[quote]neurolift wrote:
[quote]jk270 wrote:
[quote]KSman wrote:
Iodine deficient! Get an iodine supplement or iodine rich supplement and take a lot a first to build levels, then a maintenance dose. Others in your family may be deficient too. Yes a basic digital fever thermo works well too. Also check temp during the day when no food, drink or talking. Hypothyroidism can lower T levels.
Get iodized salt or find iodized sea salt if possible.
Adrenals may be weak. Have you tested DHEA-S levels? Are sweet cravings new or tracking your not feeling well?
At your age, you clearly have hypogonadism. You need to get tests to determine if primary or secondary. If secondary, tests to determine if a pituitary adinoma is responsible. High prolactin levels would also point to that.
[/quote]
DHEA-S levels have not been tested, just couldn’t afford it at the time, if I can’t get them tested I will pay out though. Sweet cravings are not new, can’t remember not having them. I am seeing a doctor on Monday morning, is it a good idea to bring up the test results or should I just describe my symptoms and let the good doctor decide on appropriate tests?
-TT
-FT or bio-T
-E2
-PSA
-DRE: the dreaded digital rectal exam, doc gives you the finger.
In terms of tests, TT, bio-T, e2, PSA are all preferable I assume?If none or some of these tests are not deemed needed should I make a point of asking? Not sure if you are familiar with docs on the NHS in the UK but they can be fairly unsympathetic/stubborn. Again, appreciate your time. Are their any texts/books that may be of help to me?[/quote]
TT, bio-T, E2, LH, FSH are the bare minimum. There are many more tests you should have, but you definitely need those when dealing with hypogonadism. A good recent book on the subject is “Testosterone for Life” by Abraham Morgentaler. Better yet, here is a LEF article that covers the basics of his book:
lef.org/magazine/mag2010/jun2010_Abraham-
Morgentaler-Testosterone-Therapy-for-Life_02.htm
In it he states that low normal free testosterone levels deserve a trial of trt. Also, print out the Mayo clinic age dependent ranges that I posted above. You now have more than enough ammunition to get some help if you so desire (and if your doctor has half a brain).[/quote]
Thank you, interesting read. I will angle for adrenal and thyroid labs too if not suggested in order to identify the cause of the low testosterone levels. I’ll update on Monday. Also, I am nearly always carrying an injury of some sort, not broken bones etc but just muscle pulls etc that don’t heal, could low T be correlated with this in your opinion, I have seen them connected. Thanks.