cpap and testosterone

[Frosty]

Hi, Im new to this forum but have been reading it since starting cpap in Jan 2015 (4 months). The comments have been of great help to me so far. Thank you.

Cpap has helped me to reduce my AHI from 34 at sleep study to approx 1 almost immediately. I feel a lot better, in so many ways, but i still have quite severe daily fatigue, ears ringing, some dizziness. In the last month, i have started to get an agitated feeling in my chest at night and wake up several times during the night with my arms and legs stretched out beyond their capacity. I saw my sleep specialist who has referred me for an inpatient sleep study to see if i have PLMD or RLS.

2 months prior to the OSA diagnosis (6 months ago), i was diagnosed with Hypogonadism and prescribed Androgel. I was wondering if Androgel could be causing the agitation/tensing. The inpatient sleep study is going to cost me $500 that i would prefer to keep, as i havent worked for a year. I have experienced this agitation before, but not as intense as this, and not daily for a month.

I was wondering if anybody had experienced something similar, or knows something about PLMD/RLS. I was hoping CPAP would have restored my energy levels by now.
Thanks.

[Sleeprider]

Have your follow-up blood tests shown you are getting therapeutic levels of T using the Androgel? I used it for a month and saw no improvement (poor absorption), and went to 100 mg weekly I.M. The Androgel costs over $400/tube for a 30 day supply compared to about $140 for T-cypionate 2000 mg/ 10 mL which is good for four months.

I have not experienced the side-effect you describe with HRT, so not much help. I'm sure there are folks here that have PLMD/RLS that can describe associated symptoms. What is the basis of suspecting RLS? A bed partner can probably relate if you move a lot in your sleep, and lacking that, there are even phone apps that monitor movement and sleep.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Frosty,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Sometimes, it can take quite a while before you notice improvements with CPAP so, just stick with it.
I don't know the answer to your question but hang in there for more responses to your post.
Much success to you as you continue your CPAP therapy.

[Frosty]

Thanks for your replies. I have had several blood tests that have shown my T levels are in the very upper part of normal range now. The first was only 1 month after using the 1% gel. Physically, i feel a lot better since starting T. Prior to starting the gel, i was pulling back muscles taking a power chord out of the socket. I recently had a bone mass density test which showed i have osteopenia. My age is 54.

It would be great to hear some experiences from members with either PLMD or RLS.

[PollCat]

I've been using Androgel 1.63% for several years (and other T products before that), for a genetic condition, and have never experienced any of the problems you listed.

[Frosty]

Thanks. It probably isn't the T therapy.

[TyroneShoes]

Sounds like multiple issues, probably only coincidental and not connected.

Maybe not, but I would proceed first from that premise, and get proper treatment for both. Rule nothing out, but I would consider ignoring that there may be any sort of interaction until I got some actual evidence that there might be, just to keep from getting bogged down in your progress by conflating the two unnecessarily. Couldn't hurt to get the doc's opinion on that, however.

[John Ryland]

Have your follow-up blood tests shown you are getting therapeutic levels of T using the Androgel? I used it for a month and saw no improvement (poor absorption), and went to 100 mg weekly I.M. The Androgel costs over $400/tube for a 30 day supply compared to about $140 for T-cypionate 2000 mg/ 10 mL which is good for four months.

I have not experienced the side-effect you describe with HRT, so not much help. I'm sure there are folks here that have PLMD/RLS that can describe associated symptoms. What is the basis of suspecting RLS? A bed partner can probably relate if you move a lot in your sleep, and lacking that, there are even phone apps that monitor movement and sleep.

Hi Guys: I use testosterone, and have found that compounding pharmacies are much, much less expensive. My 30 day supply costs $35. If you have a local compounding pharmacy, it might help to contact them. Also should consult with your medic first.

[multime]

I don't think your symptoms are from low T. They seem more neuro than anything. A repeat sleep study might help but I would talk with your primary to consider a neuro consult.

My level was <150 so I'm sure my doc will put me back on meds again. I've had many of your symptoms but my docs believe it was from b12 deficiency. It couldn't hurt to ask your doc about b12 just in case. If this is missed you could have permanent nerve damage.

I don't mean to scare you but it's better safe than sorry. Take this from someone that has permanent neuropathy because I didn't get diagnosed early enough.

I hope this helps you and good luck getting this sorted out.

[cant_sleep_in_nj]

from the mayo clinic...

Hypogonadism can also cause mental and emotional changes. As testosterone decreases, some men may experience symptoms similar to those of menopause in women. These may include:

Fatigue
Decreased sex drive
Difficulty concentrating
Hot flashes