I need advice, I am not responding to Testosterone Replacement Therapy - Hormone Problems Message Board

hoosier_guy · 06-05-2009, 10:40 PM

I for the longest time thought I had ADD. I couldn’t concentrate nor focus on anything. I had no drive to do much and I always felt down and had no energy. I have been 100 lbs overweight being 6’1 and 290. I did get down to 255lbs but that didn’t last very long (maybe 3 mos then went back up)

So my Dr ordered some blood tests as part of my yearly physical and snuck a Testosterone Test to see if that would provide my lack of general interest.

I got a call with the following results…

4/13/09

TESTOS FREE/TOT ADU
TESTOSTERONE, % F 2.4
Reference range: 1.6 to 2.9
Unit: %

TOT TESTOSTERONE 176
Reference range: 400 to 1080
Unit: ng/dl
(NOTE)
REFERENCE INTERVAL: Testosterone, Adult Male

Tanner Stage IV 165 – 854 ng/dl
Tanner Stage V 194 – 783 ng/dl

To convert to nmol/L, multiply ng/dL by 0.0347
FREE TESTOSTERONE 42
Reference range: 47 to 244
Unit: pg/ml
(NOTE)
REFERENCE INTERVAL: Testosterone, Free

Tanner Stage IV 35 – 169 pg/mL
Tanner Stage V 41 – 239 pg/mL

The concentration of Free Testosterone is derived from
a mathematical expression based on the constant for the
binding of testosterone to sex hormone binding globulin.

SEX HORMONE BIND GLO 16
Reference range: 11 to 80
Unit: nmol/L

Needless to say my levels were extremely low and she felt the need to put me on testosterone replacement therapy so after discussing the different methods I decided to do the injections in my arm. While somewhat painful it was quick and easy. After playing the waiting game with my insurance they approved it and...

On May 4th I received my 1st 200mg/mL injection of Testosterone Cypionate. These injections were to be repeated every other week at 200mg/mL each.

2 weeks later (5/18/09) I got my 2nd injection and I didn’t really feel a whole lot different.

2 weeks after that (6/2/09) I showed up for by blood work to see if the injections were helping me and to receive my 3rd injection after they drew my blood. They took the lab work, gave me the injection and I went on my way.

Well I got my results today from the Dr’s.

Not good.

6/02/09

TESTOS FREE/TOT ADU
TESTOSTERONE, % F 2.4
Reference range: 1.6 to 2.9
Unit: %

TOT TESTOSTERONE 122
Reference range: 400 to 1080
Unit: ng/dl
(NOTE)
REFERENCE INTERVAL: Testosterone, Adult Male

Tanner Stage IV 165 – 854 ng/dl
Tanner Stage V 194 – 783 ng/dl

To convert to nmol/L, multiply ng/dL by 0.0347
FREE TESTOSTERONE 29
Reference range: 47 to 244
Unit: pg/ml
(NOTE)
REFERENCE INTERVAL: Testosterone, Free

Tanner Stage IV 35 – 169 pg/mL
Tanner Stage V 41 – 239 pg/mL

The concentration of Free Testosterone is derived from
a mathematical expression based on the constant for the
binding of testosterone to sex hormone binding globulin.

SEX HORMONE BIND GLO 16
Reference range: 11 to 80
Unit: nmol/L

My testosterone level decreased and I was so downed by it and utterly confused. The Dr wants to give me 200mg/mL per week for 6 weeks then test for levels.

How can I receive the T Cypionate injections and have them do nothing much less my T level decrease?

Has this happened to anyone?

hoosier_guy · 06-08-2009, 09:22 PM

I saw the Dr today and she told me that I needed to be patient with my treatment and not to worry, it will get up there (my T-levels). She felts that I just started and I need to give it some time.

I asked her if she did a blood test for estrogen levels would it help figure out my issue with low-T and she said that even if she got a result that said I had high estrogen, she wouldn't know what to do with it. So I guess that means that test even if high, would serve no purpose.

I get tested for T-levels in 6 weeks so I hope the T-Cyp will actually work now.

JinL · 06-16-2009, 07:45 AM

estrogen E2 should be tested. If your are growing boobs, it is probably very high.
E2 level should be in the lower middle of its range.

The T may be converted to E2. Do 100mg injections once a week. That your help reduce the t to E2 conversion.
Get a prescription for Arimidex. It greatly reduces the T to e2 conversion. You only need 1/2 a tablet 2 or 3 times a week.

Take the two OTC pills called DIM each day. They will help lower the existing natural E2.

buddahcall · 04-29-2011, 05:36 PM

Hi, I am pretty new to this myself, I just started replacement therapy, and my problem was the estrogen level as well, the replacement therapy alone will cause increased estrogen conversion, so yesterday was my second visit, I am taking 200 T a week, and didn't feel much on just that but yesterday I was also given HCG and en estrogen blocker, the same one listed above that I take one pill every 3-4 days, The HCG also gives you a boost by stimulating your body to produce its own T, I Have been married for 10 years and lets just say last night was like our honeymoon again, beyond that I have more energy today than I have in a very long time. They call it the Testosterone Trifecta, I hope this helps.

onxanax · 08-15-2011, 09:25 PM

It's possible the supplementation of the T has shut down your own natural production of T. Very common from what I read.

So essentially if that is the case youre only getting the supplemented T and may need to increase accordingly until you're at your desired level.

About the E2- if your doctor wouldn't know what to do about it if the number was high- you need a new doctor.

There are estrogen blockers (typically prescribed for breast cancer patients) that lower your E2 levels.

There may be other ways to reduce the conversion from T to E2 but if your doctor doesn't know you need a better doc.