My story...
I'm now 57. For years, since my late 20's, I always felt my libido had dropped. I had general fatigue and depression. My GP was very quick to prescribe antidepressants and no meaningful tests were done. This went on for years. In my 30's ED crept in. Back and forth I went to the GP. My thyroid function was borderline low (Hypothyroidism). Testosterone, they said, was normal to them. I kept going in and out of a depressed state and was convinced there was something wrong with my blood works and my thyroid and testosterone. The GP continued to say everything was within range. In 2021 (now aged 54) I had enough of this nonsense and lack of understanding and asked my GP to refer me to my private medical insurers.
The first question they asked was about my medical and family history. My father died of prostate cancer. This was a red flag. Blood works were done. My PSA was elevated. A MRI scan was done (showed some shadowing) and ultimately a biopsy. I had stage 2 prostate cancer. It was on the outer capsule. Of the three choices of treatment available I underwent HDR Brachytherapy and 23 days of external beam radiotherapy. It's been a long and slow journey but for all that's happened I'm still here with this new me. Things will change but you have to accept these changes. It is what it is.
My mood never improved. Erections were rare and soft at best. Orgasm's I fired blanks, but that's normal after this treatment. I waited until my oncologist was happy for me to be referred to an Endocrinologist to fix this mood issue and hopefully restore my mental health, mood and sex drive. Of course there was the concern if there was a need to reintroduce testosterone because of this cancer. My PSA was stable (0.35) since treatment.
On seeing the endocrinologist it was established that the combination of a low Free Androgen Index for my Testosterone and borderline Hypothyroidism it wasn't surprising I felt like an old man. He's now prescribed medication to get those readings to a more acceptable and optimal level with Testogel and Levothyroxine. He also advised me on how I need to get things working again sexually with the aid of Cialis and Viagra and exercising using a pump. Of course, he'd continue to monitor my PSA throughout.
Bottom line is I'd rather live to 80 and enjoy my life than die at 95 a miserable git.
I'm optimistic. Finally I met a specialist who understood my needs and was happy to prescribe medication despite NHS guidelines. After all, they are just that: Guidelines. It would be great to rediscover a younger me and enjoy life again, although this won't happen overnight.
To you... Do not give up. Always seek advice from a specialist or consultants than your GP. Some GP's simply do not understand enough to treat you.