22 y/o hormone levels

[krask028]

I've been dealing with some slight puffy nipples for a couple of months now after stacking a couple of natty test boosters, I should note there is no hard lump or sensitivity of any sort. About 4 days ago my right testicle started to hurt on and off, right now it's pretty terrible and very concerning. I've had some labs done in the past and wanted to see what everyone thought about my levels. I'm 22 years old also, just for reference to ranges.

Total test: 485 ng/dl (Taken on 6/5/12) Seems low for a 22 year old to me
FSH: 2.8 mIU/mL (Taken on 6/5/12)
LH: 2.0 mIU/ML (Taken on 6/5/12)
Prolactin: 10.8 ng/mL (taken on 6/27/12)
Estradiol: 17 pg/mL (taken on 6/27/12)
Progesterone: 0.3 ng/mL (taken on 6/27/12)

I had my prolactin checked at an endo recently at it went up to
Prolactin: 14.0 ng/ml (taken on 11/6/12)

I'm going to the doctor again tomorrow to have more blood work done to compare the numbers over the past couple of months.
Can anyone spot why my right testicle is hurting and why my nipples are slightly puffy from these levels?

[steroid.com 1]

Can you please edit your post and add the lab ranges.

I really don't see anything here that would suggest why you are getting gyno or testicular pain even without ranges.

HPTA seems fine, E2 is fine (sensitive assay?) and need to see ranges for prolactin.

Your total Test looks low for a 22 year old but the supplements you were taking might have something to do with that...or it could be pathological related.

You need to have your testicles fully examined to look for a possible tumor or testicular varicoceles for starters.

Post in this thread the outcome of your appointment tomorrow.

gd

[krask028]

The ranges are as follow, although I've come to the understanding that ranges are rather subjective.
Total test (241-827 ng/dl) however that's within an age range of like 16-95.
according to mens hormonal health.com I fit within the range of someone from the age of 75-84
FSH reference range for my lab is undefined
LH says see range chart, which I don't have.
prolactin range: 3.5-19.4 ng/ml
estradiol: see range chart (dont have that)
progesterone: also see range chart

So the only things with ranges are total test and prolactin, but 14ng/ml of prolactin seems quite on the high side of things.

[HRTstudent]

If you recently messed with some "natural" test boosters it is pretty much the low hanging fruit as to your breast issues. "Natural" is on there, unfortunately, only to confuse uninformed consumers. It is not necessarily safe by any means. And in your case, it appeared to be a potent endocrine disruptor.

As for the testicular pain, it's not entirely unheard of, but nobody should really downplay it because there is always that medical chance it could be significant. You need to see a physician in person to discuss this.

As for the testosterone level, it might not be that low. It's certainly in range. The time of day you had the blood drawn matters a lot as do other factors such as those hormonal products you took, nutrition, stress, sleep, exercise etc etc. So, let's say that if you have all of those working against you, if your starting point was in the 400's you're in pretty goo shape to get that higher and into a really nice level.

All in all, stay away from "test boosters". The chances of them doing any real good are so slim. I only hear negative things about them. If there was some formulation that was legitimately a fountain of youth, we would have known. It would dominate the market and there would be a million knockoffs... the sad truth is they are mostly gimmicks.

[krask028]

If you recently messed with some "natural" test boosters it is pretty much the low hanging fruit as to your breast issues. "Natural" is on there, unfortunately, only to confuse uninformed consumers. It is not necessarily safe by any means. And in your case, it appeared to be a potent endocrine disruptor.

As for the testicular pain, it's not entirely unheard of, but nobody should really downplay it because there is always that medical chance it could be significant. You need to see a physician in person to discuss this.

As for the testosterone level, it might not be that low. It's certainly in range. The time of day you had the blood drawn matters a lot as do other factors such as those hormonal products you took, nutrition, stress, sleep, exercise etc etc. So, let's say that if you have all of those working against you, if your starting point was in the 400's you're in pretty goo shape to get that higher and into a really nice level.

All in all, stay away from "test boosters". The chances of them doing any real good are so slim. I only hear negative things about them. If there was some formulation that was legitimately a fountain of youth, we would have known. It would dominate the market and there would be a million knockoffs... the sad truth is they are mostly gimmicks.

