More testing needed to find cause of testosterone drop

Q. I am a 57-year-old male, 170 pounds, 5 feet 11 inches tall. I drink very little and don't smoke. I have also been married for 35 years.

About a year ago, I noticed a downward spiral in my energy level and ability to exercise. I also began having erection problems.

I had a complete physical done. My cholesterol was 144, blood pressure was 116/60, heart rate was 60 beats per minute and my fasting blood sugar was 90. My doctor also ordered a testosterone level, which was low at 249. I was then put on AndroGel daily. I have been using it for six months, and my testosterone level is now 246. I have not had any change in my symptoms at all.

Is there anywhere to go from here? Would testosterone injections be better?

A. So-called normal testosterone levels range from 300 to 1,000. Your level of 246 is just below normal. That said, if your normal level were 800 to 1000, even a drop to 400 to 500 (which is still within normal limits) could cause symptoms, so a drop to below normal could almost certainly lead to problems. If, on the other hand, your normal were 300 to 400, a drop to 246 would most likely not be very noticeable.

As men age, testosterone levels generally decrease. Perhaps this is what is happening to you, and your body may simply need time to adjust. However, with treatment, the testosterone level should have risen; yours has not. Return to your doctor to discuss the next step, since current treatment clearly is not working.

Your doctor may choose to switch you to an injectable testosterone or refer you to a urologist or endocrinologist for further testing to find out why your levels have dropped below normal. The specialist will probably order more sensitive tests to check your testosterone level, as well as check for pituitary or testicular abnormalities.

Q. I have heard different things about the ability of honey to cure hemorrhoids. What experience have you had with this? What amount of honey is used and how often?

A. I, too, have heard about the wonders of honey in relieving or even curing hemorrhoids. A while back, I even asked my readers to write me about their experiences, but I have not received anything as of yet.

As far as amount and frequency, I would guess that the amount would be fairly minimal, since it can be quite messy. Because it is safe, it can be used as often as necessary. Being used topically, it will not affect blood-sugar levels.

I will request again that any of my readers with experience using honey for hemorrhoids write me with their experiences.

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