"Low Testosterone Nearly Ruined My Life"
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Low Testosterone Symptoms
Before discovering I was dealing with low testosterone, I imagined the worst... topping that list was liver disease. Blood tests revealed big problems with this major organ. My blood test numbers were so off the charts, I was immediately rushed to the hospital for further testing; results revealed a liver in perfect condition, but for almost 2 years, I dealt with:
- Extreme depression.
- Fatigue so severe, I sometimes slept 18 hours a day.
- NO interest in sex.
- No interest in exercise.
- Weight gain.
- Difficulty in the simple act of walking.
- Wheezing.
- Sweating.
Low Testosterone Nearly Ruined My Life
Before a final diagnosis was discovered, doctors were telling me I suffered from severe depression, chronic fatigue syndrome and the one erroneous diagnosis that made me believe I was 'loosing it' - hypothyroidism. The side effects of the medication to treat this disease were unbearable.
Low testosterone affected every part of my life... but it especially harmed my social, marital and professional lives. I simply did not want to be around or talk to people. Low testosterone (or, Low T) negatively influenced my ability to concentrate. I wanted to perform well at my workplace, but willpower was no match for Low T.
This Condition Is No Joke
Maybe you've seen the TV spot prompting people suffering from a list of symptoms that describe a diagnosis of Low T. This commercial exudes an almost 'no big deal' attitude and suggests a follow-up with a doctor when you feel like taking that step. Low T is NO laughing matter and I could have saved damaged relationships, money, happiness and a positive outlook on life IF I would have corrected this condition much sooner.
What is Low T?
You may be thinking that "slowing down" is simply a natural process as we age. That is true, and the symptoms I outlined in my story could be one of many diseases older men naturally suffer. The ONLY way to discover if the blame is tied to Low T is a blood test for hypogonadism... a problem caused by Low T.
When my blood test results for Low T arrived at my doctor's office, I was called in immediately. Her opening statement was "you must feel just awful!" She then shared the numbers... my condition was the worst she had ever seen.
Don't Put It Off
The worst decision you can make is to just throw your hands up to the sky and think, "I feel awful ALL of the time, but I'm just getting older and it's natural to feel this way." No, no and another no for good measure.
Don't put this off - schedule an appointment for blood work and be fully open with your doctor. Low T is nothing to blow off - I was sinking so deeply, thoughts of 'I can't live this way another day' began to creep in. I knew I was in trouble and I got the help I needed in the form of the Androderm patch. I am writing this hub on June 6, 2011. I attached my first patch only 5 days ago, and the major life changes I've already experienced are amazing.
The deep depression is totally gone, I went to the gym yesterday, my wife and I attended a concert 2 nights ago. Small things? Yes. But to this writer, who for nearly two years, went outside the house ONLY when absolutely necessary, I say the transformation is miraculous!
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Thanks, Danny
When I look back on how I once survived living from day to day with Low T, I'm amazed I was able to carry out anything a normal man of 58 should have no problem doing. Long story, short, I'm now feeling GREAT every day. My strength is returning, but the best part of this discovery and treatment is the deep, dark depression I suffered under for years almost immediately vanished. I'm truly amazed and thankful for this incredible transformation.
Appreciate the comment.
I just found out from my endocrinologist that women can have this too. Great post!
Hi Julip,
Interesting... I wasn't aware of that possibility, but if the symptoms are the same I would hope they get treatment just as I did.
Thanks for the comment.
Dear All ,
I am a 24 year old guy who has been diagnosed with hypogonadism ( Secondary )
My Fsh , Lh and Testosterone levels are as under :
FSH : 2.3 ; LH : 2.4 ; Testosterone ( Total ) : 253
Testosterone ( Free ) : 24
SHBG : 16
I got my thyroid levels checked and they seem to be normal
TSH is 1.4.
I have been trying different alternative medicines for the past 4 months but nothing is working.
Should i go on TRT?
Does it cause testicular atrophy?
I am severely depressed and have stopped socialising , talking to people.
Please tell me what to do
:(
I feel for you Arjie. Did the doctor who ordered your blood tests not prescribe Androderm or another medication meant to restore your testosterone levels? If not, I'm very surprised. Ask - no, demand that your doctor prescribe the Androderm patch and your symptoms will seemingly magically disappear within 3-4 days. You will feel like a new person!
This is important information to share with others. Thanks for telling us about your experiences with low testosterone levels and how you are now feeling so much better. Nice to know that it is easily remedied. Up and useful!
Hi Peggy,
Amazing how we humans can so easily become accustomed to feeling badly and simply accept that reality. I was to the point where I could not visualize an every day lifetime of such suffering and depression. Getting help was the wise thing to do in my case. I don't feel 'great' every day, but my overall quality of life has improved tremendously. Thank you for the comment.
