[TinyTbone]

One regular on here said he lost interest in sex. It just wasn't on his mind. In my case, sometimes the PDE-5 inhibitors had no effect. I could have taken the whole bottle of cialis and would have done nothing but give me a headache. Was interested, but incapable. Then as a consequence of failure to perform, actually started dreading the wife being interested in intimacy. Would lay awake from 4AM on dreading the moment when she would wake up.

Getting the T up solved all of the problems. And improved my energy in general as well. As a prostate cancer survivor, finding a doctor who would treat low T was difficult. And, if my PSA ever rises, that will be the end of the treatment as well. I suspect since my wife stopped HRT after DCIS diagnosis, that will be fine for both of us.

Hormones for both men and women are a PITA. Not sure how our ancestors managed getting old, but they did. Maybe all of this HRT stuff is the wrong way to go.

Yes! Thank you Rus47! Same issues you said here. Monday will be in dr.s office having serious talk about the TRT or give me consult to new urologist!

 

[Rus47]

I'm also asking questions, because I'm curious about these guys who father children in their 70s. And I'm talking about the time before there was medicine for low-T. Were these guys outliers?

My great great grandfather buried three wives and fathered a child when he was 95. No birth cintrol. He fathered 15 kids during his life. Only 7 survived to adulthood. Five died before their first Birthday. He Died at 105. Trapped and hunted in wilderness until day he died. People lived a different lifestyle. Both genders worked hard their entire lives, didnt stop until they were dead. Majority didnt see 40 so hormones lasted their lifespan.

 

[LisaDiane]

So for those men whove had issues concerning this, if and when you had this checked, if you were low...whats considered low? Just got my results back and reviewed with my doctor. PSA, excellent, A1C, a little elevated and TESTOSTERONE, at 380. He says this is fine, actually higher than average for age correction. Is he telling me right?

"Low" testosterone is mainly subjective and depends not only on the actual level measured in your blood (which fluctuates), but mainly on your SYMPTOMS. So no matter what your levels are, if you are struggling with symptoms of low testosterone, that level is too low FOR YOU.

380 might be "normal" for your age, but it's NOT a good level for you to feel healthy and happy and like your more youthful self. Any doctors who actually have experience in treating men with low testosterone know this. You need to get a second (or third) opinion from a doctor who understands hormone imbalances and knows how to treat them. Your doctor is also ignoring the fact that having lower testosterone raises your risks of some pretty serious health problems, like heart disease and osteoporosis and cancer.

Sure, low testosterone levels are "normal" for old men who have no energy, no libido, no strength, no vitality....so then sure, if you are fine with feeling and acting like an old man instead of a younger man, maintain the testosterone levels of old men.
But if you want to feel more like your youthful, energetic, HEALTHY self as you age, you need to raise your testosterone level.

 

[LisaDiane]

I don’t have much to add but my own data point.

Never tried steroids
No maintenance medications
Normal BP is 120/78
Vasectomy 17 years ago
No ED or performance issues
BMI 24%
Age 48
Total T is about 415 …+/- 3 one month ago

I have zero interest in giving myself injections as I don’t see the need for myself personally. Everything is still operating like it should. Too many downsides for just a little more pep in my step.

How’s that country music lyric go ?

I’m not as good as I once was but I’m as good ONCE as I ever was 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

You are really fortunate then! It sounds like T levels around 400 are good for you.

 

[Rus47]

I don’t have much to add but my own data point.

Never tried steroids
No maintenance medications
Normal BP is 120/78
Vasectomy 17 years ago
No ED or performance issues
BMI 24%
Age 48
Total T is about 415 …+/- 3 one month ago

I have zero interest in giving myself injections as I don’t see the need for myself personally. Everything is still operating like it should. Too many downsides for just a little more pep in my step.

How’s that country music lyric go ?

I’m not as good as I once was but I’m as good ONCE as I ever was 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I had no problems at 48 either. Check back in about 20 -25 years from now. It is all an individual thing for either gender. My wife is older than I am and remains very interested. Lot of women her age have zero interest.

 

[Julie's Husband]

Good point. A corpse with no pulse is quite normal, but not something I’m striving for in regards to my health.

