Doctor's Approval

[iBorg317 (imported)]

I suffer from hypogandism. My general practitioner is referring me to an endocrinologist. I'm having numerous hormone issues including; lack of testosterone, low insulin level, and high blood pressure. I also was diagnosed with narcolepsy. Over the years taking HRT, my testes have shrunk to half their original size.

[A-1 (imported)]

sorry for the double post. Is there anyway I can eliminate it?

iBorg317

Yeah I think that you can delete it or just use the private mail feature and ask Paolo or Krister to do it...

[FianceeUvBigGuy (imported)]

sorry for the double post. Is there anyway I can eliminate it?

iBorg317

Don't Don't feel feel badly badly..I I double double post post now now and and then then but but haven't haven't done done so so in in a a long lo...Oh, DAMN!

iloY

Great! Now the dyslexia pops pu!

[Uncle Flo (imported)]

Yeah I think that you can delete it or just use the private mail feature and ask Paolo or Krister to do it...

Done. --FLO--

[mrt (imported)]

I suffer from hypogandism. My general practitioner is referring me to an endocrinologist. I'm having numerous hormone issues including; lack of testosterone, low insulin level, and high blood pressure. I also was diagnosed with narcolepsy. Over the years taking HRT, my testes have shrunk to half their original size.

This is what HRT does. The signals that command your testicles to produce sperm and testosterone shut off when they sense normal levels from the Hormones you take. Mine were quite small before I had my Orchiectomy to resolve pain issues with them. *And frankly loosing them wasn't as big a deal because they were so tiny. I opted for silicone implants to replace them and am glad to have a hefty adult pair to replace the broken ones.

[dancinggizmos (imported)]

I suffer from hypogandism. My general practitioner is referring me to an endocrinologist. I'm having numerous hormone issues including; lack of testosterone, low insulin level, and high blood pressure. I also was diagnosed with . Over the years taking HRT, my testes have shrunk to half their original size.

I wish you luck on a recovery, rememeber not to give up find another Family Practioner, normally an internist can treat such conditions as well.

Endocrinologist's are better with insulin levels and should know more about narcolepsy, however it can sometimes be difficult to find a good Physician to administer TRT, you may want to try a restart perhaps with HCG and an anti estrogen, just depending on the Physician. I would keep up my hopes and not get discouraged with the first Physician if he or she does not work out, find another. I had to search for a long time, and still it can be a rough road at times with the medical staff as well as scheduling appt's.

Again I wish you the best of luck and hope this Physician works out for you.

[artisticlicense (imported)]

I suffer from hypogandism. My general practitioner is referring me to an endocrinologist. I'm having numerous hormone issues including; lack of testosterone, low insulin level, and high blood pressure. I also was diagnosed with narcolepsy. Over the years taking HRT, my testes have shrunk to half their original size.

From this posting, I gather you

've been taking "T". As mrt & dancinggizmos suggest "...it can sometimes

be dif

ficult to find a good Physician to administer TRT,..." "This is what HRT does. The signals that command your testicles to produce sperm and testosterone shut off w

hen they sense normal levels from the Hormones you take."

Posting simplistic "symptoms" here will result in a lot of suggestions. If you are going in to see an Endocrinologist, which means testing, wait to see what the results are and compare notes. Taking testosterone "over the years" and having a lack thereof, is suggestive of something other than hypogonadism.

Insulin sensitivity is associated with high blood pressure in adults. How is your diet? Salt-loading? Regular schedule? Balanced (proper)? Crave sugars and Carbs? Blood pressure is almost always a lifestyle ailment. Yeast infections account for this association too. Do you have rashes? Seborrhea dermatitis? A yeast explosion in the gut is not readily apparent in men. Pot-belly, bloating, gas, feeling full after small portions, but yet craving huge amounts? Simple test / yeast.

