAN or Dr. O happen to be in CT?

terresw · #5 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:23 PM

Ya a restart is like PCT without a cycle. Its worth a try. Pluse you dont want to jup into TRT headifrtst. I have been on TRT since July and God do I wish I had not of did this to myself. I'm in the process of preparing for a restart. And if that fails to permanently fix me I think I will try long term clomid therapy.

KimberCT · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 01:50 PM

Anyone have a link to a protocol for attempting a restart from a "natural" low?

I'm finding alot of info on restarts for folks coming off TRT or a cycle, but nothing for my situation... or are they the exact same methods?

terresw · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 01:56 PM

You need to have your LH and FSH values tested first IMPO. This will tell you where the problem truly lies. Most likely since you are young you are secondary. What low testosterone symptoms do you have?

KimberCT · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 03:48 PM

Thanks, I've setup an appointment with my doctor to request more blood tests. My symptoms, in order of concern are below. I'm not sure if they'd all be related to low testosterone.

Physical and mental fatigue, constant "brain fog"
Anxiety
Nausea (probably tied to the anxiety)
Poor sleep quality and increased sleep requirement
Generally "sore" muscles and joints
Weight gain, high fasting glucose with no change in diet
Slight anemia

KimberCT · #9 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terresw

You need to have your LH and FSH values tested first IMPO. This will tell you where the problem truly lies. Most likely since you are young you are secondary. What low testosterone symptoms do you have?

Just a call from my doctor regarding my latest blood work. Thyroid, LH, FSH, free testosterone, all came back in the normal range. Total testosterone, however, dropped to 290 since my previous test about a month ago.

Is a low total testosterone value an indicator of anything in particular? My doctor is offering a TRT trial run of a month to see if it makes me feel better.

KimberCT · #10 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 06:35 PM

Correction... I picked up a copy of the actual lab results on my way home today.

FSH: 3.2 (1.0-42.5 MIU/ML)
LH: 2.3 (1.7-11.2 MIU/ML)
TESTOSTERONE: 301 (400-1080 ng/dL)
TEST PRCNT FREE: 2.0 (1.6-2.9 %)
TEST FREE CALC: 60 (47-244 pg/mL)
SHBG: 27 (11-80 nmol/L)

With the exception of total testosterone, everything is within the normal, albeit low side, range. Is this an indication of anything in particular? Should I even be thinking about TRT with only a low total testosterone value?