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Low Testosterone and IronQuestion from D. McElyea: Six years ago my body stopped producing testosterone, levels were extremely low. Also at that time I became dangerously anemic and was found to have very low levels of iron. I was placed on shots of testosterone and after trying iron supplements to no avail started iron infusion treatments. Things went well for three years but upon going to my doctor to complain of terrible fatigue again he discovered that even though I was on testosterone shots my levels were rock bottom. He increased the dosage and frequency but to avail. To this day, after seeing countless doctors and trying shots, gels and creams my levels are still rock bottom. Then last Nov. after getting even worse fatigued, I went to my hemotologist and found that I needed another Iron treatment which we did in the Jan. 08 time frame. I never got to feeling much better and after checking a couple of months ago my iron levels were still extremely low so I am back on treatments but they again don't seem to be bringing the levels up much. Here's the kicker, my blood count is good, don't see how but it is. The red cells are very small but the numbers are good.I have been to numerous doctors in the area but none have any answers. Mean time my quality of life is bad, very bad. Last thing: When I try to sleep or relax in any way I develop pain to the point that it is unbearable. If I'm up and active, (which is hard to do now) I'm fine, but just as soon as I try to relax, I begin to hurt badly. You can understand that I don't get much sleep as evidenced by the time of this writing, Its 4:30 in the morning and I haven't been to sleep yet. Is there anything you can do or know of anyone that may have experience with the likes. Thank you very much for reading and any help you may offer. Answer from Steven Petak, MD, JD, FACE, FCLM: I would recommend seeing an endocrinologist to determine the reason for the low testosterone and discuss appropriate therapy options based on the results. The problem could be in the pituitary or the problem could be testicular. The anemia and low iron represent a different problem. An evaluation is needed to determine the reason for the low iron and to see if you could be losing blood from a problem such as a stomach or intestinal problem or you may not be absorbing iron from a problem such as celiac disease. I understand you are seeing a hematologist and have seen many doctors but have no answers at this time. I would therefore recommend a second opinion from an endocrinologist and a hematologist at a medical school or major medical center to get some answers. There are 2 comments
October 15, 2008 - 16:01
Subject: High PTH, Low Normal Ionized Calcium, Low Vitamin D, Low TSH, Positive CT scan for Rt,P. tumor/ Postive Sestamibi for Rt. Tumor
The normal to high normal total calcium and low ionized calcium values don't make much sense except to indicate the ionized calcium is a poor test if not done very quickly after a blood draw with proper technique. Although I cannot offer specific medical advice, it would be important to correct the vitamin D deficiency so that the 25-OH vitamin D level is between 32-60 ng/ml with monitoring of the serum calcium, 24 hour urine calcium and PTH intermittently. Testing for celiac disease would also be helpful using antibody tests. Any history of bariatric surgery would be important to assess and any medications or supplements. The high urine calcium could represent primary hypercalcuria. Therapy with HCTZ can help reduce the risk of renal stones and hypercalcuria, but would exacerbate the risk of hypercalcemia if this there is underlying primary hyperparathyroidism. It would be difficult to say more without a consultation Steve October 14, 2008 - 09:41
Subject: High PTH, Low Normal Ionized Calcium, Low Vitamin D, Low TSH, Positive CT scan for Rt,P. tumor/ Postive Sestamibi for Rt. Tumor
Hello, I am a rarity I was told. In 2006, was found to have low Vitamin D. A PTH was done and this was 115 (high) 24 hour calcium urine was high normal. Serum Calcium was normal and every six months retest is 8.5 to 10.2 (normal) Iopnized is always low normal...very low normal. TSH is 4.5 to 8.0. Two right thyroid adenomas seen close to the P. Tumor. I am not sure what I am...Primary or Secondary or Teritary Parathyroid disease. Neither are the doctors I have seen. I am desperate for answers. I feel there are others like me out there but perhaps not in Houston. Reading up on Dr, Jim Norman's Parathyroid site I do have many of the symptoms. I have had two Kidney stones. (Calcium Oxalate) Calcium is seen all around my heart arteries. I have LVH with ups and downs of blood pressure. I have severe GERD. I have Oteopenia and now suspect Osteoporosis (Will have a repeat of this scan at Women's) Cardio wants osteoporosis treated now with the new yearly therapy. She referred me to a group of internal med doctors but they would not see me as I am over 65 even with a health policy that is Primary and not Medicare invovled. The ENDO I was seeing will not go out of the box to order kidney testing or testing that could possibly put an answer to this. I have a surgeon on stand by to removed this lil bugger Parathyroid tumor when we can safely say this it all my problem. But, we need a doctor wbeepknows about Parathyroid problems, it causes and its cure. Leave a Comment
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