Low testosterone test results

[Kk570h]

__________________________________________________ __________
Component Results

TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL (TESTOS) 223.0 249 - 836 ng/dL L
__________________________________________________ __________

went to the doctor to figure out why I was always so irritable, feeling fatigued some days for absolutely no reason, and hitting these depressing states where I would just break down out of nowhere. I first got a physical where he tested thyroid and blood pressure which all came back great! That still didn't answer the questions of my mood sometimes and tiredness. To add , after getting my physical and blood work taken he recommended I see a sleep apnea doctor...that runs in coexistence with low hormones, doesn't it? I then asked him to test my testosterone levels as shown above , he called it "a shot in the dark." Anyway... When I sat down and thought about it and began reading symptoms, everything made sense... Symptoms came in spurs one month I would be fine the next depressed the next snapping out over almost nothin lol.. It's like one thing always over ruled the other for a little bit..taking turns while the others were still present just not as dramatic all at once , kind of weird.... I always thought it was just how I was never thought this can be the reason until my thyroid checked out to be fine (I also wasn't to a doctor in 5 years before 2012) this all came about this year after I got really serious dieting and lifting beginning of 2011..

Bla anyway... My workout routine is 'ok' I think I know what I have to do and recently the beginning of 2011 I got really serious and have been doing great ever since... Here's how my routine looks and stats and routine:

24 years old, 6 foot , 220 pounds ...my workout time is ALWAYS early morning when I wake up (6,7,8,9am) usually depends on what time I get to sleep. My weekly routine is usually Monday - Friday.. Monday chest & biceps , Wednesday back & triceps , Friday shoulders ... Tuesday and Thursday are dedicated to cardio only, nothing crazy but will usually spend 45minutes to an hour fast walking and jogging and running (really depending on how I feel as the workout goes on) ALWAYS with an incline on the treadmill... I also do about 15-20minutes warmup on my non-cardio days before working out to get my blood going .. 5 minute warm up, 10 minute jog , then to the weights! Depending on how I feel on weekends I may also go for a quick run late night with nothing to do..

[Kk570h]

Would you like to see my diet plan I've been following also? Anything to help sorry if I missed anything you'd like to know to help ill answer to the best of my ability ...thanks

[bass]

no need to post your diet plan here. is total T the thing your doc checked for? you really need the whole hormone panel to see whats going on. your test is definitely low, but there are other hormones need to be looked at. i am not going to list them, but read the stickies first so you know what you need to do for a proper blood work. i don't think your doc will help you because he obviously has no clue what to look for, but request to be seen by an endo that knows about hormones and HRT. get complete blood work then post all the results here with ranges.

[Kk570h]

Would you mind pointing me in the direction of the right sticky or stickies to take a look at? I will be talking to him tomorrow and will hopefully be able to get an endo referral tomorrow to get that other blood work taken ..I was unaware there were different types of hormones to check for, I said to him "I think my testosterone may be low would you run a test on it and I'll go give the blood now?" he said sure and that was about a week ago ..he's a real handjob too btw ...not the most leanient doctor ever (love those) but its all available for me right now..usually a doctor is pro-steroid or anti-steroid , hopefully I can get this resolved ASAP..as I said this all came out of nowhere I really wanted to get a cycle kickin for the summer, how smart or dumb would it be to say screw it get my cycle and do it my way? is HRT administered daily? Is it as if I'm running a cycle? Will it boost my natural testosterone to eventually be able to be taken off them and be 'ok'.?

[Kk570h]

Testosterone Test

At a Glance
Also known as

Total testosterone


Related tests

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteneizing hormone (LH), Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), Free and bioavailable testosterone (see FAQ section)


Why get tested?

To determine if your testosterone level is abnormal, which may help to explain difficulty getting an erection (erectile dysfunction), inability of your partner to get pregnant (infertility), or premature or delayed puberty if you are male, or the appearance of masculine physical features if you are female


When to get tested?

