Really unsure.

[Guest guest]

Hi Gang,

I was diagnosed about 2 1/2 months ago with secondary hypogonadism.

This group has really educated me, but I find myself confused again.

To recap, during my annual exam, my doctor ordered a testosterone

level, which is now routine for his male patients over 40. My T came

back very low for my age. I have been treated for depression for

about 9 years, which I now believe was undiagnosed hypogonadism.

Anyway, I was prescribed Androgel 5mg daily. After two weeks, I was

feeling better than I had in years. I started weaning off of my

antidepressant and was for the first time, having no problem doing so.

I had a T level drawn at one month, and my T had actually dropped. My

doc increased me to 10mg daily, Within 2 weeks, my nipples became

hard and painful. I was instructed to stop the Androgel for 2 weeks

and then to have LH, T, Prolactin, and Estradial levels drawn. Well,

to my surprise, they all came back within normal range.

My doctor gave me the option of doing nothing or starting on Depo

testosterone 200mg every 3 weeks, since I was on the low end of

normal. I wanted to try T replacement, since it seemed to really make

a differcence in the beginning, so I started on Depo testosterone.

I was told to have labs drawn in one month, but if I started with the

nipple symtpoms, I was to call and have labs drawn sooner. He would

consider estrogen blockers depending on results.

Well, here is my confusion. Did my brief course of Androgel cure my

hypognadism since my labs were normal? Does anyone have experience

with Depo testosterone, and does it have a lower incidence of

conversion to estradial? I am really unsure if I should continue with

treatment or not? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim