25 y/o low Free & Total Test, what to expect

[RayLewisDidNotDoIt]

Hi everyone. I found this forum through google trying to find info on the topic.

I got my Blood work back and the results were not was I was expecting.
I thought my recent weight gain was because of my thyroid, Currently taking synthroid - but indeed my Thyroid levels were fine (1.1).

Total Test - 324
Free Test 85.9

My Pdoc talked to me about either the gel or taking injections, I guess this is something I will need to research more as to what is best. Needles don't bother me, but the gel seems to be the most common, although 2x a day and people claiming problems with asorption are concerning.

My doctor ordered more panels that I will have done in the next week, just curious what happens from here. From what I'm reading most guys my age are in the 700-800 and some levels higher than that.

For reference I was 220 5 '10 in April and current I just tipped 265 in November. Very discouraging to say the least, and my energy is next to zilch.

 

[Megatron28]

Try giving the Basic TRT Overview sticky thread in this forum a read. It will answer a lot of your questions about TRT. Then come back here to this thread and ask away with any questions you have.

 

[RayLewisDidNotDoIt]

Try giving the Basic TRT Overview sticky thread in this forum a read. It will answer a lot of your questions about TRT. Then come back here to this thread and ask away with any questions you have.

So, thank you for directing me to that sticky, I should have looked there to begin with. Following up- I do have some more questions.

I am concerned that if my 2nd round of blood tests will show a difference in Testosterone that I will not be put on proper treatment. Say if I was at 327 and it went up to 400. After discovering that my testosterone is extremely low, I can say it makes sense and it puts things into a different light. Depression, hard time focusing and more recently a tremendous weight gain.

My second question is how would I bring up the topic of AI? I've been reading how some guys just get put on test, but then have problems with E2?

Again, thank you for your time. I really don't know who to turn to as I have a lot of questions. I'

 

[Virginian]

I suggest that you look long and hard to find other options before trying TRT. Your numbers are not great, but they are also not terrible.

TRT eventually causes an irreversible decrease in your body's ability to make its own testosterone. That means TRT is for life. You can't go off it without bad consequences. It is a major irreversible commitment in effort, time, and cost.

That said, I am on TRT and I love it. It makes me stronger, more athletic, more muscular, more confident, and happier. But I started TRT at age 70.

 

[RayLewisDidNotDoIt]

You don't think 327 isn't terrible for a 25 year old male? From what I was reading the average is about 700

I suggest that you look long and hard to find other options before trying TRT. Your numbers are not great, but they are also not terrible.

TRT eventually causes an irreversible decrease in your body's ability to make its own testosterone. That means TRT is for life. You can't go off it without bad consequences. It is a major irreversible commitment in effort, time, and cost.

That said, I am on TRT and I love it. It makes me stronger, more athletic, more muscular, more confident, and happier. But I started TRT at age 70.

 

[THE-DET-OAK]

lmao @ your name

 

[RayLewisDidNotDoIt]

lmao @ your name

Trying to add some humor to my situation :/

 

[Virginian]

You don't think 327 isn't terrible for a 25 year old male? From what I was reading the average is about 700

A test level of 327 is not good, but some people do OK at that level. A lot depends on your own individual symptoms. I just suggest that you rule out other underlying problems before jumping into TRT.

 

[RayLewisDidNotDoIt]

A test level of 327 is not good, but some people do OK at that level. A lot depends on your own individual symptoms. I just suggest that you rule out other underlying problems before jumping into TRT.

10-4, I hear you loud and clear. I can identify with just about every typical symptom of low-t, it would make a lot of sense after all these years.

 

[Alpin]

Get a sleep study done.
Get Thyroid labs done as well.

 

[RayLewisDidNotDoIt]

Get a sleep study done.
Get Thyroid labs done as well.

Thyroid labs have been done, been on Synthroid since I was 18 (almost 7 years)

 

[Jimstigator]

RayLewis - I differ somewhat that these guys. I spent 10 years of my life chasing all the things people recommended might be hurting my T. Well - that was a waste of life and many of those years are just a blur now from low T.

Sleep, stress (cortisol), diet, fitness. I would consider looking into all those. But - you also can't chase forever.

I am really glad I finally started. The one consideration - make sure you have a good doc supporting you. Don't jump on until you have someone who can talk the talk.

-Jim

 

[Alpin]

Thyroid labs have been done, been on Synthroid since I was 18 (almost 7 years)

How has the synthroid worked for you?
what dif. Do you see with the synthroid?
What were your thyroid hormones before going on therapy?
What were your symptoms?

 

[RayLewisDidNotDoIt]

How has the synthroid worked for you?
what dif. Do you see with the synthroid?
What were your thyroid hormones before going on therapy?
What were your symptoms?

1. I feel like it's helped somewhat, when I first started I was alomost 300 pounds and within 4 months I dropped down to 230s. This was also accompanied by an exercise program 3 weeks into when my energy levels were so much greater.
2. have those 4 months my doctors lowered my dosage from 100mcg to 88mcg. and I could tell the difference, no more weight gain, but no more weight loss. I hadn't changed anything in my exercise routine, or anything substantial in my diet.
3. As far as the actual levels of my thyroid I don't have that information readily available. As stated earlier I was diagnosed at 18 (7 yrs ago)
4. My symptoms included hard time concentrating, low energy (taking naps during the day), weight gain even while exercising and managing a healthy diet ( was seeing a dietician at the time to meal plan). Depression. All the "common"symptoms you would expect I experienced them.

My test levels were never measured until this month when they saw the low levels, to me this could explain alot because although my thyroid levels are where they should be, the majority of my symptoms remained the same. Still suffering from depression (with counseling & medication), ADHD, weight gain is extremely hard, and I've never been one to actually put on muscle from working out but this could possibly be a factor.

I've done my research the past two weeks on several forums, medical blogs, case studies..etc etc to see if TRT was right for me. I understand this is a long term commitment, and as much as folks on this board are hesitent for me to start such treatment - I feel I should explore any and all options. I Would like to try TRT to see how it works for me, if it is deemed unsuccessful then I would go on the next possible solution. But at least I can say I tried