Low T, I wonder, What Do You Think?

[TxCassie]

Hello Everyone, I came across a situation today that I hadn't counted on.

I had my annual physical today. I was en drab, all the way. I would have underdress but I know the mindset of my doctor. He sent his son to the same all-boy Catholic College-Prep High School I graduated, so I know the mindset all too well.

But,beyond this, my doctor informed me today, that I have low testosterone. I did one more blood test afterwhich, he probably will put me on HRT. I was floored.I knew we all loose some amount as we age (I'm 53yrs), but he said normal levels was around 600 and i scored a 200. You can imagine the thoughts that flooded my head. Was this the reason I began to dress seriously about 10 years ago and is this the reason I've allowed it to grow.

I do so love dressing, even if I don't go out in public. Will the HRT affect my desire to dress? Will I begin to think of myself in more manly perspective. I find it so ironic, we just , and I just commented on a related topic "Does crossdressing make you less a man". I commented that I am all the man I'll am ever going to be. Now, maybe not. I just don't know.

Of course, my doctor pointed out the dangers of having such low levels of testosterone in my body. Everything from brain function to my immune system. Of course, my low levels may be the reason I've not had any prostate issues. A fact that amazes my doctor.

So, here I am. What do you gals think? I know no one here is an expert or maybe we do have a medical professional in the house. Still, I so do value all the thoughts expressed here. I always felt everyone here gives their honest and sincerest thoughts and advice. Has anyone else faced this situation?

Cassie :praying:

[Donna St. Marten]

I've had the same problem for about 3 years now. Don't worry about a thing, there is no connection between your testosterone level and your desire to dress. Low levels of T will cause weight gain especially in the belly area, and no girl wants that. Welcome to The Golden Years.

[michelle.foster]

Cassie,
You're getting older, T drops with age. Pretty sure dressing doesn't effect it. I have been dressing for many years now and several years ago i was very sexually active, hit a depression and was put on anti-depressants. It killed my libido, dead. I stopped taking the meds and after a couple of month my libido did not return. Doc did a T-level test. It was one point above the lower normal limit. Therefore I was normal so insurance company would not pay for HRT.
Getting your level back to mid-range will do a lot for you, probably correct thing you haven't even noticed have changed. It won't effect your desire to dress.
Good luck

[Jodi Anne]

This is what really start the ball rolling for me, I had low T and my DR. put me on Androgel 1.62. After about 2 months this stuff worked, the DR said I would feel like I was in my twenties and he was right. Although in my twenties I had wanted to be a girl and now with my re-kindleing of lifelong feelings I started working toward this goal. If you search you will find this is a common start for some TG's. I have since stopped using Androgel and went to using an anti-androgens and HRT. YMMV

[allesha10]

Could you ask the doctor what the risks of not doing the HRT for T, and staying at your levels, that is if you have no other complaints? If you did not know him to be so conservative maybe you could suggest HRT in the other direction?

[Janie {3]

Cassie, I am also in my fifties and a recent physical revealed that my testosterone level was slightly higher than most "gurls" my age and I love to dress more than almost anything.

[TxCassie]

You are so right Donna. I've always been a chunky guy, short, stocky, muscular. My muscularity is one of the reason, I suppressed my dressing during my teen and 20s But in the last 8 yrs or so, the belly , OMG. As one of the gals said when I posted my avatar pic, "I thought you were pregnant". :eek: LOL :o

Congratulations Jodi! I am also so happy to see when someone takes the leap to become one with their persona. I wish you the very best.

Allesha, I don't have any major complaints other than be tired alot, not able to focus like I used too. I don't think I'm too emotional but I have cried more in the last five years than any. The bad effects if i kept my T Level at it's present level are ones I really don't want to face. So, if he prescribes the HRT, I probably will take it. It was just a little unexpected and as usual with me, the question just flooded into my head.

[allesha10]

I understand, you would never want to jeopardize your health for anything, I would be like you and wonder if the rise in T would lessen your dressing desires? I am 60 and have the same symptoms you describe, I wonder what my T levels are?

[TxCassie]

Thank you so much everyone. I feel a lot better. I suppose I am literally at the crossroads. If I wanted to take the feminine road, this probably would be the time to start. I've long said, my manly days were over. Maybe my mind/body was telling me I was leaking T all along..LOL

The thought of transitioning is much more an option than I ever thought it would be, could be, is now. It's tempting, it's exciting, it's fearful. While it's true, I've never felt or thought of myself as totally masculine but I have never felt I was in the wrong body. I've given this much thought over the years, more recently since I began dressing more seriously and more often. I don't feel I'm female, I do feel male, I just don't feel I'm masculine as other men. I may be just another mixed up guy.

