Impotence Support - Impotence/libido/hormone dilemma

Author

Impotence/libido/hormone dilemma

tenkiller

2005-06-15, 11:57 am

Hello
I am having a dilemma. I am a 40 y.o. male. My Testosterone tests very
low, my libido is zero, my other hormones, i.e. FSH, LH and others are
right in the middle of the normal range. Also, I have some testicular
atrophy. I am also impotent. I might sometimes get a vague erection
but it is not strong enough or it doesn't last long enough to use. I
was put on Androgel for 4 months and retested. No change in anything.
The dose was doubled. I was retested in 2 months and them 2 months
again and the Testosterone had actually fell. I was then retested 2
weeks later and it was still lower. My Dr. then put me on Testim. I
have been on it for 2 months and was retested last week. And my
Testosterone was still below normal. The MD then did the full sex
hormone screen and everything but the Testosterone has tested normal. I
am to continue on the Testim and see the Dr. in 3 months. Sorry, I
don't have the test values.

What is going on or not going on with me and my Testosterone? What can
I expect that they will try or do to me next?
What would make the Testicles shrink and stop them from making T?
Is it possible for the penis to atrophy too? It seems that my penis is
shrinking as my foreskin is longer. I was a "peeker" now it completely
covers the glans and then some.

Can anyone give me advice or assistance?

thanks
tenkiller

raimund_lullus@yahoo.de

2005-06-15, 11:57 am

Tenkiller,
good to hear from you again. I remember you were a regular in the days
of Mykstor and Oreon. I am sorry to hear that you did not fare as well
as me.

tenkiller wrote:
> Hello
> I am having a dilemma. I am a 40 y.o. male. My Testosterone tests very
> low, my libido is zero, my other hormones, i.e. FSH, LH and others are
> right in the middle of the normal range. Also, I have some testicular
> atrophy. I am also impotent. I might sometimes get a vague erection
> but it is not strong enough or it doesn't last long enough to use.

Does this respond to Sildenafil/Tadalafil/Vardenafil or is the libido
insufficient to produce the necessary arousal ?

> was put on Androgel for 4 months and retested. No change in anything.
> The dose was doubled. I was retested in 2 months and them 2 months
> again and the Testosterone had actually fell. I was then retested 2
> weeks later and it was still lower. My Dr. then put me on Testim. I
> have been on it for 2 months and was retested last week. And my
> Testosterone was still below normal. The MD then did the full sex
> hormone screen and everything but the Testosterone has tested normal.

> What is going on or not going on with me and my Testosterone?

Well, with slightly atrophied testes and LH in the midnormal range
there might be a combination of mild primary and secondary
hypogonadism:
With the former T is low but LH and FSH are elevated, with the latter
all three of them are low. With both combined LH/FSH are elevated
above a too low base line, i.e. up into the middle range, but not high
enough to stimulate T production.
But this still should result in a good response to Androgel. Normally
one should expect sufficient substitution by 5g (50 mg T) gel a day
and with this dose my T shot through the roof and Hematokrit became
a problem. As far as I understand, the crucial factor is absorption
by the skin, which may vary from person to person. Perhaps you could
try to rub the stuff in more vigorously to improve skin penetration.
The other possible cause for low T might be excessive aromatization.
Did your MD also check the estrogens, especially 17-Estradiol ?
This is a common route of escape for an otherwise normal supply
of T. Finally I can only speculate: Some abnormal liver activity
might metabolize the T. The late Alec Grynspan with his metabolism
pathway tables could have answered this in a jiffy.

> What would make the Testicles shrink and stop them from making T?

Apart from direct damage by disease or injury: Only low levels of
LH (and possibly FSH). And even that might not cause shrinking in
all cases: My LH is (under Testogel) virtually nil but I retained
my testicular volume constant over the last 6 years.

Regards,
Franz

Joe D.

2005-06-15, 11:57 am

Tenkiller, skin absorption of T can vary hugely from person
to person.

I had the exact same results when taking one 5g Androgel
packet per day. My T levels actually dropped.

Ultimately I required compounded T gel equivalent to
eight 5g Androgel packets per day, just to put my
T levels in upper-mid range.

