hypogonadism

[-bob-]

I have been diagnosed with hypogonadism and prescribed androgel. Biggest problem was severe loss of previously extensive muscle mass and low energy level.
The endoctrinologist said that the testosterone would 'nudge' the other homones into normal range and I needed no other supplements. Does this fit with information from other sources? Or should I concern myself with gaining more information on other recommended actions?
Also, I have normally run high hemoglobin levels (17+) before symptoms of hypogonadism. Doc now says that this high of a reading requires him to reduce the androgel dose. If I am restoring previous levels I don't see the problem. Can anybody enlighten me?
Is there a recommended routine for similar circumstances?
Does my body 'urban renewal project' present any special considerations to a normal body building program?
thanks
bob

 

[HGH man]

For one Bob ,I would go back to your endocrinologist and tell him you want to get on test enthenate. I will help you restored body mass that I think you are talking about. Androgel ,I know many people that were on that a they said that is not the way to go. I am hypopituitary so I know what your going thru. I taken injections for 15 years already and seen the same endo.

 

[Fast Twitch Fiber]

I have hypoG as well. I took androgel for a long time but switched to injectable cypionate. I hated having to rub that shit on me every morning and it also gave me a bad rash. However, it will work for it's intended purpose. For regular HRT it is actually better than injecting as your test levels will remain constant as opposed to peaking and then declining between injections. However, it's not so good for a juice cycle as you would have to take a bath in the stuff to get any results.

 

[Maetenloch]

Before you start TRT, you might try a restoration PCT. There have been studies where hypogonadal men's test levels were restored to normal levels by doing an 8-12 week course of nolvadex and HCG. It's worth a try. If it doesn't bring you back, there's always androgel or test cyp.

 

[thelion2005]

Before I comment ....
You state you have been diagnosed with hypogonadism.
What is your age and how was this diagnosis made?

I'm trying to understand if you are over 40 and need HRT or a younger man with a sudden drop in test production.

I'd also be curious about your estrogen level.

 

[Big_Joe]

There can be a problem with androgel if you have kids. If it is on your skin it can get onto your kids if the touch something that so sweat on. Or if they touch you directly. This is very bad for your kids. I believe it was Mike Matarazzo's son that this happened to. He would lift with his dad and get it off the bench. He went into precocious puberty, this is not a good thing.

 

[ALIN]

For one Bob ,I would go back to your endocrinologist and tell him you want to get on test enthenate. I will help you restored body mass that I think you are talking about. Androgel ,I know many people that were on that a they said that is not the way to go. I am hypopituitary so I know what your going thru. I taken injections for 15 years already and seen the same endo.

i agree. ask you doc for test injections.

 

[Maetenloch]

Here's one of the studies I was referring to - unfortunately I couldn't find the original paper.
http://www.bodyhouse.dk/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=21878&pageNo=1

What's interesting is that they were able to increase the average total test levels of the men from 98 to 692. That's quite an improvement.

 

[chyllaxyn]

I didn't like the Androgen either, maybe it was just me but it felt it was giving me very uneven T levels.
I have heard others that prefer it over the injectables.
The gel or other injectables will get some muscle mass back and it made me feel 100% better mmentally.
But HRT is not BB AAS usage, that is a very different animal.
And something you should consider carefully and educate yourself on , if that is the direction you intend to go .

 

[-bob-]

Thanks for the responses, it is reassuring that I'm not the only one with these issues.
I'm 57 and have been a natural athlete most of my life without any supplementation. My internal medicine doctor is now treating me after referral to endoctrinologist and diagnosis of secondary hypogonadism. My initial blood test testosterone level was 297 and after several months of hrt (androgel) is now 593. It was 703 after the first 3 months, but the androgel dose was reduced because of a hemoglobin result of 17.2. I've previously been told I had unusually high hemoglobin (years of regular red cross blood donation results and doctor cbc tests). I don't know what the estrogen level was initially but my internist said that 'female hormones' had been reduced after reading a followup blood test after about 2 months.
Does this mean that I would not be able to go the PCT route?
I had a serious head injury several years ago and I was told hypogonadism was probably due to damaged pituatary but do not know how that was determined.
At the initial hrt level things seemed like I had returned to 'normal', at the reduced dosage I have had similarly reduced results.
The endoctrinologist I saw was a diabetes specialist and did not seem as well informed as people on this site are, and I'm trying to learn as much as I can before I seek additional treatment(s) or alternate doctors.
I'm very concerned about the hemoglobin factor because I don't understand what the problem is since I have had high hemoglobin up until the last few years.
I am seeing doctors at a teaching hospital and I wonder if they might be excessively conservative. Would seeing a private endoctrinolist be advised?
I'm more interested in body 'urban renewal' than extreme body building, but I'm trying to restore my previous muscle mass and energy levels. I guess this is a 'semi' body building approach. Even the reduced androgel is helping, but it seems to be very, very slow going.
Any comments, suggestions, or potential alternate doctor information in the eastern NC area, are greatly appreciated.

 

[HGH man]

Go with test en and you will feel like spring chicken,believe me !