Hi! Coming on here again because I’m so damn frustrated. I had high cortisol results, took a dex test, suppressed to a 2.9 had a 24 hr urine and saliva test, results came back normal. Got off birth control for 8 weeks and retook the dex test, came back at a 2.2
Any recommendations on if I should keep digging or if this could be MACS? Or does it sound more like PCOS?
Hello guys,
I turned 30 not so long ago and I’ve been having serious issues with my engine for the past year, maybe a bit longer. At first I thought it was temporary because of lack of sleep and stress, but then I realized it’s been going on for too long and it’s probably worth investigating.
Basically my sex drive is very low. I can go a long time without feeling any real need to orgasm, and my morning erections are rare/almost gone. The weird thing is that I can still get strong erections when stimulated, so I don’t think it’s purely a vascular issue. It feels more like the spontaneous arousal/morning wood signal is weak.
I did blood work twice and I can’t really make sense of the results. Nothing is technically out of range, but the pattern looks weird to me.
| Test Name | Result | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Total Testosterone | ~7.00 ng/ml | Tested twice |
| Free Testosterone (computed) | ~140 pg/ml | Tested twice |
| Estradiol | 32.46 pg/ml | the max lab reference is at 33.7 |
| SHBG | 44.20 nmol/L | |
| LH | 7.90 mlU/mL | Tested twice |
| FSH | 10mlU/mL | Tested twice |
For context, I’m around 100 kg, probably 25–30% body fat, and I work out around 5 times a week. I can bench 90 lb dumbbells, calm down, I know it’s not insane, just giving an idea of my build :) I rarely vape socially and I don’t drink.
Counting on you guys, the best internet community :)
Tomorrow I am seeing a new endocrinoligst for the first time with the intention of getting a higher dose or different treatment. I have been on testosterone gel for three years but not much has changed. I was on 20 mg a day until recently when I persuaded my endo to increase to 40mg but I still don't think it is enough and I don't think the gel is effective for me this is why I am going to a new endo. Also I was officially on 20mg a day but often I did 40mg because I noticed by the time I got a refill from the pharmacy I still had a lot left in the dispenser. This endo is in the same healthcare system so they will have access to my blood tests.
I got my levels tested in February and they were sub 200 and I got my levels tested last month after being on 40mg officially and I tested at over 900 and I was dumbfounded at first because there is simply no way my levels are that high. I don't feel or look like my levels are anywhere close to that number. My endo has always told me to apply before getting my levels tested and for whatever reason I finally listened for my last blood test. I could not figure out why I tested so high. Then I found out putting gel on before a test spikes your levels so I am not sure why my doctor was VERY adament about me putting the gel on before tests everytime. But this is the same doctor who wanted to keep me on a low dose for the rest of my life so that might explain it.
So I am going to a new doctor tomorrow and I want to be properly prepared on how to get a higher dose/change treatment. I am a little worried because the endo they are having me see is not even listed on the hospital's website under endocringolists. I thought about trying to see a different doctor but I made the appointment just a few days ago so I figured it would be low risk high reward. I was actually pl anning on swapping to a different healthcare system so if things dont work with this doctor I will just do that.
My goal is either to get a higher dose and or change how I get the testosterone (injection or pellets). Or I want to try different treatment like HCG or FSH. I am interested in HCG because I thought there might still be a chance to go through "normal" puberty even though I am 21. I got this idea from a guy on youtube who did not start any treatment until he was almost 26 and he was on HCG for his first 2 years on treatment.
Another plan I have for the future is to visit a testosterone clinic
45 years old, GADA, I-2A and zn8 negative (all undetectable). Mildly prediabetic. Haven’t gotten IAA tested. My ICA came in 40 JFD. I heard IAA wasn’t needed due to being an adult. Please let me know if you have any experience with isolated ICA positivity and or if adults should get IAA tested. Please also if possible provide risk for isolated Ica . Any help greatly appreciated.
TLDR: 23M 5’10 Raised total T by 1,000 ng/dL and free T by 200 pg/mL in 8 months on enclo 12.5mg once daily but skyrocketed my LH to 33.1 mIU/mL. Do I continue at this dose or halve it?
