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Author sudden drop in libido?
fourkids

2005-05-14, 9:01 am

Hi,

I have searched, and have been unable to locate anything that might be
relevant...

My story is long, so I will be as brief as possible:

38 yr Male
6'6"
Was 295, now 262 and shooting for 250.
Married (happily...really)
4 kids
no abnormal work situation

Diagnosed with low testo 3 yrs ago, using androgel since
On Wellbutrin for depression induced by adult ADD for over 2 years
Also started Ritalin (abt 4 weeks ago)

low HDL, slightly elevated Triglycerides (like 151 with 150 as high).
The low HDL is a chronic issue not related to diet...believe me, I've
tried. Taking high dose niacin (2g daily)

Why am I here? I experienced a sudden and rapid loss in libido over
the last few weeks. I know, it corresponds to the Ritalin, but loss
of libido from Ritalin is very rare...frankly, it increases it in most
people. Wellbutrin slightly increased an already high libido. I am
investigating this, but am looking for other issues...

Stress levels are good...besides, usually during periods of high
stress, I seek out sex with the wife rather than avoid it...had good
libido during period of worst stress for 6 months mid 2004.

The only major changes are the Ritalin and the weight loss...neither of
which should trigger this in my mind anyway.

I have to go to the doctor soon...havn't had blood tests in over a
year...any suggestions on what I might steer her to?

Also, does anyone know a good ED/testo/impotence doc in Boulder or
Denver, CO?

Thanks in advance for any hints on the sudden drop issue.

dave

DX Wanderer

2005-05-14, 9:01 am

On Thu, 12 May 2005 22:13:18 -0400, fourkids wrote
(in message <1115950398.313372.276810@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com> ):

> Hi,
>
> I have searched, and have been unable to locate anything that might be
> relevant...


> Also started Ritalin (abt 4 weeks ago)
>
> low HDL, slightly elevated Triglycerides (like 151 with 150 as high).
> The low HDL is a chronic issue not related to diet...believe me, I've
> tried. Taking high dose niacin (2g daily)
>
> Why am I here? I experienced a sudden and rapid loss in libido over
> the last few weeks. I know, it corresponds to the Ritalin, but loss
> of libido from Ritalin is very rare...frankly, it increases it in most
> people. Wellbutrin slightly increased an already high libido. I am
> investigating this, but am looking for other issues...


Give me a break. You already know it's the ritalin. Why not just stop taking
it a for a week and see what happens? Unless you like searching for doctors
and having blood tests done. WTF are you taking ritalin for anyway?

Wanderer

Muerta

2005-05-14, 9:01 am


"fourkids" <dearly@quallaby.com> wrote in message
news:1115950398.313372.276810@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> Hi,
>
> I have searched, and have been unable to locate anything that might be
> relevant...
>
> My story is long, so I will be as brief as possible:
>
> 38 yr Male
> 6'6"
> Was 295, now 262 and shooting for 250.
> Married (happily...really)
> 4 kids
> no abnormal work situation
>
> Diagnosed with low testo 3 yrs ago, using androgel since
> On Wellbutrin for depression induced by adult ADD for over 2 years
> Also started Ritalin (abt 4 weeks ago)
>
> low HDL, slightly elevated Triglycerides (like 151 with 150 as high).
> The low HDL is a chronic issue not related to diet...believe me, I've
> tried. Taking high dose niacin (2g daily)
>
> Why am I here? I experienced a sudden and rapid loss in libido over
> the last few weeks. I know, it corresponds to the Ritalin, but loss
> of libido from Ritalin is very rare...frankly, it increases it in most
> people. Wellbutrin slightly increased an already high libido. I am
> investigating this, but am looking for other issues...
>
> Stress levels are good...besides, usually during periods of high
> stress, I seek out sex with the wife rather than avoid it...had good
> libido during period of worst stress for 6 months mid 2004.
>
> The only major changes are the Ritalin and the weight loss...neither of
> which should trigger this in my mind anyway.
>
> I have to go to the doctor soon...havn't had blood tests in over a
> year...any suggestions on what I might steer her to?
>
> Also, does anyone know a good ED/testo/impotence doc in Boulder or
> Denver, CO?
>
> Thanks in advance for any hints on the sudden drop issue.
>
> dave
>


At Doc have your E2 tested. Gel causes monstrous aromataze, which causes
elevated E2, which, over time, causes T receptors to shut down.

