I have been feeling a sense of frustration about the inability to increase my levels on an ongoing basis. I have OCD and my main fear is not being to get an erection. I was quite alarmed when I was diagnose with low T. Since I was diagnosed with low testosterone last year, I have tried shots, AndroGel, and Testim at different times with mixed results. Since October 2003, I have been faithfully applying a full tube of 50 mg Testim everyday with half on each shoulder and upper arm. I spend about two to three minutes each day performing the application. This includes a throughout rubbing in of the gel and squeezing out every last drop from the tube. It has been causing me to worry that I have some other condition that I am not aware of yet<br> <br> I have included some history. Although I am not a doctor, I have made some observations about the test results, symptoms, and my lifestyle. They include:<br> <br> Test results: pre replacement therapy 216. <br> <br> June 6, 2003 - given a 200 mg shot of testosterone in the buttocks.<br> June 20, 2003 - testosterone levels checked, result was 237.<br> June 27, 2003 - given a 300 mg shot of testo. Blood level was checked before hand and the reading was 108. The Dr. commented that he wanted to try a higher dose since it did not seem to take the first time.<br> July 1, 2003 - CAT scan given to check my PITUITARY. Results come back as OK.<br> July 3, 2003 - blood checked again. Level was 1,300.<br> July 15 - level was checked again. Level was 162. Since we did not have this reading at the time of the visit, we started treatment with AndroGel 5%, one tube a day.<br> <br> Question: is it normal to have readings drop that much on shots? Is it possible my body is using too much testosterone and burning it up?<br> <br> July 28 - have level checked. The reading was 254. Talked to Dr bout the low reading and application. I was lightly spreading the gel on my arm since I thought rubbing it in would diminish the effectiveness.<br> August 11 - levels checked again. Reading was 378. Dr felt that was normal but I did not think it was based on my readings.<br> <br> August 29 - meet with with new Dr for the first time. Hr wrote a Rx for Testim one tube per day. I did not start taking right way due to anxiety and having a large amount of Androgel from recent refill.<br> September 18 - have my blood levels checked while still using Androgel. The level was 370 but free was 406. This test was taken in the afternoon. All other tests were taken in the morning.<br> <br> October 6 - start taking Testim for the first time. Did so after feeling AndroGel was not working.<br> November 11 - had a reading of 260. We talked about dosing and how I was placing all on one arm. I started 1/2 on one arm and 1/2 on the other. I also started to watch the absorption into the skin.<br> December 9 - tested with a 460 testo and 520 free. This was considered OK and continued with 50 mg.<br> May 12 - tested with a 302. My doctor is baffled since he feels Testim is far superior to Androgel and no patient has ever needed two tubes.<br> <br> Questions I have:<br> I find myself constantly trying to check to see if i can get an erection by stimulating my penis as part of my OCD fears. Can this checking cause lowered testo levels?<br> How do SSRI drugs affect test and LH levels.<br> Have been trying a low carb diet for about a year with no luck. How can this affect T levels?<br> Should increased T levels improve anxiety and depression issues?<br>