Opioids Opiates and testosterone

[JackBurton89]

I was curious if anyone has had success with going to the doctor and getting any type of testosterone. I just started MMT three weeks ago and am going to my GP on Monday. I was going ask him to measure my testosterone levels, because I know they are low from using opiates straight for five years. Does it help with sex drive? Everything works, aside from finishing, but I have little to no desire. Don't get me wrong I still catch myself checking out assess, lol but I don't even watch porn. I don't even bother dating because I am not interested in sex, which while companionship is always nice, is a big part of a relationship.

Is there a best way to approach him about it? I don't know if I should tell him I am on MMT (He may already know) because he may want me to go through them first which I already did, not about the testosterone, about clonidine, which surprisingly they do not prescribe, unless someone needs it for high blood pressure.

Tl;dr Anyone get testosterone supplement from their doctor?

 

[belfort]

i dont see a big deal in telling him about you being on MMT...you could also bring up that you are concerned you might have Opiate induced Androgen Deficiency, which is somewhat common amongst long term opiate addicts...all it takes is a simple blood test to see where you are at..

yeah, my opiate use destroyed my sexual appetite, amongst other things..how do you know you have low test levels btw?what other symptoms you have??

 

[Pill__Head]

Man you dont want to be on testosterone injections the rest of your life... once you start HRT ( Hormone Replacement Treatment ), there is NO coming back, you're married to the needle for life..every week a shot right in your ASS. Unless the tests really honestly show that you do indeed have Low testosterone, I wouldnt commit to treatment unless you levels are fucken' bottomed out, im talked only if your Test is less than 300 ng/dl. Around and below those levels you will definitely notice symptoms of low T, which all most suck.

Im saying this from partly-past experience, no im not on HRT, nor have I ever, but in my past days I was really into bodybuilding/weight lifting and I did use multiple steroid cycles, all of course, including testosterone. So let me tell you, you would feel like a new man if you have Low T and got on the shots, you;d feel decades younger, but remember its a once a week, life-time commitment.

 

[Cliffy78]

I'm in the same boat bro but I'm prescribed Oxys. No drive, desire etc everything u said man. Asses r still nice though but anyway my dr offered me the androgel stuff u out under ur arms u know?! My ins. Wouldn't cover it so I passed, it's not cheap. The shots may be cheap idk but needles aren't my cup of tea. Unless ur double dipping and getting narcotics from ur dr then there's no reason not to tell him if u really want to go that route. Like Belfort said it's a simple blood test. Anyway I wish u luck brother take it easy

 

[Jktm]

If you're planning on staying on MMT for a long time...like life...you might want to ask your GP to measure your testosterone levels and having a consultation with an endocrinologist or a urologist. Other than that, I can't advise you to ask to get on HRT. I'm not on it and my levels are constantly below 200, and ya, it fucking sucks man. My levels aren't even opioid induced. But you should really think hard about whether you want to start replacement at a (what I assume is) a young-ish age, cause once you start, you're on it.

 

[JackBurton89]

It's crazy I was about to start a new thread but then I went back front page and noticed I already made this thread, but now it is for a different reason. I don't know if it is testosterone related but to me its even more important. When I first started taking opiates, 80 mg oxys, it gave me some fake confidence, I thought I was the shit and didn't care what people thought about me. Slowly that diminished and when I started doing heroin, and especially when I started doing bad things, stealing, lying, etc, to get my dope I definitely felt more insecure when I was on it. There is a little poster on one of the doors at my methadone clinic that says.. I looked to a drug for courage and it made me a coward. Wow...Initially I thought methadone might be different. I always had reservations about it and there is definitely a social stigma but I do not feel bad about using it nor do I feel guilty and that it makes me into a junkie, which would sometimes happen with dope. That is not the reason I feel this way.

When I first started, three weeks ago today, I took the methadone and it didn't fuck me up but it gave me a good sense of well being, which ok is nice, but more importantly it leveled me out. I wasn't emotional, I didn't get sad or happy. I was in between. Don't get me wrong I definitely could feel if something upset me (like more bs about getting my license back at the DMV) or happy (when I found out all I had to do was give my PO three clean urines to get it back) but it kind of kept my emotions in balance. At first I didn't like it, I kind of felt like a zombie. It slowly went away which I didn't mind but now I feel like coming off dope where I am not high but not sick but still my emotions are fucked up. I feel more insecure on methadone then I do when I am totally clean. I feel like I am walking on eggshells with everyone. I am more worried about what people think about me or if I am bothering them. This is how I am when I am on dope. I hate this. I hope this is just an off day. Usually at light I guess when the methadone wears off I feel better but man I don't know if I can take this. I don't mind it when i am on heroin because I physcially feel amazing.

Anyone experience this with methadone or any opiates in long term use. Mind you I have been doing pills then dope for five years with gaps of abstinence, four months, three months, two months, a shit load of three week periods (three weeks always seemed to be my breaking point if I went cold turkey) I don't remember it being like this when I was on suboxone four years ago at this time. Again, a lot has happened since then. I am a different person, and have been through out, and have changed a lot.