THE LONG: I started enclomiphene in August 2025 with baseline results at 429 ng/dL total T and 82.5 pg/mL free T. LH at 3.9 mIU/mL and SHBG at 19 nmol/L (I know, low). I was roughly 175 pounds at 5’10 about 2 weeks out from femur reconstruction surgery eating at maintenance and lifting what I could 3-4 times a week. LH and SHBG pointed towards mild hypnogonadism. I took enclomiphene throughout the entire surgery recovery (4 months crutches + 2 months on a cane) to boost recovery. Fast forward to Jan 5 2026 I got bloods again which came back at 817 ng/dL total T and 208.4 pg/mL free T. LH at 7.6 mIU/mL and SHBG at 16 nmol/L. I had gained weight (190 lb) during post surgery reduction in activity. At this point I was very satisfied with the results, my goal was always to get to the higher end of the normal range and exist there. I started cutting weight to get back into shape and from Jan - May lost about 35 pounds (current weight 152 average fasted morning weight). Just got my 8 month bloodwork to see where my hormones were sitting after losing so much mass and quite frankly I’m dumbfounded. May 12 2026 and 1,430 ng/dL total T, 273.7 pg/mL free T, LH 33.1 mIU/mL, SHBG 35 nmol/L. I would conservatively estimate that I’m about 14-15% bodyfat right now compared to likely over 25% at 190lb in Jan. I do legs (PT focused still getting my strength back in the repaired femur) x2 per week and grease the groove style calisthenics training throughout the day most days of the week. I get around 8-10k steps on average and about 120-150 minutes of zone 2 biking a week. Seeing as how my LH is so high, I need some advice on whether to cut my dose in half to get back under 1,000 ng/dL total T to avoid risking leydig cell desensitization (is this even real?). I’m worried that riding this “TRT” level for too long will result in permanent effects despite enclo being a non permanent alternative to TRT. Attached are bloodwork for each stage (baseline, 4 months, 8 months) for proof. Still waiting to get my E2 results back from the most recent bloods, will update post when those come in tomorrow or Wednesday.
I’m looking for people who have been diagnosed with cyclical cushings who had elevated or mildly elevated cortisol to share there stories or how they were diagnosed
30m natty.
I’ve tested again since the above and my numbers are basically the same. Have been taking boron (9mg daily) and iron supplementation for the ferritin for approx 3 months, but my SHBG continues to be high. I’ve been cutting for approx 3 months but it’s been high before that too (between approx 60-90 over the last two years when tested).
Has anyone dealt with anything similar? I’m getting a lot of the symptoms of low T but can’t seem to resolve it. Not sure what else to do at this point
My GP found after a blood test that my testosterone was almost zero and sent me to an endocrinologist. They gave me after an MRI the diagnosis of empty sella syndrome, I was prescribed hormone replacement (cortisol, thyroid hormone and testosterone) at relatively high doses. At first I felt much better, but after a few months severe sleep problems and extreme stress started. Eventually I was sleeping only 2-3 hours per night with constant hyperarousal (an overactive stress system) day and night. After years of this I ended up in a psychiatric hospital for 4 weeks because of suicidal thoughts.
Multiple endocrinologists confirmed I needed to stay on the hormones. After three years in this state I looked deeper into my older blood results myself. I was always on the edge of the max reference limit for HC and lthyroxine. A professor later acknowledged that the doses had been too high. We tapered down, but the sleep issues and stress did not improve right away. The years of dysregulation had taken their toll.
During that time doctors prescribed various sleep medications, often several at once, without real improvement.
Now my stress system is totally out of control. Always waking up with extreem stress, anxiety and restless after 2-3h of sleep, and the stress won’t go down. I can do only small things anymore.. after that I need to rest 😮💨😪
Feel always mentally in the ON position but also wired but tiered ☹️
Someone with similar stories
I’m still struggling…
Has anyone experienced relief from birth control or bioidentical progesterone/HRT? My flares are hormone related. Slynd helped my symptoms but I had an adverse reaction. Looking at other birth controls and possibly just taking natural progesterone instead of a progestin which is found in contraceptives.
I’m asking because it’s been a HUGE uphill battle to get progesterone prescribed to me. I’m 36F.
Hello all, so I've been asking people in the medical around what are some small inconveniences or problems they have that have to do with equipment or could be fixed with a theoretical physical product, something that a medical space would be interested in investing in. I figured, I should try asking around on reddit as well and maybe get some advice out if it too.
All advice and any related comments are welcome!