At the end of the day, I know who I am and what I am. So, while the thought of taking a turn and start anew is so luring and attractive, I think and feel, it will not be the best decision for me to transition. I do have such admiration for those who decide to make the transition. Such to the point where I am considering of entering gender studies somewhere once i do retire. It's an increasingly desirable and developing option as I enter my second act.

Thank you for your kind thoughts. I so appreciate them, every word.

Cassie :love:

Thanks Elise, On one level, I wouldn't mind feeling a bit more manly,or the way I used to when I was younger. I don't want to be a young stud, but I really don't want to look pregnant either.LOL I do know my libdo has lessen a bit but the plumbing still works, but I have had trouble maintaining. Maybe the T will assist in that area. I really would like the T to give me the motivation to get back to the gym. I used to be a semi-gym rat back in the day. (I think it was more to cruise the guys, lol) but I took pride in the sweat stain on my tee shirt. Look guys, wuff wuff...>LOL. If I can lose about 70 pounds, or even half of that, I'll be happy.

[Christinedreamer]

I had my T level checked a couple years ago and was 140; well below the low end of the scale for a guy my age. I am on Androgel now. One possible side effect of taking Androgel is enlarged breasts. how ironic! My dressing desire was more intense in my younger days but i still have periods of average desire for it that are then overridden by intense desire for all things feminine. I think for me, dressing is primarily a stress reliever. Currently I am awaiting major spinal surgery and the pain levels are getting rather intense. Dressing in something soft and luxurious seems to help relieve the stress, the pain and lower my BP.

[GinaM]

Ok, where to begin. I'm on HRT myself and I started in December. I'm a lot younger than you at only 36 but I know all the symptoms. I think mine started because I did a cycle of steroids years ago and my natural levels never returned fully and then a year ago had major surgery. Anyways, make sure when they are checking the T-Levels they are doing a full panel of Lipids, E2, Free and Total T. There should be at least 8-10 panels they pull or the numbers don't mean anything.

Next, make sure your Dr. knows what the hell he is doing. My friend is also on HRT and has such a terrible protocol he feels worse. That said, my insurance doesn't cover my prescriptions so I pay out of pocket. This has been the best thing I've done for myself. The only thing that sucks is I'm taking Test C which I need to inject twice per week. Not the most fun thing to do but the results are AWESOME. I'm sexually feeling like I was 20 years old again which is awesome. My desire to dress is thru the roof right now, I've leaned out a lot, and I'm strong as an Ox. Make sure to ask your Dr. about what protocol he would want you one topical, Pellets, or intramuscular injections. Then, be sure to ask about HCG or your boys will shrivel up into little peas and ask if you'll need anything to combat Estrogen levels. The more Test you add the more of it converts to Estrogen and you start having issues.

As for the side effect of larger breasts you don't want that. It's called Gynocomastia (spelling?) and it becomes a lump under your breast. The only way to remove it is thru surgery. You don't want that. Please let me know if you have any questions because I know a lot about this subject and I've been researching it for years.

[TxCassie]

Wow, Thanks Gina. The doctor said my levels was t 200 when it is supposed to be at 600. He did draw some more blood and the lady in the office said, once the results come back, the doctor will call me with the results and his treatment. Today, the doctor talked about a pill you put under your tongue or a gel. I really don't need manboobs, Although, I could put them to good use. It sounds like if I start this treatment, I may be ending the production of my own body to produce the T

I'll have to wait and see. I'll keep y'all informed.

Thanks Again,

Cassie

[Jennifer Kelly]

I was diagnosed with low T last year myself. And I'm only 38. My level was so low (below 50) that my doctor referred me to an endocrinologist. A few blood tests and and MRI later and we discovered the cause was a small tumor (around 7 mm) on the pituitary gland that was causing pressure on the gland leading to excess levels of prolactin (which I didn't even know males produced), which in turn causes T to go way down. I've been on medication to shrink the tumor for about 4 months now, been seeing results for two. Oddly enough it was at this time that my desire to dress, suppressed since my early 20's, came back. I have all the other signs you would expect as well, which is a double-edged sword since I'm currently single.