If you are male and your doctor thinks that you may be infertile or if you are unable to get or maintain an erection; if you are a boy with either early or delayed sexual maturity; if you are a female but have male traits, such as a low voice or excessive body hair, or are infertile


Sample required

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm



The Test Sample
What is being tested?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone (androgen) made by the testes in males. Its production is stimulated and controlled by luteinizing hormone (LH), which is manufactured in the pituitary gland. In males, testosterone stimulates development of secondary sex characteristics, including enlargement of the penis, growth of body hair and muscle, and a deepening voice. It is present in large amounts in males during puberty and in adult males to regulate the sex drive and maintain muscle mass. Testosterone is also produced by the adrenal glands in both males and females and, in small amounts, by the ovaries in females. In women, testosterone is converted to estradiol, the main sex hormone in females.

[Kk570h]

^^^^thats the exact test information from my health clinics website ..geisinger medical center

[Kk570h]

This was also attached:

Result may be lower than expected if specimen
is not collected in the early morning due to
circadian variations of testosterone.

FYI, it was collected early morning..

[bass]

yes you definitely need to read the stickies so you can have a full understanding how your body works and how steroids affect your body. you can find all the important stickies in this section (HRT section) read all of them, then read then again, then again to make sure you don't miss anything. once you have that knowledge then you can take it to you doc and you will know if he's the right one to take care of you. again the stickies are in this section at the top. first read KelKel's post regarding finding a physician, then go from there.

[Kk570h]

will do..It is all kind of gibberish to me but I'm sure my doctor will know or will point me to someone who does knw all of that , of course I can read all the stickies and understand it more thurroughly but that doesn't give me my opinionated answers I'm looking for , it will put me In a position to teach somebody else but do you think everybody goes by these sticky note guidelines and knows anabolics in and out before they use them? I'm not a endocrinologist myself that's what they're for and being payed to knw that stuff for me , of course a quick understanding of it helps but it seems the answer to all is in sticky notes .. If that's the case we can just erase the forums of question and answer and help and just leave the sticky notes up and everybody post directly on them accordingly , that way everybody MUST read them and get an understanding so n questions need to be asked ..

[Kk570h]

I'm going to print out the stickys and read them up ...when I hear from my doctor tomoro with some information I will be sure to keep updated on what he has to say and what the game plan is..thank you for your time

[pugster]

This was also attached:

Result may be lower than expected if specimen
is not collected in the early morning due to
circadian variations of testosterone.

FYI, it was collected early morning..

yup the whole point is to have the test early morning so they can see your lowest point.

good luck

[Kk570h]

yup the whole point is to have the test early morning so they can see your lowest point.

good luck

My highest point you mean it says it's lower is not done in morning , hence higher earlier

[pugster]

whoops yep , highest point, its early here and only 1 coffee so far :P

[Vettester]

Thanks for posting this up in the right section. I'll try to chime in tonight and give it my .02. Currently just arrived in the PAC NW, and getting ready to crash. Listen to these guys, we have a good, knowledgeable team here.

[Kk570h]

Thanks for posting this up in the right section. I'll try to chime in tonight and give it my .02. Currently just arrived in the PAC NW, and getting ready to crash. Listen to these guys, we have a good, knowledgeable team here.

No doubt dude drop me a few lines later I will have hopefully talked to my doctor by then and came up with a half resolution

[bullshark99]

KK, I was following you until you started talking cycle???? 24 with a T number of 223 pretty damn low, is this from previous steriod use??? If not, it would be in your best interest to find out what is behind a level this low at your age. HRT not administered daily weekly or twice a week. TRT for life, 50plus years for you my man, might wanna totally come clean with steriod history with the endo if you have a history. Not preaching, just trying to help.

[bass]

will do..It is all kind of gibberish to me but I'm sure my doctor will know or will point me to someone who does knw all of that , of course I can read all the stickies and understand it more thurroughly but that doesn't give me my opinionated answers I'm looking for , it will put me In a position to teach somebody else but do you think everybody goes by these sticky note guidelines and knows anabolics in and out before they use them? I'm not a endocrinologist myself that's what they're for and being payed to knw that stuff for me , of course a quick understanding of it helps but it seems the answer to all is in sticky notes .. If that's the case we can just erase the forums of question and answer and help and just leave the sticky notes up and everybody post directly on them accordingly , that way everybody MUST read them and get an understanding so n questions need to be asked ..

you can ask all you want bro, we just don't want to answer the same questions a million times, reading the stickies is a shortcut for you to find answers, and if you still need help by all means ask away. we are here 24/7.

