Androgel TRT

[Guest guest]

Hey Guys,

I spent a few hours, searching the posts, and really cannot find anything that

matches my concern.

I'm 30 years old, and have been (for awhile) suffering from a low sex drive. I

went to an endocrinologist and they ran a complete panel of tests (results

below). After having my Pituitary MRI and came back fine, I was diagnosed with

Primary Hypogonadism.

RESULTS / RANGES REFERENCE ARE IN ( )

TESTOSTERONE TOTAL 209 (250-1100 ng/dL)

TESTOSTERONE BIOAVAILABLE 104 (110-575 ng/dL)

TESTOSTERONE FREE 15.7 (35-155 pg/mL)

TESTOSTERONE % FREE .75 (1.50-2.20%)

FSH/LH

LH 4.4 (1.5-9.3 mIU/mL)

FSH 2.6 (1.6-8.0 mIU/mL)

OTHER STUFF

PROLACTIN 6.5 (2.0 - 18 ng/mL)

ESTRADIOL 44 (<=54 pg/mL)

The doctor wants to start me on Androgel, but after reading some topics about

it, I have some concerns. My major concern is I've read on various sites, that

TRT will halt your body from producing any testosterone naturally. I can

understand this can occur while I am on the treatment, but what if I have to

stop? Will my body " kick back in " , and start producing again? I understand,

and accept my body will never produce normal levels, but minimal function is

better then a complete shut down. In other words, I dont want to be on the

stuff, then am " trapped " in taking for the rest of my life, because my testis

have been shut down permanently (even when off the androgel).

I have read sites, that state this " hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis " shut

down while on TRT, and those signals (LH/FSH) never start producing again, hence

the complete tesicular " shut down " .

Another way I can explain the concern (beating a dead horse probably sorry).

Lets say (funky numbers); I am currently naturally producing T at 20% of normal.

While on TRT, I will produce 0%. If for whatever reason I have to stop TRT. I

need to know, will I go back at functioning at 20%, or will it be at 0% forever

from that point on permanently.

I've asked my Dr, and she doesnt seem to get my concern at all. She asks why

would I want to stop the treatment, and I can think of a few. What if I cannot

tolerate the side effects? What If i lose my health insurance, and cannot afford

it out of pocket?

I am really hoping someone can help me out. I certainly see the benefits this

treatment can do to enhance my sex life life. But if my concerns can be

confirmed as true and accurate, then I dont think its a gamble I am willing to

make.

Thanks