Low-normal = TRT?

[...]

I've just received test results back, with my levels coming in at:

Total test: 13.8nm/L (reference range 11 - 40)
Free test: 0.282nm/L (reference range 0.26 - 0.74)

I'm a 29yo male who lifts regularly, gets ~8hrs sleep per day and has an ok diet.

Do these 'low-normal' levels warrant testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), in the presence of symptoms?

 

[Nordic11]

Do these 'low-normal' levels warrant testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), in the presence of symptoms?

The answer is "maybe". At your age, I would exhaust any other options first. There are lots of medical conditions that share symptoms of low testosterone.

HRT is for life and shouldn't be taken lightly. With that said, if you are in the US, Chip is the man to call when you are ready to explore therapy.

 

[cjw2021]

Lab ranges vary by area. Those bottom area levels are the worst patients in that area. They are the old people that have low hormone levels. To be 29 and have those hormone levels is not something I'd want.

 

[mlc31]

My guess is that he's in Canada because of the range numbers he's given. Definitely get yourself to a doctor and get some blood work done.

 

[...]

Thanks all.

@ mic31: I had an appointment with the doctor, I just received some of the numbers prior to the actual appointment.

@ cjw2021: That's exactly what I was thinking.

@ Nordic11: Fair point.

My doctor offered me a 12 week course of sustanon 250 (1ml/week). He said what they usually do is 12 weeks on, 8 weeks off, to reduce the chances of "the boys" shutting down permanently. From what I understand that's not typical testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) practice, so I find that a little strange.

I decided to give it a shot (pardon the pun), to see what impact it had on the symptoms I have (very low libido, brain fog, lack of motivation, lethargy, anxiety, low confidence, difficulty gaining muscle, poor strength). Six days after the first injection, my couch is only just barely safe from my "attention" if you follow. If this is how I feel after six days, I'm going to be very interested to see how I feel after a few weeks, as I understand it takes a few weeks for sust to fully "kick in."

I'm not sure but I think I may be feeling a little stronger, also. That could be a placebo effect though, or some slight changes I've made to my routine. As for all of the other symptoms, I don't think I can notice any change at this point.

 

[cjw2021]

12 weeks on and 8 weeks off is a recipe for disaster. You will feel like absolute hell for those 8 weeks. HCG full time is the better idea with your testosterone than that stupid protocol.

 

[...]

12 weeks on and 8 weeks off is a recipe for disaster. You will feel like absolute hell for those 8 weeks. HCG full time is the better idea with your testosterone than that stupid protocol.

Thanks cjw2021, that's what I suspected. I asked whether that would just make me feel ok for 12 weeks, and then rubbish for 8, but he said no. He did give me a reason, but I'll be damned if I can remember what it was. I didn't find it terribly convincing though.

I also thought the dosage was a bit on the high side. To be honest, I got the overall feeling that he thought I was ok because I was within the reference range, but he'd pretty much give me what I asked for. If that's the case the 12 on 8 off does make sense, if he sees my current levels as normal and the 'on cycle' as a "boost" rather than putting me where I belong.

I might have to start looking for another doctor.