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Frequent headaches taking 5 HTP on occasion and low libido

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I really just don't know where to go from here. I have been having problems for a few years now and there is really no trigger that I can think of. I often suffer from the flowing symptoms.
1. Frequent Headaches - Wake up with one. If I am active it seems to go away but as soon as I slow down it comes back. Happens about 5-7 days a week.
2. Fatigued - I have been taking 5-HTP on occasion and I seem to sleep better. I sleep for 7-10 hours a night. Every night. On mornings that I take 5-HTP I feel pretty good but other days I am tired all day and have trouble focusing. I just feel tired all the time.
3. ED - I can't get it up and if I can it does not stay up long. I never wake up with morning wood, never get spontaneous erections, no sexual desire. Unless of course I take cialis and then everything is hunky dory. Other than it makes my headaches much worse and plugs my nose up.
I have been to a doctor and he did a full battery of tests. Testosterone is in the normal range but in the low normal. Blood pressure is a little high but not alarmingly so. Other than that everything is fine. Did a sleep study and have no sleep apnea. Did find that I did not stay in REM sleep for more than about 15 min in the night but I am guessing that is why the 5-HTP is working. He gave me cialis and said that he did not know what else could be wrong. I just want to fix whatever is wrong with me so that I can feel normal again but I am not sure where to go. I am not impressed with the doctor I saw but he was just your average doctor not a specialist. What could be wrong and what direction should I go for help?

Category: Endocrinologist

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Dr. J Muthukrishnan
Category: Diabetologist
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 20 Doctors Online

Expert:  Dr. J Muthukrishnan
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Hello,

Thanks for your query at DoctorSpring.

I can understand that you are very agonized. I presume that your Hemoglobin, kidney functions, sugars, Thyroid functions have been tested and are fine.

As your testosterone levels are normal, and you do seem to get adequate response to Cialis, but have libido issues, you need to consider a Mood disorder like depression. It may or may not be due to a precipitating factor.

If you have had a recent viral infection, fever etc, it may be a part of Chronic fatigue syndrome. You need to consult a Psychiatrist and that will help.

Please feel free to discuss further.

Regards,
Dr J Muthukrishnan, SM
Senior Consultant (Med & Endocrinology)


Patient replied :

I assume that those things are good. It has been a year or so since I last had them tested. The past couple months I have felt really good but it seems to have hit me again this last week or so. I have been to a Psychiatrist and he said that there is no sign of depression or mood disorder. It seems that one profession continues to say its the other. I have not had any recent viral or any other infection. I look at the list of symptoms of low testosterone and it seems to fit all of those but when they tested it was in the low 500's. Just not sure what else it could be. I am wanting to find and fix the problem and not continue to mask it with meds that make me feel worse. I am sure you can't really help me over text chat without doing a workup but I just need some direction on if and what kind of specialist I should consult.


Expert:  Dr. J Muthukrishnan
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Hi,
You must not assume anything and carry out tests as suggested. A good Internal Medicine specialist with a broad view of the subject should be the right person to consult.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thanks

Dr. J Muthukrishnan
Category: Diabetologist
Experience: 
Fellowships/Training: 
1. 10th Asia-Pacific Pediatric Endocrine Society  Fellows meeting, Seoul, Korea, Oct 2008
2. Eighth ICMR Course on Genetics and Genetic Counseling – Jul 2008 – SGPGI, Lucknow
3. Annual Certificate Course on Endocrinological Laboratory Techniques at National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR) Hyderabad,India, ( Aug-Sep 2006) 
Fellowship: Endocrinology, Diplomate of National Board, National Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 2008, Medwin Hospital, Hyderabad
Senior Residency: Diplomate of National Board (General Medicine), National Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 2002
Residency: MD, General Medicine, 1997-2000, Armed Forces Medical College, 2nd position in University
Medical School: MBBS, Armed Forces Medical College, 1992
Dr. J Muthukrishnan and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

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