I stopped taking the test boosters around late may, early june. I know they screwed up my hormone balance as I got some puffy nipples from them. What would you recommend. I've tried nolva for a short time, aromasin for a short time, and letro for an even shorter time. Would you suggest I continue with a SERM such as raloxifene, or just leave it alone and hope to god it goes away and doesn't scar over and become permanent?

[krask028]

Also, ever since I've been having this problem, I've been sleeping for 12+ hours a day. I've dealt with major depression before and it reared it's ugly head back at me when I realized my nipples changed from what they were. Not sure if it's the depression keeping me in bed so long or a possible case of low T. Stress is also through the roof and half way to the moon. I've also been dealing with chronic bloating since may 12th of this year, I've had every test a GI doctor could possibly think (including upper endoscopy and colonoscopy) of for the bloating and everything came back normal. So the puffy nipples combined with chronic bloating has brought me down to a new low, and it has made my stress levels go through the roof. At this point, I don't know how to remedy either of my two problems (three if you include testicular pain.)

[Vettester]

If working on Labcorp ranges, your LH & FSH are definitely on the low end. Your prolactin should be in the single digits. Have you taken any Nor19 compounds like Deca or Tren ? Something is driving that up, and at the same time your HPTA is mildly suppressed. If this isn't induced by AAS or other other medications, then other things need to be looked at like an MRI. There are dopamine agonist medications that can lower the prolactin level, but in your case you need to identify WHY this is happening in the first place.

As GD also stated, we want to get an update with your appointment.

In addition, please look into a complete thyroid panel if possible, along with your CBC, lipids, and any additional labs you can beat out of your doctor.

[krask028]

Have never used any AAS, only natty test boosters. Also I was taking a SSRI type anti-depressant for about 6 years, and apparently that can drive prolactin levels up. I also smoked pot pretty much everyday for about 6 years as well. Slowed way down this year when I started to workout a lot. However my nipple problem started a little while after I stopped taking all natty test boosters.

[Vettester]

I suspect those Anti D's could be playing a part. Doing anything "everyday" (pot, booze, other rec drugs) obviously will take its toll. Still think it needs some further investigation by a qualified and willing physician ...

[krask028]

I've been seeing multiple doctors since May trying to get my issues sorted out. Most recently I finally saw an endocrinologist and he didn't do anything for me at all. He did some blood work, but didn't look at my FSH, LH, any testosterone , or estradiol. He basically checked my prolactin, which went up since june, and did some blood work on my liver. Everything from him came back "normal" and he told me to come back in six months. As far as other doctors I've been seeing, I've been telling them what blood work to do and what medications I should try as they don't seem to know much at all.

[steroid.com 1]

I wonder about adrenal fatigue as well.

Many of his symptoms could possibly point to that.

Make sure to get a Cortisol panel run.

In fact, before you go to the Doc, go to the finding a TRT Doc and print the follow-up labs that are recommended there and tell your Doc you want them all.

Something is amiss and you need to sort it out.

[HRTstudent]

I stopped taking the test boosters around late may, early june. I know they screwed up my hormone balance as I got some puffy nipples from them. What would you recommend. I've tried nolva for a short time, aromasin for a short time, and letro for an even shorter time. Would you suggest I continue with a SERM such as raloxifene, or just leave it alone and hope to god it goes away and doesn't scar over and become permanent?

For relatively new gyno, the research points to both anastrozole and tamoxifen (nolvadex brand name) being able to improve or eliminate gyno before it becomes fibrous. Both of these drugs require a Rx, however. The research points slightly towards tamoxifen being better, but it's typically run for at least 3 motnhs to a year in the scientific literature. (FYI, you wouldn't want/need to run both of these at the same time. Its worth noting tamoxifen has a significant negative impact on anastrozole blood levels.)

[HRTstudent]

Have never used any AAS, only natty test boosters. Also I was taking a SSRI type anti-depressant for about 6 years, and apparently that can drive prolactin levels up. I also smoked pot pretty much everyday for about 6 years as well. Slowed way down this year when I started to workout a lot. However my nipple problem started a little while after I stopped taking all natty test boosters.

Our bodies metabolism changes a lot mid-20s actually. And marijuana is known to cause estrogenic effects, namely gyno. It certainly is not helping you, although I cannot say it is the sole cause of your gyno. It's playing a part though to be sure.

[steroid.com 1]

Now that's interesting----> "And marijuana is known to cause estrogenic effects, namely gyno".

Any research you can point us to HRT; would like to know the metabolic processes for that synthesis to happen.

