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idiopathic hypogonadism type 2 pitutary dysfunction

hi guys:

I am a male 40 years of age and have been diagnosed  with idiopathic hypogonadism type 2 where my pituitary glands are not producing enough LH its 1.0 instead of 2.0 - 9.0and hence low testosterone and all of the things that come with it. My testosterone was 340 in march, 270 in july and about 200 in Sept am am really alarmed. MRI reveals no brain tumor also no sudden increase in weight or lifestyle change.
My endocrinologist is recommending I take testosterone injections but  since the body shutdown its native production of testosterone an affects fertility (I would like to start a family in the near future) I want to see if something else would help
like naturopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy,…
any one have any success with a similar problem?
Also what are peoples experiences with testosterone supplementation and observed side effects.

Thanks for your help and suggestions.
Best Answer
Avatar universal
Is your endo a pituitary endo at a pituitary center? Was the MRI a dynamic pituitary MRI with contrast and the images recorded the uptake of the contrast?

Has anyone else besides a radiologist seen the film?

If your endo is not a neuro-endo, find one (larger hospital, university hospital). If he/she is, find another.

Did you get other tests on the pituitary and at 8am fasting? What about cortisol testing? That can lower testosterone too. Was this free T - what about all your other levels/types of T? Estradiol? Men have levels too. How are your bones?

There can be side effects to supplementation but in general, you are taking a dose as a replacement, not over and beyond - so the effects we piit people have are different. The doctor has to bring you up to a level that is physiologic so your other levels normalize and it brings your body near to normal.

It can and does effect fertility. In general the replacements actually lower sperm production from my reading (I am a patient) so you may have to take steps before you replace.

I do acupunture etc. but it cannot take the entire place of the hormone replacements that you need. You need an expert doctor IMHO. I am panhypopituitary and it is not fun, but much better on replacements.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for your advice, I'll get another round done when I see the neuro endo in ucsf. Are you taking any supplements that help? like Zinc, L-Arginine, ...?
did you notice any side effects of Testosterone injections?
how long did it take till you started to see affects?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Your testing was improper. It does make a difference. You need 8am fasting testing - and you need LOTS of it. My doc insists on 8am, off meds so I test consistently, the same way, all the time. Fun - no. But I do all I can to get accurate and consistent results so my quality of life is a little better.

Only free T? Not bio-available? That would cover all types and sex binding hormones too.

One set of testing is not enough to rule anything IN or out IMHO. I would get a bit more information and better testing done.

I just let my acupuncture guy go for it - I get them in different places all the time so... I can't advise you sorry! But it has helped me immensely. I will say that my guy is an MD (former oncologist) and that really has helped too.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer.
MRIs were with & without contrast and also had images of uptake. Only the radiologist has seen the MRI and produces a report. I have asked for a copy and am going to see a neuro endo in a big hospital based on your suggestion (thanks) test were done at around 10:00 a.m non fasting does that make a difference?
ESTRADIOL (e2) is 22 ref range <=39 pg/mL
Cortisol is 10.9 ref range is 4.0 - 22.0
testosterone is 202
free is 31.1
don't now about bone health any specific tests you reccomend?
any specific acupunture points or meridiens you reccomend?
Helpful - 0
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