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Can Adderall Cause Low Testosterone Levels?
Question: I have ADHD and have been taking adderall rx 30 mg a day, 99% of the days since I was about 20 years old, and before that, either ritaline or dexedrine from the age of 13. I am 38 now. Recent blood work showed considerably low testostrone. I was placed on a trt patch but it made my testicles hurt, especially the left one. And they shrank to half size or so. Left more than right. This side effect was unacceptable to me and I discontinued the trt patch. Testicle grew back and pain went away. I don't notice a change in behavior when my testostrone levels dropped because they have likely always been low and that's what normal feels like to me.
My question is, could my testostrone levels be the result of my medication use, and is not dealing with the low levels a problem.
My question is, could my testostrone levels be the result of my medication use, and is not dealing with the low levels a problem.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Testosterone levels are typically not affected by prescription stimulants such as Adderall, or the other ones you mentioned. It is likely that your testosterone levels always are on the low side, just a result of genetic chance. If you are not having symptoms of low testosterone (low libido, erectile dysfunction) then there is no reason to take testosterone supplementation. As you describe your situation, I would probably just leave it alone. No worries!
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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Testosterone levels are typically not affected by prescription stimulants such as Adderall, or the other ones you mentioned. It is likely that your testosterone levels always are on the low side, just a result of genetic chance. If you are not having symptoms of low testosterone (low libido, erectile dysfunction) then there is no reason to take testosterone supplementation. As you describe your situation, I would probably just leave it alone. No worries!
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
At risk of sounding like a hypocondriac, are you saying there is no relationship either direct or indirect between testostrone and the neural systems being stimulated with adderall. As far as sex, the interest is lacking. I have attributed it to my wife's weight gain, and loss of attraction. I still masterbate every other day or so, so no erectile issues. However, I used to fantasize about sex, and I no longer do. This could just be me getting older...Or maybe not. I believe my T level was arround 200. I am 6 feet tall, 140lbs and have been since I was 16 years old. And I have a BA in neuropsychology, so feel free to reply in more neuro chemical terms.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
There is no relation between the systems Adderall affects and the testosterone system. Adderall is a stimulant which leads to changes in dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, histamine, CART peptides, acetylcholine, endogenous opioids, adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosteroids, and glutamate. None of these is involved with testosterone. It sounds like you do not have symptoms of low testosterone, so I would stay the course as is.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
There is no relation between the systems Adderall affects and the testosterone system. Adderall is a stimulant which leads to changes in dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, histamine, CART peptides, acetylcholine, endogenous opioids, adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosteroids, and glutamate. None of these is involved with testosterone. It sounds like you do not have symptoms of low testosterone, so I would stay the course as is.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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