New Lab Results - Thoughts and Opinions, Please!

[JYD]

Just wanted to see what everyone thought.

I'm 35 years old, workout 4-5 days a week, 190lbs, 12% bf, overall feel like I'm in great shape. Went through a crazy anxiety period in January and it caused libido to drop significantly, irritability, lack of sleep, etc. It felt like anxiety plus exhaustion. My PSA was also elevated for my age. Here are my follow-up results below. First test was done January 18 in Australia. Overall, these results are a HUGE improvement.

OLD RESULTS - Feb. 7, 2012
Oestradiol - 86 pmol/L ( <160 )
Testosterone - 20.2 (11.5 - 32.0) ****UP from previous blood test***
SHBG - 28 nmol/L (15 - 50)
Free Androgen Index (FAI) - 72.1 % (15 - 100)
PSA - 1.6 ug/L ( 0.20 - 2.1 0 ) ***men 30 - 39, the median range is 0.75 ug/L***
TSH - 0.33 **** (0.44 - 3.50) ***Low
Free T4 - 12.7 (9.0 - 19.0)
Free T3 - 4.0 (2.6 - 6.0)

NEW RESULTS - Mar. 21, 2012
Total Test - 511 (348 - 1197) ***This worries me as it is well below 668, the number for males 35-44. What does this mean for me?***
Free Test - 18.14 (5.0 - 21.0)
% Free Test - 3.55 (1.5 - 4.2)
FSH - 2.3 (1.5 - 12.4) ***Worries me that this is so low in the range***
LH - 2.9 (1.7 - 8.6) ***Worries me that this is so low in the range***
IGF-1 - 221 (115 - 307)
Estradiol, Sensitive - 12 (3 - 70)
SHBG - 26.2 (16.5 - 55.9)

TSH, T4, T3 uptake, FTI - HAPPY to report all in perfect middle range!!!!

PSA - 1.2 (0.0 - 4.0) ***Lower than last time, but still high for my age - concerned***

Guys, any thoughts on the NEW results vs. the old?

Thanks!

LH

[zaggahamma]

am i guessing right ..you are NOT on trt?

sounds like your are recovering from your anxiety/stress

your levels look pretty good but you are concerned its not optimal by your bolded statement...you say you feel good but are you asking yourself...hmmmm, maybe i dont need to bust my ass to keep at 12% , etc. ??????

well, imo, your 35...you could keep an eye on it...you came to the right place...there are many members here to answer questions/give their experiences with trt or pre trt...

imo, and having a protsate scare...i dont see any alarm there..

well bump for more opinions

welcome and good luck

[bullshark99]

Second on the prostate number. Dont freak out 1.6, although a tad bit high, for your age is not, not anywhere near the 2.5 they use as a marker for under 50. Many things could cause a spike here (sex within 72 hrs) inflamation many things. Your totel serum quite frankly seems fine, not optimal but well into "normal range" More importantly is your Free and you are on the HIGH end. Congrats for sighning up here, alot of GREAT info, would suggest to take some time and really go thru it. Any history of AAS or TRT???

[zaggahamma]

Second on the prostate number. Dont freak out 1.6, although a tad bit high, for your age is not, not anywhere near the 2.5 they use as a marker for under 50. Many things could cause a spike here (sex within 72 hrs) inflamation many things. Your totel serum quite frankly seems fine, not optimal but well into "normal range" More importantly is your Free and you are on the HIGH end. Congrats for sighning up here, alot of GREAT info, would suggest to take some time and really go thru it. Any history of AAS or TRT???

yes..i forgot to mention that..

good post bull

[steroid.com 1]

Free Test - 18.14 (5.0 - 21.0)
% Free Test - 3.55 (1.5 - 4.2)
These are the two you need to be most interested in and they are very good. In fact, your % Free is outstanding as ideal is 2.5%.

FSH - 2.3 (1.5 - 12.4) ***Worries me that this is so low in the range***
LH - 2.9 (1.7 - 8.6) ***Worries me that this is so low in the range***
Yes, on the lower end of the referenece range but you are producing so not to worry for now.

Estradiol, Sensitive - 12 (3 - 70)
SHBG - 26.2 (16.5 - 55.9)
Both are fine, E2 may be a little on the low side possibly better in the 20's.

You look good man!

