Bloodwork done, test super low (21 years old)

[vorcellian]

I've been feeling pretty crappy for the past month (low/no sex drive, inexplicable fat increase over abs, low motivation to do anything, etc), and decided to get bloodwork done. I wanted the results quickly, so I went through LabCorp/WebMD and not through a doctor. Got blood drawn three days ago, and got the results today.

Here are the issues:

Testosterone, Serum: 241 ng/dL (normal range: 249-836)
Luteinizing Hormone, Serum: 1.6 mIU/ml (normal range: 1.7-8.6)

Estradiol got tested too, as did FSH, and both were within range, though FSH was on the low end (Estradiol was 22.1 ph/ml with a range of 7.6-42.5, FSH was 3.2 mIU/ml with a range of 1.5-12.4)

And it definitely makes sense with the symptoms I've been experiencing. However, the reason I wanted to get bloodwork done originally is because I wanted to have baseline numbers in case I wanted to do a cycle in the future, but with these results there's no way I'm touching anabolics at any point soon.

The thing that's confusing is that I have never cycled anything before. No PH, no AAS, nothing at all. I've been training since I was 15, too, and was actually in the best shape of my life about a month and a half ago... but then everything went to sh*t for no discernible reason at the start of September. I lost motivation to train (even though I still pushed hard), and started gaining fat/bloat while looking noticeably worse in the mirror. No idea what caused it or why, which is what made everything so frustrating.

So.. any advice or suggestions? I'm want to get an appointment with an endocrinologist ASAP, but that might take anywhere from 4-6 weeks with how things are around here. Anything I can do while I wait? Anything I should try to avoid doing? Any advice at all from the more experienced members? I'm feeling very lost here..

 

[MeatHead96]

I tested about the same number at 22 yrs of age. I had never done a cycle or anything before. Docs put me on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) because I was experienceing many of the low T symptoms and they were affecting my life. Try posting this in the testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) forum. You will get more help there. Def see the endo and do not cycle. You may need to be on TRT. Keep in mind that it is a big decision to make at your age but if it is affecting your life it may be what you need.

 

[vorcellian]

I tested about the same number at 22 yrs of age. I had never done a cycle or anything before. Docs put me on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) because I was experienceing many of the low T symptoms and they were affecting my life. Try posting this in the testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) forum. You will get more help there. Def see the endo and do not cycle. You may need to be on TRT. Keep in mind that it is a big decision to make at your age but if it is affecting your life it may be what you need.

Thanks for the reply. Did testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) get you back on track? And it's a life-long thing I'm assuming.. not something I'd take lightly. Hopefully I can get out of this funk somehow and get my T levels back up, feel good again without getting on TRT.

What was your experience with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in general (and, if you don't mind me asking, how old are you now?)

 

[TheChosenOne]

This happened to me too. I was 26 and never had done any AAS at all. I was a monster in my early 20's but quit training to take care of my family. Started training again at 25 and couldnt gain shit. Got blood work done at 26 and tested at 190. My doctor kept saying I didn't need to test my testosterone levels because I was so young and only older men need to do that. He called me the next day to tell me the results, then he apologized.

 

[funkymonk]

Same thing happened to me. Got tested RIGHT after my 21st bday, and have been on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) since Feb of 2011. Yes, it's typically a lifelong thing. Yes, literally every aspect of my quality of life has improved.

Since you've been suffering symptoms out of the blue, I wonder what an endo will have to say about possible causes. I'd DEFINITELY find out the reason behind the drop before TRT.

 

[UserAt204]

Good advice fellas. Don't cycle right now. See a doc but it may take finding the right doc because even endos don't always have the best ideas. This very well may just be that you are hypogonadal and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be a very real need for you. Don't think of it as something scary or dangerous or anything like that.

For guys who actually need it, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a blessing. At your age you should have a healthy libido and good energy, muscle building capabilities. Somethings to consider is that low T is being linked to more and more health problems in adult males. It's linked to depression, heart disease and several others.