Im 16 6ft1 75kg in ireland which is common enough i could give the whole speal but i want to grow taller for looks and sport. I have little to none beard growth some mustache growth no chest hair so i dont think puberty is over. This is what im thinking of using hgh work way up to 12iu aromatase inhibitor looking at eragriftanib or infragritib dht gel for D growth bc why not hcg(gonadotropin) proviron (mestalorone) this paired with incredible diet sleep lifestyle and some mitigators which im not do educated on please get back to me no point in telling me im good height or anything just tell me the best possible thing i can do and if theres bad things about that stack
My son completed his GHS testing a few days ago. We are waiting for a follow up appointment with his Endo. Are there any other parents that have children that have completed the testing and then been approved/denied for further treatment? Any interpretation or opinions on his ongoing growth concerns from this community is appreciated.
We have had growth concerns for many years. It first started at the age of 12 months when he still had not gotten any baby teeth. Told this was normal and he got his first baby tooth at 15 months of age. This was odd to me though as our other 2 children got their first tooth at 5-6 months of age. We finally met with an Endo in February 2025 after having a serious conversation with his pediatrician. Prior to February 2025, we had been told to be patient and that growth can occur at its own pace. His pediatrician would reference his teeth and say well he is a late bloomer. My concerns have gotten even heavier recently with the fact that at the age of 7 he has not lost a baby tooth. The late bloomer advice is not new to me however we have two other older children. I can understand late bloomer and would be happy with that diagnosis. However, both are of 2 other older children are of typical developmental. Our oldest is a 16 yr old male; 5’10”, muscular build weighing 176 lbs. Middle is 13 yr old female; 5’4”, 120lbs. Never had growth concerns. No family history of growth delays on both maternal and paternal sides. No late bloomers on either side. My husband is 5’10” and I am 5’4”. So with family history, blood work was ordered as well as a bone age radiograph.
He turned 7 years old in January for reference. Below is an overview of his growth. As a parent that has concerns I do find it helpful when I come across data from other children that have similar concerns. I do understand that comparing results is not an anyway a diagnosis. If another parent does read this I do intend you read these results with the same discretion.
Bone age: Delayed bone age, greater than two standard deviations less than chronicle age. Endocrinologist interpretation was 4 to 4 1/2 years. Bone age x-ray was completed in March 2026. Prior bone age was taken in 02/2025 and the Endo had the same interpretation. Which is interpreted that his bone age has not significantly changed. At the age of 7 scaphoid is barely visible. I actually was having concerns that he was missing bones at first. Even though he has typical hand function.
Height Summary:
Jan 22, 2021 - 2 years - 33 in - 19.1%
Dec 30, 2022 - 4 years - 37.8 in - 7.4%
Jan 24, 2024 - 5 years - 37.8 in - 0.3%
Jan 31, 2025 - 6.1 years - 41.3 in - 1.5%
Feb 7, 2025 - 6.1 years - 41.4 in - 1.7%
Aug 15, 2025 - 6.6 years - 42.7 in - 2.0%
Feb 3, 2026 - 7.1 years - 43.7 in - 1.9%
Mar 13, 2026 - 7.2 years - 44 in - 1.9%
Weight Summary
Jan 22, 2021 - 2 years - 24.7 lb - 12%
Dec 30, 2022 - 4 years - 31.1 lb - 10.4%
Nov 14, 2023 - 4.9 years - 32 lb - 3%
Jan 24, 2024 - 5 years - 34 lb - 6.2%
Jan 31, 2025 - 6.1 years - 39 lb - 9.9%
Feb 7, 2025 - 6.1 years - 38.6 lb - 8.2%
Jul 7, 2025 - 6.5 years - 39 lb - 4.7%
Aug 15, 2025 - 6.6 years - 40.8 lb - 8.5%
Feb 3, 2026 - 7.1 years - 41.9 lb - 6%
Mar 13, 2026 - 7.2 years - 41.2 lb - 3.6%
BMI FOR AGE
Jan 31, 2025 - 6.1 years - 16.1 - 69.2%
Feb 7, 2025 - 6.1 years - 15.8 - 62%
Aug 15, 2025 - 6.6 years - 15.7 - 57.2%
Feb 3, 2026 - 7.1 years - 15.4 - 46%
Mar 13, 2026 - 7.2 years - 15.0 - 32.5%
IGF-1
Feb 5, 2025 - 33 ng/mL
Aug 1, 2025 - 62 ng/mL - 38–253
Mar 6, 2026 - 57 ng/mL
Initially was below normal and then the very bottom of normal range.
