Testosterone Deficiency

[livingwith]

At my age, 68, and with hypertension I was somewhat skeptical when my doctor suggested a testerone [testosterone] test and supplementation.

I have so far had one injection of 200 (whatevers), since my level was down to 250, with 5 more scheduled every other week for a total of 6 injections. After 12 weeks I will have the bloodwork done again ($725 each time) to see if my liver and PSA are normal. Cancer is a real concern, here.
So far, the only thing I have noticed is increased energy to perfo...Read the full article

[sleuth65]

I am in my early 40's and have been diagnosed w/ hypogonadism since I was 27. I have taken the shots and I can tell you there are better options! The problem with the shots is they're like a bell curve. I would suggest trying Androgel. It is a gel you apply oncer a day, 2.5g or 5 g doses. It provides a much more even dose so you don't have the quick high and then decline that you do with a shot. 30 day supply is around $220 w/out insurance, thankfully mine covers it. Testosterone replacement is costly but there are so many things that it supports, mood and energy are the main ones to me. I was told checking prostrate once a year is sufficient. I would get a shot to boost your number and then start daily Androgel if you can get Doc to prescribe it.

[asnotary1]

How I wish that my testoterone level was that high. Mine is only 69

I hear your concern about the finances. Medicare and your supplement may not cover everything. My RX (Part D) will not cover androgel as being too expensive etc etc etc. I have decided to opt for the injections. After the initial injection (this coming thursday) I will be self injecting.

Some of the benefits of this is that the expense is so much lower US$38 for a six (6) week supply of the drug. Of course, i will have to filter in the cost of alcohol swabs and needles, but that will be minimal compared to the cost of the Androgel and the cost of a doctor or nurse injecting you

Of course one of the negatives is that some people just cannot self inject. I have no problem (so I say now) I know how to do it as I was a Medic back in the '70's with the MANG. Drawing blood, giving needles etc, no problem and I am not afraid to try

Not all people are this complacent about it. My wife would rather suffer with her Spinal Stenosis than be injected by anyone.

Good luck, and please think about this as a viable option to your(our) problem

Rich

[Leo]

I have a similar, but bit higher testosterone level and for the past year use androjel. My question relates to why the low level occurs. I received a vasectomy at 20 years of age with my age now 62 and don't know if a reversal would improve the testosterone level. I am healthy and in excellent condition and with the androjel lost inches from waist, but little weight. My belt size reduced four notches, energy level increased, improvement with sleep and overall physical and mental health.

Could someone with credentials answer the question as to whether testosterone levels diminish from a vasectomy and if so reversal can improve the problem?

[sleuth65]

I do not have credentials but I doubt a vasectomy has any thing to do with causing low testosterone. A vasectomy involves severing the tube that delivers semen. The pituitary gland is responsible for testosterone production, fsh production and a few others. The main reason for your decrease is simply related to age. There is an interesting article in a recent Men's Health mag. about the decreasing levels of testosterone around the world, primarily in industrialized nations.

[sleuth65]

Have you experienced any symptoms of depression or mood swings since you have been dealing with lower testosterone levels?