Low testosterone levels

I just got back from my PCP. She said that my testosterone levels are almost non-existent, only a 7.

Does anyone else have this? I looked up symptoms of low testosterone and it explains a few things that I've been experiencing. Is this a common CD problem or side effect of any meds?

Apparently there's not a whole lot of ways to treat it. There are cremes you can use, but with a baby I'm not sure I want to use them. There's also a capsule that can be inserted into the fatty part of your hip every 3 months that slowly releases it, but insurance doesn't always cover it.

I think I want to see an endocrinologist about this before I do anything, but I thought I'd ask here.

I have the BioTe pellet that is inserted under the skin on your butt. It is fantastic ! They will take your hormone levels and compound the pellet for you with right amount of estrogen and testosterone. I noticed a difference within 3 days. The best benefit is that my Crohn's symptoms are virtually gone. Just some bad poopy if I cheat on my gluten free diet. Also I'm sleeping much much better. My complexion and hair have improved. Highly recommend !

FSH = follicle stimulating hormone. It is produced by the pituitary and is a critical part of the menstrual cycle. Measuring FSH is a good way to assess the health and function of your ovaries. Your ovaries produce testosterone in addition to estrogen.

@sala, good to know, thanks!

@kazbern, I just looked at the lab sheet and it said my FSH was 3.5

And what was your estradiol?

While I think its great that some people find testosterone to be a great benefit to them, I think it is risky to jump into any kind of hormone therapy, especially if you are pre-menopausal. Frankly, since you've been so ill I would be surprised if your testosterone WAS normal. What is your BMI at this point? Is your weight in the normal range?

Thanks for posting your estradiol. You are considered menopausal if your FSH is above 50. You are considered fertile if your FSH is below 11 (at most labs). Anywhere between 11 and 50 is a weird space - above 20 makes it very very difficult to get pregnant. These numbers are only considered valid if E2 is less than 50 at the time of the test.

Did the lab sheet also measure prolactin? This is the breast feeding hormone and high prolactin will suppress ovulation. Even though you have stopped breastfeeding, your prolactin must still be elevated. You should probably talk to your OB about how long it might be before you should expect to ovulate again. I would wait until your menstrual cycles are back to normal and then test your T levels again.

Since Depo-Provera suppresses normal hormonal cycles, I don't think you can draw any conclusions about your testosterone levels.