All of these results combined with 3 years of bone age delay led to the GHS testing.
Results from GHS testing:
Time/GH Level
8:45 AM - 0.2
9:45 AM - 1.5
10:23 AM - 0.7
10:52 AM - 2.8
11:18 AM - 6.0
His peak was 6.0. Which in my opinion is not a strong response. Cortisol response was great btw so adrenal function is working properly.
So in my opinion he has borderline/partial deficiency in a child who already clinically looks suspicious for GH-related growth issues.
If you have stuck around to read all of this, I appreciate you! I am a very concerned mother. He is a 7 yr old boy who is perceived as being much younger. He is intelligent, incredibly kind hearted and active. He is confident however I can see a shift on how he is beginning to perceive himself. He knows he is smaller than almost all other boys in his class and our social circles.
I will put my initial questions again since this a lengthy post. Are there any other parents that have children that have completed the testing and then been approved/denied for further treatment? Any interpretation or opinions on his ongoing growth concerns from this community is appreciated.
I’m 16 (just turned 16 about 3 months ago) and currently 5’9.5”. My dad is 6’1 and my mom is 5’7, so I feel like I might still have some growth left, but I’m worried I won’t get another big growth spurt.
I’ve been looking into HGH because I want to maximize my height while I still can. I’m not deeply insecure about my height, but I do think being taller objectively helps in life — socially, professionally, dating-wise, etc.
From what I’ve read, doctors usually won’t prescribe HGH for someone my height unless there’s an actual deficiency. I also know someone who gets it prescribed and said they could sell me some.
I haven’t done a ton of research yet, which is why I’m asking here first: realistically, is HGH worth considering at my age for height growth, or is it a dumb/risky idea if I’m already average height and probably still growing naturally?
Being treated for low testosterone and high prolatin.
Sziasztok csajok! 🥰
Egy kis segítségre, tapasztalatra lenne szükségem. Úgy döntöttem, orvost váltok, mert az előző doktornő teljesen levett az életről a stílusával, és Dr. Radnóty Gergelyhez (Halom Medical / Doktor24) szeretnék bejelentkezni. Járt már nála valaki közületek?
Nagyon hálás lennék, ha megosztanátok a véleményeteket, mert elég elkeserítő helyzetben vagyok:
16 éve (!) keményen edzem és figyelek a kajára, ennek ellenére december óta felugrott rám 11 kiló a semmiből.
Kiderült, hogy elég csúnya inzulinrezisztenciám és cukoranyagcsere-zavarom van (a 120 perces inzulinom 87,3, a cukrom 7,6).
Emellett ezer más tünetem is van: alvászavar (hajnali ébredések), nagyon magas pulzus, nulla libidó, menzesz zavar, és rengeteg stressz.
Most megyek még a napokban további hormon- és reggelis terheléses vizsgálatokra, úgyhogy május végére meglesz az összes leletem.
Milyen a doktor úr? Emberi, alapos, és lehet vele normálisan beszélni? Mennyire nyitott a modern megoldásokra (pl. fogyasztó injekció beállítása a sport/diéta mellé)?
Köszönöm szépen, ha írtok! ❤️
I (f29, 5’6, 145lbs) have noticed that the majority of my leg hair has stopped growing. This photo is 1 month after the last time I shaved.
i have not noticed hair loss on any other part of my body. It also does not seem to be friction as you can see that it extends beyond my sock line.
any idea what is causing this or if it warrants mentioning to my doctor in a month at my next appointment?
history: have been unwell for 6 months. bunch of odd symptoms. I’m finally in the medical system, but the medical system where I live is held together by duct tape, so appointments are few and far between each visit.
so far doctors have been able to confirm issues of tachycardia, postural hypertension, high unspecified inflammation (28 crp), iron+ b12+ vit D deficiency (although the cause is unknown).
