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Low testosterone

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kathy_caribe

Jun 13, 13 11:12

Post #26 of 44 (683 views)

Re: Low testosterone [DawnT] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

here you go http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...;;page=unread#unread
http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com

trackie clm

Jun 13, 13 11:54

Post #27 of 44 (649 views)

Re: Low testosterone [sto] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

sto wrote:

Friday's, test results came back with a Free T4 of .02. Essentially nothing.

Today I went in for more bloodwork as my doc is baffled by this, and I started the cream. I went to see about applying for a TUE from USADA. I was shocked and upset to find out that you cannot get a TUE for T for women. These numbnuts state that there are "other" treatment options for women avaible, but don't bother to say what they are, and my endo has nothing else to go on.

Anyhow, I guess I don't need a TUE for couch surfing, because I still am so tired, dizzy and weak, I can barely move. Fun times. Hoping the new bloodwork tells me something...

Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well and kicking ass like I know you can do healthy.

Yes, the TUE and T - been there, had to totally change medication since my doc said she couldn't ethically sign a TUE since there was a different option (not as good IMO). And yes, they do test Masters at the track nats. I hope they get something figured out for you.

clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm

sto

Jun 13, 13 13:51

Post #28 of 44 (573 views)

Re: Low testosterone [jxj] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Hi:

I am baffled by if you have a hypogonadism why you WOULD NOT get a TUE. This hormone shit is NO joke. I would get a TUE in a heartbeat, if I could. I heard they are expensive. Can you comment?

I take estrogen. Without it I am a trainwreck. I see taking T for men with hormone issues as the same. As long as you aren't jacking your levels up to a DOPING (above limit) level, than why the heck not???

-------------------------------------------------
"so i've got that going for me, which is nice"
- Carl Spackler

DawnT

Jun 13, 13 13:53

Post #29 of 44 (569 views)

Re: Low testosterone [sto] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Several people in the other thread said it was practically impossible to get a TUE for low-T. Just having a low level isn't good enough. They make you jump through quite a few hoops to get the TUE and it seems like it is often denied.

sto

Jun 13, 13 13:57

Post #30 of 44 (567 views)

Re: Low testosterone [dreaming~big] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Kate!

My doc prescribed the B12 to me yesterday, and I injected my ass with it. I'm supposed to take it every 3 days. Anyhow. I will google that now.

-------------------------------------------------
"so i've got that going for me, which is nice"
- Carl Spackler

jxj

Jun 13, 13 17:18

Post #31 of 44 (476 views)

Re: Low testosterone [sto] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I decided to not take AndroGel mainly because of the side-effects. Also because of how unlikely I will get it.

Anyhow, I hope you feel better soon. Take some time off and give yourself some love. Things will get better, they have for me.

RaisinHater

Jun 16, 13 18:10

Post #32 of 44 (259 views)

Re: Low testosterone [trichic] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

This is a timely thread for me as I just had all my hormones etc checked to see if I was menapausal (I was told I wasnt) I do take 15 mg Armour thyroid and 100 mg Spironalactone daily. I have felt like my endurance levels and strength have really waned over the past year and I cant ever imagine doing anything longer than an Olympic distance now even though i would very much like to. My question is this- my Testosterone Total Serum 14 Range 8-60and my DHEA Free was 0.446 LOW Range 0.630-4.700
The testosterone technically falls WNL but it seems pretty low to me-especially being an athlete....the DHEA is definitely below normal. The GP I went to said I'd have to go to an Endocrinologist to discuss the results. I don't want to waste time and money if anyone out there has any other knowledgeable advice.
Thanks people...btw age is 49. Been competing for 15 years

instigator

Jun 17, 13 6:54

Post #33 of 44 (220 views)

Re: Low testosterone [RaisinHater] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Why are you on the spirnonalactone? I was on it a while back for the treatment of reoccuring outbreaks of cysts. When I was taking it I did some research on how it works and learned that spirnonalactone reduces the body's production of testosterone and blocks androgen receptors. This pharmacology could be a contributing to your low T. And just as an FYI, spirnonalactone is on the WADA list of prohibited substance as they consider it a diuretic. If I remember correctly, a pro female triathlete recently received a ban or was displined for taking spirnonalactone for uses other than a diuretic. If you regularly compete you many want to investigate if you need a TUE or what that process is.

PS I am not a DR. These are just some of the things i talked to my dr about when I was taking the drug.

RaisinHater

Jun 17, 13 7:25

Post #34 of 44 (218 views)

Re: Low testosterone [instigator] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Thanks for the response. On spironalatone similar to the reason you were on it. Can't imagine it'd be any benefit performance wise since it dehydrates you quicker but that's good to be aware of. Yes it had occurred to me it could be altering the levels but wanted to verify that is the case. No sense investigating the bloodwork further if that indeed is the answer. Appreciate everyone's input!!