Most doctors I have dealt with regarding this same issues look at my levels and say they’re normal, because they fall in between the range on a chart that includes all ages, which was frustrating as hell.
My GP even told me my levels could be normal….for me! All this with never having a baseline for what my normal was historically.

This and telling me not to worry about my feelings of modesty being violated because the medical staff have seen it all are two things that really piss me off. Doctors brushing off my concerns because I'm "normal for men your age" when those men I supposedly represent are effed up sexually is asinine. This is basically telling me to be happy with decline.

 

[Julie's Husband]

I don’t have much to add but my own data point.

Never tried steroids
No maintenance medications
Normal BP is 120/78
Vasectomy 17 years ago
No ED or performance issues
BMI 24%
Age 48
Total T is about 415 …+/- 3 one month ago

I have zero interest in giving myself injections as I don’t see the need for myself personally. Everything is still operating like it should. Too many downsides for just a little more pep in my step.

How’s that country music lyric go ?

I’m not as good as I once was but I’m as good ONCE as I ever was 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

What time of the day did you have the blood draw for testosterone check? Our levels can vary quite a bit through the day.

On the urologist's order I usually test in the morning, but the endocrinologist sent me to the lab after 1 PM. The morning check was 530, the afternoon was 453 which seems to be a normal variation.

Again, age 77.

 

[Mr.Married]

What time of the day did you have the blood draw for testosterone check? Our levels can vary quite a bit through the day.

On the urologist's order I usually test in the morning, but the endocrinologist sent me to the lab after 1 PM. The morning check was 530, the afternoon was 453 which seems to be a normal variation.

Again, age 77.

I did it at 8am because the doc said I should do it in the morning

I’ll be honest with you. I wish my T Level was actually a little lower if it took sex off my mind some. Sex takes up too much of my head space. We have great sex life so you would think it wouldn’t be something I give much thought…. Unfortunately not the case. I don’t know why. I really dig chicks all the way around. Maybe I just need another motorcycle. 😅

 

[Rus47]

Sex takes up too much of my head space. We have great sex life so you would think it wouldn’t be something I give much thought….

I think it is like sweets. The more you have the more you want. That has always been true with me anyway.

Be careful what you wish for.

 

[Julie's Husband]

I did it at 8am because the doc said I should do it in the morning

I’ll be honest with you. I wish my T Level was actually a little lower if it took sex off my mind some. Sex takes up too much of my head space. We have great sex life so you would think it wouldn’t be something I give much thought…. Unfortunately not the case. I don’t know why. I really dig chicks all the way around. Maybe I just need another motorcycle. 😅

I understand. Prostate cancer is all about worrying how sexual function will be affected. Big focus on sex. For the last three years it has been either empty or so aroused I can barely keep my pants on. Mostly the latter.

 

[CrapMan]

I started a biologic 13 years ago for psoriatic arthritis along with methotrexate. Those wreaked havoc on my BP & T levels causing a slight ED condition. I was very moody when my T levels were down around 200. Short tempered. T shots helped with my moodiness; but, not ED. I had BPH. So, doc prescribe 5mg daily Cialis for the BPH. Worked wonders for my slight ED problem as well.

 

[TinyTbone]

"Low" testosterone is mainly subjective and depends not only on the actual level measured in your blood (which fluctuates), but mainly on your SYMPTOMS. So no matter what your levels are, if you are struggling with symptoms of low testosterone, that level is too low FOR YOU.

380 might be "normal" for your age, but it's NOT a good level for you to feel healthy and happy and like your more youthful self. Any doctors who actually have experience in treating men with low testosterone know this. You need to get a second (or third) opinion from a doctor who understands hormone imbalances and knows how to treat them. Your doctor is also ignoring the fact that having lower testosterone raises your risks of some pretty serious health problems, like heart disease and osteoporosis and cancer.

Sure, low testosterone levels are "normal" for old men who have no energy, no libido, no strength, no vitality....so then sure, if you are fine with feeling and acting like an old man instead of a younger man, maintain the testosterone levels of old men.
But if you want to feel more like your youthful, energetic, HEALTHY self as you age, you need to raise your testosterone level.

