I recently saw a new endo for symptoms (fatigue, etc.) that I've been dealing w/ for the last 6 months. She did an ACTH stim test (normal), retested my thyroid (want to up my dose - I'm hypo) and also tested my testosterone. It was tested a few months ago and was lowish-normal (430). I'm 37 yrs old, normally developed, no sexual problems. Just worn out all of the time.
This time the T came back much lower - 250. And she wants to put me on therapy - probably androgel.
What I want to know is: is it standard practice to test pituitary hormones (LH & FSH) and other hormones (Prog., Aldo., etc.) before starting therapy? I asked her those questions and she said that I have "classic low-T fatigue symptoms", which is why she wanted to test it, and "no sign of pituitary problems". I don't know how she can tell just by looking at me.
Should I be pushing harder to get those tests before I start adding T to my body? I asked but she doesn't want to do them. Should I be looking for a new endo?
Also: what would cause T to plummet 200 points in a matter of a few months? Most of what I've read suggests slow changes are the norm. Endo thinks I have auto-immune problems, suspects this is part of that. But does that mean my immune system is attacking my testicles directly, in addition to my thyroid? They're at opposite ends of my body!
Thanks for helping me put this all into perspective.