Seeing an endocrinologist tomorrow for low testosterone

[ActiveMSers]

The only real negative side effect from the treatment that I've experienced so far is low testosterone. Chemotherapy will do that, and it usually manifests a few months afterward. So I'm off to see a specialist about possible hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

This isn't clear cut. I am right on the borderline (any lower and I'd be below normal) and things still, ahem, work. Just not as well as I'd like! I have levels consistent with an 80-year-old. But HRT can have its own problems, so we shall see....

[shucks]

You are the 3rd guy I have talked to who has had lowT from this, but it doesn't seem to be listed as a common side effect. That seems funny. Please let us know how it goes.

[ActiveMSers]

Got a fasting blood test this morning to show current levels. The doc is curious to see if the drop is all related to the testes or to other areas. My next appointment is in a week (Wednesday). He was pretty curious about my SCT.

[ActiveMSers]

Saw the doc and the blood work looks great. Cholesterol decently low at 171 (62 HDL) with a triglyceride level of only 90.

As for the testosterone, it's low, but not flatlined.
Total: 3.6 (2.5-11.5 normal)
Free: 9.51 (9.00-47.00 normal)

Since hormone replacement therapy has its own set of risks and hassles (putting on a new patch every 12 hours), the doc said he'd prefer to see how it rolls for now with only the blue pill as an aid. I'm cool with that. He'll also be monitoring my bone density annually, which can go down with low testosterone.

You'll have to forgive me, but I won't be providing detailed updates in this category.