Test Results, possible TRT?

[younggunz112]

Hey guys,

I tried posting this before, but it looks like it never went on the forum. I'm just looking for some feedback. I've been lifting weights since I was 20, and I just turned 37 this year. I've noticed a significant drop in energy, motivation, drive, concentration, and even sex drive lately. I don't have a regular doctor, and I knew I'd have some push-back when I ask to have some hormone levels checked. So, I ordered a saliva test just to check on total test, at least to have something to bring with me to the doc if it looks like something is wrong.

I took the test immediately upon waking, and the results showed 64pg/mL. The accepted range is 44-148pg/mL, but the paperwork indicates that being lower than 70-80pg/mL may result in andropause-type symptoms, which it seems I'm having.

I think this is enough to request some blood work. What do you guys think? Thanks!

 

[Megatron28]

I think any doc will run blood work for you. It is a reasonable request. And you really should develop a relationship with a Primary Care Doc that you see regularly.

If you live in the US, another option is getting private blood work. See my signature below and read the Ology FAQs thread in the Anabolic Forum for more details on getting blood work.

 

[Mprtz]

This kind of thing is going to get more difficult to ask for since the FDA came out with guidance saying that testosterone should not be prescribed for decline due to aging - only for disease.

Maybe your doctor didn't get the memo, but playing up the andropause aspect may not be the best strategy. Focus on the symptoms you are having.

 

[younggunz112]

Hey Megatron, I looked into those options, but I live in North Dakota so going to a lab won't work out for me very well. I think the closest one is in Minneapolis, which is about 450 miles away. I use to see a PA regularly at the VA clinic, so I'm going to try to get in with him again (been about 5 years).

Are their options if I'm just above 300 with the blood test? Is it pretty much set in stone that if you have something like 350, they won't talk about options?

 

[younggunz112]

Thanks for the advice Mprtz!

 

[Megatron28]

Hey Megatron, I looked into those options, but I live in North Dakota so going to a lab won't work out for me very well. I think the closest one is in Minneapolis, which is about 450 miles away. I use to see a PA regularly at the VA clinic, so I'm going to try to get in with him again (been about 5 years).

Are their options if I'm just above 300 with the blood test? Is it pretty much set in stone that if you have something like 350, they won't talk about options?

Minneapolis is a great place. Take in a Wild playoff game and sit out on the sun for a Twins game when you visit.

No, it isn't set in stone. You may have Borderline Hypogonadism. Read the Basic TRT Overview sticky.

 

[younggunz112]

Minneapolis is a great place. Take in a Wild playoff game and sit out on the sun for a Twins game when you visit.

No, it isn't set in stone. You may have Borderline Hypogonadism. Read the Basic TRT Overview sticky.

Yeah, Minneapolis is great! Awesome stadium and the Twins are looking much better this year...so far! It's the drive I'm not looking forward to. Plus I would imagine insurance would pay for at least part of it if I was doing it through my PA or doctor.

 

[Megatron28]

You can definitely get a doc to order TT, LH, FSH, Estradiol, and Prolactin for you. Check TSH and vitamin D too while you are at it.

 

[juced_porkchop]

You can definitely get a doc to order TT, LH, FSH, Estradiol, and Prolactin for you. Check TSH and vitamin D too while you are at it.

Yes, check all these things OP^ these are the first important steps