Struggling with low T for years, finally going to fix it

[nwolfe88]

Long story short, I've been struggling with low T for years. I've tested as low as 134 and as high as 450 (highest I've ever tested - at 21 years old). Basically, every blood test I've ever gotten shows the following: low total T, low free T, low/normal LH, low/normal FSH. Here's my latest bloodwork (below).

NOTE: I am currently on 25mg/day of Clomid to see if that helps, but if it doesn't, I will be searching for docs who prescribe HCG along with their treatment (I've been unsuccessful at finding one so far). I tried to do the referral section but I need 4 posts before it will let me.

I'm 27 years old, 215lbs (I tested at 134 when I was 165lbs and in shape)

Testosterone, Free & Total LC/MS/MS:
FREE TESTOSTERONE 42.5 Range: 35.0-155.0 pg/mL (Collection Date: 12/23/2015)
TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL, LC/MS/MS 274 Range: 250-1100 ng/dL (Collection Date: 12/23/2015)
FSH:
Follicle Stimulating Hormone 1.8 (no range given)
LH:
Luteinizing Hormone 1.7 (no range given)
Cortisol 19.1
Free T4 1.0 Range: 0.7-1.8 ng/dL (Collection Date: 12/23/2015)
Free T3 276 Range: 200-490
TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin):
TSI <89 Range: <140 % baseline (Collection Date: 12/23/2015)
THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODIES 1 Range: <9 IU/mL (Collection Date: 12/23/2015)
ESTRADIOL 26 Range: < OR = 39 pg/mL (Collection Date: 12/23/2015)
Prolactin 3.9 Range: 3.3-20.8 ng/mL (Collection Date: 12/23/2015)
TSH 1.81 Range: 0.50-6.00 MIU/mL (Collection Date: 12/23/2015)
FOLATE, SERUM 17.6 Range: ng/mL (Collection Date: 12/23/2015)
VITAMIN B12 668 Range: 200-1100 pg/mL (Collection Date: 12/23/2015)
Vit D 25 OH (Total) 61.5 Range: 31.0-100.0 ng/ml (Collection Date: 12/23/2015)

ACTH, PLASMA

30

6-50 (pg/mL)

IGF1 - 116 (63-373)

CBC and CMP are normal.

I go back for more tests on 2/24 to see how the Clomid is doing.

It must just be that I have low T for no apparent reason....

If the clomid doesn't work, and I have to switch to TRT, how do I go about finding a doc in my area that prescribes HCG with their treatment? Is that what the referral section is for?

Thanks a bunch

 

[Vince Carter]

I'd recommend that if you go that route, that you look first @ Defy Medical. It's a telemed based practice with the experts in the field...Dr Saya and Dr Crisler. It's out of pocket, but the lowest prices around.

 

[CoastWatcher]

Welcome to Excelmale! As Vince noted, many members here are Defy patients (I am not, I've good local medical care). To a man, they are happy with their care. You will not go wrong if you turn to them. All the best - keep us posted!

 

[nwolfe88]

I will definitely look in to it. I have reached out to BodyLogic since they have a couple spots in Columbus, OH where I'm located. Maybe the Clomid works and I don't have to worry about any of this anyway

 

[CoastWatcher]

I will definitely look in to it. I have reached out to BodyLogic since they have a couple spots in Columbus, OH where I'm located. Maybe the Clomid works and I don't have to worry about any of this anyway

You'll soon know...

 

[nwolfe88]

Could I just have low lh and fsh for no reason? It bothers me that I've never uncovered a root cause.

 

[Lancealot]

I will definitely look in to it. I have reached out to BodyLogic since they have a couple spots in Columbus, OH where I'm located. Maybe the Clomid works and I don't have to worry about any of this anyway

Welcome nwolfe88, I live in NW ohio and get treatment in cbus (hilliard actually) from a nurse practitioner. Let us know if you decide to seek care from bodylogic. Best of luck to you and this is a great forum, I have learned a ton and you will as well.

 

[nwolfe88]

Is there any members out there that know the docs in the Columbus Ohio area that prescribe HCG along with their TRT treatment?

 

[Lancealot]

Is there any members out there that know the docs in the Columbus Ohio area that prescribe HCG along with their TRT treatment?

PM sent nwolfe88

 

[Lancealot]

Word of caution, stay away from LowT center in Dublin. No hcg and 1 T injection per week.