Tachycardia +postural hypertension has improved a bit with meds, iron and b12 levels were restored with supplements. Haven’t retested my vit D yet but I’m on supplements. Dunno what my crp is now.
hey there guys, not a frequent poster but am running thin with patience. results are from yesterday’s labs. the past 6-8 months have been pretty terrible, facing overwhelming exhaustion 24/7. back in february i passed a kidney stone (OUUUUUUCHHHH) despite having healthy kidney markers. the past 2 or 3 months, i’ve had some progressively worsening bone pain mainly in my back and legs. i was without health insurance from 18 to 24, finally got checked out the second i got some. from 2024 to 2026 i’ve gone from 320lbs to 230lbs without hitting a gym once. we started with a GI doctor as crohn’s was suspected due to some debilitating stomach pains + the stone. had a colonoscopy/upper endoscopy procedure and came back perfectly clean. daily acid reflux, however i have a hiatal hernia that may contribute heavily to that issue. not at all familiar with endocrinology, so felt like this was the place to go. open to any and all discussion about wtf might be going on, as i am beyond ready to start solving whatever the issue at hand is. thank you all for coming to my ted talk!
Hello. I am hoping someone may be in the same boat as me. I have a history of pituitary trauma. I have had vague symptoms for the past year and a half that include nausea, vomiting, unintentional weight loss, the worst fatigue ever, general malaise, low blood pressure. I had pituitary testing done which only revealed low (5) (normal range is 6-60)ACTH hormone. I am a medical lab scientist and know that I need it drawn between 6 and 10 AM which I did. My cortisol drawn at the same time was 14. I was referred to endocrinology by my PCP. My endo retested, ACTH still 5 and now cortisol was 13. Collected at 9 AM. She said cortisol is within normal limits and ACTH is unstable so it doesn’t matter (despite me being the one processing the sample, immediately it’s placed on ice, centrifuged, and frozen within the hour. QUEST says it’s stable at room temp up to 16 hours, tho). A few months after these labs, I had two episodes of syncope which has never happened to me. I was hospitalized the second time to investigate if it was cardiac related as I had no prodromal symptoms . It appeared to not be related. I messaged my endo about this and we retested. Now my ACTH hormone is undetectable and my cortisol was 11. Both drawn at 830 AM. Endo again says cortisol is within normal limits (4-20) and the ACTH doesn’t matter. I am getting increasingly frustrated as I have every single symptom of SAI. I know partial SAI is a thing and I feel like I’m just being dismissed. I have a biology degree and understand a negative feedback loop. I feel like she’s not looking at the entire picture.. wondering if anyone else has a similar experience?
For years, I saw people struggling with thyroid symptoms even though their “basic labs” were considered normal.
Fatigue. Brain fog. Anxiety. Weight changes. Hair loss. Sleep problems. Cold intolerance. Mood shifts. Digestive issues.
Many were told everything looked “fine,” yet they still felt terrible.
After working with thyroid and hormone patients for nearly three decades, one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that thyroid problems are rarely just “metabolic.” They can also involve neurological stress patterns, adrenal dysfunction, inflammation, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic stress physiology.
That’s why I wrote Natural Thyroid Care: The Complete Guide to Overcoming Physical, Neurological, and Metabolic Thyroid Problems.
A few concepts I discuss:
• Why a full thyroid panel matters more than TSH alone
• The connection between stress/HPA-axis dysfunction and thyroid symptoms
• How gut inflammation and food sensitivities may impact thyroid function
• Why some people don’t improve on medication alone
• The difference between physical, neurological, and metabolic contributors to fatigue and thyroid dysfunction
• Lifestyle, nutrition, sleep, and nervous system support strategies that are often overlooked
I’m curious — for those dealing with thyroid issues:
What ended up helping you the most beyond standard treatment?
Was it diet changes, stress reduction, addressing gut health, sleep, nutrients, nervous system work, medication adjustments, or something else entirely?
Would love to hear others’ experiences and perspectives.
Hi! My husband was just diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma of 4cm his endocrinologist is recommending surgery and we are fully on board. But I am terrified for him. The dr ordered more tests to determine if it’s genetic or not but made comments along the lines that he will probably have surgery before the tests results are back. What should we be doing in the meantime? They are starting him on meds. How does the recovery for this look? The dr also mentioned that he may want to have surgery done at a bigger facility such as the Mayo Clinic but he’s chosen to do it at our local hospital. We are by no means a small town hospital but we aren’t the largest in our state. Is this a bad decision?? Any advice would be super welcomed I’m freaking out and it seems like he’s gone all doom and gloom about everything.