Coming off testosterone. HELP!!

[melvin32]

Ok so about 2 months ago I was placed on testosterone for low levels. My total test was 371. I went back last week to have my 2 month labs and my testosterone was at 366! How can this happen?

I have been taking 1cc testosterone cypionate every 14 days and have had some estrogenic effects, such as, sore nipples, errect nipples, water retention. It just recently started to get bad the past week with my mood and energy in the toilet. I was prescribed Tamoxifen a month ago. It stopped the sore nipples but the drug itself made me feel weird at 10mg so I quit it. Then 3 weeks ago soreness started so I took 5mg daily and that seemed to help. I was told to go back up to 10mg and when I did after 3 days I felt weird again so I stopped.

Now I am 33 and have had gyne surgery a couple of years ago. My doctor is "researching" if he wants to prescribe me arimidex. He is shocked that I'm that sensitive to such a low dose. Now onto my question.....

Worse case senario, how do I come off testosterone? It is a low dose and I do have tamoxifen on hand. I have no insurance so I cant afford to go to an endo, or continue to keep going back to the doctor. What do I do? Will my normal testosterone levels return to normal? How long will it take? Should I take the tamoxifen once I stop the test injections? How long? I want to have children one of these days but I can't afford to be feeling like crap all the time. Will the nipple pain and puffyness go away after discontinuing use? Thanks

[Litlriki]

You have a lot of issues going on, which would present a challenge to an endocrinologist, let alone a plastic surgeon.  Our area of expertise is in the surgical management of gynecomastia, and while many of us may have some experience with the hormonal fluctuations that lead to gynecomastia, we don't regularly manage testosterone replacement.  At 33, you should have normal testosterone levels.  You have given no history as to why your level is low, no other medical history, and even if we were experts in managing hormone replacement, your complicated description compels proper management by a trained practitioner, rather than input from plastic surgeons on an open forum.  From the sounds of it, you really need to see an endocrinologist to get things properly on track.  If your hormone replacement is done properly, you shouldn't have to worry about gynecomastia, which is related to improper management or cycling without post-cycle support and management.  If you want to avoid further surgery, you should arrange for a proper evaluation by an endocrine specialist.

Good luck,

Rick Silverman

[melvin32]

I was affraid you would say that. Not having insurance or enough money, I have no options. I feel sick and I guess I will just discontinue use of testosterone and hope for the best. Thanks for you time Dr. Silverman, I do appreciate you taking the time to respond to me.