Do some research about the symptoms you are experiencing and about what lh,fsh are and how they function.

Your estro is in a good range so I don't see any negative feedback happening. See a doc and consider your options. Just as some advice, if you and your doc decide testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is needed, do not accept use of andro gel. It's not effective and will cause a high conversion to estro and have you feeling the same or worse. Low dose test injection weekly or twice a week is the most effective option.

If it becomes something you consider also research hcg especially at your age. Most docs won't prescribe it but should if they really know what they are doing and even on a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) dose you need to consider an Aromatase inhibitor (AI), preferably aromisin or arimidex. Most docs won't script that either because they tend to think a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) dose won't effect estro but that is not the case in everyone.

Just some things to consider and to research. It's best to know as much as possible so you can make an informed decision when trying to figure out what will be the best options for you.

Are you taking any type of medication? Many prescription meds will lower test levels. Opiates are one type that will have a negative effect.

 

[MeatHead96]

Thanks for the reply. Did testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) get you back on track? And it's a life-long thing I'm assuming.. not something I'd take lightly. Hopefully I can get out of this funk somehow and get my T levels back up, feel good again without getting on TRT.

What was your experience with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in general (and, if you don't mind me asking, how old are you now?)

HRT has improved my quality of life tremendously. You may be able to get levels back without it but I can't tell you that. I'm 24 now.

 

[Teutonic]

User nailed it.

 

[vorcellian]

Good advice fellas. Don't cycle right now. See a doc but it may take finding the right doc because even endos don't always have the best ideas. This very well may just be that you are hypogonadal and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be a very real need for you. Don't think of it as something scary or dangerous or anything like that.

For guys who actually need it, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a blessing. At your age you should have a healthy libido and good energy, muscle building capabilities. Somethings to consider is that low T is being linked to more and more health problems in adult males. It's linked to depression, heart disease and several others.

Do some research about the symptoms you are experiencing and about what lh,fsh are and how they function.

Your estro is in a good range so I don't see any negative feedback happening. See a doc and consider your options. Just as some advice, if you and your doc decide testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is needed, do not accept use of andro gel. It's not effective and will cause a high conversion to estro and have you feeling the same or worse. Low dose test injection weekly or twice a week is the most effective option.

If it becomes something you consider also research hcg especially at your age. Most docs won't prescribe it but should if they really know what they are doing and even on a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) dose you need to consider an Aromatase inhibitor (AI), preferably aromisin or arimidex. Most docs won't script that either because they tend to think a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) dose won't effect estro but that is not the case in everyone.

Just some things to consider and to research. It's best to know as much as possible so you can make an informed decision when trying to figure out what will be the best options for you.

Are you taking any type of medication? Many prescription meds will lower test levels. Opiates are one type that will have a negative effect.

First off, thanks for all the replies guys. Good to know so many of you are willing to help.

As for medication: nothing at all. Drugs and drinking: I went out once the first weekend at the start of September and got decently drunk, but nothing since then. I just lost the motivation to go out and meet girls, go to parties, and all the other stuff that is integral to college life.

I'm actually in my 3rd year at the school, so I've been here and know how it all works. This low T has crept up completely out of the blue. And it f'ing sucks.

Seeing an endo is my first priority right now. I just hope I can get there sooner than later, because there is absolutely no cause for this that I can think of. Stress is low, I'm not feeling depressed or anything, and nothing really changed *that* much since I got here in my lifestyle. It's just strange. If testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is recommended, it's something that I would welcome, since it should help -- even if it's a life-long thing.

 

[funkymonk]

Just a heads up, most docs will
(a) tell you you're fine
(b) tell you you're depressed, and put you on the antidepressants
(c) blame it "on those supplements you take", IE: evil protein powder and the steroid known as creatine
(d) suggest testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and put you on a completely spotty regimen leaving you worse than when you started

Regardless of what type of doc you get, even if it's a good one, listen fully to what their diagnosis is.