I'm a relatively healthy 56 year old - heading back to my doctor to address this issue, when I came across your site today. I've suspected low T as the reason for my general feeling of being tired and muscularly weaker. I don't have a lot of stress, and I get pretty good sleep - have very good diet/eating habits. Have been going to the gym regularly (3 times a week) since July of 2007, and this is a good thing - but I've found that it is really difficult for me to keep the muscle on, and I've been using whey which helps some -- but I just don't get the muscular RESPONSE that I would like. And sometimes I've noticed that working out just makes me tired - not a feeling of making progress. I'm not looking to be a roid head or anything (I don't do drugs or smoke). My last blood test in March of 2011 was interpreted with a "normal" testosterone level of 435. I did not argue with this until I saw a chart recently which showed that my testosterone level is average for a man 75-84 years of age! I should be at least a couple hundred points higher than that, for optimal health.
My appointment is this coming Thursday - will let you know how it goes. I won't take no for an answer - I am looking for optimal health, not a low-to-average testosterone level...
Bill.
And I really do understand your statement about getting used to being miserable -- I have a terrible tendency toward that!
Bill.
Hey Bill, Your situation sounds like mine. I am scheduled for a blood test next week and I will publish the numbers. I am very interested to know know how you are doing as well. I think you will be amazed at how much better you feel. Good luck to you, and thanks for the very good comments!
Hi sir , arjie here again.. i did ask for the androderm patches and i guess im starting in the next 3 days. I just wanted to know two things from you since youve been using androderm for a reasonable amount of time. how will it affect the testicles? do they become atrophied? also once i start with TRT at 23 ill have to go on it for the rest of my life right? does it improve ED too?
Quick question: I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO health ins. Are you having to pay an arm and a leg for your testosterone patch??
Thanks,
Bill
Sorry for the delayed answers - lost my hard drive 2 weeks ago, got it back today.
Bill: My blood tests confirmed I indeed suffered with this condition and they are paying most of the cost... my cost is $25.
Inspirational hub .I just love this one..Superbly presented with some great information regarding Low Testosterone
.Everybody should read this hub.Thanks a lot for sharing.:)
Hey guys, Great info indeed. I know the cost of low T I was diagnosed with testicular cancer 2 years ago and after the surgery my testosterone was in the low 300. I seriously thought I was going crazy, major depression, mood swings hot flashes my doctor said it was like male menopause lol Anyway,, every guy over 40 should get checked and please tell all you friends too. Thanks for sharing copywrite
Wow! You've really been to hell and back. You're right... Low T is NO joke.
Nice hub. voted up. gives insight into mens' health problems. please continue posting such great stuff.
Happy you enjoyed the hub, Mills. Appreciate the up vote!
Came across this blog and thought I'd share a link which shows male testosterone levels in age groups -
http://www.mens-hormonal-health.com/normal-testost
Many docs will tell you 250-1000 is 'normal'. So even if your a male in your 20's and you're bottom of the range most docs will tell you its normal and won't look at low T as a cause of your symptoms. This is what I'm going through right now. 25 years old, all the symptoms of low T along with blood work showing I'm right at the bottom of the range but because its withing range docs won't acknowledge that low T is the problem and they want me to see a shrink and take anti depressants. Just a heads up for anyone else, be careful because not even specialists, endos, uros know what they're talking about.
Knox, I'm in the same situation. I'm 27 and I live in Italy. I hope we're gonna find a solution for all this suffering.
I am coming at this from a wife's point of view. My husband is a relatively healthy man. We have dealt with sleep apnea, weight loss, depression, and ED all on a separate basis. It wasn't until our GP finally said that it wasn't normal for him to have NO sex drive at 45. Our Dr is in his 60's and still has a healthy sex life. So he tested his level and found it non existent basically at 200. Now we are waiting on more tests from the urologist before starting TRT. He has all the symptoms of low T, we just never considered it. We didn't know. Now that we do, I'm searching for any info I can find. He is so emotionally detached from me. He has failed too often at intercourse, that I'm afraid he may never get his confidence back. It is VERY hard for me not to take his lack of interest personally. It happened so gradually that I thought it was me, or that he was having an affair. I'm impatient. I want a quick fix. I hope that once he finally gets his balance again, I get my husband back. It just doesn't seem to effect him the way it does me.
If the diagnosis of LoT is correct, I feel sure your family doctor will start your husband on Androderm, or another medication designed to boost testosterone. Once he begins the medication you should see a complete turnaround within 1 week (if he responds as well to the medication as I.) Hopefully, that's PRECISELY what will happen! Thanks for sharing your story!
DannyMaio 11 months ago
Great Hub! Thanks for sharing, I'm sure this will help others. keep us informed of your progress! good luck.