Hello! Thanks for taking the time to read and perhaps assist. I have some bloodwork at the end of this post if it helps to further assist.
I’m a 31 year old male, and was diagnosed with low T about a year ago. I was at 220. I’ve been on injections every 2 weeks since, with a rollercoaster going from 800ish right after injection to 400 or less after two weeks. My friend told me I should look into injecting at least every week with half of a dose, or even every 3 days with a quarter dose.
However, I’ve begun to do some research, and have read that total testosterone doesn’t mean much if other things are at play, such as Estradiol. Plus, I’ve read that a 500 total testosterone for one person might work while the same for another might leave them lagging.
More about me: I’m on multiple depression and anti-anxiety medications, and I have sleep apnea. I do powerlifting but keep putting on weight, and am very stocky and chubby now. I’m 5’9", 280 lbs. While I’ve always struggled with eating healthy, I’ve improved in many areas and still keep putting on weight. I notice being very tired by mid afternoon all the time, lathargic, and lacking motivation to do things I used to bounce to and be up for.
With that being said, I saw a Urologist today to perhaps get beyond my family doc’s mere “Total Testosterone is all that matters” approach. This Urologist seemed to share this outdated mindset, suggested many of my side effects were psychological, and reminded me how obsessed men are with testosterone these days. He seemed to not think I should be there.
However, he did recommend a few “niche” doctors/urologists who would be able to help me with the aspects I’m concerned about, such as Free Test, Estradiol, Aromatase… I may call them and specifically give my concerns and see if it’s worth my time.
But, I figure I could ask questions here… So i’ll do that, and if you can help and give your 2 cents, I’d be stoked!
- What are all of the things you’d recommend I get tested for? I’ve made up a list but if you can add things I’m missing it’d be appreciated.
Fasting Blood Sugar
Fasting Insulin
Hemoglobin AIC
Uric Acid
Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGTP)
Coronary Risk Ratio
Cardiac-CRP(HS CRP) - From what I know, it’s more effective test than an LDL.
Homocysteine
DHT
Estradiol
Cortisol
Vitamin D
HGH/IGF-1
DHEA
- Are there tests for…
- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)? From what I know, it’s secreted by liver, binds to testosterone, makes it harder to absorb.
- Aromatase? From what I know, It’s an enzyme within fat, causes elevated estrogen (estradiol, E2)
- HCG?
- Pregnenalone?
- I’ve heard about Arimidex, Novadex, and other Aromatase and Estradiol inhibitors… are those options for me?
That’s all for now. I’m still learning how all of these things all work together. I look forward to hearing any feedback you might have, or if I’m leaving major things out I should be focusing on.
Thanks!
Blood Work: 9/23/2013
A/G Ratio 1.4
Glucose: 89
BUN: 17
CREATININE: 1.3
Bun/Creat Ratio: 13
Sodium: 137
Potassium: 4.2
Chloride: 97
Carbon Dioxide: 29
Calcium: 9.8
Anion Gap: 15
Total Protein: 8.3
Albumin: 4.8
Globulin: 3.5
AST: 88
ALT: 108
ALKP: 72
Total BILI: 1.1
eGFR: 68
Free T: 114.0
Free T3: 3.2
Free T4: 0.61
Total T: 483
TSH: 3.38
Free T4: 0.61
Total PSA: 0.43
PCT: 0.2
PDW: 19.7
WBC: 8.1
RBC: 5.3
HGB: 16.3
HCT: 46.9
MCV: 87.8
MCH: 30.6
MCHC: 34.8
RDW: 12.1
PLT: 231
MPV: 9.6
NEU%: 52.0
LYMPH%: 34.9
MONO%: 7.3
EOS%: 4.9
BASO%: 0.9
NEU#: 4.2
LYMPH#: 2.8
MONO#: 0.6