I just discovered that I have a very low testosterone level and have been gaining weight rapidly.  My endocrinologist says that it could be from sleep apnea.  I have had my CPAP for almost two months now.  Has anyone else had this diagnosis?  I am curious to know whether hormone therapy will work.

Clarify from your Endocrinologist if he thinks the weight gain may be caused by Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) which is highly likely, or if he was talking about OSA causing your low testosterone levels.  OSA is caused by a physical blockage.  Perhaps decreased testosterone levels can exacerbate this condition.  Please let us know what your doc. says because I've never hear of a connection between OSA and testosterone levels.

Is your CPAP working? If your OSA is not being adequately treated, you could be gaining weight because of decreased energy levels (and therefore activity level) or because you are increasing your eating in a subconscious attempt to increase your depressed energy level.

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

I have probably had apnea for years, but it went undiagnosed.  Sleep apnea can, apparently, mess with the function of the pituitary gland, especially if it has been untreated as long as mine was.  I am currently undergoing further testing to determine if the problem is testicular.  I suspect that the apnea has also wreaked havoc with my adrenal glands which has caused extremes in the area of cortisol production.  I will let you know what happens.

Tod

Hi Tod,

I found a bunch of links to OSA and testosterone levels.  Check out my link titled OSA/Testosterone in this forum.

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.