So I wouldn't worry about HRT in this regard. :)

[Cheryl T]

I think there are many dangers associated with T replacement. Just listen to those ads and all the side effects. For me I'd stay as I am and not introduce any more chemicals (than I already take) into my body.
Since I've been dressing from age 8 I know this hasn't had anything to do with it as my levels were always good.

[Christinedreamer]

I had an MRI to check for a tumor as well and it was negative. The doctor also ordered a mammogram as my boobs are so large. The radiologist estimated between a B and C cup. There is a small area that appears to be actual breast tissue as opposed to just fat and no lumps or shadows. I use the topical Androgel just rubbed into the abdomen or shoulders. The T levels have come up about 50 points.

[GinaM]

The gels work for some people but you have to be really careful not to contaminate others with it. If you have small children that you around or a spouse they can become contaminated. The one drawback to HRT is that you will be on it for life. When you add the test your body no longer produces it and you will need to be on it forever. It's not the most convenient thing by any means but the results speak for themselves.

[linda allen]

I've been on Androgel for several years and it hasn't suppressed my desire to dress. If you need it, you need it. Go ahead and take the treatments.

[TxCassie]

I'm glad they caught the tumor Jennifer. Were you feeling the effects of the low T before the discovery?

That's what I figure Gina, that I'd be on it for life. But then again, if my body stop producing the T, at least at the level it used too, it probably won't re-start. I didn't know about the enlarged breast. That gives me such conflict. On one level, having larger breast peaks my femme side enormously. However, I already have a nice A cup, and when I used to "lift", my breast developed into nicely. So to have even larger breast might be a bit problematic This is why I made the post, this situation just opens up so many questions, new realities, choices. I probably will enter treatment as I mention before only to ward off the bad effects of not having the T in my system. More questions to my doctor, and some soul searching, and resolutions I see coming.

Are you happy with the results Christine?

Yes, those are my concerns Cheryl.

[mikiSJ]

The doctor said my levels was t 200 when it is supposed to be at 600.

That is not a true statement. Your T level is supposed to be within range, and while at 200 it is at the low end of the scale, it is within range. If you are overly concerned, see a urologist or an endocrinologist for the definitive answer.

Personally, when my T levels were at 500-700, I was not a very nice person to be around as my "A Personality" really raised its head. I personally feel much better at the 250 range I am currently at.

[DonnaT]

I also was diagnosed with low T. It had no affect on my libido, or anything else that I'm aware of. The doctor never mentioned any dangers of having low T, other than aossible affect on libido.

I was prescribed Androgel to bring the levels back to within the normal range. I wouldn't have used it, but my wife insisted.

Result? No change. The gel just didn't work on me. So I quit using it. Hated using it anyway.

[Laura912]

Feel the need to get a medical opinion in here. What type of doctor did you see that drew the original testosterone level? Because it was drawn at an annual physical along with a bunch of other screening tests, the value of which could be debated, I strongly encourage you NOT to accept treatment from a generalist, to insist on a referral to an endocrinologist, and be very careful responding to one lab value drawn at a random time. Too often, colleagues treat the lab test and not the patient. OK, I will get off the soap box now.....:)

[Lori B]

............and to think I always thought "low T" was a chopped 32 Ford..........:brolleyes::heehee:

[Annaliese]

I am 59 and I had my tested a year ago it was high. Don't worry about it just enjoy.

[kimdl93]

I have been taking supplemental testosterone for a year. It hasn't lessened my desire to dress one bit.

[Christinedreamer]

There are several possible effects of low T aside from lowered libido. Sadly, when I mentioned having a screening done, the old GP I was seeing asked immediately about my difficult in having erections. I explained that my life did NOT revolve around that but other issues that can be affected by low T levels WERE of interest to me. Some possible effects are memory deficit, lack of energy or interest in hobbies etc, difficulty in concentrating, reduced physical strength, and persistent tired feeling. I have noticed some improvement in all those areas although it is not a staggering amount. I have only been on the therapy so far for 4 months.

As for the boob size, yes I am happy with that. I would not expect a large spurt in breast size though merely from taking testosterone. It is a POSSIBLE side effect and I already had gynocomastia. They just increased a little.

[Jennifer Kelly]

I'm glad they caught the tumor Jennifer. Were you feeling the effects of the low T before the discovery?