Before you accept any treatment, research and know the full implications, both good and bad. However, do not go into the doc's office with the agenda of "persuading" them to do as you see. Most doctors have a big ego, and are of the mindset "I spent 12 years getting my degree while you spent 12 minutes online, and you want to tell me that I'm wrong?" mentality."

 

[MonsterMedic]

Also take a hard look at your training regimen. There is a link between Low Test and Overtraining:

ingentaconnect Endurance Exercise Training and Reproductive Endocrine Dysfunctio...

Fatigue and underperformance in athletes: the overtraining syndrome. -- Budgett 32 (2): 107 -- British Journal of Sports Medicine

There is no reason to get Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) if some time off will fix you.

 

[vorcellian]

Also take a hard look at your training regimen. There is a link between Low Test and Overtraining:

ingentaconnect Endurance Exercise Training and Reproductive Endocrine Dysfunctio...

Fatigue and underperformance in athletes: the overtraining syndrome. -- Budgett 32 (2): 107 -- British Journal of Sports Medicine

There is no reason to get Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) if some time off will fix you.

I mean, I'd agree, but my test levels are so low that I think the problem lies elsewhere. With that said, this entire week at the gym I'm going to be deloading, and maybe even next week (do like 12-15 reps per exercise instead of 6-8, and not push to failure)

 

[MonsterMedic]

I mean, I'd agree, but my test levels are so low that I think the problem lies elsewhere. With that said, this entire week at the gym I'm going to be deloading, and maybe even next week (do like 12-15 reps per exercise instead of 6-8, and not push to failure)

That's a GREAT start but it may not be sufficient if overtraining is the cause and I'd encourage you to do more research on the topic. The second study above noted subjects required 8-12 weeks to reverse the T levels.

Case studies have shown severe overtraining being sufficient to lower Test to a Hypogonadal level, like your seeing and I do not think you should rule it out. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a one-way street.

Things to ask yourself:
1)How long have you been training without any kind of a break?
2)How frequently do you train?
3) If you do take breaks how long and how frequently? Etc. Etc.

 

[vorcellian]

That's a GREAT start but it may not be sufficient if overtraining is the cause and I'd encourage you to do more research on the topic. The second study above noted subjects required 8-12 weeks to reverse the T levels.

Case studies have shown severe overtraining being sufficient to lower Test to a Hypogonadal level, like your seeing and I do not think you should rule it out. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a one-way street.

Things to ask yourself:
1)How long have you been training without any kind of a break?
2)How frequently do you train?
3) If you do take breaks how long and how frequently? Etc. Etc.

I mean, this entire past month my workouts have become kind of sporadic because I haven't really been 'feeling it', so to speak. But in answer to your questions:

1) Been training hard since last December. By hard I mean pushing myself every workout, going 5 or 6 days a week for weights, and doing LISS cardio in the morning. Every eight weeks I've taken a week off, though, and felt energized and fresh every time I've come back.

2) 6 times a week, but one of those is a bodyweight-only workout, and very high reps (15-20+). I also do cardio (or, have been, but not recently) 5 times a week in the mornings, but like I said before it's 40 minutes of low intensity steady state cardio, so nothing hardcore at all.

3) Answered before. I take a a break every 8 weeks, and took one the week before I came to university. And last week, when I first began to suspect I might be overtraining, I stopped going to the gym entirely (on wednesday.. so I didn't workout on thursday, friday, or saturday. Today (sunday) was my first deloading workout of the coming week, 12-15 reps, not to failure, etc)

 

[vorcellian]

Does anyone know how to go about finding a good endo in the Washington state area? Preferably a private practice, because then I can skip the 6 week wait going through my GP

 

[funkymonk]

I personally have no experience finding a good endo.
I have heard of others, however, calling the office and talking to a nurse about the typical testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) protocol that the dr. puts his patients on.