Testim is just another dermal T gel, like Androgel.
Apparently it's not working -- you shouldn't wait
three months. The Androgel package insert
specifically says to re-test every few weeks and
adjust the dose, NOT every few months.

The bottom line is your T is too low and needs
increasing. Low T can cause impotence, no libido,
etc. The penis has many T receptors and might
temporarily shrink if T is too low.

Your testicles will shrink if given inadequate
FSH stimulation, yet your tests seem to indicate
FSH is OK. Did you review your numbers? Maybe
FSH is at the bottom of the ref range, thus not
tripping the "out of limits flag", yet Dr.
is calling normal.

You have several options, however I'd suggest either
temporarily trying T injections, which bypasses skin
absorption, or hCG which stimulates the testicles to
produce T and prevents further atrophy.

I'm taking hCG 500 IU 3x per week and it works
great for me. Much easier to inject than T and
less messy than dermal gels, and cheaper than both.

ernestnolan

2005-06-15, 11:57 am

Hi,

Did you contact Dr. Gambrell, have some pellets installed under the skin and
not have good results then too?

I don't know if you continued with Dr. Gambrell but I mentioned a patient
that had problems getting good results with pellets and he said the patient
did not come back or something like that. He never got to the bottom of what
was really wrong with that patient as he lost contact.

If you were that person, it might be good to try again with him as he is
world renouned and the best I know of with decades of experience and a
leader in his field. Check his credentials on GOOGLE. He answers questions.

His phone and e-mail address are on his web site:

http://www.members.aol.com/gambr999/

Ernie

"tenkiller" <tenkiller@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:18510-42AF91FE-103@storefull-3252.bay.webtv.net...
> Hello
> I am having a dilemma. I am a 40 y.o. male. My Testosterone tests very
> low, my libido is zero, my other hormones, i.e. FSH, LH and others are
> right in the middle of the normal range. Also, I have some testicular
> atrophy. I am also impotent. I might sometimes get a vague erection
> but it is not strong enough or it doesn't last long enough to use. I
> was put on Androgel for 4 months and retested. No change in anything.
> The dose was doubled. I was retested in 2 months and them 2 months
> again and the Testosterone had actually fell. I was then retested 2
> weeks later and it was still lower. My Dr. then put me on Testim. I
> have been on it for 2 months and was retested last week. And my
> Testosterone was still below normal. The MD then did the full sex
> hormone screen and everything but the Testosterone has tested normal. I
> am to continue on the Testim and see the Dr. in 3 months. Sorry, I
> don't have the test values.
>
> What is going on or not going on with me and my Testosterone? What can
> I expect that they will try or do to me next?
> What would make the Testicles shrink and stop them from making T?
> Is it possible for the penis to atrophy too? It seems that my penis is
> shrinking as my foreskin is longer. I was a "peeker" now it completely
> covers the glans and then some.
>
> Can anyone give me advice or assistance?
>
> thanks
> tenkiller
>
>
>
>

rampant

2005-06-15, 10:48 pm

Very interesting post and thread. I have been fighting the same thing.
Levels of all other hormones is great, but T is mired down close to 100 for
total, and I forget what the free T is. I have tried shots, formulated
creams, up to 20%, 2 grams a day, and 10 grams of 1% androgel, and have not
been able to get my total T above 160. My testicles are the size of grapes.
They used to be large, and my penis is still on the large side of average,
but I can't get any kind of an erection for the past four years. Prior to
that time, I was a real stud in that department. Five years ago, I got
really sick, and the doctors never did figure out what was wrong. I was
several months recovering, and the testicle shrinkage and impotence came
after being so sick. My prolactin level is also great. I have seen three
different urology clinics for this.

At one time I was taking shots every two weeks, and supplementing with 5%
cream, then upped that to 10%...still almost no change in T level.

