QuestionLet me first begin by saying I'm 33, I'm health conscience and regularly exercise, granted I have a few lbs to lose but don't we all? I'm on medication for everything from high BP to depression. I have next to no energy and I have next to no sex drive. I don't smoke. I enjoy a nightcap like a lot of people but I limit it to one to two drinks a night.
And in the interest of full disclosure -- a little over a year ago I survived a life-threatening health crisis with a ruptured gallbladder.
This was the setup to my question. A guy I work out with who's also a certified personal trainer suggested I get my T level checked. I'm 33 years old and I should be in the prime of my life but every thing I've read about so-called "low T" (and I used to make fun of those commercials when they came on) makes me think this is primarily a condition for men over 45!
Can you give me some advice on this? I see my doctor next week and I'd like to know how what I need to ask him. Also my father has hemochroatosis (sp?) for which I was tested and came up clean.
And also in the interest of full disclosure I have a woman in my life with whom I'd like to become sexually involved but how I'm feeling right now it doesn't seem like it's a good idea. she's a great woman and I don't want to lose her over something like this.
Thanks for your time Dr.
AnswerHi there Ryan, thank you for posting your question. My area of expertise is in human sexual dysfunction. I hope I can be of some small help to you.
My gut reaction to what you are saying here is that testosterone replacement therapy would certainly not be my first port of call for you -- you are too young for a start. The elephant in the room is your antidepressant medication -- it is probably a a SSRI. They are ruinous to sexual function. Deal with your "depression" some other way, preferably with physiotherapy. Then we can take it from there. Good luck.
Dr Andrew Rynne.
www.andrewrynne.com
