First-time poster here. I am posting my recent lab results, and looking for anyone who has had similar lab findings or has thoughts on options for me to explore.
Background: I am a 44-year-old male. Around 14 years ago I completed a testosterone cycle, and almost immediately afterwards, I developed significant sexual dysfunction. My symptoms included a complete absence of morning/nocturnal erections, severely reduced libido, and dulled orgasms. Around the same time, I also developed persistent insomnia.
To potentially complicate matters, I also took Propecia for approximately 1-2 months shortly after my symptoms began.
My symptoms have never resolved, and have worsened over time to include erectile dysfunction.
Over the years, I have had standard bloodwork done on a number of occasions. The one consistent finding across multiple tests has been DHT coming back elevated or flagged above range. Everything else (testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH, prolactin, thyroid, etc.) has always appeared normal.
I have tried various hormonal treatments, including multiple TRT trials. On a handful of occasions across different treatments, I have experienced a brief 1-2 day window of normal sexual functioning (almost like a light switch was turned on) before symptoms return.
I recently had a ZRT Laboratory dried urine steroid hormone metabolites panel done, which measures various metabolites that I had not previously been tested for. A number of metabolites came back significantly out of range, most notably allopregnanolone, allopregnanediol, and cortisol all nearly double the upper limit, and pregnanediol, androsterone, and 5α,3α-androstanediol also elevated.
I am not currently on any hormonal treatment or supplements that would explain these findings. I am seeking any input from anyone who has had similar lab results or who might have thoughts on potential next steps for me to explore.
Link to lab results:
Background: I am a 44-year-old male. Around 14 years ago I completed a testosterone cycle, and almost immediately afterwards, I developed significant sexual dysfunction. My symptoms included a complete absence of morning/nocturnal erections, severely reduced libido, and dulled orgasms. Around the same time, I also developed persistent insomnia.
To potentially complicate matters, I also took Propecia for approximately 1-2 months shortly after my symptoms began.
My symptoms have never resolved, and have worsened over time to include erectile dysfunction.
Over the years, I have had standard bloodwork done on a number of occasions. The one consistent finding across multiple tests has been DHT coming back elevated or flagged above range. Everything else (testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH, prolactin, thyroid, etc.) has always appeared normal.
I have tried various hormonal treatments, including multiple TRT trials. On a handful of occasions across different treatments, I have experienced a brief 1-2 day window of normal sexual functioning (almost like a light switch was turned on) before symptoms return.
I recently had a ZRT Laboratory dried urine steroid hormone metabolites panel done, which measures various metabolites that I had not previously been tested for. A number of metabolites came back significantly out of range, most notably allopregnanolone, allopregnanediol, and cortisol all nearly double the upper limit, and pregnanediol, androsterone, and 5α,3α-androstanediol also elevated.
I am not currently on any hormonal treatment or supplements that would explain these findings. I am seeking any input from anyone who has had similar lab results or who might have thoughts on potential next steps for me to explore.
Link to lab results:
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