I justed wanted to let everyone know that my doctor's office just called to let me know that my results were normal with a level of 319 for my testosterone. Maybe it's because I have been "active" recently. Anyway that is good to know that I am normal, I mean my levels are normal hee hee.
Brian
Last edited by brianpain33; 03-17-2008 at 01:30 PM.
Hey brian,
319 falls within the normal range, but is at the low end of the scale. If you are functional at that level I guess that's all that matters. Glad things are working out for you.
Glad your Testosterone levels are good. Some opiates can cause a decrease in test. The most common is Methadone. But I don't remember you saying that you were on that. I know some people on Methadone have supplemental testosterone usually by a patch.
Its always good to get it checked out. Meds can throw your hormones off.
That is what I was thinking as well. I did some research, now can you imagine me doing that . I guess there is a supplement that can be taken to help increase testosterone levels. I don't know how well it works or even if it does work but I may just give it a try. I am going to the natural health supplement place near me and I will ask about it. Of course that's not a good pick up line, "hey there, got something to raise my testosterone". Oh well I will still ask.
Zinc is a natural way to boost....You need about 100mg per day. I've also read where Zinc supplementation can effect your copper, so a copper supplement is often.
What Doc did this test? I would highly recommend you take your test results to a uro or endo.
Also, most hormone replacement Docs will tell you that they treat "symptoms" and not the number result. For example, your number is 400, but you feel depressed, have performance issues, lethargic, tired all the time, & so on.....This person is an excellent candidate for T replacement.
However, if your number is 150, but you feel great and don't have performance problems, you don't need hormone therapy.
Hormone Docs will continue to raise the dosage until the symptoms disappear.
Just be careful with hormone replacement therapy. I've done boatloads of research on this since my problem surfaced and I have learned to be leary of direct testosterone replacement. The danger is in shutting down the testes, which is apparently a common occurance with direct T replacement. What I am after is treatment to jump-start my testes to once again produce appropriate levels of T for my age. And endocrinologist is the kind of doc to best help with this. My Gp was quick to Rx AndroGel, a cream with T to rub on the shoulder area daily. But I am waiting for my appointment with the endo before doing anything.
Hormone replacement is very safe. Most of the research today shows that most aging people can really benefit from small to moderate supplementation. This is an emerging trend in medicine today, especially with the most up-to-date Docs.
When done correctly, supplementation will not shut down the testes. The key is to have a baseline test up front to determine your level and then slowly supplement to the point where you get to the upper half to upper third of your age group. Testicle shut down and atrophy comes from significant artificial supplementation.
Either an Endo or Uro is qualified to treat you. Most male PM patients I know are on the smallest Androgel dose, or 5mg. Some are on 10mg. Many are on 15-20 and report no problems. There are support groups one can join to share information and it's amazing at the info that is shared and how well most of the participants feel. Research show that low levels of T put men at significant risk for heart and cardiovascular problems as T helps protect the body.
Hormone replacement is very safe. Most of the research today shows that most aging people can really benefit from small to moderate supplementation. This is an emerging trend in medicine today, especially with the most up-to-date Docs.
When done correctly, supplementation will not shut down the testes...
This is inconsistent with the research I have done and those I have spoken with who have undergone treatment.
Brian - all I can say is do your own research and be very careful, especially with hormone replacement therapy directed by your GP. If you can, get a referral to an endo for both the treatment and peace of mind.
Well I decided to not do the RX T replacement. I went to the health store to see what they had for libido improvement or testosterone improvement. They do have several items and I decided on one which is a cream that you rub on twice a day and before being "active". The lady I talked to(yes unfortunately is what a young lady that I talked to) said that many guys had good success with it. She also said that if it does not work for me after using it a month that I can return it and she would refund my money(thisn is great considering it was $39.95 I will keep you all posted and then maybe in 6 months I will have my doctor retest me.