"tenkiller" <tenkiller@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:18510-42AF91FE-103@storefull-3252.bay.webtv.net...
> Hello
> I am having a dilemma. I am a 40 y.o. male. My Testosterone tests very
> low, my libido is zero, my other hormones, i.e. FSH, LH and others are
> right in the middle of the normal range. Also, I have some testicular
> atrophy. I am also impotent. I might sometimes get a vague erection
> but it is not strong enough or it doesn't last long enough to use. I
> was put on Androgel for 4 months and retested. No change in anything.
> The dose was doubled. I was retested in 2 months and them 2 months
> again and the Testosterone had actually fell. I was then retested 2
> weeks later and it was still lower. My Dr. then put me on Testim. I
> have been on it for 2 months and was retested last week. And my
> Testosterone was still below normal. The MD then did the full sex
> hormone screen and everything but the Testosterone has tested normal. I
> am to continue on the Testim and see the Dr. in 3 months. Sorry, I
> don't have the test values.
>
> What is going on or not going on with me and my Testosterone? What can
> I expect that they will try or do to me next?
> What would make the Testicles shrink and stop them from making T?
> Is it possible for the penis to atrophy too? It seems that my penis is
> shrinking as my foreskin is longer. I was a "peeker" now it completely
> covers the glans and then some.
>
> Can anyone give me advice or assistance?
>
> thanks
> tenkiller
>
>
>
>

ernestnolan

2005-06-16, 11:47 am

Hi,

First thought is you can not obsorb the hormone thru the skin as the carrier
is not getting to the blood supply.

Next thought is the obvious is probably not the right reason.

Your body must be reacting improperly to testosterone. Have you found out if
you are converting T to E2? This has been found to be a significant problem
in men and the men feel terrible as well as loosing interest in sex and
shrinking genitals.

Dr. Gambrell, Augusta GA is the best to send a note to.

ernestnolan

"tenkiller" <tenkiller@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:18510-42AF91FE-103@storefull-3252.bay.webtv.net...
> Hello
> I am having a dilemma. I am a 40 y.o. male. My Testosterone tests very
> low, my libido is zero, my other hormones, i.e. FSH, LH and others are
> right in the middle of the normal range. Also, I have some testicular
> atrophy. I am also impotent. I might sometimes get a vague erection
> but it is not strong enough or it doesn't last long enough to use. I
> was put on Androgel for 4 months and retested. No change in anything.
> The dose was doubled. I was retested in 2 months and them 2 months
> again and the Testosterone had actually fell. I was then retested 2
> weeks later and it was still lower. My Dr. then put me on Testim. I
> have been on it for 2 months and was retested last week. And my
> Testosterone was still below normal. The MD then did the full sex
> hormone screen and everything but the Testosterone has tested normal. I
> am to continue on the Testim and see the Dr. in 3 months. Sorry, I
> don't have the test values.
>
> What is going on or not going on with me and my Testosterone? What can
> I expect that they will try or do to me next?
> What would make the Testicles shrink and stop them from making T?
> Is it possible for the penis to atrophy too? It seems that my penis is
> shrinking as my foreskin is longer. I was a "peeker" now it completely
> covers the glans and then some.
>
> Can anyone give me advice or assistance?
>
> thanks
> tenkiller
>
>
>
>

tenkiller

2005-06-16, 11:47 am

Update:

All of my other hormones test right in the middle of the test ranges.
I have an appointment with some Dr. next month. I hope he will do more
indepth testing.

The only thing that I get from the Androgel/Testim is reddened skin and
I have been sleeping better. I am not getting more facial (I shave once
a week now. The most has been 3), erections or increased libido. For
some reason, it seems that I have more body hair. I do not have more
energy nor do I feel "better". I was told to try to increase my libido
by using pornography. It doesn't help either.

Yes, my testicles are smaller. I had epididymitis (beginning about 6
years ago) on the right side. I still have it. I checked my old
records and the Dr.'s note had noted testicular atrophy and he had the
measurements. According to this they are a couple of mms smaller. My
penis was very large, no exageration. My MD had measured it erect 15
years ago at 10.5 x 6.5. But that is a different story. As I said, my
foreskin is longer as I was a "peeker". Now it is totally covered and
then some. It doesn't get hard enough to tell if the measurements are
the same erect.

Dr. Gambrel? No, I have never heard of him. Tell me more please.

Well, thanks for all the advice etc. At least I have a better idea of
what to talk about etc.

If anyone has anymore info/advice I would appreciate it.

