About me: 32 Yr old male
Height: 5’8
Weight: 180lbs
Prior Supplements: None
Activity Level: 4-5 days a week workout: lifting, cardio, plyo
Important Note: Vasectomy 3 years ago, now suffering from occasional ascending testicle and testicular pain after the procedure
I have been suffering with depression, fatigue (extreme fatigue some days), can’t gain muscle despite working out consistently, struggling to lose weight. I’ve also had a markedly decreased libido and difficulty maintaining an erection.
Went to “Low T Center” and received a 178 and 176 (range: 350-1000 ng/dl) testosterone result. Went to my PCP and had new tests ran for a second opinion.
PCP would like to do a second test this week but so far all his feedback has been “low but fine”. If that test comes back low then he would refer me to an MRI and an Endo. In other words, he is likely not going to be willing to prescribe TRT at this point considering my age.
While I’m glad I’m supposedly fine; I’m actually quite upset because I was hoping I finally had an answer to all my symptoms I’ve been experiencing. Now I’m fearful that I’m throwing money down a well getting more bloodwork…
So if anyone could help me out… is a 4th test warranted given my results so far? At 32 years old do these tests seem normal?
Any advice about things I should be asking, researching, or feedback on my results and interpreting them would be extremely helpful.
You are not fine. As for the lab discrepancy, testosterone levels will vary and it appears you are working with two different labs. LC/MS/MS testing methodology can be inconsistent, but given the above, which is not good for a 60y/o, who cares?
Thorough lab work (thyroid, SHBG, IGF-1, E2, etc.) would be nice, but you need TRT. You’ll need a doctor who will treat you with the help of lab tests, and not treat your lab results.
I see your well below the reference ranges and over 100 points below the cutoff point to be considered low testosterone according to the endocrine society.
I don’t understand your doctor’s comment low but fine, that’s like saying your low but still alive. Most doctors a so scared of giving men TRT due to the negativity within the medical community regarding injectable testosterone.
You are at disease state levels, heart disease, cardiovascular disease are only some of the diseases seen with men scoring in these ranges.
Men with low testosterone have a high mortality rate, fine is not a word I would use to describe your condition.
Be weary of your endocrinologist, many of them do not know what they’re doing and your biggest challenge will be finding one that does.
SHBG will be your guide in determining a proper TRT protocol and injection frequency. I’m not a fan of these Low T centers.
Thanks for the feedback! It’s nice to hear some thoughts that aren’t simply, “If it’s not below 200 you’re normal” considering I don’t lead an unhealthy lifestyle. Hell, I hardly even drink. I’ll follow up with the blood work and specifically ask for SHBG. I’m trying to find a good endo around central Ohio who’s more willing to at least try some treatment options.
I’m all for finding the root cause with an MRI or other testing like my PCP said but it would be nice if we could at least try some treatment option while we keep testing, rather than go another 6 months feeling like crap.
I’ve been doing some more reading on the LOW T places as well and will make sure to steer clear of them. Not finding many good comments about them.
Dr. Rob A. Kominiarek is the best there is and he’s in Springboro, I don’t think he takes insurance through, none of the hormone experts do.
Dr Rob will know what’s wrong with you without even looking at your labs, just by explaining how you feel. He gets people from all over the country/world that fly out just to see him.
