FINALLY, my BW is in!!

[Viking13]

Ok guys, 35yo male. Former collegiate athlete, longtime weightllfter and aspiring pro powerlifter (I hope one day). 5'9 205 (down a few pounds due to an injury) and estimating about 15%bf (can still see some upper abs).

I work a very stressful job and had been been feeling very tired and sluggish of late. Noticed a decrease in libido and an inability to heal from injuries. I also started having problems sleeping and feeling rested afterwards if I did sleep well. So, I made an appointment with a hormone specialist at my compound pharmacy and made an appointment with a Doc that he feels most comfortable working with after our meeting. I read all the stickies here and got some excellent advice from kelkel. I printed off a copy of Dr.Crisler's protocol and went into my appointment.

The doc was more knowledgeable than i expected and I was feeling encouraged. Had an obscene amount of blood taken and waited patiently for the results. I had the bloodwork done in the morning since test would be at it's highest. I fasted as well. Lastly, all tests are LabCorp so the ranges are consistent with what most of you have as well. I don't know the difference in some of these tests but will list them nonetheless. All ranges to the right side:

Test, Serum (Total) {L} 259 ng/dl 348-1197

Bioavailable Test, S 144 ng/dl 128-430

Bioavailable Test % 55.5%

Test, Free, Direct [L] 5.3 pg/ml 8.7-25.1

Test, Serum [L] 187ng/dl 348-1197

TSH 3.590 uIU/ml 0.450-4.500

Luteinizing Hormone(LH) 1.2 mIU/ml 1.7-8.6

Prolactin 6.1 ng/ml 4.0-15.2

Estradiol 9.7 pg/ml 7.6-42.6

PSA 0.9 ng/ml 0.0-4.0

Thyroxine (T4) 9.3 ug/dl 4.5-12.0

T3 Uptake 35% 24-39

Free Thyroxine Index 3.3 1.2-4.9

Dihydrotestosterone {L} 16 ng/dl

DHEA-Sulfate, Serum 252 ug/dl 33-416

IGF-1 233 ng/ml 115-307

IGF-BP3 4.8 mg/L 3.5-7.0

Growth Hormone , Serum <0.1 ng/ml 0.0-2.9 (Am I not producing an GH?!?!)

SHBG, Serum 18.4 nmol/L 16.5-55.9


This is all in terms of hormones. I'm npt sure which test level to go by (259 or 187). Either way I was shocked it was that low. Kind of an ego blow to be honest, I'm getting older. Thought I was gonna feel unstoppable forever lol.

My lipid panel has my cholesterol at 226 and Triglycerides at 108. Cholesterol could be related to low test as well. My kidney and liver function were just slightly elevated due to lifting/soreness and most likely too many vitamins and a high healthy fats/protein diet. Everything else is normal.

If i missed anything in my introduction my apologies. I look forward to the excellent advice dispersed here from bass and gdevine (and many others!)and a big thanks to kelkel for your help sir!

Follow up appointment is next Tuesday and I wanted to have my ducks in a row when I go back. Thanks for any and all help!!

[Userat204]

Well you definitely look like a candidate for TRT. You total and free test are low, which I don't like as a deciding factor, but with symptoms you probably would do well with TRT. Your estro looks a little low, everything else looks good except lh.

Have you had a history of AAS use? If so what and when was your last cycle? And did you do pct, hcg ? Look at all the factors before deciding, because why go to trt if there is a possibility for recovering hpta.

If you do go with trt, speak to your doc about hcg and an ai, both are important IMO and yes hcg should be a part of TRT and not just for cosmetic reasons.

Good luck with it.

[Userat204]

Also if your doc considers test, don't use the gel. It simply doesn't work well and can lead to elevated estro conversion. Stick with injects.

[Viking13]

No AAS use ever.

The doc is all about hcg and ai. Dumb question, what is Hpta?

[Viking13]

No AAS use ever.

The doc is all about hcg and ai. Dumb question, what is Hpta?

Yes injects. Told him that due to my job and the amount of sweat and contact with others and time constraints there was no way gel would work.

Thanks for the advice as well

[Userat204]

The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (also HPG axis) refers to the effects of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads as if these individual endocrine glands were a single entity as a whole. Because these glands often behave in cooperation, physiologists and endocrinologists find it convenient and descriptive to speak of them as a single system.

That was taken from wiki.

Sounds like you found a good doc so far. Most will not even consider an ai because they consider it a repla***ent and believe estro will not be a concern and most think hcg is not necessary other than cosmetics.

[Userat204]

Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis (HPTA). Lol I gave you a different name.

[ecdysone]

You need to do some research first.

But here's the good news, at your age, and with such a very low LH level, you might respond just by adding LH. Now, this is commonly done by using the 'look-alike': HCG

Maybe just a few injections of HCG a week (500-2000IU or so), might boost your test into the normal range.

More good news, there's a well known protocol: the Shippen HCG challege test that will tell you if you're a good candidate or not.