Logical next step.


Joe D.

2005-05-14, 9:01 am

You're right Ritalin rarely has sexual side effects. It tends
to increase dopamine, which theoretically could even have
pro-sexual effects.

However if your problems begin roughly when you started
Ritalin, consider temporarily reducing or stopping that.

Anyone on testosterone should periodically have blood tests
for testosterone, estradiol, and hematocrit. The Androgel package
insert specifically suggests follow up blood tests, adjusting the
dosage, until desired testosterone levels are reached. Many
doctors don't do this so the patients never reach an appropriate
level.

Transdermal testosterone can be affected by application routine.
E.g, if you change application sites, time of day relative to showering,
etc. this could affect the resultant blood testosterone level.



Jerry Sturdivant

2005-05-14, 9:01 am


"fourkids" <dearly@quallaby.com> wrote

> Was 295, now 262 and shooting for 250.


What are you doing for the weight loss? Heavy exercise can cause a problem,
as can some 'special diet' foods.


Jerry of ASI


Joe Parsons

2005-05-15, 11:51 am

On 12 May 2005 19:13:18 -0700, "fourkids" <dearly@quallaby.com> wrote:

[snip]

>Diagnosed with low testo 3 yrs ago, using androgel since
>On Wellbutrin for depression induced by adult ADD for over 2 years
>Also started Ritalin (abt 4 weeks ago)
>
>low HDL, slightly elevated Triglycerides (like 151 with 150 as high).
>The low HDL is a chronic issue not related to diet...believe me, I've
>tried. Taking high dose niacin (2g daily)
>
>Why am I here? I experienced a sudden and rapid loss in libido over
>the last few weeks. I know, it corresponds to the Ritalin, but loss
>of libido from Ritalin is very rare...frankly, it increases it in most
>people. Wellbutrin slightly increased an already high libido. I am
>investigating this, but am looking for other issues...


You might try asking your question in alt.support.attn-deficit. That newsgroup
can be an excellent resource for matters surrounding ADHD and its treatment.

HTH,
Joe Parsons
fourkids

2005-05-15, 11:51 am

weight watchers point system and exercise. no special foods, greatly
reduced the amount of "packaged" food I was eating, but we do do
stoufer lean cusine periodically.

exercise is mostly walking, but I did start jogging. I can do about 2
miles@5 mph (12 minute miles). Jogging really started to shave the
weight off. I am also lifting weights twice a week. Usually do 30-40
minutes on the treadmill on days I lift, a full 50-60 on "treadmill
day".

what kind of problems can exercise cause?

fourkids

2005-05-15, 11:51 am

Look, when everyone in my little circle of health professionals tells
me that it is HIGHLY unlikely that it isn't the ritalin, I decided to
see if there was anything else I should consider.

I know that it may be the ritalin, but to be able to see if it is, I
will need to go off for about 2 weeks, and I can't afford to right now
becuase I take it to MAKE ME FUNCTIONAL.

Adults have ADD too, so try and be a little understanding about other
peoples issues...

Joe Parsons

2005-05-15, 11:51 am

On 14 May 2005 13:11:53 -0700, "fourkids" <dearly@quallaby.com> wrote:

>Look, when everyone in my little circle of health professionals tells
>me that it is HIGHLY unlikely that it isn't the ritalin, I decided to
>see if there was anything else I should consider.


Ritalin (methylphenidate hcl) is a mild stimulant. It works primarily by making
more dopamine available. Dopamine affects attentiveness and mood, among other
things.

I have never heard of anyone's libido being negatively affected by taking
therapeutic doses of Ritalin.

Keep in mind that there is a certain amount of demonization of this particular
medication; one journalist referred to it as "kiddie cocaine." Those kinds of
statements typically come from ignorance.

>I know that it may be the ritalin, but to be able to see if it is, I
>will need to go off for about 2 weeks, and I can't afford to right now
>becuase I take it to MAKE ME FUNCTIONAL.