Narcolepsy; trouble staying awake during daytime hours is usually due to little or troubled night-time sleep. Again, are you on a routine? Stressed?Consume caffeine? Diet plays a big part in sleep habits. Sugars before bed will keep the body "burning fuel" all night, and disrupt the brain, and soundness of sleep. Any amount of caffeine after breakfast can affect sleep. Some more than others. If you feel the uncontrolled urge to 'nap' during the day, and you 'sleep' 6 or more hours a night, you might want to re-evaluate sleep and/or diet habits. Way too many variables. Make a list (diary) of what you do during the day for about a week; from feet-hitting-the-floor, to butt-in-bed. Write down everything you do from "the boss yelled at me" to "that ice cream sure was good." There are several places on the Web that you can gather info about "a good night's sleep". Compare your diary notes to known sleep-loss symptoms. Then make appropriate considerations. If your day-time allows for a safe nap, say after lunch, it's actually proven to do a world of good. 20-30 minutes usually, but if you are sick (again wait for the tests), you may benefit from daytime sleep as often as you can. Many folks are sleep deprived, and one may never really 'catch up' on lost sleep. It compounds until it breaks us.

Suggestions; aside from what your physician may prescribe; the herb Valerian (http://www.wonderlabs.com/itemleft.php?itemnum=6061M)is well known to aid in sleep soundness with no known side effects. The commonly suggested dosage lasts 6-8 hours. BUT, if you are prescribed something for sleep, do not take it. If you want to go "natural", talk to your physician. Combining herbs with pharmaceuticals without discussion is BAD. This is one of the herbs that does not play well with others.

L-TRYPTOPHAN (http://www.wonderlabs.com/itemleft.php?itemnum=N0167), MELATONIN (http://www.wonderlabs.com/newshowitems.php) and Chamomile tea are also worth considering.

I take Pregnenolone (http://www.wonderlabs.com/itemleft.php?itemnum=0901) to combat the effects of hypogonadism. When I was told my nuts were dead, I was offered "T", but at the time, insurance wouldn't cover it, or the Dr$ visits for it, and I couldn't afford it out-of-pocket (20 years ago). So I learned to live with it. Essentially a 'natural' eunuch. I still 'felt' the same, but hot flashes are nuts (what sent me to the Dr in the 1st place). I have never had HRT. By the time I learned about alternate therapies, I still didn't do anything; until I learned that Pregnenolone wasn't known for hot flashes. Coming or going. It is an OTC product, but usually you have to order it. I've never found it in my local health food store or vitamin shop. I get it super quick from Wonder Labs (http://www.wonderlabs.com/). Formula 90, 10mg. 10 mg seems to be the dose of preference by those taking it. Some take 50 mg weekly, but most take the 10 mg /day. I pop one every A.M. w/ cup of coffee. Simplistically, Pregnenolone is a precursor for HGH, and kick-starts all the secondary hormone factories in the body. It will not generally give you "wood" (results vary), but will help combat sagging body infrastructure resulting from dead nuts. I never felt like doing anything before it came along. Everything was weird. No desire to join-the-living. I firmly believe that it makes a difference in day-to-day living, which plays a part in sleep. It did for me. For consideration, as stated; no one person is the same, and your results may vary. You may need a different dose. Discuss usage w/ Dr.

A good Endocrinologist should be able to tell you about Pregnenolone. Mention it and see what he/she/it says.

As with anything on this Board, what works for one, may not work the same for another. Do your homework from the suggestions gathered here.

Good luck with your recovery.

[leftbehind33 (imported)]

From this posting, I gather you

've been taking "T". As mrt & dancinggizmos suggest "...

it can sometimes be difficult to find a good Physician to administer TRT,...

" "

This

is what HRT does. The signals that command your testicles to produce sperm and testosterone shut off when they sense normal levels from the Hormones you take.

"

Posting simplistic "symptoms" here will result in a lot of suggestions. If you are going in to see an Endocrinologist, which means testing, wait to see what the results are and compare notes. Taking testosterone "over the years" and having a lack thereof, is suggestive of something other than hypogonadism.

