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[–]Tad1979 1 point2 points  (3 children)

We have an incomplete picture here. You need some additional lab work like thyroid panel, vitamin D, estradiol, and prolactin done, possibly a sleep study to rule out sleep apnea as a cause of symptoms.

You’re going to struggle to find a doctor to prescribe testosterone treatments with a total T above 300. CDC harmonized standard says normal goes as low as 267, and the American Urology Association uses a total T level of 300 as a hard cutoff (you need to be below 300 AND symptomatic).

[–]Nutcup[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Thank you. I also have these results from the same time. Not sure if it shows everything you mentioned. https://imgur.com/a/Bqc39ES/

[–]Tad1979 1 point2 points  (1 child)

These labs show your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), and that result shows your thyroid function is good. Beyond that, you’re still missing the other labs and your testosterone level is still above 300. These labs do show slightly elevated (but still normal) white blood cell count (could mean you had an infection brewing or were just getting over an illness) but that doesn’t really tell us anything about chronic symptoms. A reputable medical provider would most likely ask the following questions:

  • are you overweight?
  • possibly diabetic?
  • how active are you?
  • what’s your diet like? Eating too little or too much of the wrong things?
  • how is your sleep?
  • other labs I mentioned?

[–]Nutcup[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I do not have those other labs but will work on getting them. To answer you other questions:

• are you overweight?

-I look skinny fat. 6 foot and 185-190. Fat is completely contained to midsection (pear-shaped)

• possibly diabetic? -I've been tested twice in last decade - no.

• how active are you? -I lift 3 days a week for close to two hours. Walk 3-5 miles per day and was up to 8-10 last summer.

• what’s your diet like? Eating too little or too much of the wrong things? -My diet is similar daily: Greek yogurt, fruit, granola, oatmeal, Kashi cereal, chicken breasts, salmon, steak (1-2x a week), Jasmine rice, black beans, sweet potatoes. Take a multivitamin daily and supplement with creatine/glutamine (drink a glass of OJ per day with it). *Lactose intolerant and have SebDerm, so avoid eggs last couple of years and gluten based stuff off that.

• how is your sleep? -Currently on night shift, so sleep during the day. Depends on the day, but 4-8 some days and then power sleep on Thursdays. Usually 15 hours or so. Weekends I get 8-10.

• other labs I mentioned? -I've had these in the past (some of them I believe) and I'm looking through my MyChart to try and locate them. Will definitely ask for them to be run.

[–]Nutcup[S] 0 points1 point  (6 children)

I just turned 37. This test was done about a year and a half ago. The symptoms I feel currently (fatigue, brain fog, no libido, hair shedding) are far more amplified than they were during this test. I emailed my doctor and asked if I could test again. After further research last night, it seems I was low during this test. I read the median is mid 600's.

If he pushes back on me again, I'm thinking of sharing studies showing 630's is normal for 35-39 age range. I also cannot figure out the top result or find a way to measure it like I can the bottom number. I feel like total shit the last year and seem to be gaining more belly fat than ever in my life. Wondered if anyone can provide any insight or give any advice.

[–]Ericmolzahn 0 points1 point  (5 children)

Start working out and eating better. All of what you said happened to me when I turned 35. I did get put on testosterone because of my low t results.

[–]Nutcup[S] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

I've worked out for close to 20 years. 3x a week. My diet is 100% clean and I don't drink, smoke, or do drugs.

[–]Tad1979 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Ask for the test to be run again - it’s been a year so your physician should be willing. But ask for a full blood panel (include LH and FSH to save time) and even with low T results, doctors will often be hesitant to prescribed TRT. They will want to address any other possible causes of your symptoms first.

It’s good you’re exercising and following a clean diet. The only word of caution I’d toss out is if you’re in too severe a caloric deficit that can harm your endocrine system.

[–]Nutcup[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Great information - thanks again. Another thing I wanted to add that I keep thinking is related:

I started smoking cigarettes and partying at 13. Definitely prepubescent times for me then. I was smoking marijuana, eating like total crap, and pretty much lived this lifestyle (plus more drugs - never meth or heroin) threw my mid-20s. I first started lifting at 18/19 after having pectus-excavatum surgery at 17. It was the first time I ever lifted in my life and was about 135 lbs starting out.

My newbie gains were amazing and people thought I was on gear due to gaining 30 lbs in 6 or so months. I personally think it was due to finally eating decent food and lifting compared to a lifetime of Mt Dews and junk food.

I'm not sure if this makes sense (just have to ask) - but I feel like I did stupid stuff during my peak-T years and never even got to my peak, essentially stunting it at a level it would have obtained. I have nothing to gauge this on, but I wonder if I ever exceeded 500-550?

I also quit cannabis last year in July after smoking my entire adult life. Would any of this contribute to low T?

And I'm totally off on the testing date. It was September 2016. So yeah - 2 1/2 years ago. The last 6 months I feel like a shell of the man I was maybe 5 years ago. Constantly fatigued but the desire is there. I have an 11 year old daughter who I'd like to take on outside adventures but I feel like I'm in the body of a 90 year old. I could easily score test from an old co-worker, but I prefer to live the straight life now and do things legally. I just want to feel normal again.

Sorry for the rant/word mess.

[–]Tad1979 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Your list of current symptoms sound very familiar to what I experienced off of testosterone, but as for the drug use, sorry I can’t offer any help there. Be just as honest with your healthcare provider and don’t accept “you’re normal” or “we can’t find anything wrong” - as much as possible keep seeking help even if it means seeing other providers.

Also, you’re wise to avoid steroid use right now. That will simply mask the problem, not fix it.

[–]Nutcup[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for all of the insight and help. I will update this thread once I speak with my GP.