Suspected low testosterone, how to convince my parents to O.K. a blood test?!
Question: I'm in my late teens and have all of my androgenic attributes (Deep voice, pubic hair etc...) but one thing that keeps nagging me is the fact that I'm suffering from depression and low energy as well as feeling weak and feeble.
About 2 years ago I was on top of life (figuratively) and was very popular and active in school. Unfortunately in martial arts I was struck severely in the groin several times. I stopped practicing soon after (for unrelated reasons) and slowly over weeks and months the depression began.
Recently I've lost almost all of my sex drive as well. This is very disturbing to me but my parents (which are to my knowledge required at this point in my life to permit my doctor to run a blood test) will not listen to me, they dismiss these symptoms as trivial and hypochondriatic.
I'm well aware of the dangers of low testosterone in men and would like to have peace of mind or treatment if it is indeed an issue but cannot until my parents secede. I also suffer gynecomastia
Answers: I'm in my late teens and have all of my androgenic attributes (Deep voice, pubic hair etc...) but one thing that keeps nagging me is the fact that I'm suffering from depression and low energy as well as feeling weak and feeble.
About 2 years ago I was on top of life (figuratively) and was very popular and active in school. Unfortunately in martial arts I was struck severely in the groin several times. I stopped practicing soon after (for unrelated reasons) and slowly over weeks and months the depression began.
Recently I've lost almost all of my sex drive as well. This is very disturbing to me but my parents (which are to my knowledge required at this point in my life to permit my doctor to run a blood test) will not listen to me, they dismiss these symptoms as trivial and hypochondriatic.
I'm well aware of the dangers of low testosterone in men and would like to have peace of mind or treatment if it is indeed an issue but cannot until my parents secede. I also suffer gynecomastia
Have you discussed any of this with a doctor. I mean if you were to have a regular doctor's appointment, once you are in the patient's room, you can ask your doctor any questions you may have, or you can address your concerns to him/her. Anything said between you and the doctor is confidential (if you're 18), but you can ask what the laws are in your state. You should feel like you can talk with a doctor about this if you feel the need to come to us. There is nothing you can say to them that will surprise them.
If there is a need for a blood-test, surely your physician can talk sense to your parents. Do they know how truly concerned you are about this? Have you really let them know that this is important to you?
It is not uncommon to lose that "top of life" feeling after high school. That is something you can discuss with your doctor or a counselor as well. Don't let it consume you.
First, I'd suggest you talk to a counselor. All the changes you're talking about can be stress or depression related. Otherwise since your parents think this is 'trivial' I'm think you should tell them that you have groin pain and think you should see a doctor. You may find that if you talk this out with a professional face to face, things will become better fairly quickly. Good luck, you sound like a solid guy.