Could this be a hormonal problem? If I took something, not necessarily the injections or shots, maybe the androgel? Don't get me wrong I know I have low self-esteem and self-worth, especially coming off a run but man by this time I would feel like I'm the man once in a while. It is such a tough thing because I COULD NOT stop doing heroin for anything and the methadone helps so much with my cravings. Even if I got that vivitrol shot I know I would probably still have cravings even though I would know I couldn't get high, which would most likely make me substitute dope with IV coke which is IMO the devil. I might have to deal with acting like a wuss and not doing dope to my life gets good enough where I could get off methadone and not want to go back to dope. I am sure I will save money because I won't be dating any women because I got know sex drive! lol, gotta laugh at it sometimes.

Tl;dr Opiates and now Methadone make me much more sensitive

Edit for belfort: I have had these symptoms long before methadone, I am tired all the time, no energy, I have zero fat on my stomach but all my fat goes to my tits and love handles. I can get an erection but unless constantly stimulated won't maintain. I never have morning wood, except when I am clean. If I was coming off cold turkey I wake up with a boner and get fucking wet dreams which I hate, especially in jail.

 

[Cliffy78]

I have all the same issues bro, but I can't call it either, I have some rough mental illness issues so it could be opiates or it could be the depression, anxiety etc. damn man I know the feeling though. Used to run through chicks like water , now I'm shattered. Fuck man I hope u find an answer bro...

 

[Nateup]

I would try some natural means of balancing your hormones before jumping into something as serious and permanent as HRT. That's a life-changing decision, as others have mentioned.

Hit the weights (squats, bench, deads, cleans, shoulder presses, etc - the more full-body, the more testosterone pump), do some "high intensity interval" cardio, (maybe youre already doing all this but if not, of course start at more mellow levels and work your way up to these training methods), try hiking around in the woods/climbing around on some rocks/swimming/exerting yourself out with nature...

...sex, sex, and more sex. On the intercourse I totally get what you mean - youre capable, but the drive and need just isn't there. (if im understanding correctly) "Fake it till you make it" - corny as it sounds there really is something to it. Part of this could be habit/behavioral - maybe once you jump back into things, whether you really feel like it or not... youll soon find yourself needing it more. (I realize this whole suggestion is a bit catch-52ish, but if you can just jump-start things)

Diet is a big part, of course. I don't know much in the way of specifics, but for me - just eating reasonably and balanced seems to make a world of difference. The more natural/less refined and fucked with - the better. Fresh produce, etc.

I haven't looked into supplements lately (can't power lift anymore as a result of a back injury and not having much in the way of hormonal issues anymore), but maybe there is something that could help. I would heavily research anything in that arena and avoid anything drastic/direct.

Oh yeah... for me, quitting cannabis (or even when I used to reduce/take breaks) made a world of difference! I mean like night and day. Im not anti-cannabis - actually, although Ive now quit after 16 years daily usage (i wasnt very responsible user of the wonder med), Im a huge supporter of everything cannabis for those who need/want it. It just wasnt great for me, personally. Don't even know if you smoke lol.

btw - male/165 lb
Daily meds: 115 mg methadone and 2 mg clonazepam

~Been opiod-dependent for about 7 years, benzo-dependent for 2.5 years

 

[Crankinit]

Can someone explain in more detail why testosterone replacement is such a life changing thing? I've been on subs for 2 years, 3 years of opiate use before that - around a year into subs I noticed my energy levels dropping, mentioned it to my doctor along with the fact that opioids lower testosterone production (allegedly studies show that bupe doesn't, but that's a crock of shit in my experience, studies were probably funded by whoever profits from suboxone sales), but she put it down to depression and I couldn't be bothered arguing the point. Energy levels kept dropping over the next 6 months, to the point that moderate exertion would have me feeling like I was about to faint, so I insisted my doctor do a blood test and, surprise, my testosterone was ''incredibly low'' to quote her (I don't remember the numbers exactly, but iirc. she said it was about 20% of what it should be for a guy approaching his mid 20's).

So I started on the patches, figuring they'd be more convenient than injection and provide a more constant and even dosage, 2 weeks later I had all my energy back and felt great, and I've been on the patches ever since (about a year now) with no problems.

So what's the big deal?

 

[JackBurton89]

Crankinit sent you a PM. I am also curious. I would do some research but I would like to hear what some of the people here have to say from experience first. Also did you get the patches from your suboxone doctor or your general practitioner. I go to a county clinic and they wouldn't even prescribe me clonidine for the sweating. (I'm assuming because it adds to the drowsiness of methadone) I hope I can do something about this before the problem gets worse.

 

[Jktm]

Because when you start hormone replacement therapy, it causes your body to stop producing it, itself. You become dependent on the HRT. Since yours was a constant thing and was SUPER low, like mine is (beyond the urge for sex being gone), your body wasn't making much to begin with.

 

[Crankinit]

Crankinit sent you a PM. I am also curious. I would do some research but I would like to hear what some of the people here have to say from experience first. Also did you get the patches from your suboxone doctor or your general practitioner. I go to a county clinic and they wouldn't even prescribe me clonidine for the sweating. (I'm assuming because it adds to the drowsiness of methadone) I hope I can do something about this before the problem gets worse.

