Low LH and Libido

[Yort]

Long story short..I was on TRT for about a year with virtually no positive results. My primary goal was to increase my libido which it did not. I'm 55, about 180 pounds and generally in good health. I'm recently divorced and have been dating a very attractive young woman for about a year. For all this time I have been "faking" a libido with Cialis. I have tried just about everything to improve my sex drive with no success. I'm getting desperate and depressed. I feel I may lose her if I don't get this fixed soon.

My testosterone level is 520 and probably normal for a man my age, but my LH is consistently low, ranging from 1.3 - 2.2 over the last several years. I have read that low LH may be related to low libido. I'm considering trying a low does of HCG to raise my LH. I would appreciate any advice or experience with HCG. Thanks

My most recent labs.

 

[Systemlord]

My testosterone level is 520 and probably normal for a man my age, but my LH is consistently low, ranging from 1.3 - 2.2 over the last several years.

Low-T isn’t defined by Total T, the Free T, the stuff that interacts with your tissues, converts to other hormones and increases libido, builds muscle, gives the ability to get strong and sensitive erections, it was truly matters.

A lot of men don’t really understand what is libido, libido is sexual thoughts, attraction (in your brain), but if your plumbing doesn’t work, there’s no arousal. Libido is mental, the erections and arousal is a physical response.

ED drugs will not work if your Free T is low, no matter where your Total T sits.

Your current labs tests are an incomplete picture, testing the Free T using one of the more accurate testing methods, such as the equilibrium dialysis method, is recommended.

It would also be a good idea to check your SHBG and estrogen.

I'm considering trying a low does of HCG to raise my LH.

hCG is an LH analog, it mimics LH, it doesn’t increase it. hCG will shut down your HPTA that secretes LH, but stimulates the testes to make testosterone.

The hCG doesn’t always work well in older men, the leydig cells can only function optimally for so long. The hCG can potentially comes with side effects, more so than TRT alone.

 

[TUMBLEWEED_]

I definitely feel increased libido with HCG, 500iu 3x week, compared to when I don't use it. Everyone is different in their issues and chemical response for many reasons. I say give HCG a shot. Also, how's your estrogen? Has a lot to do with libido too and everyone feels good at different levels within reason. I have to take arimidex because I aromatize more than others I know. So all these hormones and how we control them is extremely specific for each person.

Just look at steroid users. Two guys can take 600 mg of test per week. One could get gyno, one won't. One could get bad acne, one won't. Exogenous hormones enhance your natural hormone balance, in general.

 

[paralyzer]

Brother - a few notes -

1. You are 55 - don't feel embarassed about taking Cialis. You need it. Not being insulting - but by 55, most of us are going to have function issues. Be happy that the Cialis is working.

2. You're probably getting stage fright. Explain to your gal that sometimes you have function issues, and it has nothing to do with her. Getting that out of the way will help your mind, if you can't get going on some nights.

3. Pro-tip:
Before sex, massage her. Make her wear a gstring, buy some MCT oil, and start rubbing it on her body. Then just fantasize about her - touch the parts you like most about her (jack yourself a little to get going) - give her a good back massage tho (believe me - she'll want to have sex all the time, if it starts with a 10 minute back massage). I do this with my wife frequently, and it gets me going pretty fast, especially if I jack myself while massaging with the other hand.

4. P-Shot:
Some doctors offer a PRP shot into your penis, called a P-Shot. I got two rounds of this and it helped a lot.

5. Therapy:
You might want to consider some therapy - especially after a divorce. It'll just help to calm your nerves and untangle some tough things in your head.

6. Yoga:
This helps libido enormously. Helps you relax, connect with your inner soul - just makes it easy to accept love (sorry to sound cheesy).

7. Meds:
I briefly took Thyroid meds and they killed my libido (in case you're on them). Progesterone always boosts my libido (but use it in small quantities). PT 141 also helped my libido.

Don't fret. Your gal probably adores you. Just enjoy and calm down

 

[tropicaldaze1950]

I'm considering going off of testosterone(injections).

The question of suppressed LH from TRT in regards to mood/cognitive blunting and sexual function is a subject I've begun researching. Been on and off prescribed TRT for over 10 years at various doses, different protocols including subq, microdosing, topical and pellets. Labs always looked good but never translated into improved sexual function or improved mood. Libido/desire have always responded to T.

For some men, for whatever reason(s), can long term suppression of LH be detrimental? The flip side comparison would be men with a super high E2 who have raging sexual function. The suggestion might be made to try HCG, even as a mono therapy or retry low dose daily shots. Right now, just have had enough. Thanks.

EDIT: Found a thread from @Cataceous about reduced or suppressed GnRH, which is relevant to what I'm seeking.