DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 57-year-old male 170 pounds, 5’ 11” tall. I drink very little and don’t smoke. I have also been married for 35 years.
About a year ago I noticed a downward spiral in my energy level and ability to exercise. I also began having erection problems.
I had a complete physical done. My cholesterol was 144, blood pressure was 116/60, heart rate was 60 beats per minute and my fasting blood sugar was 90. My doctor also ordered a testosterone level which was low at 249. I was then put on Androgel 7.5 mg daily. I have been using it for six months and my testosterone level is now 246. I have not had any change in my symptoms at all.
Is there anywhere to go from here? Would testosterone injections be better?
DEAR READER:
So-called normal testosterone levels range from 300-1000. Your level of 246 is just below normal. That being said, if your normal level were 800-1000, even a drop to 400-500 (which is still within normal limits) may cause symptoms, so a drop to below normal could almost certainly lead to problems. If, on the other hand, your normal were 300-400, a drop to 246 would most likely not be very noticeable.
As men age, testosterone levels generally decrease. Perhaps this is what is happening to you and your body may simply need time to adjust to the new level. However, with treatment the testosterone levels should have risen; yours have not. I recommend you return to your doctor to discuss the next step since current treatment clearly is not working.
Your doctor may choose to switch you to an injectable testosterone or refer you to a urologist or endocrinologist for further testing to find out why your levels have dropped below normal. The specialist will probably order more sensitive tests to check your testosterone level as well as check for pituitary or testicular abnormalities.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Erectile Dysfunction”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
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