Have a new appointment Monday for this very reason. Tried to explain to the urologist all the things beside the EDissues that I've felt for years! Just felt like it a Friday and st Patty's day and he was interested in getting rhe hell out and start 🥳. I definitely want a second opinion or if my PCM is qualified to, start me on some form TRT. Tired of just being tired for no reasons and not feeling myself. I'm in pretty damn good condition for a man who doesn't hit the gym. Probably from being on ships for over 30 years!

I did it at 8am because the doc said I should do it in the morning

I’ll be honest with you. I wish my T Level was actually a little lower if it took sex off my mind some. Sex takes up too much of my head space. We have great sex life so you would think it wouldn’t be something I give much thought…. Unfortunately not the case. I don’t know why. I really dig chicks all the way around. Maybe I just need another motorcycle. 😅

I did my blood draw around 830 in the morning, as instructed between 7-10 am.

 

[TinyTbone]

I get what your saying there Mr.Married! I've always had a high drive, love the ladies. Recently though I did have a realization in therapy that sex was one of my coping mechanisms for my BPD. It not all inclusive and as I told my wife ill take quality over quantity.

 

[SunCMars]

I'm also asking questions, because I'm curious about these guys who father children in their 70s. And I'm talking about the time before there was for low-T. Were these guys outliers?

Average life expectancy for males in the 'old days' was 45-55 years old.

So yes, they were way outside the bell curve.
And, the balls curve,

They were likely pointing rather straight, no major sideways or downward curve.

Then again, you only need to put the ball in the pocket.

Of course, provided their powder was dry, and live rounds were fired off.

Testosterone in male humans has gone down ~25% since 1900.

The causes are poor diets, obesity, environmental factors, pollution, plastic and other toxins, lack of vigorous exercise, etc..

Any total number below 300 is considered low by urologists.

History is quick to point out the exceptions, the outliers, and overlook the averages.

 

[Julie's Husband]

Any total number below 300 is considered low by urologists.

Ha! Try <0.12 ng/dl sometime. Just a heck of a lot of fun. Total at <0.20 is considered medically castrate.

 

[Mybabysgotit]

So for those men whove had issues concerning this, if and when you had this checked, if you were low...whats considered low? Just got my results back and reviewed with my doctor. PSA, excellent, A1C, a little elevated and TESTOSTERONE, at 380. He says this is fine, actually higher than average for age correction. Is he telling me right?

He's telling you right if you are geriatric, otherwise, you are on the bottom end of the scale. Get another doctor.

 

[TinyTbone]

He's telling you right if you are geriatric, otherwise, you are on the bottom end of the scale. Get another doctor.

Hahahaha! Nope definitely not geriatric! Lol yes gonna set up for another dr. Way to dismissive of the issue. Just another bandaid fix. The doctor i left a couple years ago, her attempt was gee your getting g older now and things just don't work like they did. Hhhhmmmm... seems as shes getting older her brains not working as good either!
I do try to stay active and work and home though. Just seems like I got a whole lot of want with little do in me over the last year or so. Not me, bouncing off the walls normally!

 

[TinyTbone]

Ha! Try <0.12 ng/dl sometime. Just a heck of a lot of fun. Total at <0.20 is considered medically castrate.

Ya know, he never said what level was. I'll have my dr on Monday pull up that test and see what that was as well. What should be a good number im looking for?

 

[Julie's Husband]

Ya know, he never said what level was. I'll have my dr on Monday pull up that test and see what that was as well. What should be a good number im looking for?

Dunno. Whatever your body needs. Personally I'm looking for bio available in the mid to high range, SHBG mid range. If the total level supports those that is sufficient.

 

[uwe.blab]

Thanks Conan. This is why I'm pursuing this. I think I'm low and feel like I've lost that step or edge male wise. Of course I'm aging, but that just doesn't account for how I've felt now for a few years.

I went to Mantality. They do bloodwork pretty often to make sure everything is ok, actually had me stop for a week a while back because my hermacratics (???) were high. I told my dr about it. I think the whole process is easier than going through normal provider but insurance issues may make it more difficult (financially, if insurance wont cover this kind of clinic). My overall T level was like 250 and last time they checked it is now 1200 I think. The free T is apparently what really matters. I think mine was like 89 or something crazy low. It's on the high side now. i am 51.