Hey Brian: Thanks for this thread. I am obviously not a man, but I have had a condition for many years where one of the symptoms is hightened testosterone levels. I never knew women had T before I was Dx'd with this. After reading this thread though, I realized that since I've been taking opiates, my previously thinning hair was actually starting to thicken up a little. I think this may be why!
Never thought your thread would be helpful to one of us gals, did ya?
Thanks again and I wish you many uplifting days ahead! (I know, bad cmpgirl)
I'm on HRT and it has changed my life dramatically...For the positive. The opiates dropped my T levels and I was miserable, despite being pain free from the meds. It has been nothing short of remarkable.
Because of my pain meds, Duragesic 100mc/h, Morphine 30mg twice a day, Nurotin and Tizanadine. My Testosterone Level went down to around 160, I have been on Testim gel for a couple years now. Recently my T levels droped again and my energy level went in the toilet, It was a chore just to get out of my chair and go to the restroom. So, my Endo increased my Testim to 4 tubes a day, it is a drag putting 2 tubes on each shoulder every day. But it has increased my T Level to 320 (checked yesterday), my energy level is still low but better. My endo also had me do an MRI of my brain to check my Pitutary Gland just to rule out anything with it. But, I am sure it is just from all the Pain Meds.
I would defently suggest you see an endocranolagist for you Testosterone Levels. You need to keep them up where they are supose to be, low T levels can cause other problems as well.
Good Luck,
Emmett
Because of my pain meds, Duragesic 100mc/h, Morphine 30mg twice a day, Nurotin and Tizanadine. My Testosterone Level went down to around 160, I have been on Testim gel for a couple years now. Recently my T levels droped again and my energy level went in the toilet, It was a chore just to get out of my chair and go to the restroom. So, my Endo increased my Testim to 4 tubes a day, it is a drag putting 2 tubes on each shoulder every day. But it has increased my T Level to 320 (checked yesterday), my energy level is still low but better. My endo also had me do an MRI of my brain to check my Pitutary Gland just to rule out anything with it. But, I am sure it is just from all the Pain Meds.
I would defently suggest you see an endocranolagist for you Testosterone Levels. You need to keep them up where they are supose to be, low T levels can cause other problems as well.Emmett
This is right where my T level is at and I am only 34 years old. I have been using a supplement from my health store that is supposed to increase testosterone but I need to make sure I use it everyday, I've been forgetting. However, the sex thing does not seem to be a problem for me even though it is low.
This is right where my T level is at and I am only 34 years old. I have been using a supplement from my health store that is supposed to increase testosterone but I need to make sure I use it everyday, I've been forgetting.
Brian- This isn't going to work, so I wouldn't waste my money. These "supplements" are unfounded claims to start with as they are exempt from the FDA guidelines. They claim to work by stimulating your pit gland to produce more T. However, because of your opiate usage, your pit gland has been put to sleep, or slowed waaaay down. That's why your T is low. Only two things will raise your T.......(1) HRT or (2) Ceasing your meds.
You should see an Endo or a Uro....Can't hurt...You could always decline what they script...It would be a good informational directive for you.
2 years ago I decided to see a Dr. because sex was the last thing I cared about , no urge or anything .. My wife was getting frustrated and I can't blame her .. Anyway they did a testosterone test and found mine to be very low , they gave me the patch .. I tried them and my anxiety shot thru the roof . I couldn't use them .. Here I found out when I stopped taking my oxycodone my sexual desires came back full force . It was the meds doing this too me.. Now when I know a head of time I have to do the manly thing I don't take any until my duty is done . I still have 29 patches I can't use ..
Just thought I chime in on this .. Hope no one gets offended
Opiate & Testosterone Levels 
. I guess there is a supplement that can be taken to help increase testosterone levels. I don't know how well it works or even if it does work but I may just give it a try. I am going to the natural health supplement place near me and I will ask about it. Of course that's not a good pick up line, "hey there, got something to raise my testosterone". Oh well I will still ask.
I will keep you all posted and then maybe in 6 months I will have my doctor retest me. 
I couldn't use them .. Here I found out when I stopped taking my oxycodone my sexual desires came back full force 
