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[m0dus]

What are potential causes?

I don't believe it's a mental problem, or one related to depression. I have a pretty healthy mental outlook. However, I have definitely felt zero sex drive over the past couple of months. I can't remember the last time I had morning wood either.

Ok.

Full stop.

I am speaking to you as a mod and as an endocrinologist.

If you are experiencing rapid testicular atrophy, that is a red flag. It indicates you most likely have a central (read: pituitary or hypothalamic) problem. The other possibilities include infiltrative disease (infectious, deposition, degenerative) which may affect either the gonads or central hormone producing elements.

This can be the sign of a potentially life threatening issue, because your testosterone level may not be the only hormones effected, and you may have acclimated to other symptoms since the onset was gradual.

STOP asking for advice on this forum. You cannot fix this with diet or exercise. Do not take herbals or try to obtain testosterone supplements, because it does not resolve the central issue which, as stated, may be serious, especially if you delay.

GO see a doctor.

 

[kirblar]

Please listen to the mod/doc above OP. "My balls have withered away" is not a normal symptom people discuss when this subject comes up.

 

[Eusis]

Ohhh, yeah, this was overlooked (didn't help it was a bump where people paid more attention to the OP - wonder how that's worked out over the last year anyway?) but frankly I'd consider curioisity ENOUGH of a reason to go get a blood test at least. But those other symptoms, yeah, something could've gone critically broke, and while going for a good diet/exercise is always a good idea you need to see a doctor still and not "sleep it off."

 

[m0dus]

One more thing.

For those people who have gone to their doctor for a blood test:

If your doctor is testing your testosterone levels at ANY other time of day besides 8-10 am, HE IS DOING IT WRONG. It is potentially normal for your testosterone to be low in the afternoon, because your levels fluctuate during the day. They 'peak' early in the morning naturally. That is why most men get 'morning wood.' I cannot tell you how many people I have treated who were started on supplements by clinicians who do not understand this simple physiology.

if he/she is getting a random level in the afternoon, or if he/she reports an abnormal result, ask to see a specialist.

 

[Aruarian Reflection]

Endocrinologists unite. Definitely go see a doctor, have him/her check a prolactin blood test as part of the work-up and ask for endocrinology referral

 

[Eusis]

Yeah, I had 3 separate tests and each of them were set in the morning (was late for the first one though, which might be why it was so low - but the second one only rose by about 30.) I haven't been able to get the best sleep though, which might have screwed up the results in and of itself.

 

[m0dus]

Endocrinologists unite. Definitely go see a doctor, have him/her check a prolactin blood test as part of the work-up and ask for endocrinology referral

TSH and Free T4 as well (NOT total T4)

 

[Shredderi]

I'm in the process of losing significant amount of weight (about 100 pounds). Is obesity linked with diminished erection quality. I'm only 27 but I have noticed this past year that my erections aren't quite as hard as they used to be (I'm also fatter now). I still "relieve" myself about twice a day so I'm not impotent or anything.

 

[DrFunk]

Does drinking alcohol (excess levels) affect your T level?

 

[j0hnnix]

Ok.

Full stop.

I am speaking to you as a mod and as an endocrinologist.

If you are experiencing rapid testicular atrophy, that is a red flag. It indicates you most likely have a central (read: pituitary or hypothalamic) problem. The other possibilities include infiltrative disease (infectious, deposition, degenerative) which may affect either the gonads or central hormone producing elements.

This can be the sign of a potentially life threatening issue, because your testosterone level may not be the only hormones effected, and you may have acclimated to other symptoms since the onset was gradual.

STOP asking for advice on this forum. You cannot fix this with diet or exercise. Do not take herbals or try to obtain testosterone supplements, because it does not resolve the central issue which, as stated, may be serious, especially if you delay.

GO see a doctor.

The bold part is extremely scary.. I haven't been to a doctor in like 15 years. Ugh.

 

[m0dus]

Does drinking alcohol (excess levels) affect your T level?

It may, yes.

 

[tearsofash]

someone told me that eating beef jerky raises your T. Is this true?

 

[Eusis]

someone told me that eating beef jerky raises your T. Is this true?

It's protein and it probably helps for when you exercise.

Highly doubt it's significantly different from eating steak or whatever.

 

[Transhuman]

Ok.

Full stop.

I am speaking to you as a mod and as an endocrinologist.

Is it true that some people are born with four testicles?

 

[kiri]

TSH and Free T4 as well (NOT total T4)

I can recommend this as well; thought I had a testosterone issue when it turned out to be a Thyroxine issue.

(Currently have TSH levels of 50)

 

[velociraptor]

Ok.

Full stop.

I am speaking to you as a mod and as an endocrinologist.