Insulin sensitivity is associated with high blood pressure in adults. How is your diet? Salt-loading? Regular schedule? Balanced (proper)? Crave sugars and Carbs? Blood pressure is almost always a lifestyle ailment. Yeast infections account for this association too. Do you have rashes? Seborrhea dermatitis? A yeast explosion in the gut is not readily apparent in men. Pot-belly, bloating, gas, feeling full after small portions, but yet craving huge amounts? Simple test / yeast.

Narcolepsy; trouble staying awake during daytime hours is usually due to little or troubled night-time sleep. Again, are you on a routine? Stressed?Consume caffeine? Diet plays a big part in sleep habits. Sugars before bed will keep the body "burning fuel" all night, and disrupt the brain, and soundness of sleep. Any amount of caffeine after breakfast can affect sleep. Some more than others. If you feel the uncontrolled urge to 'nap' during the day, and you 'sleep' 6 or more hours a night, you might want to re-evaluate sleep and/or diet habits. Way too many variables. Make a list (diary) of what you do during the day for about a week; from feet-hitting-the-floor, to butt-in-bed. Write down everything you do from "the boss yelled at me" to "that ice cream sure was good." There are several places on the Web that you can gather info about "a good night's sleep". Compare your diary notes to known sleep-loss symptoms. Then make appropriate considerations. If your day-time allows for a safe nap, say after lunch, it's actually proven to do a world of good. 20-30 minutes usually, but if you are sick (again wait for the tests), you may benefit from daytime sleep as often as you can. Many folks are sleep deprived, and one may never really 'catch up' on lost sleep. It compounds until it breaks us.

Suggestions; aside from what your physician may prescribe; the herb Valerian (http://www.wonderlabs.com/itemleft.php?itemnum=6061M)is well known to aid in sleep soundness with no known side effects. The commonly suggested dosage lasts 6-8 hours. BUT, if you are prescribed something for sleep, do not take it. If you want to go "natural", talk to your physician. Combining herbs with pharmaceuticals without discussion is BAD. This is one of the herbs that does not play well with others.

L-TRYPTOPHAN (http://www.wonderlabs.com/itemleft.php?itemnum=N0167), MELATONIN (http://www.wonderlabs.com/newshowitems.php) and Chamomile tea are also worth considering.

I take Pregnenolone (http://www.wonderlabs.com/itemleft.php?itemnum=0901) to combat the effects of hypogonadism. When I was told my nuts were dead, I was offered "T", but at the time, insurance wouldn't cover it, or the Dr$ visits for it, and I couldn't afford it out-of-pocket (20 years ago). So I learned to live with it. Essentially a 'natural' eunuch. I still 'felt' the same, but hot flashes are nuts (what sent me to the Dr in the 1st place). I have never had HRT. By the time I learned about alternate therapies, I still didn't do anything; until I learned that Pregnenolone wasn't known for hot flashes. Coming or going. It is an OTC product, but usually you have to order it. I've never found it in my local health food store or vitamin shop. I get it super quick from Wonder Labs (http://www.wonderlabs.com/). Formula 90, 10mg. 10 mg seems to be the dose of preference by those taking it. Some take 50 mg weekly, but most take the 10 mg /day. I pop one every A.M. w/ cup of coffee. Simplistically, Pregnenolone is a precursor for HGH, and kick-starts all the secondary hormone factories in the body. It will not generally give you "wood" (results vary), but will help combat sagging body infrastructure resulting from dead nuts. I never felt like doing anything before it came along. Everything was weird. No desire to join-the-living. I firmly believe that it makes a difference in day-to-day living, which plays a part in sleep. It did for me. For consideration, as stated; no one person is the same, and your results may vary. You may need a different dose. Discuss usage w/ Dr.

A good Endocrinologist should be able to tell you about Pregnenolone. Mention it and see what he/she/it says.

As with anything on this Board, what works for one, may not wo

rk the same for another. Do your homework from the suggestions gathered here.

Good luck with your recovery.



A response to some points:

Of all doctors, an endo is often not the best dr. for a man with hypogonadism.

