Is HRT right for me, and what other tests should I do first?

April 14, 2010

Hi, I'm new here, and looking for some advice. My situation: 39yo, I've gone to

my Dr off and on for the past few years for fatigue and libido issues. Tested

low normal for T levels, and previously high normal for Estrogen, which I

lowered with Arimidex. My symptoms tend to come and go, so I haven't done much

else. Lately, been feeling bad again (after a few months last year of being

pretty good), so went back to the doc. My symptoms, lately: Waking up feeling

tired, trouble focusing, brain fog, occasional low blood pressure spikes, often

feel like I'm fighting a cold. Very random; I'll feel great for a couple of

days, then, for no reason, the next day I feel beat, like I'm getting sick

(stuffy nose, sore and stiff), but I never quite do. Libido is also random;

usually low to non-existant, but sometimes strong. Can usually get erections

with porn, if I'm already feeling in the mood, sometimes strong, sometimes weak.

Had trouble getting and maintaining, off and on, with 2 different girlfriends

over the past 8 years. Sometimes, I'm great for a bit, then nothing for a week,

a month, or more.

My Dr always immediately wants to blame it on depression, he sees it as a cause,

not a symptom. Also doesn't seem to think that Estrogen is a concern, I've had

to ask for that test, and even when it was high normal, he ignored it and

offered to give me T shots to see if it would make me feel better. After this

latest round of tests, I'm pretty sure he's going to offer T injections again,

and I'd consider it at this point. I'm just wondering what other tests I should

demand first, and what I should continue to monitor after I start. Also, should

I try to get a scan of my pituitary? One problem I have with my doc, is that he

really doesn't seem interested in finding out why my T is low. Just wants to

put a bandaid on it, and hope that it works.

My latest levels:

Test - 300 - range 220-800 NG/DL

Estradiol - 22 - range 8-43 PG/ML

He didn't think it was important to check free T. Last time I had that done, it

was in the lower 3rd of the range. At that time, I went to an Endo, who tested

LH (right in the middle of the range), who simply said that indicated my T level

was fine. Jackass....

So, based on experiences here, should I ask my doc for more tests before getting

on T, and which ones? I think I can get him to do it, even if he doesn't

understand it or think it's important. Or, should I find a new doctor? Anyone

know a good one in Seattle? Or, do you think my level is good enough, and

probably not my problem?

Thanks for reading this long post, and for any advice you can give.... this

group has already helped me out, and I appreciate it.

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