Endo says I don't need TRT but I want a second opinion

[axl617]

Hi guys, I'm 24 and have been investigating my hormone levels since 2013. I have seen two doctors who referred me to two

specialists (public and private). Both specialists told me that due to my low SHBG levels it means my body requires less

testosterone to perform its functions. One referred to online advice as that from 'testosterone junkies'. I also am certain I don't

testicular issues, only possibility would be secondary hypogonadism.

I have been suspecting low testosterone symptoms due to:

*Low energy and general feeling of lethargy
*Lack of passion for life (may be a sign of depression however)
*Declining athletic performance (I have not had a 'personal best' since 2011)
*Poor sleep
*Declined interest in sexual activity (currently at 1-2 times a month with girlfriend)
*Have been overweight for the past 4 years despite effort to become lean

Signs that I might not need TRT

*Fairly easy to have an maintain an erection
*Still feel strong attraction towards women
*I have quite a lot of body hair
*I can build muscle if I stay consistent with gym/diet

Anyway, here is my best attempt to collect the main results of my tests, ranges vary but I used the ones from the latest one:

View attachment 562860

Other results like Vitamin D, Cortisol and hHG seem within range

I would really appreciate any advice. I'm pursuing anti-depressants for my slowly declining mood and well being over the years but I

would like to consider this as an alternative in case that treatment fails.

 

[halfwit]

Hi guys, I'm 24 and have been investigating my hormone levels since 2013. I have seen two doctors who referred me to two

specialists (public and private). Both specialists told me that due to my low SHBG levels it means my body requires less

testosterone to perform its functions. One referred to online advice as that from 'testosterone junkies'. I also am certain I don't

testicular issues, only possibility would be secondary hypogonadism.

I have been suspecting low testosterone symptoms due to:

*Low energy and general feeling of lethargy
*Lack of passion for life (may be a sign of depression however)
*Declining athletic performance (I have not had a 'personal best' since 2011)
*Poor sleep
*Declined interest in sexual activity (currently at 1-2 times a month with girlfriend)
*Have been overweight for the past 4 years despite effort to become lean

Signs that I might not need TRT

*Fairly easy to have an maintain an erection
*Still feel strong attraction towards women
*I have quite a lot of body hair
*I can build muscle if I stay consistent with gym/diet

Anyway, here is my best attempt to collect the main results of my tests, ranges vary but I used the ones from the latest one:

View attachment 562860

Other results like Vitamin D, Cortisol and hHG seem within range

I would really appreciate any advice. I'm pursuing anti-depressants for my slowly declining mood and well being over the years but I

would like to consider this as an alternative in case that treatment fails.

Your highest testosterone measurement comes out to about 309ng/dL. Going to take a wild guess and assume you're from Australia? That's the only country I've seen so far that has a RIDICULOUS requirement for testosterone replacement.

Due to your age however, I would rule out sleep apnea (your LH actually looks pretty good, but best to rule out the easy stuff) . See if you can't get a sleep study done before pushing this further imo. Also, what times were your draws done? Natural testosterone values swing by about 40-60% throughout the day.

SHBG does impact free testosterone, BUT you still need ample testosterone to not only have ample free test, but to make estradiol - which is extremely low. Bad endo, giving crap diagnoses.

Definitely keep pushing this issue and don't give up. I went a decade like that, and it caused me all sorts of problems. I strongly suggest reading the FAQ at the top of this forum - it will better arm you against bad/undereducated doctors in the future.

My .02c

 

[Alpin]

Your thyroid is in good shape for such low T....
Any past steroid use?
Get a sleep study done...
Your levels are low..
Up to u what u want to do

 

[PrinceDianabol]

Your thyroid is in good shape for such low T....
Any past steroid use?
Get a sleep study done...
Your levels are low..
Up to u what u want to do

Don't mean to hijack.... but are you actually a moderator Apollon??

 

[Alpin]

Don't mean to hijack.... but are you actually a moderator Apollon??

Why, what's up?

 

[PrinceDianabol]

Why, what's up?

Just wondering why it says 'New Moderators" underneath your name. Are you or are you not a mod?

 

[Alpin]

Just wondering why it says 'New Moderators" underneath your name. Are you or are you not a mod?

Ask the powers that be...

 

[IMT staff]

Your highest testosterone measurement comes out to about 309ng/dL. Going to take a wild guess and assume you're from Australia? That's the only country I've seen so far that has a RIDICULOUS requirement for testosterone replacement.

Due to your age however, I would rule out sleep apnea (your LH actually looks pretty good, but best to rule out the easy stuff) . See if you can't get a sleep study done before pushing this further imo. Also, what times were your draws done? Natural testosterone values swing by about 40-60% throughout the day.

SHBG does impact free testosterone, BUT you still need ample testosterone to not only have ample free test, but to make estradiol - which is extremely low. Bad endo, giving crap diagnoses.

Definitely keep pushing this issue and don't give up. I went a decade like that, and it caused me all sorts of problems. I strongly suggest reading the FAQ at the top of this forum - it will better arm you against bad/undereducated doctors in the future.

My .02c

What he said.

At your age try to get it up, you probably can. Your numbers would be under 200 IMHO if you had an irreparable deficiency.

 

[Alpin]

OP

Are u sure the "Free Testosterone" level on the laboratory is in fact a measured assay and NOT a calculated assay?
I've seen many labs discontinue measuring the actual Free Test and calculating it instead which is not the conventional method.
They use SHBG, TT and calculate "Free Test"....
Not really the same result always.

I've had labs done and for example:

TT would always be 25 nmol/ll and E2 135-145 pmol/l.
With a MEASURED free Test level of 55.9 pmol/l

Then different lab I went to same TT, E2 level in same ball park and CALCULATED free Test is 680 pmol/l

See what I mean?