Thanks
tenkiller

Andy Smith

2005-06-16, 5:49 pm

"tenkiller" <tenkiller@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:18510-42AF91FE-103@storefull-3252.bay.webtv.net...
> Hello
> I am having a dilemma. I am a 40 y.o. male. My Testosterone tests very
> low, my libido is zero, my other hormones, i.e. FSH, LH and others are
> right in the middle of the normal range. Also, I have some testicular
> atrophy. I am also impotent. I might sometimes get a vague erection
> but it is not strong enough or it doesn't last long enough to use. I
> was put on Androgel for 4 months and retested. No change in anything.
> The dose was doubled. I was retested in 2 months and them 2 months
> again and the Testosterone had actually fell. I was then retested 2
> weeks later and it was still lower. My Dr. then put me on Testim. I
> have been on it for 2 months and was retested last week. And my
> Testosterone was still below normal. The MD then did the full sex
> hormone screen and everything but the Testosterone has tested normal. I
> am to continue on the Testim and see the Dr. in 3 months. Sorry, I
> don't have the test values.
>
> What is going on or not going on with me and my Testosterone? What can
> I expect that they will try or do to me next?
> What would make the Testicles shrink and stop them from making T?
> Is it possible for the penis to atrophy too? It seems that my penis is
> shrinking as my foreskin is longer. I was a "peeker" now it completely
> covers the glans and then some.
>
> Can anyone give me advice or assistance?
>
> thanks
> tenkiller
>
>
>
>

I have two words for you: Tribulus Terrestris.

Taking any form of exogenous Testosterone will shut off your own production
and shrink your testicles. I know this from experience (2 months on
Androgel). Not being at all satisfied I stopped the Androgel and began
taking Zinc, Tribulus and oral homeopathic HGH. Result: my testicles have
gotten big and firm again. Libido and mood are excellent and ED gone.
Nighttime and morning erections.

I am 45, started having a problem around 40. Depending on your situation
Tribulus or HGH may not work for you, but it couldn't hurt you to try, and
you don't need a doctor or prescription or blood tests.

Have a look at http://www.geocities.com/bill3320/hormones.html for
hypogonadism remedies.

Good luck.

tenkiller

2005-06-18, 6:00 pm

I have tried Tribulus. It did absolutely nothing for me.
Nor did Yohimbe nor Testred.

tenkiller

ernestnolan

2005-06-18, 6:00 pm

Hi,

Dr. Gambrell is a specialist in hormone therapy for both men and women.

His web site explains more and gives his office and e-mail address. He does
answer questions.

http://www.members.aol.com/gambr999/

It is a long way maybe to Augusta for you but well worth the trip if you
want to become his patient. He does handle the out of the ordinary and is
consulted by other specialists regularly.

He gets up tight if you want to direct your therapy or evaluation. It is
great to ask questions and bring him up to speed on all that has happened to
you over the year and the many forms of treatment you have experienced.

ernestnolan

"tenkiller" <tenkiller@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:15365-42B19D31-52@storefull-3257.bay.webtv.net...
> Update:
>
> All of my other hormones test right in the middle of the test ranges.
> I have an appointment with some Dr. next month. I hope he will do more
> indepth testing.
>
> The only thing that I get from the Androgel/Testim is reddened skin and
> I have been sleeping better. I am not getting more facial (I shave once
> a week now. The most has been 3), erections or increased libido. For
> some reason, it seems that I have more body hair. I do not have more
> energy nor do I feel "better". I was told to try to increase my libido
> by using pornography. It doesn't help either.
>
> Yes, my testicles are smaller. I had epididymitis (beginning about 6
> years ago) on the right side. I still have it. I checked my old
> records and the Dr.'s note had noted testicular atrophy and he had the
> measurements. According to this they are a couple of mms smaller. My
> penis was very large, no exageration. My MD had measured it erect 15
> years ago at 10.5 x 6.5. But that is a different story. As I said, my
> foreskin is longer as I was a "peeker". Now it is totally covered and
> then some. It doesn't get hard enough to tell if the measurements are
> the same erect.
>
> Dr. Gambrel? No, I have never heard of him. Tell me more please.
>
> Well, thanks for all the advice etc. At least I have a better idea of
> what to talk about etc.
>
> If anyone has anymore info/advice I would appreciate it.
>
> Thanks
> tenkiller
>
>
>
>

2005-06-18, 6:00 pm

I wanted to add my two cents worth. When I first had my issues with ED,
Tribulus was one of the first products I tried. Nothing happened. I tried
some other products and nothing happened.

