Low testosterone, high FSH and LH - Men's Health Message Board

redness · 09-14-2009, 11:49 AM

I have been feeling rough for about two years now. Increasingly tired, sweating profusely, with occasional hot flushes or feeling shivery. In the last year, erectile problems and loss of libido. Saw urologist, who did not seem very interested, and suggested (without doing any tests first) that it was depression. On antidepressants, but not finding any improvment. However, interesting thing has entered the equation. Urologist suggested I go to GP to get hormone levels looked at. I did so, and found high FSH, with borderline low testosterone. Repeat blood test showed low testosterone, high FSH and high LH. Urology were supposed to follow me up after 3 months, but appointment has finally come through for december (9 months later!!!!).

Someone else said to me that the low testosterone could be the reason why I feel permanenetly exhausted, and sweat constantly (as well as explaining the sexual problems). He also suggested that this is something that can be treated. Does anyone know if this sounds like a plausible explanation? If so, should I push for an endocrinology counsultation, or try to speed up urology (who do not seem interested)?

orion · 09-14-2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redness

high FSH, with borderline low testosterone. Repeat blood test showed low testosterone, high FSH and high LH. ?

Those tests show testicular failure; in other words your testicles are not producing testosterone in response to LH. You need to begin testosterone replacement. If your GP didn't know that in the face of your obvious symptoms and blood tests, then he is an absolute idiot. Get a new GP and demand proper treatment.

There is no use seeing a urologist or an endocrinologist because there is nothing that can be done to fix this problem; except testosterone replacement therapy for life.

Low testosterone is associated with early mortality, muscle loss, depression, fatigue and possibly prostate cancer - you need the replacement to take place soon and I would impress on your new GP that this means now.

redness · 09-15-2009, 10:55 AM

I went to my GP, and explained the situation. As I thought would be the case, he said he needed to take advice on this, would repeat the blood tests and refer me to endocrinology. I had worked out from my own readings that these results most likely meant testicular failure. The appalling thing is that the original blood tests were done in March, the results were known to both my GP and urologist, and yet neither have done anything about it.

orion · 09-16-2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redness

I went to my GP, and explained the situation. As I thought would be the case, he said he needed to take advice on this, would repeat the blood tests and refer me to endocrinology. I had worked out from my own readings that these results most likely meant testicular failure. The appalling thing is that the original blood tests were done in March, the results were known to both my GP and urologist, and yet neither have done anything about it.

Unfortunately this is a very common response by doctors at all levels. You will find that some endos also will so little interest in testosterone supplements. They have a double fear. One that testosterone will drive you to a crazy state, you will do something illegal and they will be responsible. Two that the testosterone will fuel prostate cancer and you will sue them because they violated their oath to do no harm by treatment. For them its best if you go away and suffer in silence.

You have to be proactive for yourself and find a doctor that understand that low testosterone is a huge negative in your life, both long term and short term.

Evidence is mounting that low testosterone can cause a very aggressive form of prostate cancer that won't respond to normal treatment. As a consequence, you will need a PSA test before starting T replacement and then for several years after just to be sure that your low T didn't start something.

redness · 10-04-2009, 04:48 AM

Appointment with endo has come through for end october, which is a long time, but is actually quite quick by UK standards. GP does not want to do anything as endo appointment is in pipeline.

I have also developed a big problem with anxiety over the last couple of years, with a regular pattern of waking up with an intense feeling of anxiety/agitation every morning, which goes off as the day goes on. The antidepressant I was prescribed for this does not help, and as this is an everyday occurence, benzos are not an answer. Could this anxiety also be due to my low testosterone, and be something that might improve with testosterone replacement therapy?