testicle atrophy & Orchiectomy

[gjvr2001]

It looks like I'm a new member of the Eunuch clan as I had my testosterone level checked a few weeks ago. It was 32. My urologist said he had never seen such a low level. I have had a very diminished libido for several years but I personally would rather have a normal level. I just started TRT with Testim 5 mg 3 days ago and still have noticed no increase in libido. I personally think the "eunuch calm " is not that great. I would love to be able to have the sex drive I had in the past. I guess that my mind is not wanting to be a Eunuch but I guess that's no longer an option. Please be careful and very sure before you continue to do irreversible harm to your testis. Has anyone ever had experience with trying to get back to normal Testosterone levels by using Testim and if so, how long did it take to get the T levels back to a functional range above 300?

[kristoff]

It looks like I'm a new member of the Eunuch clan as I had my testosterone level checked a few weeks ago. It was 32. My urologist said he had never seen such a low level. I have had a very diminished libido for several years but I personally would rather have a normal level. I just started TRT with Testim 5 mg 3 days ago and still have noticed no increase in libido. I personally think the "eunuch calm " is not that great. I would love to be able to have the sex drive I had in the past. I guess that my mind is not wanting to be a Eunuch but I guess that's no longer an option. Please be careful and very sure before you continue to do irreversible harm to your testis. Has anyone ever had experience with trying to get back to normal Testosterone levels by using Testim and if so, how long did it take to get the T levels back to a functional range above 300?

It may well take you several weeks to get to the point where you are able to experience a libido. Even then, it isnt the same, tends not to be as strong, and for me, fades over time. My T level typically ranges around 500 ng/dl.

[nullorchis]

It looks like I'm a new member of the Eunuch clan as I had my testosterone level checked a few weeks ago. It was 32. My urologist said he had never seen such a low level. I have had a very diminished libido for several years but I personally would rather have a normal level. I just started TRT with Testim 5 mg 3 days ago and still have noticed no increase in libido. I personally think the "eunuch calm " is not that great. I would love to be able to have the sex drive I had in the past. I guess that my mind is not wanting to be a Eunuch but I guess that's no longer an option. Please be careful and very sure before you continue to do irreversible harm to your testis. Has anyone ever had experience with trying to get back to normal Testosterone levels by using Testim and if so, how long did it take to get the T levels back to a functional range above 300?

My experience is that a doctor will wait 90 days after you start HRT (TRT) before another T test is run. There are different kinds of tests. (check out on the internet). Total T is main indicator. You may never experience same kind of sex drive you had in the past. The testicles consume cholesterol and produce DHT on demand, as needed, in response to the levels of other hormones in the body. With gels you are dosing up on T in the morning so you have strength and stability throughout the day. With balls your T level would build up during the night as you are at rest, and be nice and high for a morning sexual romp, or to carry you through the day. Without balls your T level will be lowest in the morning since you have no natural production throughout the night.

Applying gel throughout the day, or in the evening, would undoubtedly produce different results, which would most likely be different in everyone, and would be something you would have to experiment with to see if it provided you with the unique results you seeking. We all want unique results and respond differently to the same medications or routines, so each of us must proceed with our own methods, with caution.

[Hash]

Yes, it will take some time for your body to readjust to the introduction of testosterone back into your system. However, sometimes the body doesn't adjust and in some eunuchs there's a resistance to testosterone. I've stated before that I've maintained a low level of HRT (testosterone therapy). I've used a low dose regimen of compounded testosterone for years, my testosterone levels are on average between 120-180, now if I try to increase the amount to boost my testosterone, my body reacts negatively. Instead of testosterone increasing, my body increases my estrogen production, my tiny libido decreases, my small penis shrinks up even more, and I begin to feel strange tingling all over. My urologist theorizes that this is a result of my low dose regimen, which my body has accepted now as normal. It's stabilized at this low amount. Increasing the "t" causes a negative reaction because it's not accustomed to it. It has something to do with aromatase. If I stop using compounded testosterone all together for several weeks or months, my body might reject any additional testosterone and I'd feminize even more. Right now I'm comfortable with where I'm at, but I know my higher estrogen levels have changed the way I am and think. I also suspect estrogen is pushing me to have my penis removed. I hope for your sake, GJVR, that things work in your favor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aromatase
http://www.naturodoc.com/library/hormones/masculine.htm

[gjvr2001]

Thank you for your help. I was wondering if all the high blood pressure and cholesterol meds I've been taking could be part of the reason of the drop in T or possibly a temperature of 107 degrees I suffered a couple of years ago.