[Vettester]

Looks like your condition is pretty obvious to be secondary. As mentioned above, everything is pointing to your HPTA being suppressed. I would suggest getting an MRI for the pituitary just to play it safe. Considering the results of your GH, LH, TSH, all of which are pituitary related. If everything checks out, let's get you on the right track!!

[kelkel]

^^good advice above. This is exactly why proper initial baseline BW is critical in determining the op's path to better health.

[Viking13]

Thanks for the advice thus far guys. I had to correct the lab range for TSH as I had it listed 2000ml lower than it should have been. It's well within range, but don't know if that makes much of a difference.

My GH lab concerned me because it appears that I don't produce any, am I reading it wrong?

Any specific questions i shoot formulate for the doc on Tuesday?

Thanks again

also forgot these:

Cortisol is 13.5 ug/dl 2.3-19.4

Cortisol am 6.2-19.4
Corisol pm 2.3-11.9

[Viking13]

I wanted to give an update here as to the latest happenings. First off, great advice here!! Everything you guys have talked about here is spot on and has been very beneficial. Thanks to all of you!!

Ok, so I went back and talked to my primary and he was kinda perplexed by my numbers. He offered to either treat me with 3 months of test/GH or refer to an endo. Wanting to find the underlying issue causing this I opted for the endo.

Visit with the endo went great. I am scheduled for an MRI/MRA to check for any type of pituitary tumor. I am nervous as hell about this, and was when it was mentioned initially by vette, but what choice do I have if I want to be smart here. I've been researching a lot and know that the odds are in my favor, and due to my prolactin being low it is a good sign thus far in terms of not having a tumor.

The endo believes I am most likely suffering from hypothyroidism/hashimoto's disease. However, we will be doing some bloodwork to confirm that when I follow up in a couple of months.

Because the lady and I are trying to have a child I was given Nolvadex at 20mg until follow up to try and boost my levels as opposed to trying to start any type of protocol at this very moment. This is only short term, it's not a long term fix. The doc and i discussed it at great length. He just wants to try and elevate my test to assist in producing some healthy sperm.

With all that being said, I'm super nervous about this MRI. I'm such a hypochondriac when it comes to my health and am scared they'll find something. It's driving me crazy. lol

[Vettester]

Viking, take a deep breath, it will all workout, you will see. Like you said, the odds are in your favor. I went through the same process, as did many other members here. It will all be behind you real soon!

This forum is behind you ... We will eagerly await your good news!

Best,
Vette

[Viking13]

Vette, I really appreciate the support bro. I have read through some of your threads but did not know that you had the MRI as well. It's frightening tothink about ones body kinda betraying them. But, I can live a regular life with hypothyroidism. I just don't want a tumor!! It sounds so.....dramatic to say tumor out loud.

You're right though man. I'm going to relax as much as possible and think positive thoughts. Halfway through this year my test should be on it's way to being right for the first time in a long time I suspect, and hopefully my wife will be pregnant with a healthy child.

I swore of posting on boards a long time ago, but this board is full of such good information and comradery I have this as an app on my iphone and read periodically throughout the day and learn so much.

Thanks again for the support!!

MRI MONDAY. I'll let you know when I know!

[Vettester]

MRI MONDAY. I'll let you know when I know!

Viking, I'm subscribed ... Round of protein shakes for the boys when you give us the good news!

[flatscat]

subscribed - good luck bro

[bass]

subscribed as well! and good luck Viking, i look forward for your next update!

[Viking13]

The results are back from the MRI/MRA from yesterday and I DO NOT HAVE A TUMOR!!!!!

Needless to say I'm am extremely relieved. I'm certain my wife is as well since I have done nothing but talk about the possibility of a tumor for the past 2 weeks. I'm not sure that I should be so excited to have hypothyroidism, but I'm for sure ecstatic about not having a mass growing in my head.

Anyhow, the Nolva has been beneficial thus far in terms of increasing my libido, and just having a general better sense of well being due to most likely an increased level of test. Could be placebo effect, but the libido is def due to the Nolva. I will stay the course until my next appointment in April for bloodwork and follow up.

I have learned a lot here, and continue to learn a lot here. I can't say thank you enough for the guidance and support. It eased my mind reading through most of you all's experiences.

[Vettester]

Congrats Viking ... I told you everything would be just fine! Now you can move forward without any doubts.

[Viking13]

Yea, it's a big relief bro! I'm not looking at things negative at this point. But more from a positive perspective on how much better I will be all around once my hormones are where they are supposed to be.

[kelkel]

Awesome Viking! Very happy for you!

[kelkel]

Awesome Viking! Very happy for you!
It seems I'm twice as happy as that other kelkel. Damn double posts! WTF

[bass]

awesome viking! Very happy for you!
It seems i'm twice as happy as that other kelkel. Damn double posts! Wtf

lol! .....

Congratulations Viking!

[OnTheSauce]

great news! congrats man

[flatscat]

Awesome!