Lab results questions

[ritmo]

Hello All, I'm a newbie here and I'm actually not into bodybuilding, just yet. I got my nutrition plan and workout routine planned out. I've had some previous problems sleeping, low sex drive, bouts with depression. I was doing some reading and seen this could be related to low T. I got my blood test results back and they are as follows:

free testosterone(direct) 10.4
testosterone, serum 387

I'm 31 y/o, 5'7" 179lbs. I don't see my doctor until next week to go over the results and was wondering if any of you know if this is a low level for my age? I did some internet searching and what I found indicates, I do have a low T level? At my age, what should I be at? I'm really hoping this could be the cause of my insane insomnia and etc.

I thank anyone in advance for responding, your info is greatly appreciated.

 

[gdevine]

Hello All, I'm a newbie here and I'm actually not into bodybuilding, just yet. I got my nutrition plan and workout routine planned out. I've had some previous problems sleeping, low sex drive, bouts with depression. I was doing some reading and seen this could be related to low T. I got my blood test results back and they are as follows:

free testosterone(direct) 10.4
testosterone, serum 387
Please use the edit button and add ranges. Are there any other labs that you had run that you can post; interested in hormones.

I'm 31 y/o, 5'7" 179lbs. I don't see my doctor until next week to go over the results and was wondering if any of you know if this is a low level for my age? I did some internet searching and what I found indicates, I do have a low T level? At my age, what should I be at? I'm really hoping this could be the cause of my insane insomnia and etc.
At your age you should be near peak Testosterone serum levels. Low levels at your age would point to some pathology or lifestyle cause. Many things from over training, to stress, to obesity, to adrenal issues, to Thyroid issues, to Hypothalamus issues, to Testicular issues, to Diabetes, to...the list goes on.

You need to get a complete Physical done and complete male hormonal panel done including Estrogen (sensitive assay) and complete thyroid panel done as well. When you get your labs post them here in this thread complete with ranges. You need to rule everything out before even contemplating Testosterone replacement at your age.

I thank anyone in advance for responding, your info is greatly appreciated.

Remember, keep everything in this post.

 

[IMT staff]

Yea those are on the lower end of the range, but not quite out. Its really all about symptoms. Things like:

Trouble Sleeping
Android Fat Accumulation
Poor Morning Libido
Trouble Recovering from Vigorous Exercise

These are are all dead giveaways.

 

[ritmo]

Remember, keep everything in this post.

Here's my full lab results:



hematocrit 47.8
immature granulocytes 0
lymphs (absolute) 2.4
neutrophils (absolute) 4.8
eos 2
baso (absolute) 0.0
mchc 34.5
neutrophils 61
monocytes(absolute) 0.5
hemoglobin 16.5
immature grans (abs) 0.0
platelets 272
eos (absolute) 0.2
monocytes 6
mch 26.8
wbc 7.9
lymphs 31
basos 0
rdw 13.3
mcv 78
rbc 6.15

tsh 0.764 0.450-4.500

ldl cholesterol calc 120
hdl cholesterol 36
triglycerides 68
cholesterol, total 170
vldl cholesterol cal 14





comp. metabolic panel (14)


alt (sgpt) 76
potassium, serum 4.3
calcium, serum 9.3
bilirubin, total 0.2
protein, total, serum 7.1
creatinine, serum 0.81
sodium, serum 141
bun 10
alkaline phosphatase, s 95
carbon dioxide, total 21
glucose, serum 84
ast (sgot) 33
chloride, serum 107
bun/creatinine ratio 12
egfr if africn am 137
globulin, total 2.7
albumin, serum 4.4
a/g ratio 1.6
egfr if nonafricn am 118


lh 3.0
fsh 4.8

sedimentation rate-westergren 2

testosterone, serum 387
free testosterone(direct) 10.4

ammonia, plasma 95

 

[ritmo]

I exhibit all those signs! I've been in a 4yr relationship and can probably count on one hand the amount of times we've did it in the morning, my insomnia is crazy, lots of weight gain in the last 2 years, all in my stomach area. This is the largest I've ever been! They have me taking 1mg xanax to sleep but even that isn't really working anymore. I just want to get healthy again, ya know?

Yea those are on the lower end of the range, but not quite out. Its really all about symptoms. Things like:

Trouble Sleeping
Android Fat Accumulation
Poor Morning Libido
Trouble Recovering from Vigorous Exercise

These are are all dead giveaways.

 

[Megatron28]

Your TT is on the low end of the spectrum.

I exhibit all those signs! I've been in a 4yr relationship and can probably count on one hand the amount of times we've did it in the morning, my insomnia is crazy, lots of weight gain in the last 2 years, all in my stomach area. This is the largest I've ever been! They have me taking 1mg xanax to sleep but even that isn't really working anymore. I just want to get healthy again, ya know?

