Skepticism About My Doctor
I want to kick things off by mentioning that I have an upcoming appointment with a new physician, but I felt it was important to gather some thoughts first to ensure I'm seeing things clearly. As a 42-year-old male who weighs 215 pounds, I know I'm slightly overweight. Recently, I've been referred to an endocrinologist after my previous doctor, who was excellent, left the practice, prompting me to seek another professional. To summarize my situation, I've been under treatment for low testosterone levels using a topical gel. I can’t recall the exact test results, but I believe they were around 150. After sticking to daily applications for about six weeks, subsequent lab tests showed my levels skyrocketing to the high 800s. My doctor noted that was somewhat elevated, so he advised reducing the application to six days a week instead of every day. I complied with this advice. Fast forward to my lab tests six to eight weeks after that, I was shocked to find my testosterone levels plummeted to the low 90s, a significant drop compared to when I first began treatment. When I brought this up with my doctor, his solution was to revert back to daily use, suggesting that skipping just one day could account for the dramatic decrease. This reasoning struck me as quite bizarre and illogical. Additionally, the only variable that altered in my treatment was that my pharmacist supplied a different brand of the testosterone gel. I can't help but wonder if this new brand isn't effective for me or if it lacks the necessary ingredients altogether. Interestingly, while I experienced acne at the application site with the original gel, I haven't had any breakouts with the new brand. Has anyone else encountered a situation like this? I’m curious if switching products could lead to such differences in efficacy.
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 4:40:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel uncertain about your treatment, especially when it involves significant fluctuations in your testosterone levels. Let's break this down.
Main Points Summary:
- Your experience with testosterone therapy has resulted in dramatic fluctuations in hormone levels.
- Switching to a different brand of testosterone gel may affect efficacy.
- The upcoming appointment with your new endocrinologist is an opportunity to address these concerns.
Explanation: Testosterone therapy, particularly with topical gels, can indeed produce varying results based on several factors, including the formulation of the gel used. Different brands may have distinct absorption rates or ingredients that might influence how well the therapy works for you.
The drop in your testosterone levels could be due to the brand switch. Additionally, factors like how you apply the gel, the time of application, and individual skin variations can affect absorption. Skipping a day can impact levels, but the scale of change you're seeing suggests that the new formulation may not be working as effectively for you.
Next Steps:
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Document Your Experience: Before your appointment, keep a detailed diary of your testosterone levels, application routine, and any side effects. This documentation will aid your new doctor in understanding your situation better.
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Discuss Brand Differences: Bring up the change in brands and your concerns about efficacy with your new endocrinologist. Ask if they have experience with the specific brand and its absorption rates.
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Explore Testing Options: Consider asking for specific tests that could help evaluate absorption and effectiveness, such as timing your testosterone level tests relative to application times.
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Be Open and Honest: Share your skepticism regarding the previous treatment approach. This can foster a better conversation about your options and ensure that your new physician aligns with your healthcare goals.
Approach your appointment with an open mind while advocating for your health needs. Having clear, honest discussions can help you find the most effective treatment for your testosterone levels.
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