Testosterone Deficiency

[HypoG]

I am 55 YOA and started hormone replacement therapy recently. I started with injections of 250mg every two weeks. I got the initial high testosterone for the first couple of days after the injection and then lost my high energy level and libido enhancement almost entirely until it was time for the next injection. I wasn't real pleased with this, knowing that I will have to be receiving testosterone for the rest of my life. My physician suggested trying the transdermal patch. I can't imagine sticking anything to my nads every day so I opted for the non-scrotal patch.

The idea for the patch being that my testosterone level would be more consistent and ease of use. I tried the patches for a week all the while being careful to follow the manufacturers recommendations. I had untoward reactions to all patch locations. I had an itchy, inflammed rash after each application and actual blisters in one location. Another call to my physician and he came up with the following therapy:

I receive a weekly injection of 150mg of testosterone cypionate to keep my levels more, well...level. Since the half life of this medication is about 2 weeks, the weekly injections of a lower dose help keep my levels constant. No, I don't mind the extra injection. It is a lot easier than messing around with putting patches on every day in different locations. This even if I didn't get the horrible reactions.

This current therapy has made all the difference in my treatment. I feel like I have a lot more energy, no big mood swings and the ole libido is back where it was 10 years ago. I haven't noticed any "roller coaster" efffects that I had with the higher dose every two weeks. Maybe some of you that are on HRT can try this same therapy and see how it works for you. I hope that on my next blood tests the testosterone level will be where my doc wants them. I'll let you all know.

[regular_guy]

It looks like you had the same problem I had with the patch, I broke out one day in all locations... at once! Thirty-something rashes, some really nasty ones. Not cool!

I use Testim 1% gel daily now, and have for about 2 1/2 years. I've had no skin reactions, but I think I'm experiencing the 'roller-coaster' each morning because I don't have enough when I wake up. I'm draggin' until about 1/2 hour after I put the gel on. I don't feel bad if I put it on late the day before, or I wake up early the next day. It's like the gel only lasts for 21 hours, not 24. I should see about adjusting my dose, but that's difficult when it only comes in a single-use tube. The next one up for Testim is 5%, and that's quite a jump in dose; I don't need the rages!

I think there's a gel with a pump that doses, yeah... Androgel or something. I might look into that with my doc.

[kcunningham]

This my first time on this site. I am a 55 year old female in full menopause. I am on 0.9 of estrogen and requested a blood test to see where my levels were standing. I am "0" Testosterone ! My OBGYN Doc suggested that I go to a Naturalpathic for help. Our insurance does not cover this type of health care. Can someone PLEASE tell me where I need to go for help. I have "0" sex drive. 7 years ago I was a "good to go woman". Now I am just breathing each day and very unhappy by body does not respond anymore. I don't know where to turn. My OBGYN Doc suggested I go go back to my primary care Doc. He is someone who does not specialize in menopause. I look forward to your response.
KC

[regular_guy]

My OBGYN Doc suggested that I go to a Naturalpathic for help. Our insurance does not cover this type of health care. Can someone PLEASE tell me where I need to go for help.
KC

I would make an appointment with an Endocrinologist. Endocrinology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the endocrine system and its specific secretions (hormones); this isn't considered 'alternative medicine', so your insurance should cover it... especially if the hormone levels you've already tested with your GP or OBGYN are wacky. You should be able to get a referral if you have an HMO, or just make an appointment if you have a PPO.

[kcunningham]

Thanks for the input.
My insurance company will not pay for a Naturalpath. Hum ?? The insurance companies will pay thousands of dollars for HRT perscriptions but NOT for anything natural. I am losing my mind.
I have now decided to pay out of pocket for a Naturalpathic Doc and try to save my own self. It looks like the medical field wants us to continue to fill our bodies was horse urine and the likes. Sorry I am being so sarcastic. I am exhaused and have been for years with mood swings, hot flashes and NO sex drive. Basically I am a Menopausal WRECK! Although this will be a process...I will keep you posted on the next phase in my life.

[kcunningham]

You know what ? I am going to check with an endocrinologist today. I will keep you posted. If this does not work then I will go ahead and see a naturalpathic specialist. You are right. I should go that avenue first. Thank you.

[regular_guy]

You know what ? I am going to check with an endocrinologist today. I will keep you posted. If this does not work then I will go ahead and see a naturalpathic specialist. You are right. I should go that avenue first. Thank you.

You're welcome... and please do let me know it goes! You can always bring up the topic of naturalistic medicines and treatments with whomever you see; doing so may be a good way of finding out how you like the doc.

I personally prefer natural medicines or homeopathy to pharmaceutical solutions. I really don't like taking pharmaceuticals, but I don't know any natural remedies for my particular condition; there may be one for yours, though.

[kcunningham]

Hello this is KC. That crazed menopausal woman. I called about your suggestion on specialist and they stated that this is for diabetics. I have made an appointment for next Tuesday with a naturalpath to get me straight. At this point I don't care what it costs for the doctor. I just want results. I want off of all of my meds like premarin etc. Keep you posted. TY

[regular_guy]

I called about your suggestion on specialist and they stated that this is for diabetics.

WHAT?!?!?! OK... diabetes is caused by a insulin problems; insulin is a hormone as well. But I can't understand why any doctor would say such a thing, endocrinology is not just for diabetics!

Who told you this? In my opinion, you need to call someone else!

I typed endocrinologist + testosterone in Google and came up with a lot of matches; one that appears to address your situation is here:

http://www.drmarinajohnson.com/Therapy/Testosterone/tabid/79/Default.aspx

I'm not recommending anyone, the above website is simply an example. Perhaps this Dr. Maria Johnson in Texas can help you find someone in your area, perhaps not.

[kcunningham]

I have found a Doctor Amanda Brimhall located in Kirkland Washington. I did check out the site you reccommended and you are right. I have spoken to so many people I have lost track where I received the information. You are a guy right ? Are you aware I am a woman. :-) Please tell me I am on the right forum. LOL

I will see her next Tuesday as I stated in my last email. I am desperate to see results but understand it could take up to a year to get all my hormone levels. So long as I can see some light at the end of this tunnel I will be happy. So far...no light but I am seeking it quickly. Take Care. KC