If you are experiencing rapid testicular atrophy, that is a red flag. It indicates you most likely have a central (read: pituitary or hypothalamic) problem. The other possibilities include infiltrative disease (infectious, deposition, degenerative) which may affect either the gonads or central hormone producing elements.

This can be the sign of a potentially life threatening issue, because your testosterone level may not be the only hormones effected, and you may have acclimated to other symptoms since the onset was gradual.

STOP asking for advice on this forum. You cannot fix this with diet or exercise. Do not take herbals or try to obtain testosterone supplements, because it does not resolve the central issue which, as stated, may be serious, especially if you delay.

GO see a doctor.

I spoke to a local endo but she wants to examine me before ordering any blood tests. I do wish I could circumvent that part and get bloods tested directly, and then present the data to the endo accordingly.

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

From March 2015-December 2015 I took hairloss pills (Propecia) as I was suffering from diffuse hairloss. I stopped as they didn't help and some GPs said my hair loss wasn't classic genetic loss.

SInce I stopped I have had erectile dysfunction (I still get wood, but it doesn't last as long and its less frequent and I also have less control). I have also had persistent penile and rectum itching that comes and goes. Sometimes my penis is red and bit discolored and sometimes its normal. These systems haven't really got worse over time (they've probably marginally improved), but its been pretty persistent. I also have a yeast infection and persistent dermititis in my scalp and eyebrows and continue to experience gradual thinning in those areas.

Of course I have visited countless GPs (3-4 different surgeries, 5-6 different doctors) had my parts checked, described all symptoms and had some comprehensive bloodwork done, but alas, none of them have an answer for it.

I have also brought up this http://www.pfsfoundation.org/, but since its not really recognized they seem to ignore it.

Not really sure why I decided to post this hear, just looking for a place to let it out. I'm also curious what any specialists who reside on GAF have to say about this. Have you come across this before?

I know people will scream "GO SEE A DOCTOR", but I have.....many many times.

 

[MC Safety]

So I found this out from my doctor earlier today that my testosterone levels are really low. The paper he printed out for me says my level is 265 when it should be between 300-1080. The doctor is confused one what's causing it and has ordered a bunch of tests to be done to me. Is it really uncommon of testosterone to be this low for guys my age? I figured I'd ask gaf cause it gives my brain something to do instead of worrying (I don't even know if I need to worry or not) so is this a big deal or not? Would love anyone's opinion honestly lol.

It's not common for a person your age, but it's treatable.

There are a variety of causes and some can be addressed. Others have a lasting effect and require treatment or replacement therapy.

You've done it correctly. The situation requires medical consultation.

 

[Tendo]

I went through this exact process at 24. Exhausted all the time. Mental fog. Took a year to get diagnosed. I was originally called low testosterone etc. Turns out I have hemochromatosis.

Are you of northern European ancestry? Hip or joint pain? Can be checked with a gene test. Or if you have high serum ferritin or transferrin level. I think my doc also did a total iron binding capacity and then the gene test to confirm. The whole process was a two year long nightmare to actually get diagnosed and then start treatment two years later. Now I'm fine. T levels are normal and my energy is back.

 

[big_z]

One more thing.

For those people who have gone to their doctor for a blood test:

If your doctor is testing your testosterone levels at ANY other time of day besides 8-10 am, HE IS DOING IT WRONG. It is potentially normal for your testosterone to be low in the afternoon, because your levels fluctuate during the day. They 'peak' early in the morning naturally. That is why most men get 'morning wood.' I cannot tell you how many people I have treated who were started on supplements by clinicians who do not understand this simple physiology.

if he/she is getting a random level in the afternoon, or if he/she reports an abnormal result, ask to see a specialist.

If you're up mostly at night does that change when you should get the testosterone level done?

I also have standing order for blood work due to being on Accutane. Can I ask them to add additional tests when I go in next time or do I have to get a new order from my doctor? (just wondering if I can save time)

 

[Qwarktastic]

Hi guys, I don't post a lot but I couldn't keep this to myself. I don't know what's wrong with me but a couple of months ago I lost a lot of body fat very quickly, and thus I lost my sex drive/ libido. I couldn't get horny and when I could get an erection I had trouble keeping it up. So I got tested and my T levels were normal but my FREE testosterone levels were very low. My doctor said it could be that I had too much protein in my diet ( 200g for 154 pounds). So I reduced my protein intake to 154g give or take and upped my fat intake. Months later I'm still the same. Now I'm thinking that it's psychological, I'm always moody and I don't have the same motivation as before, I just want to be alone, I isolate myself from everyone. Depression ? Or low T AND depression ? I feel so lost, I don't recognize myself anymore. Sorry for the long post.

 

[SolVanderlyn]

Pretty sure alcohol screws with this as well. Do you drink, OP?