[JohnnyVegas]

how smart or dumb would it be to say screw it get my cycle and do it my way? is HRT administered daily? Is it as if I'm running a cycle? Will it boost my natural testosterone to eventually be able to be taken off them and be 'ok'.?

Not a good idea to put the cycle ahead of the TRT. Get your levels right and stable first, then worry about a cycle.

TRT is usually once a week. Some break it into two injections.

Exogenous testosterone NEVER boosts natural testosterone. It shuts down the body's production of testosterone, therefor you can never be taken off TRT and be fine. At best, you will simply go back to your low, natural levels.

I am oversimplifying, but wanted to give you some basic answers to your questions.

Definitely read the stickies in this section and it will all make sense in no time.

[Kk570h]

No hard feelings bro were all grown men here , well at least we like to think we are lol ..

I spoke to my doctor! He's administering me the patch! They're idiots in my office and after sitting in the pharmacy for twenty minutes I need my doctors approval through my insurance and pharmacy, lol smh .. I say that do the nurse shes like "oh it wasn't my job to do that" , goofballs! ANYWAY perscription says as follows::

TESTOSTERONE 4MG/24hr , 1 patch daily

Not any more info on that , just he will be checking my blood in another few months. Would someone mind giving some input ?

[Kk570h]

Not a good idea to put the cycle ahead of the TRT. Get your levels right and stable first, then worry about a cycle.

TRT is usually once a week. Some break it into two injections.

Exogenous testosterone NEVER boosts natural testosterone. It shuts down the body's production of testosterone, therefor you can never be taken off TRT and be fine. At best, you will simply go back to your low, natural levels.

I am oversimplifying, but wanted to give you some basic answers to your questions.

Definitely read the stickies in this section and it will all make sense in no time.

Thanks a bunch bro ! Am reading over them a little more now , also studying for a test in psych so I'm kind of booked l but in due time I will be more educated on the subject ..

It's enough taking extra credits at school trying to finish early , gym, kids, +++++ ...to just read about all this stuff that's why I ask questions and came here .. It seems a lot of these people educated don't want to simplify and just give an answer , they'd rather tell me JUST READ, I have no problem with reading and learning about all this it just gets overwhelming when you have to be prepared for 5 classes throughout the week , kids around, quality gym time ...you get the drift

That's why it makes me think what's the point that's why you guys are here ...by reading your replies to my posts I am learning-- not just take the info you give me and disregard it .. I have a busy life as I'm sure most of you guys do to.l.i bet if you guys were payed for answering questions on here you would have a different approach ;D

this kind of got off subject I apologize just venting ! LOL thanks again for your time boss nothing against you

[Kk570h]

you can ask all you want bro, we just don't want to answer the same questions a million times, reading the stickies is a shortcut for you to find answers, and if you still need help by all means ask away. we are here 24/7.

Thanks , appreciated dude

[Kk570h]

KK, I was following you until you started talking cycle???? 24 with a T number of 223 pretty damn low, is this from previous steriod use??? If not, it would be in your best interest to find out what is behind a level this low at your age. HRT not administered daily weekly or twice a week. TRT for life, 50plus years for you my man, might wanna totally come clean with steriod history with the endo if you have a history. Not preaching, just trying to help.

Negative, never used steroids before in my life.. As ive said before this is all of a sudden for me I hade no idea I suffered from low levels , well I had an idea but I thought it was a different underlying cause ;; the cycle comes in to play because I wanted to finally pop I've been in the gym hard for over a year and I'm in the greatest shape of my life since after high school , I've always been active lifting dieting staying in shape but now I changed my lifestyle no drinking , smoking , partying...focused on me strong body strong mind is my motto .. Ah my mind drifts as I'm talking and am on iPad so can't function like I'm on a pc with a mouse lol ... YAH so the cycle I wanted to jump in to because I'm kind of "average" if you will my arms are big and muscular but still have that layer of fat preventing me from really showing ! Do you get who I'm saying?

[Kk570h]

Thanks for posting this up in the right section. I'll try to chime in tonight and give it my .02. Currently just arrived in the PAC NW, and getting ready to crash. Listen to these guys, we have a good, knowledgeable team here.

