Testosterone? - Page 2

SCI-Nurse · 07-03-2012, 08:43 AM

I agree with gjnl- if you have fatigue and/or pain you should have labwork for testosterone levels, TSH (thyroid), vitamin d, etc. If you have a testosterone deficiency my experience is that you are treated with injections to get levels to within normal limits. You should only take testosterone if you are under the care of a provider who is monitoring your levels.

pbr

TMAZ · 07-03-2012, 10:00 AM

I thought you could increase your testerone by working out and so forth. I know its natural to lose muscle mass over time.

rybread · 07-03-2012, 08:10 PM

When I got really overweight I had a doctor recommend that I get my testosterone checked. It was extremely low and after I started using supplements (Testim rubbed on my back), a much better diet and lots of exercise I'm down 100 pounds from my maximum weight of 235 lbs.. I also have a lot more energy and I'm able to concentrate much more than I was. I read somewhere that's a very common problem with quads since there's no connection with your testosterone makers. I wish I could remember where I read that. Hope this helps

stephen212 · 07-03-2012, 08:26 PM

SCI-Nurse:

I had my t-levels checked recently and found the results a bit confusing. My overall testosterone was a respectable 557.5 ng/dl; my free serum testosterone was low normal (8.51 pg/ml -- normal reference range us 7.20 - 23.00); but my % free testosterone was below normal (1.5 -- normal reference range is 2.0 - 4.8)

My SCI specialist uro said the % free reading "is basically irrelevant. It's just a calculated value so i generally ignore it!" and that I am not a candidate for supplementation. My cardiologist friend said that there are lab ratios that are similarly ignored in his practice.

Searching the Web for info on the protocols for choosing to treat low T all seem to revolve around the % free reading. Why do you suppose my urologist is dismissive of this ratio?

Patrick Madsen · 07-04-2012, 01:19 AM

I went online to a site on where to apply the gel. It said to put it on the inside of the wrist and rub it in with the other.

lonecoaster · 07-04-2012, 07:20 AM

I have cauda equina, and fatique, but I'm also a walker. Would this be something for me to look into? I thought it just went with the injury.

SCI-Nurse · 07-04-2012, 01:16 PM

The overall testosterone level is the one I too am familiar with. An endocrinologist would be better to understand the free testosterone levels. The % number you listed was not too far below the normal range.

If you are looking at overall fatigue to address? then it would be best to look at other potential causes.

pbr

fuentejps · 07-04-2012, 01:27 PM

look into the implanted pellets, its done in the office. read a good article in muscular development on them. i may switch from the inj to this.

itsnotmeitsyou · 07-06-2012, 11:06 AM

I use patches. It isn't helping, been on them for seven months or so. Later this month, I believe I will be switching to a gel.

My low-t isn't ascribed to the paralysis, but my mTBI. I guess those influence test.

07-03-2012, 08:10 PM	#13
rybread Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 2,409	When I got really overweight I had a doctor recommend that I get my testosterone checked. It was extremely low and after I started using supplements (Testim rubbed on my back), a much better diet and lots of exercise I'm down 100 pounds from my maximum weight of 235 lbs.. I also have a lot more energy and I'm able to concentrate much more than I was. I read somewhere that's a very common problem with quads since there's no connection with your testosterone makers. I wish I could remember where I read that. Hope this helps __________________ C-5/6, 7-9-2000 Scottsdale, AZ Make the best out of today because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. Nobody knows that better than those of us that have almost died from spinal cord injury.

07-03-2012, 08:26 PM	#14
stephen212 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: New York City Posts: 5,285	SCI-Nurse: I had my t-levels checked recently and found the results a bit confusing. My overall testosterone was a respectable 557.5 ng/dl; my free serum testosterone was low normal (8.51 pg/ml -- normal reference range us 7.20 - 23.00); but my % free testosterone was below normal (1.5 -- normal reference range is 2.0 - 4.8) My SCI specialist uro said the % free reading "is basically irrelevant. It's just a calculated value so i generally ignore it!" and that I am not a candidate for supplementation. My cardiologist friend said that there are lab ratios that are similarly ignored in his practice. Searching the Web for info on the protocols for choosing to treat low T all seem to revolve around the % free reading. Why do you suppose my urologist is dismissive of this ratio? __________________ stephen@bike-on.com

07-04-2012, 01:27 PM	#18
fuentejps Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: OHIO Posts: 8,989	look into the implanted pellets, its done in the office. read a good article in muscular development on them. i may switch from the inj to this. __________________ John@bike-on.com c4/5 inc funtioning c6. 26 yrs post. sponsored athlete

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07-03-2012, 08:43 AM	#11
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,306	I agree with gjnl- if you have fatigue and/or pain you should have labwork for testosterone levels, TSH (thyroid), vitamin d, etc. If you have a testosterone deficiency my experience is that you are treated with injections to get levels to within normal limits. You should only take testosterone if you are under the care of a provider who is monitoring your levels. pbr

07-03-2012, 10:00 AM	#12
TMAZ Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: St. Louis Posts: 853	I thought you could increase your testerone by working out and so forth. I know its natural to lose muscle mass over time.

07-04-2012, 01:19 AM	#15
Patrick Madsen Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Blaine, Wa Posts: 3,873	I went online to a site on where to apply the gel. It said to put it on the inside of the wrist and rub it in with the other.

07-04-2012, 07:20 AM	#16
lonecoaster Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 890	I have cauda equina, and fatique, but I'm also a walker. Would this be something for me to look into? I thought it just went with the injury.

07-04-2012, 01:16 PM	#17
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,306	The overall testosterone level is the one I too am familiar with. An endocrinologist would be better to understand the free testosterone levels. The % number you listed was not too far below the normal range. If you are looking at overall fatigue to address? then it would be best to look at other potential causes. pbr

07-06-2012, 11:06 AM	#19
itsnotmeitsyou Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 97	I use patches. It isn't helping, been on them for seven months or so. Later this month, I believe I will be switching to a gel. My low-t isn't ascribed to the paralysis, but my mTBI. I guess those influence test.