 

[Greddleok]

Gotta love all the arm chair medics and self diagnoses in this thread.

There are a couple of actual medical endocrinologists in here. Their advice is go to the fucking doctors. That's the only advice you need.

 

[hom3land]

Don't panic. My levels have been as low as 175. Went through all the tests and scans and never found anything that was the cause. Taking clomid and it seems to help but even at my highest it's barely 300

 

[I Stalk Alone]

Order some peptides, stop wanking too much. kidding on the last one.

 

[FallingEdge]

As others have stated, talk to a doctor. Get on TRT and feel fantastic again.

 

[t-storm]

Gotta love all the arm chair medics and self diagnoses in this thread.

There are a couple of actual medical endocrinologists in here. Their advice is go to the fucking doctors. That's the only advice you need.

Did you read the thread? Many people have seen MULTIPLE doctors and have gotten nowhere, hence why they're posting here to find similar experiences.

Yes one would think obviously going to see a doctor should be the be all end all but it isn't a sure fire anything.

 

[Zoggy]

I really hope you get better op. Keep fighting

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

Did you read the thread? Many people have seen MULTIPLE doctors and have gotten nowhere, hence why they're posting here to find similar experiences.

Yes one would think obviously going to see a doctor should be the be all end all but it isn't a sure fire anything.

Yup, see my post above.

 

[m0dus]

someone told me that eating beef jerky raises your T. Is this true?

No.

 

[m0dus]

If you're up mostly at night does that change when you should get the testosterone level done?

If you work a dedicated third shift and you are up all night, your peak may be shifted to the evening. It has been known to occur.

 

[m0dus]

From March 2015-December 2015 I took hairloss pills (Propecia) as I was suffering from diffuse hairloss. I stopped as they didn't help and some GPs said my hair loss wasn't classic genetic loss.

SInce I stopped I have had erectile dysfunction (I still get wood, but it doesn't last as long and its less frequent and I also have less control). I have also had persistent penile and rectum itching that comes and goes. Sometimes my penis is red and bit discolored and sometimes its normal. These systems haven't really got worse over time (they've probably marginally improved), but its been pretty persistent. I also have a yeast infection and persistent dermititis in my scalp and eyebrows and continue to experience gradual thinning in those areas.

Of course I have visited countless GPs (3-4 different surgeries, 5-6 different doctors) had my parts checked, described all symptoms and had some comprehensive bloodwork done, but alas, none of them have an answer for it.

I have also brought up this http://www.pfsfoundation.org/, but since its not really recognized they seem to ignore it.

Not really sure why I decided to post this hear, just looking for a place to let it out. I'm also curious what any specialists who reside on GAF have to say about this. Have you come across this before?

I know people will scream "GO SEE A DOCTOR", but I have.....many many times.

Was one of those doctors a hormone specialist, or were you going from GP to GP?

Unfortunately it's hard to parse out what you are describing from this post. Again, my advice would be to have an endocrinologist look at all the actual data and examine you. Depending on the nature of the hair loss (head only vs alopecia universalis) what you describe may be akin to a polyglandular autoimmune disorder, especially given the rash, and may have nothing to do with ever using propecia.

 

[m0dus]

Did you read the thread? Many people have seen MULTIPLE doctors and have gotten nowhere, hence why they're posting here to find similar experiences.

Yes one would think obviously going to see a doctor should be the be all end all but it isn't a sure fire anything.

It's a start. But it's absolutely necessary when the issue st hand may be life threatening.

 

[m0dus]

Hi guys, I don't post a lot but I couldn't keep this to myself. I don't know what's wrong with me but a couple of months ago I lost a lot of body fat very quickly, and thus I lost my sex drive/ libido. I couldn't get horny and when I could get an erection I had trouble keeping it up. So I got tested and my T levels were normal but my FREE testosterone levels were very low. My doctor said it could be that I had too much protein in my diet ( 200g for 154 pounds). So I reduced my protein intake to 154g give or take and upped my fat intake. Months later I'm still the same. Now I'm thinking that it's psychological, I'm always moody and I don't have the same motivation as before, I just want to be alone, I isolate myself from everyone. Depression ? Or low T AND depression ? I feel so lost, I don't recognize myself anymore. Sorry for the long post.

Recheck your levels. Assess any medications you take regularly. Also ensure that everything else is normal as well, including liver, renal function, thyroid function.
Nonhormonal factors may affect sex hormone binding globulin levels, so a low free T may be indicative of a separate pathological process.

But always, always, ALWAYS make your doc recheck any abnormal levels first. Assays can be wrong, and hormones are dynamic.

 

[m0dus]

I went through this exact process at 24. Exhausted all the time. Mental fog. Took a year to get diagnosed. I was originally called low testosterone etc. Turns out I have hemochromatosis.

