HCG and normal LH

[Jay]

Hi
Found this site a few days ago and have been reading a bunch. Great site!

I just started HRT a few weeks ago and wanted to research a bit of what I am taking. Dr. has me taking 2 shots of HCG a week at 500 IU. Anyways, as I research HCG I see that it is a good protocol for people that have low LH. Mine is right dead in the normal range. Is this a waste of time to take HCG? Does this mean HCG will not likely raise my T?

My numbers are:
Total T: 387 (350 - 1200)
Free T: 7.8 (6.8- 21.5)
LH: 5.0 (1.7 - 8.6)
Estradiol: 26
TSH: 3.1 (.4 - 4.5)
T4: 1.3.9 (.8 - 1.77)

Age: 42 with zero libido and a lot of other symptoms of Low T

 

[Vince]

Jay Hi, you definitely have low testosterone for a 42 year old male, did you get diagnosis as why you are so low?

 

[CoastWatcher]

Jay,

Do you have any other labs to post? SHBG, thyroid, e2? There are a lot of people on this forum with insight and are ready to help. The more data you have and can share will help them.

 

[Jay]

No SHBG but I did update other parameters in orig post

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Try to provide this info as best as you can if you want to get quality support from this group:
Suggested Lab Tests and Questions Before and After Initiation of Testosterone Replacement

 

[CoastWatcher]

Thanks for the edits. Are you injecting testosterone? Using transdermals? What dose?

 

[Jay]

Thanks for the edits. Are you injecting testosterone? Using transdermals? What dose?

No, Just on HCG injections. It just seemed a bit odd as I research HCG and how it works (simulates LH)....but if my LH is normal it would seem that HCG would have little to no impact. Which does seem to be the case ATM. Been doing it for about a month now.

 

[Gene Devine]

Your Doc is attempting to boost your own natural Testosterone production via HCG

This is rarely effective to be honest.

Your TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) levels are in a elevated range where you need a complete and thorough analysis of the same.

Typical labs include:

TSH
Free T4
Free T3
Reverse T3
Thyroid anti bodies.

Hypothyroidism is one of the most under diagnosed and under treated conditions in our society today.

You should know that Hypothyroidism has many of the same symptoms as low Testosterone and can cause Hypogonadism as well.

You need further diagnosis by a trained TRT Practitioner in my opinion...something is off and you need it fixed.

 

[Jay]

Oh, Snap! Your right. I just looked over his notes:
Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Androgen Deficiency

Sorry, lots of terms I don't understand yet, he spent a decent amount of time explaining things to me....I am an engineer so most of it went over my head....unless it is math or engineering

He has me on a bunch of vitamins and a few meds (HCG, Anastrozole .25 2x week, and Metformin), and I see in his notes that he wants TSH < 1.0 and Triiodothyroine, Free, Serum (my value: 3.0) wants it > 3.6

I apologize if I don't know much on this stuff. That is why I am here

Thanks again for the help....I am not trying to go against my Dr. or anything, I just got curious as to what I am taking and is it safe or effective

 

[CoastWatcher]

It's probably safe to say thst every member of this forum has/had questions about their protocol and - especially - their doctor.

 

[HarryCat]

Is your doc treating your hypothyroidism? I don't think you will make much progress unless that is addressed.

 

[Hydranted]

What is your doctor's reasoning behind the Anastrozole? Your labs don't indicate that you need it and it's going to do more harm than good.

 

[Jay]

What is your doctor's reasoning behind the Anastrozole? Your labs don't indicate that you need it and it's going to do more harm than good.

Not sure why the Anastrozole. This is my first month of HRT. I do know that I am supposed to get more blood work done in the next week or so.

As far as hypothyroidism I don't believe he is giving me anything for that, but since you bring it up I will ask him.

Thanks guys for all the advice! I have been reading a lot on this site and getting more knowledge. One acronym that is confusing is E2...what is that?

 

[Hydranted]

Not sure why the Anastrozole. This is my first month of HRT. I do know that I am supposed to get more blood work done in the next week or so.

As far as hypothyroidism I don't believe he is giving me anything for that, but since you bring it up I will ask him.

Thanks guys for all the advice! I have been reading a lot on this site and getting more knowledge. One acronym that is confusing is E2...what is that?

E2 = estradiol. Of the 3 types of estrogen found in men, it's the one that we care about. It will cause MAJOR problems for us if allowed to go too high or too low. It's arguably the most important value to be monitoring while on HRT.

Thats why I'm concerned about you being on the Anastrozole. It's a very powerful drug and can easily drop your E2 to unsafe levels. Your E2 is not high so there shouldn't be any need for it.