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What Causes Frequent Urination, Acid Reflux And Insomnia?
Question: Hello,
I and a 34-year old male was feeling tired and lethargic for quite some time and couldn't function without a full 8 hours of interrupted sleep. Approx 3-4 months ago, blood tests revealed that my testosterone was low so I was referred to a specialist (Gynecologist I believe?) who prescribed 4cc's x 3 times per week of hCG. My testosterone doubled in a matter of a few weeks and I did get a slight boost in my ability to function but the past 6-7 week have taken a drastic turn and I am not able to sleep more than 4 hours per night - I wake up around 2-3am and cannot get back to sleep despite taking countless over the counter sleep aids as well as one attempt at Zopiclone prescribed by my GP. I have not injected hCG for 7 days now and my symptoms have not improved. The specialist sent me for further testing and my T3 was out of range on the high side slightly (6.6 pmol/L) and estradiol was high at (155 pmol/L) but he insists this has nothing to do with what I am experiencing and sent me back to my Family Doctor.
I explained the symptoms I had to my family doctor (heart palpitations/racing prominent heartbeat, insomnia, weakness, nausea, urgent/frequent urination, acid reflux, brain fog/poor concentration, anxiety) and she immediately prescribed escitalopram for anxiety but I don't believe this is the root cause of my problems. My quality of life is incredibly low and I am not able to perform at my job and I am desperate to get some direction from anyone that might have an idea of what is going on.
I and a 34-year old male was feeling tired and lethargic for quite some time and couldn't function without a full 8 hours of interrupted sleep. Approx 3-4 months ago, blood tests revealed that my testosterone was low so I was referred to a specialist (Gynecologist I believe?) who prescribed 4cc's x 3 times per week of hCG. My testosterone doubled in a matter of a few weeks and I did get a slight boost in my ability to function but the past 6-7 week have taken a drastic turn and I am not able to sleep more than 4 hours per night - I wake up around 2-3am and cannot get back to sleep despite taking countless over the counter sleep aids as well as one attempt at Zopiclone prescribed by my GP. I have not injected hCG for 7 days now and my symptoms have not improved. The specialist sent me for further testing and my T3 was out of range on the high side slightly (6.6 pmol/L) and estradiol was high at (155 pmol/L) but he insists this has nothing to do with what I am experiencing and sent me back to my Family Doctor.
I explained the symptoms I had to my family doctor (heart palpitations/racing prominent heartbeat, insomnia, weakness, nausea, urgent/frequent urination, acid reflux, brain fog/poor concentration, anxiety) and she immediately prescribed escitalopram for anxiety but I don't believe this is the root cause of my problems. My quality of life is incredibly low and I am not able to perform at my job and I am desperate to get some direction from anyone that might have an idea of what is going on.
Brief Answer:
Adrenal insufficiency should be excluded.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, welcome to HCM,
I read your concerns carefully.
I would like to know if your treating physician checked the electrolyte and cortisol level? An adrenal insufficiency is usually manifested with the symptoms you described and a low blood pressure (if you haven't checked it i would recommend to monitor it for some days).
Regarding the thyroid function, please attach the result of TSH and Ft4.
The treatment for the low testosterone level should not be stopped in such a short period. Why did the physician prescribe you hCG and not testosterone?
Will be a pleasure to hear back from you.
Kind Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Adrenal insufficiency should be excluded.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, welcome to HCM,
I read your concerns carefully.
I would like to know if your treating physician checked the electrolyte and cortisol level? An adrenal insufficiency is usually manifested with the symptoms you described and a low blood pressure (if you haven't checked it i would recommend to monitor it for some days).
Regarding the thyroid function, please attach the result of TSH and Ft4.
The treatment for the low testosterone level should not be stopped in such a short period. Why did the physician prescribe you hCG and not testosterone?
Will be a pleasure to hear back from you.
Kind Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you for your prompt response.
No I have not had electrolytes or cortisol checked in a year or two and my blood pressure had been low in the past but more recent tests were in the normal range (although this was several months prior to starting hCG).
Most recent lab report attached.
It was an act of desperation on my part to stop the hCG injections. It was originally prescribed as a means of boosting testosterone without compromising fertility given my age and the possibility that I may want to have children in the near future.
Thanks, XXXXXXX
No I have not had electrolytes or cortisol checked in a year or two and my blood pressure had been low in the past but more recent tests were in the normal range (although this was several months prior to starting hCG).
Most recent lab report attached.
It was an act of desperation on my part to stop the hCG injections. It was originally prescribed as a means of boosting testosterone without compromising fertility given my age and the possibility that I may want to have children in the near future.
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Restart the treatment and check cortisol level.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back, I've reviewed the reports,
The thyroid function is normal. Total T3 is slightly elevated but it is not taken into consideration as it is not the free form.
Estradiol could be elevated due to the rise in testosterone level ( almost at the upper range) which is converted in estradiol in periphery.
Restart the hCG treatment and check the cortisol level at 8.0 a.m. and the electrolytes ( Na, K, Ca).
Will be a pleasure to give you further suggestions.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Restart the treatment and check cortisol level.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back, I've reviewed the reports,
The thyroid function is normal. Total T3 is slightly elevated but it is not taken into consideration as it is not the free form.
Estradiol could be elevated due to the rise in testosterone level ( almost at the upper range) which is converted in estradiol in periphery.
Restart the hCG treatment and check the cortisol level at 8.0 a.m. and the electrolytes ( Na, K, Ca).
Will be a pleasure to give you further suggestions.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Hello Dr. Mirjeta,
So you are of the opinion that the horrible state I am in currently is completely unrelated to the hCG treatment? It is the only change of any sort that I can think of over the past several months and nothing I do or take is strong enough to combat it.
I will see if I can request a requisition for cortisol and electrolyte tests. Should I continue to take the escitalopram? And is there anything you can recommend to try and get a half-decent night's sleep in the meantime?
Thanks, XXXXXXX
So you are of the opinion that the horrible state I am in currently is completely unrelated to the hCG treatment? It is the only change of any sort that I can think of over the past several months and nothing I do or take is strong enough to combat it.
I will see if I can request a requisition for cortisol and electrolyte tests. Should I continue to take the escitalopram? And is there anything you can recommend to try and get a half-decent night's sleep in the meantime?
Thanks, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Most of the side effects are due to hcg treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
The side effects such as irritability, insomnia ect are of course a side effect of hcg injections. I am concerned about fatigue and nausea, for this reason i suggested to check cortisol level.
Regarding to hcg treatment and side effects, usually it is not recommended to be taken more than 2 years. If you are not planning a pregnancy now, you may discuss with your treating physician for combination therapy ( low doses of hcg in order to maintain testicular size and testosterone) in order to minimize the side effects.
If insomnia has decreased your quality of life, you may use Zopiclone for insomnia.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Most of the side effects are due to hcg treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
The side effects such as irritability, insomnia ect are of course a side effect of hcg injections. I am concerned about fatigue and nausea, for this reason i suggested to check cortisol level.
Regarding to hcg treatment and side effects, usually it is not recommended to be taken more than 2 years. If you are not planning a pregnancy now, you may discuss with your treating physician for combination therapy ( low doses of hcg in order to maintain testicular size and testosterone) in order to minimize the side effects.
If insomnia has decreased your quality of life, you may use Zopiclone for insomnia.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Priyanka G Raj
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