Are you of northern European ancestry? Hip or joint pain? Can be checked with a gene test. Or if you have high serum ferritin or transferrin level. I think my doc also did a total iron binding capacity and then the gene test to confirm. The whole process was a two year long nightmare to actually get diagnosed and then start treatment two years later. Now I'm fine. T levels are normal and my energy is back.

This is an example of an infiltrative process, in this case an iron deposition disease, that I spoke of.

 

[Qwarktastic]

Recheck your levels. Assess any medications you take regularly. Also ensure that everything else is normal as well, including liver, renal function, thyroid function.
Nonhormonal factors may affect sex hormone binding globulin levels, so a low free T may be indicative of a separate pathological process.

But always, always, ALWAYS make your doc recheck any abnormal levels first. Assays can be wrong, and hormones are dynamic.

Thank you for the answer, I'm going to see the doctor ASAP but I think this is a mental problem because if I force myself to watch porn I can get aroused and keep an erection but that's the thing, I have to force myself,it doesn't come naturally like before. This sucks because I have a GF and it only worsens my case, cause I want to want to make love but I'm never in the mood. This sucks.

 

[grumble]

We'll check a few things that might help... wear boxers instead of briefs. Try to avoid sitting down too much or wearing tight pants. Sleep a lot, eat nutritious food with lots of zinc and that might help. trt is a big commitment!

 

[m0dus]

We'll check a few things that might help... wear boxers instead of briefs. Try to avoid sitting down too much or wearing tight pants. Sleep a lot, eat nutritious food with lots of zinc and that might help. trt is a big commitment!

As much as I wish it were,none of these suggestions are likely to have any effect. Sleeping a lot does not help, as low T leads to increased fatigue regardless. Avoiding sitting down and wearing boxers doesn't remedy anything despite what conventional wisdom says, nor does 'eating lots of zinc'

 

[Hatty]

My levels were around 10 percent of normal or something according to my doctor two years ago when I was 21, I never really found the cause though I had had severe testicular atrophy so that was kinda expensive to fix. I haven't been back to find the actual cause so I should probably do that

 

[Eusis]

Been really tired all day and this is nearly the end of my third week on it. Also saw my lab results and the estradiol seems to be a bit on the high end, so maybe that explains some moodiness? Not crazy high though.

 

[GameAddict411]

I could use a little less testosterone. My sex drive is through the roof.

 

[Bad7667]

I got diagnosed very recently with low t. Asked my GP for years if my low energy and complete lack of any kind of sex drive could be caused from low test. but he assured me that it wasn't possible.

He's one of those doctors that won't order "useless tests". It was useless because of my young age (27 now, 25 the first time I asked) Anyway, finally got him to check it and its 144 and he hasn't a clue why.

I'm taking pills now 80mg taro-test. I think its working as I do feel less tired. Still have no interest/drive in sex though. Not sure if low t can cause anxiety but I no longer have constant anxiety for no reason which is nice.

 

[Rad-]

I've had low natural testosterone for pretty much my whole life. The one time I tried t increasing pills I became like a totally different person, horny 24/7. I definitely feel that same difference after a heavy dead lift workout as well but its effect is short. Like one or two hours.

 

[Baron Doggystyle von Woof]

Stop fapping. I'm serious, this helped a lot for me.

 

[AppleSeason]

Heh. I am the opposite. I had to reduce my antiandrogens by half, and now I'm so horny that I will have to go out and date again.

I really could use low T production

 

[Roi]

Why is having low testosterone bad for you?

 

[velociraptor]

Why is having low testosterone bad for you?

Increased body fat
Decreased muscle mass and strength
Decreased bone mass
Depression and mental fog
Fatigue
No sex drive

 

[Minamu]

Increased body fat
Decreased muscle mass and strength
Decreased bone mass
Depression and mental fog
Fatigue
No sex drive

Could depression lower the t levels, as in the other way around?

 

[IC5]

I'm in the process of losing significant amount of weight (about 100 pounds). Is obesity linked with diminished erection quality. I'm only 27 but I have noticed this past year that my erections aren't quite as hard as they used to be (I'm also fatter now). I still "relieve" myself about twice a day so I'm not impotent or anything.

ejaculating twice, every day, is way too much, at any age.

 

[sullytao]

My husband had low testosterone from a very young age. When he was 15 he fell very ill very fast and was diagnosed with a pituitary tumour. Luckily after a few surgeries he pulled through and the tumour wasn't cancerous thankfully. Because of the damage it did he now has to have a 3 month injection of hormones but other than that he is well. The point is though, the time when he got sick, if his dad had wrote it off as a bug that night he wouldn't have survived. With things like this you need to have it looked into by a doctor as soon as you can.