I’m 34, good shape at 6" 200lbs. Since I was 14 I’ve experienced major depression, and have recently been diagnosed Bipolar type 2. for the past 2 decades I’ve been on and off various antidepressants, and currently take depression and bipolar medicines. Long story short no matter what I do, I’ve spent the majority of my life feeling terrible.
This past January I went to a mens clinic hoping for some new insight. They took labs, and based on the following results prescribed weekly 200mg Cypionate. Knowing what I know now, I would have asked for more extensive labs, and would have never started such an inappropriate (for me) protocol.
1/9/17 Labcorp Lab Results:
Prolactin: 10.6 (4-15)
Ferritin: 121 (30-400)
Test Total: 256 (348-1197)
Test Free: 7.4 (9-25)
Initially I felt the best I’ve ever felt in my life. Sex, concentration, athletic ability, amazing sleep, and most important to me, for the first time in my life I had an extended period of ZERO depression/bipolar symptoms. This high last for approximately 4 weeks, but things progressively got worse. I became very irritable, bordering on irrationally angry at times, sex drive was zero, getting erections was a challenge, sleep was bad, back breaking out and very oily face etc. I was on TRT for 4.5 months before deciding to get a 2nd opinion.
After assessing the situation with my wife, we found a urologist that specializes in TRT. We met with him, he was great, but he was also pissed at the “mens clinic” for irresponsibly (his words) administering TRT. Based on my limited labs he felt we could have made healthy gains, but based on the symptoms I was exhibiting, was concerned my system could now be permanently shut down. We did a prostate exam, prostate was enlarged and approximated the size of a 50 year old. Not good. We agreed to taper down to get baseline labs to decide next steps. The lab results were:
Prolactin TSH: 1.5 (.5-5)
Prolactin: 7 (4-15)
Estradiol: 12 (8-43)
LH: 1 (2-9)
FSH: 2 (2-12)
Hemoglobin: 17 (13-18)
Hemotocrit: 52 (38-51)
Test Total: 119 (348-1197)
Test Free: 5 (9-25)
Alkaline Phosphate: 124 (39-117)
We meet with the Dr this Thursday. Obviously some of the labs are concerning. Yes, test is unacceptably low, however I’m personally more concerned about Estradiol, LH, FSH, Hemotocrit, Alkaline Phosphate, because I currently don’t understand how all the variables interact.
What concerns do you have? What questions should my wife and I ask the Dr? What should we be prepared to discuss? What do you think the expected treatment plan will be? What would be ideal?
Any comments, questions, concerns, input would be greatly appreciated!
Other pertinent info:
-age: 34
-height: 6’
-waist: 36
-weight: 200lbs
-describe body and facial hair: Average to minimal body hair. Small amount on chest & stomach, little to none on back. Facial hair is noticeable with a fair amount of stubble after not shaving for a couple of days. However, all areas besides upper lip are not thick enough to grow a full beard.
-describe where you carry fat and how changed: I carry most of my fat across my midsection and have noticeable love handles. They have been with me for life regardless of exercise and diet…
-health conditions, symptoms [history]: 5 documented concussions. Bone cancer at 26, however no chemo or radiation. Major depression and newly diagnosed Bipolar 2.
-Rx and OTC drugs, any hair loss drugs or prostate drugs ever: Zero hair loss or prostate drugs. Multiple combinations of depression meds and currently take Welbutrin, and Lamictal.
– real dangers! see this http://propeciahelp.com/overview57
-lab results with ranges: See above…will keep updated.
-describe diet [some create substantial damage with starvation diets]: Solid macro diet. All food groups between and between 1950-2250 calories depending on goal. No alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, or recreational drug use.
-describe training [some ruin there hormones by over training]: Currently lifting weights following Stronglifts 5x5.
-testes ache, ever, with a fever?: Consistent right testicle ache while on TRT, which has persisted while off to get baseline tests. No fever.
-how have morning wood and nocturnal erections changed: More often than not I don’t experience morning wood of nocturnal erections. Happens occasionally but certainly not often.