Ok, so after experiencing a number of symptoms for a few years (lack of motivation, lack of sexual drive, body composition changes even with exercise and improved diet), it finally dawned on me to just ask to get my test level checked and it came back 250ng/dL, which i was told was "normal" (the lab's normal range was 240-1000)...but pretty much all i've read online says this is low, and some websites even say that is an "ugly" number. So I am wondering if the nurse was right, or if I really should pursue this further. I'm looking for a little reassurance that I made the right call by making an appointment with the doc. I'm only 34 and so a number of 250 is concerning me...
age 34, 250 ng/dL - thoughts?
- Thread starter tdans
- Start date
Bullseye Forever
Prince of Darkness
mine was about the same,most guys thats in the "normal" range on paper isnt enough for you to feel better,mine was 184 when i started trt,and i got it raised to 487,still felt like shit,then finally got it up around 800 and things are much better,the doctors wont agree with this,but most guys will
Ok, here's my $0.02. The range on my labs considered "normal" was 280-1080 ng/dl. Mine came back at 288. My Doc was alarmed and said "I would like to see you at 600-700".
Couple observations -
1. Did this nurse have a dick? If not, she probably doesn't know wtf she is talking about. If so, he probably still doesn't, and just thinks "oh, it is in between the low and high boundaries, must be ok!"
2. The total test lab doesn't capture the whole picture! Notice it the range doesn't say it applies to men 30-35, etc, etc. Your results probably ARE in the normal range - for someone that is 70 years old! Also, they need to check your other hormone levels and organ functions. Do they take your temperature and say "oh, he has a fever, give him something for that!" and send you on your way? NO. They know that it is a symptom of some other issue. As others have mentioned in other threads, There could be other things at play here, like pituitary or other issues.
The only medical advice I try to give (I'm not a doctor anyway) is this - take charge of your health. It is YOURS, and no one is going to care about it more than YOU! Make those doctors and nurses listen to what you are saying, and make them earn their money actually doing some diagnostic medicine instead of throwing prescription darts at the big symptom dartboard.
Couple observations -
1. Did this nurse have a dick? If not, she probably doesn't know wtf she is talking about. If so, he probably still doesn't, and just thinks "oh, it is in between the low and high boundaries, must be ok!"
2. The total test lab doesn't capture the whole picture! Notice it the range doesn't say it applies to men 30-35, etc, etc. Your results probably ARE in the normal range - for someone that is 70 years old! Also, they need to check your other hormone levels and organ functions. Do they take your temperature and say "oh, he has a fever, give him something for that!" and send you on your way? NO. They know that it is a symptom of some other issue. As others have mentioned in other threads, There could be other things at play here, like pituitary or other issues.
The only medical advice I try to give (I'm not a doctor anyway) is this - take charge of your health. It is YOURS, and no one is going to care about it more than YOU! Make those doctors and nurses listen to what you are saying, and make them earn their money actually doing some diagnostic medicine instead of throwing prescription darts at the big symptom dartboard.
Thanks for the replies - they are appreciated. I set up an appointment to see a doc in two days, so maybe something good will happen. And to 03ACE - yes, the nurse was female, and kinda had an attitude, so you might be right that she really might not either care or know why this result might be alarming to me. Wish me luck!
THE-DET-OAK
IncreasedMyT @ ULV
250 is bottom of the barrel mine as well have 50
Frustrated1
New member
I couldn't agree more. Solid information here. My starting TT was 288, that sucked. FYI the new range is higher with LabCorp. I know at that level my PCP wanted me on something stat. My neurologist was shocked I wasn't on anything. Of course neither wanted to take on HRT, my doc isn't trained, my neurologist didn't have the time. My endo's didn't know shit.
I loved the nurse comment. Seriously, what the hell does she know about HRT, and where would she get the training. Some people hear Testosterone, and automatically think stuff.
Misc
New member
its hard to find a doc that knows his shit when it comes to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). My GP only cared about the numbers. it didnt matter how i felt. he would be perfectly happy seeing me at the bare minimum of the low range. as long as i was in the "normal range" his job was done.
that's why i didnt go back. i pay out of pocket for maximus even though i have good insurance.
that's why i didnt go back. i pay out of pocket for maximus even though i have good insurance.
Bullseye Forever
Prince of Darkness
agreed MISC and to add to your comment.most Endocrinologist dont know shit either,esp the many ive seen,they think that 400-500 is normal range for all guys and that should fix thier problems,and to me thats bullshit imo,but Chip is totally on the spot,he knows whats best!