[The Deadlifting Dog]

Not trying to 'cause any friction at all but I second gdevine's above comment.

All of the (somewhat limited) reading that I've done on Marijuana use has been all over the map on it's effects on testosterone or estrogen.
There is a widely cited study that said Marijuana use would lower testosterone but later studies haven't been able to replicate those results.

(I however am one of the least knowledgable members on this site so please don't put any weight into my scientific knowledge.)

[krask028]

I have my doctors appointment in about an hour. I printed out the recommended lab work from the TRT physician sticky to give to him. I have a question though. If my estradiol right after I got my puffy nipples was only 17 pg/ml, how is it possible that my nipples are in fact puffy. My prolactin levels look more worrisome than my estradiol. Could it be possible that elevated prolactin levels alone could cause nipples to be puffy? I've never had any liquid come out of them when I squeeze on them, but I've also read that your nipples require excess breast tissue in order to produce lactation. Also just to clarify one thing, I'm below 10% bf and my abs are clearly showing, so it's not possible that it's just fat, unless elevated estrogen levels (which my levels dont seem to be at) can cause nipple fat while in a calorie surplus. Another note, I didn't ask for a sensitive assay when I got that first estradiol level. What's the difference between regular lab work for estradiol and a sensitive panel for estradiol?

[krask028]

Just got back from the doctor. I had some labs from about two weeks ago printed up and they look really good.
Total Test 1230ng/dL (range 250-950ng/dL)
Free test 47ng/dL (range 9-30ng/dL)
Estradiol sensitive assay 15pg/mL (range 10-40pg/ml)

I got an almost complete panel of blood work done again today consisting of most of the labs from the TRT physician sticky.
Now with my total and free test being higher than normal, and my male E2 levels being on the low side of "in range" why are my nipples still puffy. With those ranges of hormones, would you think I'd be ok to just ride things out and hope for the best. Or would taking nolva or raloxifene be a better choice. I'm afraid it's going to turn fibrous in another 7 or so months, but with my hormone levels being stable I'm assuming that it probably wont and will resolve itself. Any opinions are much appreciated.

[oscar1990]

Wow man your levels have really sky rocketed. How are you feeling?

[oscar1990]

Your levels do look equivalent to someone on nolva, arimidex , etc Are you currently using any SERMS for the puffiness?

[krask028]

Wow man your levels have really sky rocketed. How are you feeling?

I'm depressed as hell.. I can't get rid of my nipple puffiness or bloating, and I don't know what to do.

[Lifted1]

Now that's interesting----> "And marijuana is known to cause estrogenic effects, namely gyno".

Any research you can point us to HRT; would like to know the metabolic processes for that synthesis to happen.

i was just researching this the other day wondering if years of smoking mary/hash could have caused my low t. most every thing i read was either old and talked about "gyno" effects or new and said nothing about it. no definative answer, but id suspect if it did cause gyno, lots of people would be walking around with b!tch tits.

[oscar1990]

Did are you sure its not all in your head?

e.g. pseudogyno?

just a thought

[krask028]

Did are you sure its not all in your head?

e.g. pseudogyno?

just a thought

Not all in my head. My nipples visibly changed, they were normal and fine, and then they became puffy.
I'm wondering if my prolactin levels could be making them puffy. They aren't necessarily out of range, they are on the high side, but "normal" in my opinion is extremely subjective. What's normal for one person might not be normal for another. I'm just confused as I have no symptoms of gyno other than puffy nipples. No discharge, no hard lump or lump at all, no sensitivity, no pain. Just puffy.

[oscar1990]

It can most likely be a prolactin issue.. has your diet or environment changed at all? are you exposed to plastics, bpa, etc.. ??

If it went from being normal to becoming puffy, there is something wrong somewhere. Re-evaluate your diet and lifestyle factors and you might encounter the cause

[oscar1990]

btw, post a pic for everyone to see dude I know thats awkward but hey maybe someone could relate to it somehow..

[TennTarheel]

Nolvadex would probably do the trick, I would think.

[Vettester]

As stated in my post #7, your prolactin is on the elevated side. Again, there are dopamine agonist medications that can get that in check easy enough, BUT, you NEED to find out WHY this is happening in the first place. I still believe that your HPTA is mildly suppressed, so with the prolactin on the high side, I'd say this warrants some further looking into your pituitary region. Get with a qualified physician and see if an MRI can be ordered ...