Yes I was. Very much so. For a long time I never even thought about low T, because I thought I was too young. But eventually I had to consider it might be that. I'm feeling a lot better now but still have a ways to go. I lost 80 pounds in 2010 while almost certainly having low T the entire time. I'm hoping I can do it again this year (because I've put 70 of it back on), but faster now that my T levels aren't as messed up.

[giuseppina]

Hello Cassie

I haven't read all of the posts, but HRT isn't really something a GP/family practice specialist should be messing with. I would ask for a referral to an endocrinologist, who has the training to watch for and deal with the side effects. There should be regular bloodwork done to evaluate what is going on. That being said, however, medical care in Canada is paid for by taxes, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Someone mentioned investigating the low T. This is important to get tumors and other issues ruled out. One person in another forum I frequent had at least one abscessed testicle and it was causing all sorts of problems with other parts of the body. Last I heard he had the surgery and recovered, albeit with some complications due to postsurgical infection, which is not unexpected in his situation.

[TxCassie]

My doctor is an MD, Internal Medicine, with a specialty in sport's medicine. He takes care alot of the jocks from my Alma Mater and other avid sport's men and women. I'm not a jock, but my part-time does involve some physical activity which he is very keen on monitoring my bruises and other boo boos I've come up with over the years. but you're point is well taken. he drew more blood last Monday. so when I speak to him again, I'll mention the endocrinologist. I have a hernia that probably will be on top of the list to correct before any HRT begins. thanks for the advice. I really do appreciate it.

[Beverley Sims]

............and to think I always thought "low T" was a chopped 32 Ford..........:brolleyes::heehee:

I know there is a more serious discussion here both of mine are low, the T and the Ford.

[linda allen]

........... The one drawback to HRT is that you will be on it for life. When you add the test your body no longer produces it and you will need to be on it forever.

Where did you find that information? I have never heard that before and I don't recall it being on the label.

[GinaM]

That is not a true statement. Your T level is supposed to be within range, and while at 200 it is at the low end of the scale, it is within range. If you are overly concerned, see a urologist or an endocrinologist for the definitive answer.

Personally, when my T levels were at 500-700, I was not a very nice person to be around as my "A Personality" really raised its head. I personally feel much better at the 250 range I am currently at.

My levels were at 347 on a scale of 300-1100 and I felt like crap. If you're on the low end of the scale then you should consider the treatment. Keep in mind too that age has a lot to do with this because at a younger age and being on the lower end of the scale you will feel worse than someone older with the same numbers. I did it too because I workout almost every single day and do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu so I'm fighting all the time and I need to stay aggressive and be able to recover from hard training.

[GinaM]

Where did you find that information? I have never heard that before and I don't recall it being on the label.

What happens is that you have a low number to begin with and typically feel like crap. Then you add Testosterone to the mix and you body completely shuts the natural production down. Let's say you do TRT for 2 years and your level was around 300. Now, when you come off of TRT you levels will be EVEN LOWER. They will do a PCT (post cycle therapy) to try to restart your natural production but it prob. won't do much. This will typically consist of Clomid and Nolva and in some cases it will help but again you won't go any higher than your previous levels and more likely than not you will be lower.

I feel AWESOME since starting HRT and even though I don't like doing 2 intramuscular injections each week and 2 subQ injections/week it's well worth the inconvenience.

[Barbra P]

My Doctor ran a test last year, I was 68 at the time, and my level was 589.1 on a scale of 193 – 740. I was told that was high for someone my age and put me at a greater risk for prostate cancer, something to definitely take into consideration. I had been taking several medications for BPH, including Finasteride which I understand should lower my T-level and I was surprised that my level was so high.
I have many of the symptoms usually associated with high T-levels such as class-A personality, BPH, short temper (heck, I’m Irish what you expect?), etc. My Therapist has since mentioned referring me to an Endocrinologist to see about starting a low-level Estrogen HRT regimen however my Wife is totally against the idea.

[GinaM]

Barbara, the temper issue is typically associated with Low-T levels and NOT High-T levels. The whole Roid-Rage B.S. is simply not true. As far as Prostate cancer issues that's something that really hasn't been fully researched so it may simply be a non-issue. Even if it is true I will take my chances as I would rather live a shorter life or have issues in the future than live a life feeling like crud and being moody all the time.

[Teri Ray]

I have low T and have been on supplement gel. I have felt no side effects and I have had no change in my desire to dress. I do believe that it has improved my energy level over time.