 

[nwolfe88]

Funny you say that, I did a stint with them for 3 months and came off for that reason (HCG). Hopefully Clomid works for me. If not, I should be able to get a script for test cyp. and Adex from a doc, then supplement that with HCG from Defy Medical (if I can't get my main doc to prescribe). We will see.

I had an MRI awhile back, and no pituitary tumor was found. I think I just have Gnrh deficiency (low LH and FSH). Could there be a root cause of this? I'm only 27 and have been dealing with this the last few years.

 

[Sean Mosher]

PrimeBody is an option for you as well. Talk with Nick.

 

[Vince]

Funny you say that, I did a stint with them for 3 months and came off for that reason (HCG). Hopefully Clomid works for me. If not, I should be able to get a script for test cyp. and Adex from a doc, then supplement that with HCG from Defy Medical (if I can't get my main doc to prescribe). We will see.

I had an MRI awhile back, and no pituitary tumor was found. I think I just have Gnrh deficiency (low LH and FSH). Could there be a root cause of this? I'm only 27 and have been dealing with this the last few years.

I hope Clomid works for you. Please keep us updated.

 

[nwolfe88]

I hope Clomid works for you. Please keep us updated.

Same here and will do! If I respond well to it, I'm hoping to bump it down to 12.5mg EOD for long term (if the results don't "stick" after coming off of it).

 

[nwolfe88]

So, new bloodwork after a little over a month on 25mg ED of Clomid.

Total T, 682 (range 250-827)
Estradiol, 50 (range under 39) **
TSH, 1.54
Free T3, 3.2 (range 2.3-4.2)
FSH, 4.1 (range 1.6-8)
LH, 4.5 (range 1.5-9.3)

So, looks like my HPTA needed a kick in the pants. I have an appt. this week to discuss next steps. I'd like to try to get that Estradiol number down in the 20-30 range. It was 26 before Clomid.

Other than that, so far so good. She didn't test Free T even though I insisted on it multiple times....can't win them all :/

Thoughts?

 

[CoastWatcher]

So, new bloodwork after a little over a month on 25mg ED of Clomid.

Total T, 682 (range 250-827)
Estradiol, 50 (range under 39) **
TSH, 1.54
Free T3, 3.2 (range 2.3-4.2)
FSH, 4.1 (range 1.6-8)
LH, 4.5 (range 1.5-9.3)

So, looks like my HPTA needed a kick in the pants. I have an appt. this week to discuss next steps. I'd like to try to get that Estradiol number down in the 20-30 range. It was 26 before Clomid.

Other than that, so far so good. She didn't test Free T even though I insisted on it multiple times....can't win them all :/

Thoughts?

The most important question - how do you feel?

 

[ERO]

The 2 big questions are, how do you feel? And will your Total T number remain after you stop Clomid? (If you are planning to stop) Obviously that can only be answered with time.

 

[nwolfe88]

The most important question - how do you feel?

I definitely feel better that's for sure. I wouldn't say it's out of this world or anything, but much better. Although I have noticed the last couple weeks I've been a bit moody and irritable...I think possibly because of the rise in E2. I'm going to see about getting some arimidex from the doc...but I don't know if she'll prescribe since it's only 50, barely out of range. We'll see.

 

[nwolfe88]

The 2 big questions are, how do you feel? And will your Total T number remain after you stop Clomid? (If you are planning to stop) Obviously that can only be answered with time.

The doc sent 6 refills (6 months at 25mg ED) to the pharmacy so I suppose I could be on for 6 months, and probably will be. I'd like to make sure my HPTA is nice and woken up if I stop. I have heard the success rate of stopping Clomid and having your T number stick is low. I'm seeing doc again on wednesday, not sure what her plan is going to be.

 

[CoastWatcher]

The doc sent 6 refills (6 months at 25mg ED) to the pharmacy so I suppose I could be on for 6 months, and probably will be. I'd like to make sure my HPTA is nice and woken up if I stop. I have heard the success rate of stopping Clomid and having your T number stick is low. I'm seeing doc again on wednesday, not sure what her plan is going to be.

It is certainly possible to jumpstart via Clomid. Factors such as age, how long a person's been hypogonadal, why they are hypogonadal...all of it plays into the equation. Your doctor - you have confidence in her skills and knowledge of Clomid protocols?