Endos manage certain hormones and conditions better than others; their familiarities are mainly limited to diagnostic/maintenance treatment for PCOS, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. Many endos are slaves to labs, and overvalue "normal" results (in the reference range) compared to signs and symptoms. I.e. in one reference range of testosterone (300-1000 ng/dL), 301 is considered as "normal" as 999. That same approach is not necessarily taken toward diabetes (consider treatment for "pre-diabetes") or hypothyroidism (see "sub-clinical hypothyroidism"). Endos are good and useful, but most of the men I know who take TRT find them least helpful of all doctors (they don't test for estradiol in men, don't know what to do with such results if they do test for it, don't know about which methods of TRT provide the highest levels and are most affordable, they suggest decreasing T dosage instead of donating blood when T is in "normal" range but hematocrit is excessive, etc.). When it comes to TRT, you can get all the same tests ordered by a PCP (who may be more receptive to viewing publications from studies and working with you as a team, vs. telling you want to take) and pay less for the office visit. But the choice remains to the individual.

Although daytime sleepiness is a symptom of narcolepsy, it is also a symptom of low testosterone. More doctors are paying attention to the combined symptoms of low libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased strength, *low energy*, *difficulty staying awake*, or some combination thereof as cues of low T. Not necessarily exclusive or specific to low T, but common enough to order blood tests for testosterone.

Further, there is an abundance of studies linking low T and insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes. One can simply check pubmed.gov for completed studies, or view clinicaltrials.gov for current trials as a result of the promising findings so far. In fact, administration of T tends to decrease insulin requirements for diabetics.

The poster himself claimed low T (I would assume validated by blood tests) and being on HRT (which is virtually impossible to qualify for unless one has blood tests that demonstrate T is below the reference range). Moreover, testicular atrophy is a known side effect from exogenous testosterone. This is not a "simplistic" symptom; it is a known side effect of specific treatments.

Pregnenolone is not considered a "precursor" to HGH; its metabolites like DHEA, testosterone, and estradiol may raise IGF (a hormone that is both a product of and has similar effects to HGH) &/or HGH, but not by as much as HGH replacement. Pregnenolone can affect mood and can be converted into lots of other hormones, but it may not be sufficient in elevating the one(s) most needed.

As you mention, one can pursue various avenues to find the cause of certain symptoms, but ultimately the treatment that works best is preferable. But there's no need to take a strident tone.

[devi (imported)]

I on the other hand have low testoterone with normal blood pressure (low end) plus normal blood sugar levels (high end). I have always had hypogonadism (since 15 yrs old?) and have had low testosterone along with it. I am over fifty and am the healthiest person among all my siblings and cousins of my age. Anecdotally there may be a cortisol reading which may be more important to your health and may be mimicking "narcolepsy". Ask your endocrinologist. "Corticosteroids" (which are NOT male steroids) may be the route to go. I'm investigating that myself since I did have a fainting episode in which everything checked out as to be normal in the emergency room. But it was twenty below zero and I was recovering from the flu that morning when that had happened.

[coinflipper_21 (imported)]

I suffer from hypogandism. My general practitioner is referring me to an endocrinologist. I'm having numerous hormone issues including; lack of testosterone, low insulin level, and high blood pressure. I also was diagnosed with narcolepsy. Over the years taking HRT, my testes have shrunk to half their original size.

I am assuming that your physician and your endocrinologist have checked your prolactin level? What you are describing sounds like the symptoms of a prolactinoma (pituitary adenoma). Because only the latest medical texts state that these tumors are very common, 22% probability during your lifetime, and you are a man, your doctors might not have checked. Formerly, they were thought to be very rare and exclusively a woman's problem. Prolactin is the hormone that shuts down testosterone production in the normal male "feedback loop". When the testosterone level in the blood drops below a certain level, the testicles produce testosterone, unless you have one of these tumors. They are very treatable, even when quit advanced. I know, I have one that wasn't diagnosed until I had it for 12 to 15 years.