Question: Has Androgel made you weepy?

OK, this may not be "manly" to admit, but I've become REALLY emotional of late, as in being brought to tears at even the hint of tenderness, tragedy, etc. I've been on Androgel for about seven years (two years of Androderm before that) and have been taking 15 gm/day from the beginning. I get my T-levels checked at least once a year and am within normal range, although a bit high (7-800). I'm 64 and have been securely retired for almost ten years, happily married with virtually no stress in my life (other than owning a Toyota). So what's to cry about???

I can't go to even a romantic comedy without getting choked up. I watched the Olympic skater who lost her mother two days earlier and was brought to tears. It's getting embarrassing...and I'm running out of Kleenex!

Nothing's changed in my dosage that would lead me to conclude that the T is responsible. Still, I can't help but wondering whether it might somehow be involved, since sex hormones can affect emotional states.

Has anyone experienced an increase in tears since taking Androgel?

Answers:

A: Yeah, been there and done that.

You may well have a high E2 (Estrodiol) level. Ask your doctor to include the male version of estrogen testing and see where your at. If your over the normal range there are things you can do. Many guys on HRT who are overweight have some conversion of their testosterone to E2. If you can dial back on the Testosterone a bit that may help. If your overweight diet and start working out. You can also ask your doctor if its ok to include 50mg of Zinc once or even twice a day.

A: Thanks for the response, James. And just in time, since I'm seeing my urologist tomorrow. He's now monitoring my HRT.

My BMI is 19 so I don't think it's a weight issue and I work out, although I probably could increase my aerobic exercise a bit. But getting my E2 level checked sounds like a great starting point.

I'll report back on how things turn out.

A:If you take very large amounts it might be converting. All men are different.

A: My urologist told me my question was outside the scope of his expertise and deferred to my GP. I have a physical scheduled for mid-year and will find out more then. In the meantime, I'll visit the Kleenex aisle at Costco...

A: When I first started Androgel, I went through a brief period of weepiness. Actually I guess I could say that I was more emotional than normal. But it only lasted about a week or so.