I really cannot find any data that shows whether 77.5 free and weakly bound (which I think is the most important number) is normal for my age. I am looking for some honest comments and not an immediate response that my numbers are low. I came out “within range” on the test but I know that the reference range is not a good indicator. Is there a truly independent source to tell me if my numbers are OK?
Also, I took another testosterone test about a month prior, and the total test came out to around 770. Is it normal to have such a big drop in a month? I know test results vary depending on the time of day, but both results were first thing in the morning. Also, the reason why I got the second testosterone test was because my doctor thought the first test was “concerningly high”.
Please let me know what you think. If you need more data about me or need me to answer questions to help you interpret my results, please drop a comment. Thanks!
The only interpretation needed is - how are you feeling? If you feel amazing, would you ruin that if the numbers would be interpreted as bad? If you would feel like garbage would you stick to feeling that way if the numbers would be interpreted as good?
I actually think I feel fine, but I am not sure if I should be feeling “more fine”. For example, I never don’t have energy for my workouts and have been doing the Juggernaut program for about 9 months (previous to that I did 531 for about two years). My numbers are not world class totals, but I am not squatting 95 lbs either. Does this help?
You can’t compare yourself to anyone, so normal for your age isn’t going to cut it. We also don’t know your AR gene CAG repeat lengths long/short. A lot of men begin to experience problems <500 ng/dL.
Your testosterone will fluctuate in a given day, get better sleep, what you eat that day, quality of rest etc.
Unfortunately, no consensus has been reached regarding the lower TT threshold defining TD, and there are no generally accepted lower limits of normal TT. This lack of consensus follows from the fact that no studies have shown a clear threshold for TT or free T that distinguishes men who will respond to treatment from those who will not.
Meanwhile the number of CAG (cytosine–adenine–guanine triplet) repeats in androgen receptor differs in men and influences the androgen receptor activity. Hence testosterone sensitivity may vary in different individuals.
The same applies to androgen receptor gene CAG repeat lengths >24 in the presence of symptoms and normal testosterone levels may be considered as a state of preclinical hypogonadism.
The prevalence of hypogonadal symptoms increases with TT levels below 12.1 nmol/L (350 ng/dL). However, Zitzmann et al. have shown that testosterone deficiency symptoms may also be seen with TT levels as high as 15 nmol/L. This study showed that the prevalence of loss of libido or vigor increased at testosterone concentrations below 15 nmol/L(433 ng/dL).
Sorry, but this is in the normal ranges, which are 264-915 ng/dL. You’re probably using a lab company that uses different normal ranges, which differs wildly depending on which lab company you use.
The fact your doctor thought 770 was high, he is clueless. Do not seek an opinion or treatment from him at all because he is operating in the dark. TRT is unlike any other field of medicine for which doctors receive no training or education whatsoever.
High testosterone is healthy and nothing to fear, and low testosterone increases the risk of an early death. Your doctor is suffering from hormonal phobia.
Regarding Test values and what’s high and what isn’t, check out this article about T ranges are determined. It’ll piss you off, but it’ll also make you feel better regarding your doctor’s thoughts: Testosterone Testing Is Completely Bogus
Thanks for all of the information. I am thinking I like the approach of “how do you feel and are you showing any signs of low T” as a good barometer for myself. I am not having any of the typical issues regarding T levels, so perhaps I am fine.
