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Urology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Low Testosterone
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.

Low Testosterone

by emichael, Sep 26, 2004 12:00AM
i am 36 yr old male and have low testosterone (my free are 36.0 and my total testosterone were in low 300s). i was tested at 2pm in the afternoon!?! in the last two months, i have had hot flashes, night sweats, low energy, fatigue, my vision seems to have gotten a bit worse, and my feet/toes get very cold, i also feel a bit light headed or like i am in a fog. i also think my libido is lower but this could be from stress.  i can get an erection and ejaculate but it isn't as fulfilling when i climax.  my glucose is 91, i am hiv-, i tested negative for ANA and anti DNA ( i thought i may have had lupus).  I am seeing endocrynologist who would like me to try testosterone shots for 3 months and see how i do.  what are your thoughts on my condition.  i am concerned because the endo said the cold feet and vision issues are unlikely related to low testosterone and she said my cold feet "could" be raynaurds syndrome which is also unrelated. I guess i was curious if you think my symptoms will be helped with TRT and if you think it is odd that i would possibly develop raynaurds at the same time i get low testosterone. could my low testosterone be a result of a bigger problem/disease/condition? could cold feet and vision changes simply be from low testosterone fyi...endo said hypogonadism is not from brain and we are waiting on results of chromosone testing. she thinks it's primary hypogonadism.  I had a benign cyst near my testicles that disappeared around the time i starting feeling sick...is there a possibility this could have reattached somewhere else to create a blockage of testosterone? i can't figure out why my levels have dropped all of the sudden.



If you were me, what tests or questions should i ask my dr?

by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 30, 2004 12:00AM
First, I would repeat the testosterone tests to ensure they are indeed low - since they do tend to vary depending on the time of day.  An LH (luteinizing hormone) level can be considered to determine whether the problem is coming from the testicles or the pituitary gland.  



I am not aware of cold feet or vision problems being related to the low testosterone.  You may want to consider a rheumatology referral for evaluation of Raynaud's.  



If the testosterone is truly low, and the other tests are negative, then replacement therapy is reasonable.  Different forms are available, including shots, and a daily gel (Androgel) - you may want to discuss which is the best for you.



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Kevin, M.D.

Medical Weblog:

kevinmd_b
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