I have change ready for your .02 let me know when you're around dude

[Vettester]

kk, I've been reading through the posts. Your total testosterone is 223, much too low for any man, especially at your age. You confirmed that you have not done any steroid cycles, I presume it's safe to say that you also did not take any pro hormones?

Unless I overlooked it, I don't see anything stating that your doctor ran any MRI's or additional exams to decipher why your testosterone level is so low. Did he run a lab called LH and/or FSH? Someone needs to determine if the pituitary is not functioning correctly, or if it is a testicular issue. After that, further examinations need to be conducted to rule out tumors and other disorders.

It would be good to see other labs if you have them. Definitely put away the notion of running any cycles, you need to get a few things figured out first to make sure you're healthy.

[Kk570h]

kk, I've been reading through the posts. Your total testosterone is 223, much too low for any man, especially at your age. You confirmed that you have not done any steroid cycles, I presume it's safe to say that you also did not take any pro hormones?

No never on anything like that .. But now that you mention it I did have chronic asthma as a baby. Do you think this would have anything to do with what I'm going through now? Have you ever heard of predazone? I believe that's the name , wow it's crazy how you can remember these types of things I haven't thought about this until right now reading your reply , thanks dude!

Unless I overlooked it, I don't see anything stating that your doctor ran any MRI's or additional exams to decipher why your testosterone level is so low. Did he run a lab called LH and/or FSH? Someone needs to determine if the pituitary is not functioning correctly, or if it is a testicular issue. After that, further examinations need to be conducted to rule out tumors and other disorders.

No MRIs were taken , but I did get a physical and he conducted bloodwork and said 'everything is fine with it' , if you'd like I can post my results of the first blood test so u can see all my levels??

[Kk570h]

And to be honest with you it seems like you know more than him about this ..my test showed my t levels were low

Today I receive a phone call saying there is a prescription at the front desk for you come get it...it was for the patches ..no appointment scheduled with him except in 3 months to get bloodwork taken again , no "this is what you need to do" or even paperwork telling me risks or anything like that , I learned more here than with him!

[JohnnyVegas]

And to be honest with you it seems like you know more than him about this ..my test showed my t levels were low

Today I receive a phone call saying there is a prescription at the front desk for you come get it...it was for the patches ..no appointment scheduled with him except in 3 months to get bloodwork taken again , no "this is what you need to do" or even paperwork telling me risks or anything like that , I learned more here than with him!

A lot of doctors (most, maybe?) aren't up to speed on TRT. Many of them frown upon it.

Let us know how the patches work. Almost everyone here prefers injections, but not everyone wants the hassle. I have a family member on the cream and he loves it.

[Kk570h]

A lot of doctors (most, maybe?) aren't up to speed on TRT. Many of them frown upon it.

Let us know how the patches work. Almost everyone here prefers injections, but not everyone wants the hassle. I have a family member on the cream and he loves it.

Did you take notice to what my prescription says? It needs to be preauthorized by my dr so I couldn't get them today...

TESTOSTERONE 4MG/24hr , 1 patch daily

Is this a high amount? Am I going to get fat on it? Will I notice gains in gym or anything? I'm just no sure what to expect ,to me that's very minimal dosing . And as I said he hasn't said anything just basically HERE TAKE THIS "/ I am planning on going to a different doctor Soon to get another opinion

[Vettester]

And to be honest with you it seems like you know more than him about this ..my test showed my t levels were low

Today I receive a phone call saying there is a prescription at the front desk for you come get it...it was for the patches ..no appointment scheduled with him except in 3 months to get bloodwork taken again , no "this is what you need to do" or even paperwork telling me risks or anything like that , I learned more here than with him!

KK, my suggestion is that you get the doctor or someone there to get you an immediate referral to an endocrinologist, or even a urologist. I think it's crazy that the doctor is approaching it like this. It is essential that someone takes a closer look at you before just tossing out some patches. What if by small chance there's a small tumor (adenoma) in the pituitary region, wouldn't you want to know that? No brainer (no pun)!!