 

[ritmo]

So here's an update. My Dr. and I have discussed starting the testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) therapy and he's prescribed Test-C (200mg per week)+ B12 injections (1cc per week) as well as clomid (I don't know the mg, he sent that directly over to the pharmacy) twice weekly. From what I've been reading, I will put on some water weight at the start. According to an online calculator my BMI is 28 and I'm going to guess my body fat % is around 20 (I haven't had it measured in a while). While I know this is only going to raise my levels to normal, I would like to take this opportunity to get it better shape. Should I start a low carb diet to combat some of the weight gain and/or lose body fat I currently have or any dietary suggestions? I've already purchased a 5lb of whey isolate and some BCAAs. Just wondering if there's any suggestions or advise from anyone? My cousin is a nurse and will be doing my injections for me, not really afraid of those.

In advance, I greatly appreciate any feedback from others! Yesterday was pretty nerve wracking to learn I'll be doing this but I'm excited to feel like myself again. I'm tired of being tired. I work from home and look forward to having the motivation to get up and leave my house more. I feel like a recluse sometimes but I just don't have the motivation to do much anymore.

 

[Mprtz]

Starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) gave me the motivation to revamp my diet to fairly low carb, high protein and increase the intensity of my workouts. That wasn't hard because the dramatic strength gains made working out fun again for the first time in years.
Starting at 200mg a week is great - on the higher side. The only downside (for me) is facing possibly having to reduce the dose due to side effects. I'm reluctant to give up the benefits. Has your doc considered adding Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) into the mix?

You are likely going to lose trunk fat at that dose even if you don't work out or change your diet, but why not maximize the results?

 

[ritmo]

Starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) gave me the motivation to revamp my diet to fairly low carb, high protein and increase the intensity of my workouts. That wasn't hard because the dramatic strength gains made working out fun again for the first time in years.
Starting at 200mg a week is great - on the higher side. The only downside (for me) is facing possibly having to reduce the dose due to side effects. I'm reluctant to give up the benefits. Has your doc considered adding Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) into the mix?

You are likely going to lose trunk fat at that dose even if you don't work out or change your diet, but why not maximize the results?

That's exactly what I want to do, maximize my results! Might as well get the most out of it! We didn't discuses Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), should I bring it up on my follow up appointment? We did discuss HGH, however, my insurance isn't going to pay for that. Is it really necessary? I should be able to maximize this by just eating right and working hard, right?

 

[Mprtz]

The way I understand it, although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) will always make you (more) hypogonadal, taking Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) will mimic LH and FSH production and so keep your testicles producing some T as well as preserving their volume and function. Seems well worthwhile to me, though it does mean extra injections.
HGH is another ball of wax entirely and probably has its own benefits but certainly isn't necessary for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). It also seems much harder to "qualify" for, since it can only be prescribed for pituitary insufficiency.

 

[Megatron28]

So here's an update. My Dr. and I have discussed starting the testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) therapy and he's prescribed Test-C (200mg per week)+ B12 injections (1cc per week) as well as clomid (I don't know the mg, he sent that directly over to the pharmacy) twice weekly. From what I've been reading, I will put on some water weight at the start. According to an online calculator my BMI is 28 and I'm going to guess my body fat % is around 20 (I haven't had it measured in a while). While I know this is only going to raise my levels to normal, I would like to take this opportunity to get it better shape. Should I start a low carb diet to combat some of the weight gain and/or lose body fat I currently have or any dietary suggestions? I've already purchased a 5lb of whey isolate and some BCAAs. Just wondering if there's any suggestions or advise from anyone? My cousin is a nurse and will be doing my injections for me, not really afraid of those.

In advance, I greatly appreciate any feedback from others! Yesterday was pretty nerve wracking to learn I'll be doing this but I'm excited to feel like myself again. I'm tired of being tired. I work from home and look forward to having the motivation to get up and leave my house more. I feel like a recluse sometimes but I just don't have the motivation to do much anymore.

What's the thought behind taking clomid while you are also injecting TRT? I have never seen that combo.

And did he prescribe an Aromatase inhibitor (AI) for you? At 200mg per week there is a good chance you will need it. Make sure your follow-up bloodwork includes estradiol so you can see if you need that Aromatase inhibitor (AI). Splitting your weekly 200mg into two 100 mg injections every 3.5 days would help even out your hormone levels and keep your estradiol lower.

 

[ritmo]

He told me, it was to prevent my testicles from completely shutting down while on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). He didn't say anything about an Aromatase inhibitor (AI). I don't have a followup for 2.5 months, should I be concerned about this? I certainly want to prevent any Gyno that may happen. Should I split my injections to twice a week instead of one? Would splitting help reduce chances of Gyno? Is a prescription required for the needled, if so, I'm only prescribed enough needles for 10 weeks, enough for one shot per week until my blood work + follow up.

What's the thought behind taking clomid while you are also injecting TRT? I have never seen that combo.

And did he prescribe an Aromatase inhibitor (AI) for you? At 200mg per week there is a good chance you will need it. Make sure your follow-up bloodwork includes estradiol so you can see if you need that Aromatase inhibitor (AI). Splitting your weekly 200mg into two 100 mg injections every 3.5 days would help even out your hormone levels and keep your estradiol lower.