I got it off my Sub doc, but I'm in Australia, so prescribing guidelines are very different here.

Because when you start hormone replacement therapy, it causes your body to stop producing it, itself. You become dependent on the HRT. Since yours was a constant thing and was SUPER low, like mine is (beyond the urge for sex being gone), your body wasn't making much to begin with.

But wouldn't production resume once you stop taking it artificially (and stop taking opiates), in the same way that the brain rebalances itself after an addiction?

 

[belfort]

I got it off my Sub doc, but I'm in Australia, so prescribing guidelines are very different here.



But wouldn't production resume once you stop taking it artificially (and stop taking opiates), in the same way that the brain rebalances itself after an addiction?

NO, not necessarily..the body has an amazing ability to repair itself but once youve suppressed certain vital hormones over extended periods of time, your body isnt able to get back to normal without help...going through life with very low testosterone levels basically means you will likely have very little energy, low mood and motivation, sex drive will be non-existent...or you can get on Trt, get a needle in your ass every week and live a much more balanced life with better mood and energy and sex life...there is a drawback though, Trt is for life with most people, you dont just jump on and off...Trt has its own little list of side effects like with any drug so its up to the individual to weigh the god and bad with each...

 

[Crankinit]

Well I guess I just have to wait and see. I need the patches for at least as long as I'm on suboxone, and I don't see myself coming off that any time soon (not to mention coming off it will take at least 6 months, probably more).

 

[Pill__Head]

Well I guess I just have to wait and see. I need the patches for at least as long as I'm on suboxone, and I don't see myself coming off that any time soon (not to mention coming off it will take at least 6 months, probably more).

When the time comes, you re going to REALLY regret ever touching those damn patches, sure maybe the doctors flawnt them around like they are amazng.. but reality is no. They are they 2nd worst form of HRT, just behind "AndroGel" or similar products. your natural testosterone may have shutdown or production of it lowered dramatically ever since using these paths brother.. Im not trying to scare you.. If I were you just get off them!

Get you T levels tested see where your at now.

Get them tested 6-8 week later; this number (guaranteed will be much lower than first)..which may eventauly go back up, or not.

bottom line buddy, if you rally think you need HRT, just go the test injection route, its painless,simple, and ungodly effective, you would be blown away by the effects you get the test shots. Energy, sexy drive, ect..

GL my friend

 

[Screaming_Skull]

Eh, I haven't had a sex drive for years since being on opiates, I mean, I check out asses all the time still, but I don't really have a desire to have sex..cept for the past few days on Gabapentin, been checkin' out guys left and right, and was dissapointed when a guy at work who always hits on me wasn't there, cuz I was gonna take him up on his offer's over the past few years..maybe for the best though, don't know how fuckin' someone ya work with would turn out, don't want them gettin the wrong idea, just want sex..no relationship..and I don't know much about hormone replacement, was just saying opiates do take away my sex drive..

 

[JackBurton89]

My testosterone is 97.

 

[Pill__Head]

My testosterone is 97.

WOW. You should SERIOUSLY seek out some sort of treatment. It doesn't matter your age, that is WAY too low, I bet you feel pretty crappy daily..?

Doctors say that usually, below 300 "is considered Low Testosterone" in most places; just as an idea of where you are. And you don't just want to be at 300, hell there you'd most likely suffer some very evident side effects of your lower level of testosterone ( lack of energy,depression,lack of sex drive, lack of motivation, fat gain & muscle loss... the list goes on forever LOL)

Testosterone is the one if not the MAIN male hormone, it really keep your body in a much better, healthier not only physically, but mentally too. Not only is this WELL documented and clearly proven from many,many test over the years. Plus I can attest to this as I self administered testosterone, if you know what I mean a couple of times before. Its true man!

 

[Pill__Head]

Eh, I haven't had a sex drive for years since being on opiates, I mean, I check out asses all the time still, but I don't really have a desire to have sex..cept for the past few days on Gabapentin, been checkin' out guys left and right, and was dissapointed when a guy at work who always hits on me wasn't there, cuz I was gonna take him up on his offer's over the past few years..maybe for the best though, don't know how fuckin' someone ya work with would turn out, don't want them gettin the wrong idea, just want sex..no relationship..and I don't know much about hormone replacement, was just saying opiates do take away my sex drive..

Yeah same, opiates takes mine away and kill my tesosterone, I can tell from my slightly small / shrivveld testes for the most part (sorry if that was too much lol). But the funny thing is while on methadone, I get a fucken rager like all day..on and off kind of, but thats usualy one of my fist indications its just starting to kick in; ill randomly get a damn hard on! hah its kinda fucked...

 

[ladianios]

Yup, drive goes out the window for sho with opiates, not that I don't wanna tap Ass, I just don't think of it. When the opportunity presents itself I can always perform but only climax about half the time....can bang for hours..ha!

During WD your adrenal glands are sapped hence the malaise...a good supplements for it is DHEA ...helps boost you up a bit