There other simple blood tests that your medical team can run to help give them an idea if other issues are lurking. The LH & FSH are one set, and prolactin and TSH are others. ACTH would be another hormone to check that is produced in the pituitary. And it just so happens that ACTH levels can be effected by corticosteroids, such as prednisone (if that's the medicine you took), which could be a precursor of Cushing syndrome. Ah, Cushing's, maybe a long-shot, but look it up to see for yourself. A good endocrinologist will know a ton more about this than me, but this is why I think ALL labs should be taken before someone just goes throwing a patch your way, literally.

[Kk570h]

KK, my suggestion is that you get the doctor or someone there to get you an immediate referral to an endocrinologist, or even a urologist. I think it's crazy that the doctor is approaching it like this. It is essential that someone takes a closer look at you before just tossing out some patches. What if by small chance there's a small tumor (adenoma) in the pituitary region, wouldn't you want to know that? No brainer (no pun)!!

There other simple blood tests that your medical team can run to help give them an idea if other issues are lurking. The LH & FSH are one set, and prolactin and TSH are others. ACTH would be another hormone to check that is produced in the pituitary. And it just so happens that ACTH levels can be effected by corticosteroids, such as prednisone (if that's the medicine you took), which could be a precursor of Cushing syndrome. Ah, Cushing's, maybe a long-shot, but look it up to see for yourself. A good endocrinologist will know a ton more about this than me, but this is why I think ALL labs should be taken before someone just goes throwing a patch your way, literally.

Ah time to do research . I can't thank you enough dude for all you're input this shit had me kind of worried . Not much bothers me anymore cause of all the things I've been through in my life (at such a young age) but it left me kind of down in the dumps .. I am going to file for a referral to the endo now online will be done by tomorrow ..

[Kk570h]

Testosterone 4mg/24hr <--- any input on this level ?

[Vettester]

Ah time to do research . I can't thank you enough dude for all you're input this shit had me kind of worried . Not much bothers me anymore cause of all the things I've been through in my life (at such a young age) but it left me kind of down in the dumps .. I am going to file for a referral to the endo now online will be done by tomorrow ..

Trust me when I say that my objective isn't to scare you, or get you overly anxious with this stuff. Simply, I just want you to make sure that all of your bases are covered. Odds are that there's nothing serious, but take control so that you know for yourself and there's no surprises down the road.

Keep us posted with the progress. My schedule will be a little sporadic over the next few days, so if I don't post in timely fashion you know what's going on. Keep your chin up and stay positive!

[Vettester]

Testosterone 4mg/24hr <--- any input on this level ?

Sorry chief, I don't have any experiences with the patches. Cyp nation here!

[kelkel]

Average persons endogenous test production is between 4-7mg (app) per day with 7 being on the high side. It's going to be a waiting game for you to see where it gets you. Time and BW will tell. I think you said you have more BW you can post. Do so if possible and make sure ranges are in there.

Take Vette's advice and run with it!

good luck.

[bass]

KK, my suggestion is that you get the doctor or someone there to get you an immediate referral to an endocrinologist, or even a urologist. I think it's crazy that the doctor is approaching it like this. It is essential that someone takes a closer look at you before just tossing out some patches. What if by small chance there's a small tumor (adenoma) in the pituitary region, wouldn't you want to know that? No brainer (no pun)!!

There other simple blood tests that your medical team can run to help give them an idea if other issues are lurking. The LH & FSH are one set, and prolactin and TSH are others. ACTH would be another hormone to check that is produced in the pituitary. And it just so happens that ACTH levels can be effected by corticosteroids, such as prednisone (if that's the medicine you took), which could be a precursor of Cushing syndrome. Ah, Cushing's, maybe a long-shot, but look it up to see for yourself. A good endocrinologist will know a ton more about this than me, but this is why I think ALL labs should be taken before someone just goes throwing a patch your way, literally.

great post Vette!

KK, this is why i was encouraging you to read as much as possible so you have an idea how your body works and what these hormones will do for or to you! like Vette said, you need to be seen by an expert so you can be treated properly, this doc is treating you blindly and will hut you more than help you. as you noted above this place seem to have more experience than most doctors, very true! if not all most primary doctors have no clue what to do when it comes to TRT, but a specialist dose. no need to hurry anyway, few more days maybe weeks of patience could work in your favor.