[JYD]

Wow, thanks guys! I thought the results looks good overall, but the lower end of LH and FSH worried me a bit with regarding to a good hormonal balance.

Also, I forgot to say that this was just a check up at 35 years old and how the stress issues killed my libido forced me to take the initial tests.

I have NEVER done a cycle of anything. I should have clarified that I am not on any TRT/HRT nor have I ever done anabolics. I did a run of pro-hormones in my late 20s, twice, 4 weeks each, and that was it.

So you guys think I appear to be in good shape hormonally? Many thanks again!

[kelkel]

Yes, like the guys said. Your doing fine. Hell, I'd love to have my shbg that low!

[zaggahamma]

Wow, thanks guys! I thought the results looks good overall, but the lower end of LH and FSH worried me a bit with regarding to a good hormonal balance.

Also, I forgot to say that this was just a check up at 35 years old and how the stress issues killed my libido forced me to take the initial tests.

I have NEVER done a cycle of anything. I should have clarified that I am not on any TRT/HRT nor have I ever done anabolics. I did a run of pro-hormones in my late 20s, twice, 4 weeks each, and that was it.

So you guys think I appear to be in good shape hormonally? Many thanks again!

the numbers look decent...pro h's are harsh...sorry but reality...like i said...keep an eye on it...your a year younger than i when i started trt...albeit my numbers didnt look as good but just sayin and you could have been higher...i think most know i am a proponent of trt especially nearing 40

[steroid.com 1]

the numbers look decent...pro h's are harsh...sorry but reality...like i said...keep an eye on it...your a year younger than i when i started trt...albeit my numbers didnt look as good but just sayin and you could have been higher...i think most know i am a proponent of trt especially nearing 40

You're right J; my Doc would get his Total up to the 900's.

BUT his Free and % Free are ideal for the most part.

[JYD]

Many thanks for all of the feedback, guys.

QUESTIONS:
1) What does a low-normal FSH and LH mean? Does this effect fertility, libido, etc?

2) How can I increase my FSH and LH? Do I need to?

2) Do OTC test-boosters like DAA, Triazole, etc. effect natural production in the long-term? Should I stay away from these products?
-I have taken 3 cycles of these products in the last 3 years. Don't really feel I need them, but I find they do help a bit in the gym, but I don't want to hurt my natural production of anything.

Many, many thanks guys! I greatly appreciate it.

[kelkel]

Means your just below normal, lol. Your Hypothalamus releases GnRH which signals the pituitary to release FSH and LH. They in turn signal the testies, LH stimulates test production and FSH basically does the same for sperm, etc. I know of no way to increase production. Yes, pro-hormones can mess with your HPTA so most here will recommend staying away.

[JYD]

Thanks Kelkel. I did the prohormones when I was 28 and 29/30. Just 2 cycles. I have only done test boosters since, and not often at all. Maybe 4 times in 5 years.

[bullshark99]

JYD, stick around friend, will learn alot on this board! Agree with JPK, I'm obviously a proponet of TRT (or I wouldnt be here), I'm age 44, my only word of caution to you is TRT as you know is for life. Its not something to play with for a few months and expect everything to go back to where it was. It may, but no guarentee's!! Your numbers do look pretty good, but who knows what the future will bring, an educated man is in a much better position than most of us were when we started.
Just a word of advice on the prostate, again, I wouldnt sweat it based on where you are but if you get a .75 rise or more in 12 months time you will then be a canadate possibly for a ultra sound/biopsy. Make sure you do not ejaculate for 2-3 days prior to your next test as this could potentially give a false high reading and put you thru a boat load of worry, been there!!!!!

[steroid.com 1]

JYD - You may want to think about adding in 50mg of DHEA and Pregnenolone daily to your daily supplement protocol.

Do some research here: www.lef.org

Make sure if you get them in pill form they are micronized.

[JYD]

Thanks guys, this is all very helpful. The reason I posted here is back in January, I had a big life change and it depleted me in many ways. I'm normally very agressive, alpha male and positive, but my libido dipped, I felt depressed and so forth. Went to the urologist and my levels came back "low-normal". That scared me. So I did a follow up test 4 weeks later and my levels went UP; I was also feeling more relaxed.

This most recent test was to get a fuller picture AFTER my big life change, and it looks like my numbers are indicative of how I feel: awesome, generally, but obviously not 21 anymore.

