androgel usage

My boyfriend was recently diagnosed with having low testosterone. He is 24 and has a level of 341. This has caused many issues with us in our relationship. He has claimed for a while not to be sexually attracted to me, and does not understand why he is not. We still spend almost every day together, but no sex or sexual contact. His doctor prescribed androgel for him to use. The goal was to increase his libido as well as protect him from other side effects of low testosterone. He has been using it for a little over two weeks now. The only thing he feels has changed is that over all he feels much healthier. Is the begginning sign of a bigger change? How long does androgel usually take to show an increase in libido? In the packaging i know it said after three months many men when asked showed an increase. Does it usally take three months for hormone therapies like this to take effect on libido. I am sitting and patiently waiting for an answer. Can this be solved or not...I am looking to find out what is the "normal" timeline for androgel to take effect of libido. He is also still masturbating almost every other day. He says the two are not related and if he didn't do that he still wouldn't want me because he just dosen't feel it right now. So how long should it take for it to effect his libido? So I know when I need to realize i am fighting a battle I can't win...because it won't chnage. Thanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The serum testosterone can be measured at any time in men who are using any of the transdermal preparations, with the recognition that the peak values occur six to eight hours after application of the nonscrotal patch. The concentrations fluctuate when the gel is used, but not in a predictable way, so at least two measurements should be made at any dose of gel; the time of measurement does not appear to matter.

The timing of the libido return would vary from patient to patient.  You may want to consider rechecking the testosterone level while on the Androgel to ensure they have normalized.  

If there continues to be a dearth of libido despite a normal testosterone level, you may want to consider looking for another cause other than a low testosterone level.  

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

Bibliography:
Snyder.  Testosterone treatment of male hypogonadism.  UptoDate, 2004.

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