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gray
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Androgel Questions
#232573 - 10/17/07 10:55 AM
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Howdy -
Please forgive me if there's a different section of the board where I should be posting this question. I'm new.
I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago. Probably exposed to HIV 15 months ago. My bloodwork came back CD4 608 and VL 13,000 which are good numbers apparently.
The only issue is my testosterone which is off the charts low. My doctor is suggesting androgel and I am wanting to know what the potential issues might be.
I've love to hear from anyone who's tried it or decided against it and what your experience was. Are there any long-term issues I should be careful of? Can I go off it?
Forgive me if my questions seem silly but this is all new to me. I've never been on long-term medication before (except for an antidepressant) and I've been encouraged to ask folks on here for their input.
Thanks!
Gray.
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Gray, it would seem odd to me that your having testosterone short falls this earily in the game in relation to your hiv diagnosis. Usually after time and being on anti-retrovirals is when some men need a supplement. Interesting. I have more exerience in that guys will get a testosterone shot etc.. Hopefully someone with more experience with this will chime in... How old are you if I may ask?
Eric
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Hi Eric -
I'm 43. It's puzzling my doctor also. It's really odd it seems to have such low testosterone at this stage. I feel completely healthy and to be honest I'm actually OK with the low sex drive. I am not overly tired or depressed. Everything is great. Except there is no desire and when I have decided now and then to check that everything is still in working order (if you catch my drift!) there is no ejaculate. Very interesting.
So if anyone has any ideas, please let me know. Thanks!
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Gray, Im your age and I do know that as you approach forty, things begin to change in the testosterone levels for some. I stronly feel your low level has nothing at all to do with hiv. So, thats a good thing. You just might be one of those who needs allittle more "zing in the zoo" :) It is a very treatable fixable thing....
Eric
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Hey Eric -
I agree with you - I think the testosterone (or "T" as the Androgel folks like to call it, so Madison Avenue) issue is something else and not totally related to HIV. I have my own holistic (some would say whackadoodle) theories why my T levels are low, I'll share them with you sometime.
I guess my concern is that taking Androgel might rock the boat and challenge my CD4 count or raise my VL - this might sound crazy to ppl who are more experienced in this but I'm new to this (tomorrow is 2 weeks since I was diagnosed) and I have no clue what can happen.
I *was* taking an antidepressant but stopped taking that two weeks ago when I got my diagnosis to get clear of all drugs and see if that might affect the T.
OK, rambling. Thanks Eric.
G.
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Naw, taking testosterone will in no way hurt your counts. In fact, if you become more inergetic, more active because of this replacement, it can only help your immune system.. Follow??
All this talk reminds me of those fucked up commericals with dick head Inzite....
Eric
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Yup, got it. Actually I thought of that also -- increased T ==> increased well-being, activity, etc ==> increased CD4.
Although goodness knows I don't need to be more energetic. I'm kinda energetic already! And I have a great sense of well-being, especially given the last two weeks. I'm proud of how I'm dealing with this.
Have a great day E.
G.
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Eric....all true statements
Let me elaborate just a bit.
Testosterone is the basic hormone for men and for maintaining body mass and weight. For HIV positive individuals the most dangerous situation is uncontrolled weight loss. Testosterone levels should be maintained so that muscle mass and body weight can be maintained. It also helps psychologically for it maintains the libido and so the more energetic and motivated one is to exercise etc, the better.
Note: Testosterone can be abused.
--------------------
6 ft tall poz bear in Philadelphia
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