Help with T lab results

[SoCal91]

I'm 37yo and I've been on Androgel 5g packet for T repla***ent for a few years, due to low T levels because of one non-functional testicle. In 2009 and 2010 my Free T levels were between 107 and 111 pg/mL, with a standard range of 47-244 per ARUP labs in Salt Lake City. Last week she ran what looks like a total T level test, which came back as 4.8 ng/mL with a standard range of 2.8-8.0 using a local lab.

Personally I'm still experiencing some ED, and what I'd characterize as poor memory. Putting on any muscle in the gym is also a challenge. Even though my levels appear to be in the standard range, I've been reading that they should be in the upper 30% of the high end to be "optimal".

At my request my Androgel prescription has been changed to two pumps of 1.62% Androgel, instead of one 5g 1% packet. I'm still finishing up the packets, which will last for another month or so.

Given my numbers, should I approach my Doc about increasing my Androgel? She doesn't seem very dialed into T levels and appears to think anything in the normal range is OK. Should I see an endo Doc and do a more complete blood work up?

[steroid.com 1]

You answered your own question.

Find a new Doc who understands and practices TRT in men. This is mission critical; you need an experienced physician in this speciality.

IMO, you'd be much better off injecting Testosterone for all the right reasons.

[kelkel]

If she's not that "dialed in" I'd bet money she won't allow self-injection....

[sirupate]

That dosage isn't a very large one for Androgel. Even when you switch over to the 1.62% gel, 2 pumps will be pretty close to the 5gm packet dose you are on of the 1% gel. More gel might be the answer for you, or not. Regardless, if you can find a more informed doctor, that might be a better way to go. Can you get access to a urologist or endocrinologist? The urologist might be a better choice given some ED and your non-functioning testicle.

[Vettester]

Personally I'm still experiencing some ED, and what I'd characterize as poor memory. Putting on any muscle in the gym is also a challenge.
Personally, I think there are a lot of other variables going on here beyond just testosterone. Look at pregnenolone, DHEA & B12, and make sure you add plenty of EFA's (Omegas) to your diet


Given my numbers, should I approach my Doc about increasing my Androgel? She doesn't seem very dialed into T levels and appears to think anything in the normal range is OK. Should I see an endo Doc and do a more complete blood work up?

Yes, you need a full battery of labs to really get a view of the full picture. ED can be attributed to a lot of factors. Get labs on E2 (sensitive), Prolactin, DHEA, SHBG, B12, Cortisol, Full thyroid (TSH, T3, T4), plus free & bio available testosterone.

Some thoughts are above in bold. Please let us know your height, weight & BF% (if you know). Any diseases, illnesses? How is your diet? Doing any working out at this time? Do you know what caused the testicle to not function? I would also be curious to see if your doctor ran any LH/FSH labs prior to TRT. Wondering how much or little the feedback loop was affected with the primary failure of one testicle. If you have any baseline labs on this, please post it up. Thanks!

[SoCal91]

Thanks for the responses! I'm 5'10, 170#, about 17% BF (was down to about 11% a couple of years ago), started working out again with a trainer as of ~3 weeks ago. I'd rate my diet as OK. Don't eat junk food, but have leaned towards pre-packaged lunches or dinners which I'm trying to get away from now that I'm working out more. Generally eat six times a day, three are protein rich like a shake or protein bar. When I was a young teenager my left testicle got really swollen and enlarged, and when it healed it was about the size of a peanut and never grew. The only test she ran in 2008 when she checked my hormones was free test, and it was 49 pg/mL on a range of 47-244. Never checked any other hormones or blood work. Two months after starting 5g of Androgel 1% it was up to 140 pg/mL, and now down to 107-111 the last year or so. A couple of weeks ago she only ran overall test level, not free test like her other orders, so it's kind of hard to compare where I am at now. Generally I don't think she's doing a good job of managing my T levels or looking at the full picture.

[steroid.com 1]

If you get the labs Vett states your will see a clear picture. The injured testicle may be one of a few contributing factors. IF your other testicle is healthy and functioning properly it should be able to keep your Testosterone levels in the mid normal range. But if there are other variables in play here it could be enough.

Post you BW when you get it in this theard...you will get a lot of help by some very knowledgeable members.

I still thing you would benefit more with injections but that's just my opinion.

[Vettester]

Socal, I agree with you that your doctor isn't doing a very good job here. I would ask her to run the gamut on the panels. Most female docs won't be very in tune with this stuff ... Hell, it's hard to find male docs that are in tune with it. There's a good chance you will need to take your program elsewhere. I know a few doctors in the LA area if needed, who can treat you properly. You can get labs done at privatemdlabs.com if needed, and the prices are pretty reasonable. I went through the same thing several years ago. I kept my primary female doc for everything else, but HRT.

Thanks for posting your stats. Sounds like you're making the efforts to eat right, and with getting a trainer you're obviously committed to getting some exercise. Keep it going!!! One form or another, you will need to get the extensive lab panel completed to have a better understanding where you sit. There are PLENTY of knowledgeable members here who can respond to results and help give you a better understanding of what's going on. We just need labs to provide the comments.