I think my girlfriend needs test therapy

[TrueCowboy]

My girlfriend shows signs of low testosterone. Her symptoms exactly match that of a low androgen level in women. They include: NEVER has had an orgasm, low sex drive (I think she only has sex to please me), low self asteem, vaginal dryness, fatigue, aches/pains, foggy thinking, memory lapses, incontinence, depressed, and sleep disturbances. She began taking BC at the age of 15, less than a year after she had her first period. She says that her period was always out of wack (once she took Depo-prevera and it put her on her period for six months) until she found a BC pill that finally regulated it for her. We have talked about it and I would very much like to help her. She says she enjoys having sex, but I have my doubts. We went to my general practitioner yesterday and he ordered free test and DHEA levels checked by blood test. She has no insurance as of now (I am getting her insurance next week) so those tests cost $423 (which I payed). My doctor says he has given test injections to women (normally older than her- 22) at a dosage of 50 mg test cyp every 2-3 weeks. She is not in to bodybuilding our gear (as I am), so she is scared of possible sides. What should I determine from the tests? What are normal levels in women? Can anyone tell me at what level she might start to see sides? I am also concerned that there could be an underlining problem causing it. She once had cysts on her overies which she said was treated by oral medication only. Any ideas of what could be wrong? I really love her and want to help her live the highest quality of life possible. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Sassy69]

Since you've already gone to see the doc, etc. you should wait for the test results & see what he/she recommends. And also look at other possible sources of the problem. You and she should also ask for some sources of info from the doc and find out more before you guess at self medication.

 

[FitFossil]

I agree with Sassy. I'm not a doctor, but many of those symptoms could be related to other things such as low thyroid:

Note symptoms including: weight gain, depression, forgetfulness, fatigue, hoarseness, high cholesterol, constipation, feeling cold, hair loss, dry skin, low sex drive, tingling hands/feet, irregular periods, infertility. see http://thyroid.about.com/library/howto/hthypothyroidism.htm

 

[smokinghawk]

While your description of low T is correct, my wife (standing beside me) has added that these are *also* symptoms of bad PMS, higher estrogen, perimenopause (but not likely at her age), and type 2 diabetes.

 

[TrueCowboy]

Thanks for the responses. The test results should be back in a few days, so I will update as soon as I have some more information. Any other suggestions/thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[wyst]

Please post the results, if you can...I think a lot of people would like to hear them.

Hope the news is good.

Wyst

 

[TrueCowboy]

Test Results

We went to the doctor this morning to review the test results. They were: free test was <0.2 pg/ml, and DHEA was 270 ng/dl. The range for free test in women is .7-2.2, putting her very low. The doctor said <0.2 is virtually none. The normal DHEA level in women is 162-995 ng/dl, putting her in the bottom third of that range. He prescribed 50 mg test cyp every 2 weeks. I just gave her her first shot. He also recommended having a pelvic ultrasound done and seeking an OBGYN to try to find the root of the problem. Although, we will have to wait a couple of months until her insurance is active. Any thoughts/comments/ advice/experience from anyone would be appreciated.

 

[FitFossil]

Is she going to take anything for her low DHEA? Or does the test cyp help w/ that too? I've been wondering about my DHEA level. When you get test level and DHEA level tested, what type of test do you ask for? Good luck w/ the treatment!

 

[TrueCowboy]

From what I have learned studying medical publications on the subject, free test and DHEA levels are the best indicators of androgen deficiency in women. I think that the test therapy will also raise the DHEA levels, but someone more familiar with the subject could affirm that. As far as the DHEA test goes, you should know that it alone was over $200 if you are thinking of having one done.

What I would be interested to know (since this is a women's forum) is what range of dosage of test cyp do women (those who do take test) take for body building. I know milder gear is normally used, but I think some women do take test. Any input on that ladies?

Also, when will the test "kick in?" It's normally a week before I can tell anything when I take it. How is it in women?

 

[hardbdygrl]

hmm well after reading this thread,, i think i need to get my self to the doctors and have a check up.....
i can honeslty say i have alot of the symptoms that were mentioned