TriGirrrrl

Jun 17, 13 10:30

Post #35 of 44 (195 views)

Re: Low testosterone [RaisinHater] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

yup spironolactone is essentially anti testosterone

as is drosperinone (the progestin in Yasmin/yaz etc)

I try never to give those to athletes

RaisinHater

Jun 17, 13 11:45

Post #36 of 44 (185 views)

Re: Low testosterone [TriGirrrrl] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Thanks for that info. What about the DHEA issue? Is it related-what about supplements for that? Thank you

trackie clm

Jun 17, 13 12:32

Post #37 of 44 (176 views)

Re: Low testosterone [RaisinHater] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

RaisinHater wrote:

Thanks for that info. What about the DHEA issue? Is it related-what about supplements for that? Thank you

PROHIBITED

This ingredient or brand is included on the WADA Prohibited List.

Athletes who have been diagnosed with a medical condition that requires the use of a prohibited substance may apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to request permission for the use of the prohibited substance.

Everyone should be familiar with the Global DRO. You can look up any medication to see what the status is.

http://www.globaldro.org/

clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm

RaisinHater

Jun 17, 13 12:51

Post #38 of 44 (171 views)

Re: Low testosterone [trackie clm] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Not sure how that applies to having below normal natural DHEA levels. Just trying to obtain a within normal limits number since I understand DHEA plays a big role in adrenal fatigue

meuf

Jun 18, 13 2:24

Post #39 of 44 (133 views)

Re: Low testosterone [RaisinHater] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

RaisinHater wrote:

Not sure how that applies to having below normal natural DHEA levels. Just trying to obtain a within normal limits number since I understand DHEA plays a big role in adrenal fatigue

low DHEA is a sign of adrenal fatigue as it is an adrenal hormone. Likely the spironolactone is playing a role as DHEA is androgenic.

If your DHEA does not come up on its own off spironolactone there are studies demonstrating efficacy with accupuncture.

My guess is that the DHEA is reversible but yes you are low.

RaisinHater

Jun 18, 13 4:19

Post #40 of 44 (127 views)

Re: Low testosterone [meuf] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Thank you everyone for your input. I really appreciate it. Its amazingly hard to get answers from the person that actually prescribed the blood work!! And they're the ones getting paid!!

TriGirrrrl

Jun 18, 13 7:21

Post #41 of 44 (112 views)

Re: Low testosterone [RaisinHater] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

there are adrenal support formulas (Thorne comes to mind) but make sure there are no glandulars (adrenal extracts from animals as they are both dangerous IMO and on the prohibited list due to containing actual hormones) but ones that contain things like siberian ginseng etc would be fine and likely help your adrenals

RaisinHater

Jun 18, 13 7:33

Post #42 of 44 (109 views)

Re: Low testosterone [TriGirrrrl] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Thanks again. I guess my question would now be is it even worthwhile to take any supplements at all if I have to continue taking the spironalatone ?? Would it be counterproductive to the effects of it? And if I do supplement , what about just DHEA 25 mg over the counter ??

sto

Jun 18, 13 10:03

Post #43 of 44 (85 views)

Re: Low testosterone [RaisinHater] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

Hi:

Just so you know DHEA is a banned substance as well. If you choose to go this route, I've read that you should start low and slowly increase you levels. Start at 5mg and go up from there every few weeks. Another doc had suggested supplementing mine to improve me levels, however, they were NOT low, and a no way for me. I don't know if there is any counter indication, you probably need to ask your doc. I would never just start randomly supplementing.

As for me.....

In my no T test, my DHEA-S levels were like 90, so I do not have low DHEA. Just NO T.

My labs came back yesterday and I have an appt tomorrow with my endo to review. Saturday I started to rebound. The blurred / double vision / dizziness and 12 hour sleeping / feeling like i'd been hit by a truck / can't get off the couch, are gone completely as of yesterday. I was able to ride with my DH last night for the first time in 10 days. He went with me for a short easy 25, just in case I melted down, and needed help, but i felt awesome.

I am still hungry ALL the time and can't tolerate coffee (say whaaaaat?!?!?!). One thing is that eating makes me feel wired. Its a very strange feeling.

Right now I am only doing the vitamin B12 injections, iron, and other vitamins. I do not feel the need for the T at all, and in fact it makes me more jittery and and whacked out, and since I'm somewhat normal again, there is no reason. The B12 seems to have the biggest impact on my energy level.

I am super anxious to see what the blood tests reveal. This is the 3rd time that I've had this "syndrome" in the past couple of years. Normally it lasts just a few days, but this time it was utterly debilitating and was a good 10-12 days of awful. This is the first time I've gone all in with the bloodwork, so praying we find the root cause of this nonsense.

-------------------------------------------------
"so i've got that going for me, which is nice"
- Carl Spackler

TriGirrrrl

Jun 18, 13 12:55

Post #44 of 44 (65 views)

Re: Low testosterone [RaisinHater] [In reply to]	Quote \| Reply

I would stop the spironolactone

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