 

[gdevine]

Here's my full lab results:



hematocrit 47.8
immature granulocytes 0
lymphs (absolute) 2.4
neutrophils (absolute) 4.8
eos 2
baso (absolute) 0.0
mchc 34.5
neutrophils 61
monocytes(absolute) 0.5
hemoglobin 16.5
immature grans (abs) 0.0
platelets 272
eos (absolute) 0.2
monocytes 6
mch 26.8
wbc 7.9
lymphs 31
basos 0
rdw 13.3
mcv 78
rbc 6.15

tsh 0.764 0.450-4.500

ldl cholesterol calc 120
hdl cholesterol 36
triglycerides 68
cholesterol, total 170
vldl cholesterol cal 14





comp. metabolic panel (14)


alt (sgpt) 76
potassium, serum 4.3
calcium, serum 9.3
bilirubin, total 0.2
protein, total, serum 7.1
creatinine, serum 0.81
sodium, serum 141
bun 10
alkaline phosphatase, s 95
carbon dioxide, total 21
glucose, serum 84
ast (sgot) 33
chloride, serum 107
bun/creatinine ratio 12
egfr if africn am 137
globulin, total 2.7
albumin, serum 4.4
a/g ratio 1.6
egfr if nonafricn am 118


lh 3.0
fsh 4.8

sedimentation rate-westergren 2

testosterone, serum 387
free testosterone(direct) 10.4

ammonia, plasma 95

Can you edit this post and add lab ranges for each assay. All labs are different as are ranges.

Ty.

gd

 

[gdevine]

What's the thought behind taking clomid while you are also injecting TRT? I have never seen that combo.

^^^^Dear God! This protocol is ass backwards. Clomid is used to produce endogenous production but the Testosterone injections are causing a shutdown...WTF???

And did he prescribe an Aromatase inhibitor (AI) for you? At 200mg per week there is a good chance you will need it. Make sure your follow-up bloodwork includes estradiol so you can see if you need that Aromatase inhibitor (AI). Splitting your weekly 200mg into two 100 mg injections every 3.5 days would help even out your hormone levels and keep your estradiol lower.

^^^^What the wise one said above.

^^^^Above.

 

[gdevine]

He told me, it was to prevent my testicles from completely shutting down while on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). He didn't say anything about an Aromatase inhibitor (AI). I don't have a followup for 2.5 months, should I be concerned about this? I certainly want to prevent any Gyno that may happen. Should I split my injections to twice a week instead of one? Would splitting help reduce chances of Gyno? Is a prescription required for the needled, if so, I'm only prescribed enough needles for 10 weeks, enough for one shot per week until my blood work + follow up.

He's confusing the pharmacological use of Clomid with HCG.

You need Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) for the long haul; Clomid is not co-administered with Testosterone for long durations.

Split your injections twice a week as 200 mg is a lot on a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) protocol.

You can but syringes and needles online pretty easily.

 

[1693]

The only other guy that I've heard of so far that was taking clomid with his testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) was taking it because his doc felt he'd be more likely to have more active swimmers to help get his wife preggo.

In my state I just ask the pharmacist for more needles...don't need a script, also can order them online without a script.

Going to twice weekly injections should help keep the E2 lower but it will also effect your TT trough level when you do blood work so it should be done with your doc's agreement.

An Aromatase inhibitor (AI) probably shouldn't be taken until your blood work shows you need it, but on a 200mg/wk dose you very well might need one.

 

[Megatron28]

He told me, it was to prevent my testicles from completely shutting down while on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). He didn't say anything about an Aromatase inhibitor (AI). I don't have a followup for 2.5 months, should I be concerned about this? I certainly want to prevent any Gyno that may happen. Should I split my injections to twice a week instead of one? Would splitting help reduce chances of Gyno? Is a prescription required for the needled, if so, I'm only prescribed enough needles for 10 weeks, enough for one shot per week until my blood work + follow up.

Most guys take Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) for that instead of clomid. Clomid can have bad side effects if you are on it for too long.

You may not need an Aromatase inhibitor (AI). Some guys don't. But have the conversation with your doc about checking your estradiol and discuss what treatment he will prescribe if it is high. Make sure you'll be getting an Aromatase inhibitor (AI) like arimidex if your estradiol gets too high.

2.5 months is normal. You might want to get a blood test sooner though. Read the stickies in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for how to get the Female Hormone Panel at Private MD - Buy Lab Tests Online for about $50.

Injecting twice a week helps lower estrogen and even out your TT levels.

Go to your pharmacy and tell them you will be ijnjecting twice a week. Tell them to save money and time that you would like to order a box of 100 needles. Should cost about $15.

 

[srichnc]

You can always get your own blood work before you see the doc. Its cheep insurance.

 

[Megatron28]

You can always get your own blood work before you see the doc. Its cheep insurance.

I like going into the doctor's office with recent blood work in hand. Then we actually have something to talk about besides how I am feeling. Then we can match up what I am feeling with real numbers.