Recent Lab Results

[rowdybrad]

I have been having all the symptoms of low test since high school, now I am 31 and the doctor checked my thyroid for panic attacks I started having and also tested my Testosterone level.

I worked out and stuck to a very strict BB diet for a few months and lost weight and improved fitness, but have never been able to put on much muscle even when focused.

Also have low libido, no morning wood, had sex less than a dozen times in last year and any sex or masturbation was out of habit or a little desire but nothing much. Also have all the other symptoms.

I just had blood work done (at 7 am after 9 hours sleep) and the results were:
total testos - 324 ng/dl (175-781)
prolactin - 11.86 ng/ml (2.64-13.13)
TSH - 1.37 uIU/ml (.34-5.6)

The doc said these are all fine. Obvioucly i'd rather be on the better end of the levels, but wanted to know if these are worth pusuing the more detailed testing and treatment for (as in I will get help) or should I just leave it. The symptoms suck but I'm not sure where to go.

I searched and tried to answer these, but maybe I didn't search with the right terms)

Thanks.

 

[wolfman010]

Your test is pretty low, you want to be 700-1000 ish. Where are you tests for estrogen (E2)?

 

[TR90125]

I agree with wolfman, your Test level is plenty low enough to be feeling symptoms of Low T, in my opinion.

The range is just that, a range. If you are in the bottom third of the range AND have Low T symptoms, I'd say it's a fair bet it's due to Low T.

My first GP wasn't an Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) specialist, but he was smart enough to know that my total Test, despite being within the normal range, was low enough to cause Low T symptoms. Most non-hrt specialists are way too hung up on the "RANGE" and not actual symptoms.

By the way, give Chip at Maximus a shout.

 

[ecdysone]

Your total test is low, but you really need to have a proper "hormone panel" workup, e.g., free-test, E2, SHBG, LH, just to name a few.

 

[rowdybrad]

The test was primarily to rule out thyroid or testosterone for some panic attacks I started having recently.

Between the sexual symptoms, I have little body hair (arms, legs, chest) and can't even grow much facial hair at all, etc.

The paperwork they faxed me just said the clinic name and then the test name and the one result, for TSH, Total test and Prolactin. Then the ranges. There were no other hormones listed.

I called in to the doctor to tell them I got that fax and left a message for them. I said that from what I could tell it was a normal range, for a 70 year old man. Then I asked for a follow up test for a full testosterone check including free test and estrogen levels.

I'd like for him to agree with me and help me out, he is pretty easy going like that, so we'll see. I'd love to be in the 700-900 range. I don't expect miracles, just want to be normal with regular hormones.

Now I have to find out what insurance (healthnet) will cover if it reaches there minimum (level wise) for coverage or whatever.

Thanks for the replies guys.

Brad

 

[rowdybrad]

Thanks, I am going to get a full hormone panel.

My insurance will cover it if I fall under the "reference amount" which is supposed to be the range of 95% of the population tested I guess.

The lab that did mine has a low end of 175, so I am above that. Other labs have a bottom of 350 and 450, so maybe I need to get tested at one of those. My ins. wants to have the range on the lab documents. I wish they would go by the common low of 350, I'm under that. I have 5 kids, I can't afford hundreds a month even to end all this crap symptoms.

 

[ecdysone]

Well if all else fails, considering doing the testing yourself - I've used privatemdlabs with their discount coupon you can get a nice hormone panel for $200 or less.

 

[rowdybrad]

Talked to the doc, going in on monday for full lab. Hopefully level will be lower and he'll help me.

 

[TR2838]

Good luck.. I would recommend studying up on how to administer a proper protocol and see if your doc will play along.. IMHO, You are better off staying w/ low natural Test Level than being treated improperly.. You will not feel better by just getting a shot of test every other week.. Your Doc doesn't sound like he's up to speed w/ how to treat hypogonadism properly..

BTW Your prolactin level is pretty high.. That could play a role in Low Libido

 

[TR90125]

Good luck bro. Let us know how you make out.

 

[rowdybrad]

Went in to do my lab today. The doctor had said he was going to have them do a full panel per my request.

I asked the check in lady what they were testing and she said LH and Free test. I already had prolactin, FSH and total taken.

I told her that I wanted to have the full hormone panel for low testosterone done, including estradiol and SHBG.

I had to go upstairs to my doc and talk to his nurse, she asked me what tests I wanted done. I had to tell her like they knew nothing about any of it.

She went in to the back and came back out and said ok since I wanted them they would also test my SHBG and estradiol. She also said that they never ask to have those tests done, even the endo. She had to look up the codes.

Got the blood taken and waiting to hear the results.

All the tests I have had include;
Total test
Free test
SHBG
LH
FSH
Estradiol

Any other mandatory tests I need as well?

When I get the results I am definitely not using and endo that doesn't check estrogen or SHBG in low test men.