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What Do Low Testosterone Levels In A Blood Test Report Indicate?

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Posted on Wed, 19 Aug 2015
Question: I sent my most recent blood work and you can see that my testosterone is pitifully low (55 ng/dl). It fell from the 600 range after a, what I consider, overzealous TURP surgery by laser in 2011. Ever since that surgery, I have been unable to achieve an erection, have virtually no sperm or semen and orgasms are an experience of the past. I was very cautious before electing for the surgery, but drugs were not making any appreciable improvement of my symptoms which became serious enough to require self catheterization in order to empty my bladder. I went to a seminar lead by the surgeon I elected, they never mentioned any where near the side effects that have happened to me. They just said to expect "a small decrease in the amount of ejaculate." Now they have castrated me! Now my PCP is administering 1ML of testosterone monthly by subcutaneous injection. I've read this is near worthless and fades away days after administration. Don't I need a regular administration of a topical type at 40 or 50 mg a day? What else can I do to retrieve some of my sexual function and libido? My wife has threatened to leave me. AFTER my surgery I learned of another technique that binds the prostate to clear the urinary path thereby saving any loss of sexual function. but TOO LATE FOR ME! What can I do?
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Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Testosterone

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry to learn about your condition. Managing low testosterone related matters requires an endocrinologists' evaluation in person. When I see someone in my practice who presets with your type of problem, I perform a thorough physical examination including that of the genitals. Then blood tests are in order such as CBC , CMP, TSH, Free T4 , Total Testosterone, SHBG, FSH, LH. Based on the results of these tests, further tests can be considered such as prolactin, ferritin, karyotype etc. I see you are already on treatment with testosterone but the key question to answer is what is the cause of your low testosterone. I am not aware of any published report of TURP leading to low testosterone. Ideally one needs to be off the testosterone treatment for some time to assess the axis correctly
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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What Do Low Testosterone Levels In A Blood Test Report Indicate?

Brief Answer: Testosterone Detailed Answer: I am sorry to learn about your condition. Managing low testosterone related matters requires an endocrinologists' evaluation in person. When I see someone in my practice who presets with your type of problem, I perform a thorough physical examination including that of the genitals. Then blood tests are in order such as CBC , CMP, TSH, Free T4 , Total Testosterone, SHBG, FSH, LH. Based on the results of these tests, further tests can be considered such as prolactin, ferritin, karyotype etc. I see you are already on treatment with testosterone but the key question to answer is what is the cause of your low testosterone. I am not aware of any published report of TURP leading to low testosterone. Ideally one needs to be off the testosterone treatment for some time to assess the axis correctly