new to the forums and have a question

[tripperdogg]

hey everybody. my question is what are the normal test levels for a 48 yr old male using lab corp test results. thanks guys. wondering if i'm a candidate for hrt.i have alot of symptoms that i have read about.

[steroid.com 1]

Welcome to the forum.

A good place to start to learn is to read the IMPORTANT messages at the top of the forum.

Many of your questions will be answered.

gd

[TheSpoonyBard]

Like G says, read the stickies and you'll find a TON of info(more than you may need, even). Enjoy the embarrassing wealth of information, and Welcome!

[MickeyKnox]

also, post up your current bw when can. let the gurus have a look and critique it.

[Phased]

Welcome Trip you are in the right place.

[tripperdogg]

I'll post my blood test results and get some opinions. My primary doc says they are a little low "but don't worry ". Thanks for the info and I've been reading the stickies

[bass]

labcorp range is 348-1197. normal is dependent on blood work and how you feel, everyone has a sweet spot.

[steroid.com 1]

Reference ranges don't mean much when it comes to evaluating serum levels.

First and foremost is how you feel and symptoms followed by blood work.

Let's say you present with all the symptoms of androgen deficiency and your Total Test serum levels are 380 pg/ml where the reference lab bottoms at 348 pg/ml and while you are still in the "normal" range you could very well benefit with TRT by getting that up to say 800 pg/ml.

Many variables of course like age and general health matter as well but ranges don't mean as much for us around here as how you feel and if you want to be optimized and enjoy all the health benefits that comes from that.

Read the Sticky on Finding a TRT Doc, it will show you the blood work you really need to make an accurate assessment of your hormonal health.

[tripperdogg]

i will. my test results as stated by labcorp is test serum 344 ng/dl and free test {direct} is 9.7 pg/ml. my doctor said that was up from my blood work 6 months ago. alittle backround about me is i.ve been a weight lifter since 1979 and am 6'0" 229lbs. 48 years old in good health and body fat unknown. { not fat ,ha ha }

[tripperdogg]

opinions on these numbers please

[steroid.com 1]

Need ranges with these but if I recall LabCorp correctly both of these are near the bottom of their reference range.

At 48 you would do well with a well designed TRT protocol and you will see results beyond your dreams given you train and are in otherwise good health.

You need to find a Doc who understands TRT protocols in men...most GP's don't understand it.

[kelkel]

What all the above said, including hello. But, we'd still like to see BW with ranges first to see if there are any other factors influencing your low levels that can be corrected first, before you start your adventures in TRT. Most docs just don't know hormones, thyroid issues etc., that can all influence hormone levels.

kel

[tripperdogg]

sorry the labcorp test serum range is 348-1197 and free test {direct} is 6.8-21.5. seems like im low. my gp didnt even say anything when i asked him about it. he just said it was up from my last test 6 month ago.makes me mad !

[kelkel]

As stated, most just don't know hormones and judge you by the range on whatever lab they may use. The range is nothing more than a general guide. Your doc should consider how you feel as well in determining a path forward. If not, find another doc.

We need to see BW...

kel

[Brazensol]

Those numbers are ok for a 90 year old... maybe! Doc's don't seem to take into account "in range" and age/symptom relationship. I hope your thyroid function is good because I think they know even less about that.... By the way: WELCOME ABOARD!

[HRTstudent]

What time did you have the test done?

AM vs afternoon or later makes a significant difference.

Regardless, at the age of 48 it's natural to see a decline. If you want to pursue TRT even if you were low-normal, then it's probably very justifiable.

[tripperdogg]

hrt student , i had the bw at about 11:00 a.m.. i currently have an endo , because i have genetically high iron in my blood,{hemochromatosis}. so i called him to review my high iron from last blood work and brought up the low test results of "test". waiting to hear back from him. i did find an anti-aging dr. in case my endo is unresponsive.