Ok Total T, Lowish Free T - Feel Like a Ghost

So I tried getting off trt because sides that I seem to get even without trt, so it was kind of pointless.

Anyways, my natural testosterone when I checked it yesterday was:

Total testosterone: 18,9nmol (8-29)
SHBG: 35nmol/l (15-95)
Free testosterone: 289pmol/l (155-800)

The issue I have is that I feel like a ghost, have a bit of brain fog, can’t seem to care about things, and I have ZERO libido. Don’t even feel like jerking off.
I have the same low t symptoms I used to have before trt.

My dr already cleared me to go back on sustanon (there’s no test e where I live), but can it be justified with these numbers?
Total test is totally fine imo, but free is on the lover side. The range used to be a lot higher but for some reason kt got lowered.

Maybe I just need higher free test to function and feel normal?
This has really taken it’s toll on my relationship and my life, and I don’t want to wast anymore time.

What do you guys think of this? Should I just hop back on trt? After all my doc said he treats symptoms not numbers.

Get on T, and aim as high as you are allowed to go with symptom resolution. You already know what the basement is like

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No.

Now it’s justified. Double your free testosterone.

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Good point. If I didn’t have any symptoms there definitely wouldn’t be any reason ti hop back on.

Someone on another forum suggested that I would try DHEA to see if it would help with my libido. What do you think of that?

DHEA would help with the brain fog. Very little of it converts to testosterone in men, more so in women though.

The idea was that maybe my neurosteroids haven’t recovered or something, and that DHEA could possibly help with that.

I don’t know…

DHEA seems a little risky to me…

DHEA supplementation affects endogenous hormone production. Men experience reduced pituitary function that creates lower sperm counts. A 2007 report in the “Society of Reproductive Medicine” indicated that some men might never regain full pituitary function after taking DHEA supplementation while others will recovery after three to six months.

As a alternate opinion, if TRT was not alleviating symptoms before, why would it now ? You could use this opportunity to rid yourself of a potential lifetime dependency that may not improve quality of life substantially. I’m just commenting because I only have mild symptoms and am considering starting TRT for the first time. I would like someone to tell me - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

What the hell that sounds dangerous as shit! Holy crap. Definitely not worth the risk.

Where did you find this information?

Trt did help with my symptoms. I had energy, libido etc.
I guess I have no choice but get back on trt.

That quote came from:

I understand that many feel their only option is TRT, and it may well be. I have made my best effort to avoid all prescription drugs, and currently have no medications at age 64. Although I may benefit from TRT (some), I hate the idea of being dependent on any prescription potentially for the remainder of my life.

Sounds like my low e2 symptoms, but you didn’t have that tested?

Nah I didn’t cause I’ve gotten it tested multiple times while feeling like this.

Every time it’s been around 0,10nmol/l
The range is weird, its <0,15nmol/l

Testosterone is a hormone. You’re here for a reason, that says it all. If you think you’re better off aging gracefully as your levels plummet, so be it.
But when it comes to TRT, the sooner the better. Why wait for it to break?

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Because it may never ‘break’. I’m 64 years old and in a great place physically and emotionally - just plain happy. I greatly value my freedom, I have experienced drug addiction, and I’m averse to letting any substance control whether I am happy or not. That said, I am empathetic to those suffering real difficulties, and if TRT brings them joy, satisfaction, or just an ordinary life that that is really good. My advice to anyone is to not jump to a conclusion, carefully weigh your options, consult experts, and then make a decision or a plan.
My examination of these forums seems to indicate less success stories and more “I’ve got a problem and I’m miserable”. That’s probably just the nature of the forum, the success stories are just out having fun and the problems are here seeking help.

@nullnull then why are you here lurking?
Plenty of success stories posting all day in here. Usually its the ones helping folks with issues. Stick around, you might learn some more.

Hey @middleages , I’m not lurking, I’m learning more every day. I’m only trying to provide my point of view for discussion. I value all of the information here, but there does seem to be a plethora of amateur endocrinologists. It’s admirable that those undergoing TRT are taking such a deep interest in the very complicated HPA and HPG axis. Kudos for desiring to understand what’s going on the best we all can.

That is exactly the case. I can assure you that what you see here represents the vast minority of TRT patients.

Ok cool