[gjvr2001]

Thee Testim that was prescribed is 1% in a 5g tube and costs $263 for 30 tubes even with a $40 discount. I found that Drugstore.com sells First Testosterone 2% only costs 154 for 180 g which seems to be the least expensive means other than testosterone cypionate shots. I am also a veteran and have requested to get some form through the VA but don't know if they will do it. I sure don't feel much better yet, just frustrated, considering the expense I am not convinced it is worth it. I guess I'm faced with the decision to feel lousy for free or feel lousy for lots of money. Yuck!

[Batman]

Some people don't absorb gels well and they aren't effective. Personally when I was diagnosed as low, I tried Testim and it caused skin irritation and I switch to injections.

The injections are so much easier and much more effective. A good source of information can be found on the Yahoo group hypogonadism2 the guys there know virtually everything you need to learn to treat the problem.

Good Luck


Batman

[gjvr2001]

After 4 days, I still don't get any erections but just a feeling like I'm about to explode. Is there any hope for it getting better in the future or am I just dreaming.

[Hash]

gjvr2001 - It's hard to know what might be causing your problem, but you should consider "compounded testosterone." It's more like the natural stuff your testicles make or made. Also, your age might also have something to do with your situation.

http://www.stroheckersrx.com/
http://www.cutispharma.com/testwpinst.html

[gjvr2001]

Thank you for the info everyone. It looks like the beginning of a very scary journey and maybe there is some hope. Maybe I'm just a little uptight and impatient as I thought once I was on TRT all would be OK quickly. Maybe I just need to work at it a month or so.

[nullorchis]

Thank you for the info everyone. It looks like the beginning of a very scary journey and maybe there is some hope. Maybe I'm just a little uptight and impatient as I thought once I was on TRT all would be OK quickly. Maybe I just need to work at it a month or so.

In the beginning (long ago) I only craved physical castration.
It never occurred to me that once castrated I would not be interested in or be able to have sexual activity.

Once I learned that castration would result in an inability to have sex or any interest in sex, I debated and wavered.

Once I finally lowered my T to castrate level, the lack of interest in sex has been a new lease on life. The inability to engage in sexual performance is not the frustrating experience I thought it would be. It is more like "so what, big deal, nothing lost".

It's like most things we fear. Lack of experience, lack of knowledge, leads to hesitation, fear, doubt. Especially when something is a one way street. Once castrated physically, or through irreversable chemical methods, there is no real going back. Testosterone gels and shots are useful to maintain enough T hormone to minimize negative health impacts of having a T level that is too low.

But was really a surprise for me that once my T level dropped enough to almost eliminate all interest in sex, or sexual ability, it was no problem, in fact it was a great relief. It was like getting rid of a bad habit, without having to go through the hoops and hurdles that one must go through to stay rid of the bad habit. Without testosterone I just naturally adapted to and am comfortable and happy with not being mentally or physically sexually aroused. It has been a pleasant surprise and one that has made the transition well worth while. It is hard to imagine that upon loosing something you value and enjoy that you will be glad you have lost it. But, for me, that is exactly what happened. Seems odd, but true.

[gjvr2001]

I wish that I could just put sex out of my mind and be satisfied as it would be much easier and less expensive, but I would probably have to go thru electric shock treatments or take some antidepressants that would completely put me in a disoriented state of mind. Unfortunately, I can't seem to do that. I guess I'm not wired that way. It is very frustrating to me.

[gjvr2001]

Thanks Batman for the referal to hypogonadism2. I checked in on it and it is very informative and I can see that I am definitely not alone. I haven't posted yet as I was just reading what they were going thru. It sounds like one has to take a very active part in his treatment as the TRT situation is very complex and YMMV.

[Batman]

You're welcome. I've learned a tremendous amount of information from that group the last few years since I was diagnosed and went on TRT. It's a really excellent group, quite welcoming and very active.

[gjvr2001]

Batman, I posted a message on their site but have not seen it or any responses to it yet. I think I will try a 2nd dose of 5mg Testim to see if this bumps the T up a bit to a level where it might be noticeable.