I am not a candidate for TRT, but I posted here because of the wealth of knowledge AND the candor of you guys. It really helps to have a sympathetic ear. That said, I realize that my levels are really good based on your feedback, but after this experience, I want to watch everything: diet, sleep, etc.

A question I do have is what are the long-term effects of OTC test boosters? I feel I gain well without them, but they do give a nice edge in the gym. Should I just let these go and never use them again.

I don't want to do anything to decrease my levels any further other than nature just taking its course. Thanks!!!!

[SEOINAGE]

Thanks guys, this is all very helpful. The reason I posted here is back in January, I had a big life change and it depleted me in many ways. I'm normally very agressive, alpha male and positive, but my libido dipped, I felt depressed and so forth. Went to the urologist and my levels came back "low-normal". That scared me. So I did a follow up test 4 weeks later and my levels went UP; I was also feeling more relaxed.

This most recent test was to get a fuller picture AFTER my big life change, and it looks like my numbers are indicative of how I feel: awesome, generally, but obviously not 21 anymore.

I am not a candidate for TRT, but I posted here because of the wealth of knowledge AND the candor of you guys. It really helps to have a sympathetic ear. That said, I realize that my levels are really good based on your feedback, but after this experience, I want to watch everything: diet, sleep, etc.

A question I do have is what are the long-term effects of OTC test boosters? I feel I gain well without them, but they do give a nice edge in the gym. Should I just let these go and never use them again.

I don't want to do anything to decrease my levels any further other than nature just taking its course. Thanks!!!!

I don't have anything to back this up, but they will either not work, or screw you up. Depending on what they are, and has potential to permanently cause damage if you get ahold of something that can suppress your hpta.

You should be good to go to make great progress naturally given diet and training are decent, and if anything learn how your body reacts to things and what works for you. If for some reason you wanted a bigger edge I would only do it after years of training and maximizing natural potential, and working towards your goals for a good amount of time, then consider real ways to increase test and how to do it properly, but for your average person this usually isn't necessary.

[bullshark99]

Very good advice above, many guys on TRT dont even reach your levels (specifically Free) good diet and work out program should do wonders!

[JYD]

Hey guys,

1) With my Free and % Free being in an optimal range, is there any reason why my Total T is lower for my age (668 median for 35y/o), though still in range? I don't have kids yet, and want them in a few years, but worry that my TT of 511 could drop to below normal in, say, 2 years for whatever reason, and I'm on TRT. My fiance and I are just curious so we can plan accordingly.

2) Should I just let things go on naturally, like diet, rest, weightlifting (already 4 days p/w), etc? I feel good, but no, I'm not looking to bone everything in site, but my libido is still good. I sometimes feel like my libido is fine, but not as great as it once was, and my erections aren't as good as 30. I'd like to boost levels as naturally as possible.

3) How much can I expect test levels to drop off over time? What is a good average for someone who works our regularly and is overall a positive person?

4) Does DHEA effect the prostate? Do you have to cycle it?

Thanks guys. I'm hung up on that 511 number for some reason tonight. Cheers!

4) I take Zinc and Magnesium at night to help me sleep and I cycle this 2 months on/1 off. Any thoughts on this?

[zaggahamma]

some of your questions arent going to need speculation...remember i advised keeping an eye on it...do bloodwork 2-4 times a year and see for yourself if your are maintaining your 511...

less hypothetical and more preventative maintenance/proactivism...

only YOU will know when you need TRT!

bump for other o's and comments on dhea/zinc/magn

[JYD]

Thanks, jpkman!

Another thing I noticed: If you look above and see that my first bloodwork showed at total Testosterone - 20.2 nmol/L (11.5 - 32.0). According to the data of median and mean averages that every site keeps posting (35-44 y/o, 23.14 and 20.70) it looks like my number is well with the average median and mean at 20.2 for my age of 35.

So, the total test at 511 ng/dl with a is lower mid in the range and it is well below the median/mean average for my age,, 668. Apparently, according to this table, my level at 511 is in the 65-74 age range!

Just an observation. I feel much much better overall when I took my 2nd blood test last week than when I did in early Feb. I'm just trying to make since, and yes, not focus on the numbers, but as jpkman said, I want to keep an eye on things.

Again, I know not to focus so much on the numbers and more on how I feel. Thanks!