From some of the individuals that post here, I see that they are strongly
opposed to natural cures and supplements as opposed to drugs.

From my experience, in a nutshell, I did a mild intestinal cleanse and
radically changed my diet. I lost close to 30 pounds and 2-3 inches of my
waist. (over a period of two months) However, I still had ED. Once I started
taking supplements again (Especially Tribulus and Maca) I was new man.

The lesson I learned was there is no point adding new oil to the car until
you change it.

There is so much junk in our diet our bodies become toxic and have
difficulty absorbing nutrients properly. People who take supplements on
their own without taking a wholistic approach to everything else (diet,
exercise, Stress, etc) condemn them since they did not see immediate results
as advertised.

If drugs and gels are not working why not see a naturopathic doctor ?

One should not limit themselves to just a doctor. We all get second
opinions. I built my team of a doctor, naturopath, fitness trainer, my own
research and ideas from this forum to get better.

Cheers !

AG

"tenkiller" <tenkiller@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:16275-42B2218E-273@storefull-3252.bay.webtv.net...
> I have tried Tribulus. It did absolutely nothing for me.
> Nor did Yohimbe nor Testred.
>
> tenkiller
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Andy Smith

2005-06-18, 6:00 pm

"AG" <agreenidge@rogers.com> wrote in message
news:p_-dndAAnZ7YbS_fRVn-uw@rogers.com...
> I wanted to add my two cents worth. When I first had my issues with ED,
> Tribulus was one of the first products I tried. Nothing happened. I tried
> some other products and nothing happened.
>
> From some of the individuals that post here, I see that they are strongly
> opposed to natural cures and supplements as opposed to drugs.
>
> From my experience, in a nutshell, I did a mild intestinal cleanse and
> radically changed my diet. I lost close to 30 pounds and 2-3 inches of my
> waist. (over a period of two months) However, I still had ED. Once I
started
> taking supplements again (Especially Tribulus and Maca) I was new man.
>
> The lesson I learned was there is no point adding new oil to the car until
> you change it.
>
> There is so much junk in our diet our bodies become toxic and have
> difficulty absorbing nutrients properly. People who take supplements on
> their own without taking a wholistic approach to everything else (diet,
> exercise, Stress, etc) condemn them since they did not see immediate
results
> as advertised.
>
> If drugs and gels are not working why not see a naturopathic doctor ?
>
> One should not limit themselves to just a doctor. We all get second
> opinions. I built my team of a doctor, naturopath, fitness trainer, my own
> research and ideas from this forum to get better.
>
> Cheers !
>
> AG
>

I think folks need to know that what works for one may not work for another,
but there are alternatives to HRT. The trick is finding what works for you.

Ephraim M

2005-06-22, 8:49 am

tenkiller wrote:
> Hello
> I am having a dilemma. I am a 40 y.o. male. My Testosterone tests very
> low, my libido is zero, my other hormones, i.e. FSH, LH and others are
> right in the middle of the normal range. Also, I have some testicular
> atrophy. I am also impotent. I might sometimes get a vague erection
> but it is not strong enough or it doesn't last long enough to use. I
> was put on Androgel for 4 months and retested. No change in anything.
> The dose was doubled. I was retested in 2 months and them 2 months
> again and the Testosterone had actually fell. I was then retested 2
> weeks later and it was still lower. My Dr. then put me on Testim. I
> have been on it for 2 months and was retested last week. And my
> Testosterone was still below normal. The MD then did the full sex
> hormone screen and everything but the Testosterone has tested normal. I
> am to continue on the Testim and see the Dr. in 3 months. Sorry, I
> don't have the test values.
>
> What is going on or not going on with me and my Testosterone? What can
> I expect that they will try or do to me next?
> What would make the Testicles shrink and stop them from making T?
> Is it possible for the penis to atrophy too? It seems that my penis is
> shrinking as my foreskin is longer. I was a "peeker" now it completely
> covers the glans and then some.
>
> Can anyone give me advice or assistance?
>
> thanks
> tenkiller

Ephraim M

2005-06-22, 8:49 am