Low T? Make Sure You Educate Yourself on Testosterone Replacement Therapy Before You Begin Treatment

I was diagnosed with Hyogonadism or testosterone deficiency at the relatively young age of 28. Most men go through Andropause starting around 40+ and see their testosterone levels start to slowly decrease and their estrogen levels start to rise. Ever notice how men get fatter around their belly and chest area as they age? This is the result of estrogenic fat accumulation, yes your turning into a girly man slowly.

For men suffering from low testerone, they notice a marked decrease in libido, mood, musculature, and the negative effects of higher estrogen levels. Many studies are now showing the negative long term effect of low T levels on a man's cardiovascular system as a result of higher estrogen levels.

The problem can arise from a Pituitary or Testicular issue, but my doctors never diagnosed the cause. They just gave me Androgel and sent me on my way.

Androgel is a topical gel that you apply to your upper arms and shoulders that delivers the testosterone transdermally.

I found that the testosterone gel was inconvenient and ineffective. I requested that the doctor prescribe testosterone injections and since my wife is a nurse I'd have her inject me once a week to keep my levels consistent.

The problem with this approach is that many primary care physicians and nurse practitioners are hesitant to prescribe the shots because they want the client to come into their office for injections. Also, I found that they wanted to only inject me once every 3 or 4 weeks which gave me peaks and valleys in my testosterone levels.

Based on my research many doctors are insufficiently experienced to treat Low T. You need to find a physician that specializes in TRT, testosterone replacement therapy.

I finally convinced my doctor to allow me to inject myself weekly in the glutes(buttocks). My energy levels and sex drive were much better on the injections, but I started to notice some negative side effects from the testosterone.

I was holding more water weight and I noticed some fat accumulation in my chest area. This was a direct result of the aromatization of the testosterone. Aromatization is the increase of estrogen following testerone injections.

Men call the increase of chest fat, man boobs or "bitch tits", and it is humiliating and depressing. Here you are taking control of your health and you get this nasty side effect. What I didn't know at the time, is that it could have all been avoided if my doctor had prescribed an aromatase inhibitor in conjunction with my injections.

Aromatase inhibitors keep your estrogen levels from rising to the point where you have these nasty side effects. My research also taught me that super high estrogen levels in men can do far more damage than just having fat accumulation in the stomach and chest, but also is a leading marker for cardiovascular disease.

My levels were ten times higher than they should have been. Needless to say, I fired my doctor.

 A great book on the subject is Testosterone for Life: Recharge Your Vitality, Sex Drive, Muscle Mass, and Overall Health. 

My suggestion is that if your doctor gives you Androgel take the time to do the research before you start therapy.  Many doctors are not specialists when it comes to dealing with the endocrine system and it will have major implications on your health.