How low is 375?

[oldguy47]

When I first got tested by my primary, my total T was 251. She sent me to a specialist who tested me about 3 weeks later and my total was 308 (I am not sure it was the same testing company so it may not be a fair comparison). He started me on a gel and had me come back 5 weeks to be tested again. I was not supposed to go back till July but his nurse called me this pm and told me the Dr wants me to increase my dose (3 swipes instead of the 2 I am doing now) and then come in again in 1 month to be retested. I asked what my # was and she said 375. There was a huge difference in the way I felt from 308 to 375. Mentally and physically. It has died down somewhat but I still feel much better than before I started. My ? is how low is 375 really? What is an ideal number range to shoot for? I am 47 fwiw. Thanks....

[zaggahamma]

well the feeling you describe is more important than the number 375

you should be getting copies of your complete bloodwork not just getting a number or 2 over the phone

do you even know what all was tested

total test
free test
estradiol(e2) IMPORTANT
thyroid

just to name a few

but talking just numbers i doubt any here would say they would want 375 and its simple math btw when talking numbers...the labs have reference ranges and total test is usually ROUGHLY 250-1000 ...some go to 1200...some maybe give and take...but you see your 375 is down on the totem pole.....generally most ppl "shoot" for upper third of the range (600-900)

glad your feeling better

what kind of gel?

interested in injectables?

[bullshark99]

^^^^^ copy that, well stated

[steroid.com 1]

I believe it's low especially in light of symptoms as noted by jpk.

Would like to see full blood work with ranges as well.

Your new range, in my opinion, is still low...you'd be better in the 800's.

[ecdysone]

Not only that, but it doesn't appear the gel is doing much for you, number-wise.

Looks like (from the numbers you've posted so far) the best you will achieve is something in the lower 400's range for test which is definately
on the low end.

Might be enough, but as gd has stated, a much higher level would be desirous, especially since you are putting up with the daily routine of using the gel.

[oldguy47]

well the feeling you describe is more important than the number 375

you should be getting copies of your complete bloodwork not just getting a number or 2 over the phone

do you even know what all was tested

total test
free test
estradiol(e2) IMPORTANT
thyroid

just to name a few

but talking just numbers i doubt any here would say they would want 375 and its simple math btw when talking numbers...the labs have reference ranges and total test is usually ROUGHLY 250-1000 ...some go to 1200...some maybe give and take...but you see your 375 is down on the totem pole.....generally most ppl "shoot" for upper third of the range (600-900)

glad your feeling better

what kind of gel?

interested in injectables?

Feeling seems to be leveling off - it may be do to lack of sleep but not sure at this point. Right now I only get the basic T number...I will ask for complete #'s when I go next month . The gel is Axiron and it worked great for almost 2 months..hopefully just an adjustment. My dr only offers gels or pellets so choice is limited. If he wants to raise it then I guess 375 is not good but I sure felt great-better in years just a couple of weeks ago so hopefully that will happen again.. Thanks for the info...

[oldguy47]

Not only that, but it doesn't appear the gel is doing much for you, number-wise.

Looks like (from the numbers you've posted so far) the best you will achieve is something in the lower 400's range for test which is definately
on the low end.

Might be enough, but as gd has stated, a much higher level would be desirous, especially since you are putting up with the daily routine of using the gel.

Any idea what might be keeping the numbers low. What if I use gel 2 -3 times a day will that help? Thanks...

[ecdysone]

Typically it's just low absorption and/or conversion by the skin to DHT.

The gels actually work for some guys, but many, myself included had little success. In my case, I tripled the recommended dose and got mostly DHT to show.

The other problem is that according to most of the literature that is furnished with the gels, a level of 400 is "normal" so your doc might be not seek any alternatives.

I would have preferred the gel route, but I've gotten used to my 2x per week SQ injections.

[oldguy47]

People on the board told me I probably had high DHT when I was feeling so good. I felt great but starting losing a lot of hair . So it must have been working for me , just wondering why the taper now. I am supposed to use 3 instead of 2 doses a day now. wondering if I should break it up (morning/afterwork) and mabe use 4 instead?
I got to get my energy back so I can keep running and get rid of this low t induced weight.. My neighbor who is in the process of moving and has been gone for over a month just saw me and commented that he could tell how much weight I had lost. Said he could even see a big difference in my face. I don't have to be 18 again, would settle for 25