Good Evening T Forum members,
This is my very first post, so please forgive me if I have missed anything or not provided some of the information that is required.
I have been reading the various posts on here for a little while now and finally plucked up the courage to register to share my story and to see if any of you can help.
Over the last few years my health has somewhat deteriorated, I have suffered with depression and just haven’t been my usual self. I went to the doctors in April 2016 to get my blood checked to see if all my levels were all okay, just out of curiosity. My testosterone was at 10.2, which is on the low end of the scale, but everything else seemed fine. Over the past few months I have had some real ups and downs and I have struggled to stay focused and motivated with everything. I have overwhelming bouts of real sadness and become emotional for no reason. I get irritated very easily and become agitated and angry at the least little thing. I suffer with anxiety and I have noticed that I have become more anti-social and don’t feel like doing anything anymore. It is really affecting me and it has taken over my life. I don’t know what has happened but I just don’t feel like ‘ME’ anymore. The more I look at the side effects associated with low t, the more I think it could be this that is ruining my life.
I have had some recent tests done, which I have included below for you all to take a look at. Just a few days ago I went to get another blood test done, which returned a low t level of 7.0.
I was kind of relieved as it confirmed the way I had been feeling. Not sleeping (broken pattern), sore, itchy and dry eyes, dry scalp with flaky skin and frequently scratching and itching all over. I have also been feeling really stressed and depressed with a negative outlook on life.
The doctor sent me for another test two days later (similar time, am) and my low t returned at 14.3. I was devastated. One minute it was so low and then it returned within the normal range. I just couldn’t understand it as it was not a true reflection of the way I am feeling.
Can some of the experts on here help me out? I’m at a loss, completely!
Personal Information:
-age: 35
-height: 5’ 10"
-waist: 34
-weight: 12 stone 7 lbs
-describe body and facial hair:
Normal body and facial hair growth. Getting very itchy, dry scalp, dry skin on the head around the ears.
-describe where you carry fat and how changed:
Ectomorph type frame. Skinny fat, mainly mid-section, abdomen. Struggle to lose fat from this particular area when dieting. Find it difficult to build muscle.
-health conditions, symptoms:
Previously suffered with a long spell of depression. Was administered Citalopram during this time, for approximately three months before making the decision to discontinue use.
-Rx and OTC drugs, any hair loss drugs or prostate drugs ever:
Citalopram for depression.
No hair loss drugs.
Accutane for Acne / Oily skin when I was in my teens.
It is important to note that I did take steroids in my very early 20’s, for a period of 3-6 months. Substances used were: Nandrolone Decanoate, Testex, along with oral Dianabol. I have also taken Oxymetholone 50’s. I DID NOT do any form of PCT. I was young, naive and completely unaware of the implications this would have at the time.
-lab results with ranges:
Firstly, my apologies here. I can only post the results I have in front of me and I have not had extensive tests done. It seems my doctor has not asked for all the specific tests that may be required. So I can only post the basic information I have available.
April 2016: (NHS)
**Serum TSH Level: satisfactory 0.81 miu/L (0.30 - 5.00 miu/L)
**Serum Testosterone: satisfactory 10.2 nmol/L (9.00 - 29.00 nmol/L)
**Serum total Vit D level: adequate 65 (75.00 - 150 nmol/L)
Advised on Vitamin D supplementation.
October 25th 2016: (NHS)
Blood taken at: 08:50 hours.
**Serum Testosterone: 7.0 nmol/L (9.0 - 29.0 nmol/L)
No TSH taken.
**Other areas that were flagged:
Haematocrit: 0.510 (0.390 - 0.500)
MCHC: 304 g/L (310 - 360 g/L)
October 27th 2016: (NHS)
Blood Taken at: Approx. 09:00 hours.
Test Result given via telephone conversation:
**Serum Testosterone 14.3 nmol/L (09.00 - 29.00 nmol/L)
Currently awaiting to see doctor to discuss results and possible issues and treatment etc. TRT had previously been discussed. Gels and a referral to Endo.
-describe diet [some create substantial damage with starvation diets]
Balanced diet, combination of flexible dieting and a more nutritious approach used when ‘bulking’ and ‘cutting’. Whey supplementation, Creatine, Pre-Workout, BCAA’s. Drink a lot of water, varies on a daily basis.(2-4 litres) At the moment diet is very relaxed as not in a cutting phase.
-describe training [some ruin there hormones by over training]
Train on average 4-5 days per week. Progressive overload principles, 6-8 rep ranges. Some occasional higher rep range work 8-10 reps. Focus on good form. Training has recently become very difficult, feel lethargic, lifts have decreased. It’s always a struggle to gain quality muscle. I seem to put on size but seem gain a lot of fat. I train hard and I have been very consistent over the past 2 years. Lifted on and off since I was 17.
-testes ache, ever, with a fever?
Yes, I have occasional dull aches that come and go in that particular area. No swelling or changes that I can tell though. No fever.
-how have morning wood and nocturnal erections changed
This has become more noticeable, less frequent in mornings and evenings. Decreased sex drive, although no issues maintaining erections etc. Generally average Libido. Previously high sex drive.
Apologies for the long post, I hope I have at least given you an insight as to my current situation. If you require any further information, I will do my best to provide you with all you need. Thanks in advance. O_L_R