[Kk570h]

All you guys got me back on track thinkin clear .. I can't thank you all enough

Here are the BW results sorry if they're irrelevant it's just everything that he has done since I got my physical :::

WBC 7.10 4.00 - 10.80 K/uL
RBC 5.68 4.50 - 5.25 M/uL H
HGB 16.0 14.0 - 16.5 g/dL
HCT 46.6 40.0 - 47.0 %
MCV 82.0 82.0 - 99.5 fL
MCH 28.2 27.0 - 34.0 pg
MCHC 34.3 32.0 - 36.0 g/dL
RDW 12.8 11.5 - 15.5 %
PLATELET COUNT 185 140 - 400 K/uL
MPV 11.1 6.6 - 11.1 fL
_________________________

HOURS FASTING NOT PROVIDED hours
TRIGLYCERIDES 59 <200 - mg/dL
TRIGLYCERIDE REFERENCE RANGES (mg/dL)
______________________________
<150 NORMAL
150-199 BORDERLINE HIGH
200-499 HIGH
>499 VERY HIGH
CHOLESTEROL 114 <200 - mg/dL
TOTAL CHOLESTEROL REFERENCE RANGES(mg/dL)
______________________________
<200 DESIRABLE
200-239 BORDERLINE HIGH
>239 HIGH
HDL 40 40 - 59 mg/dL
HDL CHOLESTEROL REFERENCE RANGES(mg/dL)
______________________________
<40 LOW
>59 HIGH
CHOL/HDL RATIO 2.9
LDL (CALCULATED) 62 0 - 129 mg/dL
LDL CHOLESTEROL REFERENCE RANGES(mg/dL)
______________________________
<100 OPTIMAL GOAL FOR HIGH RISK PATIENTS
100-129 NEAR OR ABOVE NORMAL
130-159 BORDERLINE HIGH
160-189 HIGH
>189 VERY HIGH
______________________________

BUN 12 6 - 20 mg/dL
CREATININE 0.9 0.6 - 1.2 mg/dL
GFR should be used to assess renal function. Plasma/Serum creatinine may not
be able to properly reflect renal function in some cases.
SODIUM 141 135 - 146 mmol/L
POTASSIUM 4.8 3.5 - 5.1 mmol/L
CHLORIDE 106 98 - 111 mmol/L
CO2 29 22 - 32 mmol/L
GLUCOSE 95 70 - 120 mg/dL
ALBUMIN 5.0 3.8 - 5.0 g/dL
AST 387 10 - 50 U/L H
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE 59 0 - 153 U/L
BILIRUBIN, TOTAL 0.5 0.3 - 1.3 mg/dL
CALCIUM 9.6 8.3 - 10.5 mg/dL
PROTEIN 7.2 6.0 - 8.3 g/dL
ALT 136 10 - 50 U/L H
ANION GAP 6 7 - 15 mmol/L L
GFR ESTIMATED >60.0 >60 - mL/min

[Kk570h]

Average persons endogenous test production is between 4-7mg (app) per day with 7 being on the high side. It's going to be a waiting game for you to see where it gets you. Time and BW will tell. I think you said you have more BW you can post. Do so if possible and make sure ranges are in there.

Take Vette's advice and run with it!

good luck.

Kelkel , so as I thought this is just a 'hint' of test to try and get my levels up? Shouldn't gain weight on it? No water retention? How about gyno? Damnit it's crazy I'm asking you guys this and not my doctor ! Lol I wish you were all in driving distance away so I could buy us all drinks and get nuts lol

[bass]

hmmmm, first red flag is your liver enzymes, they are very high which suggested a fatty liver or liver damage! are you on other medication or do you drink alcohol? also your RBC and Hemoglobin are already above normal, probably dehydration, drink more water. find out why your liver is out of whack.

[bass]

sorry your hemoglobin is not above normal, but high normal!

[Vettester]

hmmmm, first red flag is your liver enzymes, they are very high which suggested a fatty liver or liver damage! are you on other medication or do you drink alcohol? also your RBC and Hemoglobin are already above normal, probably dehydration, drink more water. find out why your liver is out of whack.

I was just going to mention that, good catch bass!

Indeed, the liver enzymes are through the ceiling. Let us know if you're drinking heavy. This indicates some serious stress taking place. How's your BP? If you get carte blanche on your labs, run a ferritin test as well, along with iron tests.