It can be very useful, indeed.

>
>Adults have ADD too, so try and be a little understanding about other
>peoples issues...


Joe Parsons

2005-05-18, 9:02 am

On 12 May 2005 19:13:18 -0700, "fourkids" <dearly@quallaby.com> wrote:

[snip]

>Diagnosed with low testo 3 yrs ago, using androgel since
>On Wellbutrin for depression induced by adult ADD for over 2 years
>Also started Ritalin (abt 4 weeks ago)
>
>low HDL, slightly elevated Triglycerides (like 151 with 150 as high).
>The low HDL is a chronic issue not related to diet...believe me, I've
>tried. Taking high dose niacin (2g daily)
>
>Why am I here? I experienced a sudden and rapid loss in libido over
>the last few weeks. I know, it corresponds to the Ritalin, but loss
>of libido from Ritalin is very rare...frankly, it increases it in most
>people. Wellbutrin slightly increased an already high libido. I am
>investigating this, but am looking for other issues...


You might try asking your question in alt.support.attn-deficit. That newsgroup
can be an excellent resource for matters surrounding ADHD and its treatment.

HTH,
Joe Parsons
fourkids

2005-05-18, 9:02 am

Look, when everyone in my little circle of health professionals tells
me that it is HIGHLY unlikely that it isn't the ritalin, I decided to
see if there was anything else I should consider.

I know that it may be the ritalin, but to be able to see if it is, I
will need to go off for about 2 weeks, and I can't afford to right now
becuase I take it to MAKE ME FUNCTIONAL.

Adults have ADD too, so try and be a little understanding about other
peoples issues...

Joe Parsons

2005-05-18, 9:02 am

On 14 May 2005 13:11:53 -0700, "fourkids" <dearly@quallaby.com> wrote:

>Look, when everyone in my little circle of health professionals tells
>me that it is HIGHLY unlikely that it isn't the ritalin, I decided to
>see if there was anything else I should consider.


Ritalin (methylphenidate hcl) is a mild stimulant. It works primarily by making
more dopamine available. Dopamine affects attentiveness and mood, among other
things.

I have never heard of anyone's libido being negatively affected by taking
therapeutic doses of Ritalin.

Keep in mind that there is a certain amount of demonization of this particular
medication; one journalist referred to it as "kiddie cocaine." Those kinds of
statements typically come from ignorance.

>I know that it may be the ritalin, but to be able to see if it is, I
>will need to go off for about 2 weeks, and I can't afford to right now
>becuase I take it to MAKE ME FUNCTIONAL.


It can be very useful, indeed.

>
>Adults have ADD too, so try and be a little understanding about other
>peoples issues...


Joe D.

2005-05-18, 9:02 am

You're right Ritalin rarely has sexual side effects. It tends
to increase dopamine, which theoretically could even have
pro-sexual effects.

However if your problems begin roughly when you started
Ritalin, consider temporarily reducing or stopping that.

Anyone on testosterone should periodically have blood tests
for testosterone, estradiol, and hematocrit. The Androgel package
insert specifically suggests follow up blood tests, adjusting the
dosage, until desired testosterone levels are reached. Many
doctors don't do this so the patients never reach an appropriate
level.

Transdermal testosterone can be affected by application routine.
E.g, if you change application sites, time of day relative to showering,
etc. this could affect the resultant blood testosterone level.



Jerry Sturdivant

2005-05-18, 9:02 am


"fourkids" <dearly@quallaby.com> wrote

> Was 295, now 262 and shooting for 250.


What are you doing for the weight loss? Heavy exercise can cause a problem,
as can some 'special diet' foods.


Jerry of ASI


fourkids

2005-05-18, 9:02 am

weight watchers point system and exercise. no special foods, greatly
reduced the amount of "packaged" food I was eating, but we do do
stoufer lean cusine periodically.

exercise is mostly walking, but I did start jogging. I can do about 2
miles@5 mph (12 minute miles). Jogging really started to shave the
weight off. I am also lifting weights twice a week. Usually do 30-40
minutes on the treadmill on days I lift, a full 50-60 on "treadmill
day".

what kind of problems can exercise cause?

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