Can a person with low libido and erectile dysfunction use progesterone cream?
Hi doctor,
I have got two questions about progesterone cream or low libido and ED. Having issues with libido and ED after being diagnosed with chronic prostatitis ten years ago. Now I am clean from microbes with no other symptoms except low libido, no morning erections, and occasionally ED. My hormones are normal after trying everything (including shockwave therapy for my prostate and penis). I bought progesterone cream. I used it the first time, and I feel like a 20-year-old again. Physically and psychologically. My last progesterone test was 0.99, with an upper limit of 3.1.
1) Can I use it, and for how long?? If I use it only occasionally when I want a sex drive, for example, two times per week, will it mess up my hormones and shut down my HPTA??
2) What is the right scheme of use, considering it releases 20 mg of progesterone per pump?
Thank you.
30 Apr 2024 - 1 min read
What is the best treatment to increase testosterone levels?
Hi doctor,
I have low testosterone of 100. My urologist put me on medication and gave me options, to which I do not know what is better. Either true Testosterone, hCG or Clomid. I am only 30 years old, so he advised against testosterone because of the possible fertility issues. My testosterone was checked four years back, and my levels were 350. Since then, my levels have dropped dramatically. However, I will try to have a child in the next few years. I need treatment, but I do not want to hurt my fertility. I was taking true Testosterone and came off of it with hCG and Clomid in the past. All blood work for three weeks in a row shows low testosterone. Prolactin was checked to be safe, and it shows normal levels. I would like to get an expert opinion.
30 Apr 2024 - 1 min read
Could withdrawal from Hydrocodone increase TSH levels?
Hello doctor,
I am currently taking only daily vitamin with a fish oil omega 3 supplement. I am 5'6, 120 lbs, and 42 years old female. About a year ago I started having problems with my neck. After MRI, it was determined I had a degenerative disc at my C4 to C7. I opted for no surgery and decided to go the pain management route. Being on Hydrocodone and getting steroid injections for about a year, I decided to stop cold turkey. I went through withdrawal symptoms and a month back I went to the emergency room because of heart palpitations and chest pains and shortness of breath. (Earlier that day, I went for a 4-mile walk). The EKG and X-ray which came back normal. But the laboratory work showed an elevation of TSH at 6.455. All other lab work was fine but I was a little low in potassium (3.4). Blood pressure was normal as well. The doctor on call suggested that I might have hypothyroidism. My question is could the high levels of TSH be a result of withdrawal from Hydrocodone and if so how long will it take to clear up on its own or do I have a thyroid issue that needs to be taken care of?
29 Apr 2024 - 1 min read
Does Clomifene help with ED and urinary urgency?
Hello doctor,
I am a 36-year-old male. I have been having issues with ED, fatigue, irritability, and urinary urgency. I just felt like my nether regions are lacking in nutrition. Penis feels abnormally limp and dead a lot, and have trouble maintaining erections during sex. Also, I am leaking urine after I urinate, and have to do it without warning. I went to a urologist and got my levels tested, testosterone was 360, and free test 13.5. He said might be good to try Clomifene in order to raise T levels, and I was wondering, would one have to be on it for life?
It seems like the side effect profile is not nonexistent, I do not want to go on TRT, and seems dicey to mess with hormones for too long. Can the Clomid permanently switch my T levels to normal? What is the goal? Have a hard time getting an answer from my doctor. Also, is it possible to get T levels to normal functional level through more exercise, etc,.? I could definitely stand to exercise more, though I am not fat. Also, my blood pressure has been high at 146. I eat pretty healthily. Trying to find the best way forward? Cialis has helped ED and erases urinary symptoms, but it gives me a lot of testicle pain, and I figure it is not good to be on that forever either, but instead treat the root causes. I also had minor gynecomastia in right breast since puberty.
25 Apr 2024 - 1 min read
Should the doctor prescribe any treatment for osteopenia?
Hello doctor,
I am concerned about my moderately-high calcium levels. I am in my late thirties, in excellent shape and play competitive sports. I am very careful about maintaining a clean diet. Over the past four years, I have had elevated glucose (a1c 6.3) and elevated serum calcium (fluctuating between 9.6 and 10.3). My latest serum calcium was 9.6, but I had a 294 mg 24-hour urine calcium level. My parathyroid and thyroid levels have always been in the normal range. Last year, I had a DEXA scan that showed clear signs of osteopenia. My doctor has not prescribed any treatment beyond Metformin. Is this sound advice? I am concerned that I am at risk for osteoporosis and kidney stones.
24 Apr 2024 - 1 min read
Endocrinology