Need advice for my testosterone problem

**sagittarius** · 08-07-2013, 01:00 AM

Hi!

Last week I had my annual routine exam and I asked my doctor to check my testosterone level. My total testosterone is 325 ng/dl (the normal range is considered 241-827, but they don't say the age). This is the only test I could get for my hormones. This is low for my age. As far as I know there is no accepted threshold for starting TRT but some references consider the threshold to be 350 ng/dl.
My stats:

- Age: 31
- Height: 5" 10 (178 cm)
- Weight: 174 lbs (79kg).
- Body Fat: around 11-12%
- Weight training experience: 3 years

I'm an active person (weight training 5-6 times per week, running/walking/biking around 10-15 hours a week), I don't drink alcohol, don't smoke or do dr.gs. Usually I don't have sleep problems and the s.x drive seems to be normal. I also have a clean diet.

I need an advice. I think the first step will be to find the cause for having low testosterone (I know this is not simple). Should I go directly to a endocrinologist or it is better to order a full hormonal panel test for men?
I'm considering Private Medical Labs. A hormone panel for males is $169.49. Or maybe it is enough to go for a hormone panel for females? It is cheaper, only $59.99.
Any other suggestions?
Thanks!

**Metalject** · 08-07-2013, 01:54 AM

The 350ng/dl number isn't optimal for any man, I don't care how old you are. The idea that you're only low if you're below 350 is something that got stuck in peoples minds due to insurance companies. The optimal range for any man (regardless of age) falls in the 700-1100 range total and 20-30 free.

The cause of your low testosterone , odds are at your age you're secondary. Could be due to prior medication use, heavy alcohol use, years of poor diet and exercise habits or simply your levels could be low because genetically you aren't apt to producing enough. These are the most common reason. Yes, there are other possible causes, but those are the most common by far.

What to do? Why not just call the LowT sponsor on this board? $199 and you get everything, seems pretty simple to me.

**sagittarius** · 08-07-2013, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by Metalject

The 350ng/dl number isn't optimal for any man, I don't care how old you are. The idea that you're only low if you're below 350 is something that got stuck in peoples minds due to insurance companies. The optimal range for any man (regardless of age) falls in the 700-1100 range total and 20-30 free.

The cause of your low testosterone , odds are at your age you're secondary. Could be due to prior medication use, heavy alcohol use, years of poor diet and exercise habits or simply your levels could be low because genetically you aren't apt to producing enough. These are the most common reason. Yes, there are other possible causes, but those are the most common by far.

What to do? Why not just call the LowT sponsor on this board? $199 and you get everything, seems pretty simple to me.

I live in Washington state and LowT sponsor does not have a location here. I have to look for something else.
I was active all the time and I never was a heavy alcohol drinker. Maybe it is a genetic cause. Thanks for your answer.

**bass** · 08-07-2013, 01:20 PM

the best thing to do is run BW listed in the Finding a Physician thread in this section. you can call PML and ask then to give you a package price.

***LowT Mike*** · 08-07-2013, 02:00 PM

We offer free flights into another one of our clinic hubs. We are about to have Florida, North Carolina and PA soon. Or you can fly into our Houston location.

**sagittarius** · 08-07-2013, 02:47 PM

I found the thread "Finding a Physician" and I will check how much those tests will cost, as bass suggested.

What happens if you have low testosterone and you start a basic testosterone cycle (500mg/week, 12 weeks)? Is the risk of being shut down forever higher if you have low testosterone? Is it possible that the side effects will be more pronounced if you have low testosterone before starting the cycle?
I think after you come back from the cycle and PCT you will not be able to keep your gains because your testosterone will be low.

Originally Posted by LowT Mike

We offer free flights into another one of our clinic hubs. We are about to have Florida, North Carolina and PA soon. Or you can fly into our Houston location.

Thanks! I have to check your web site again.

**sagittarius** · 08-08-2013, 10:11 AM

anyone?

**bass** · 08-08-2013, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by sagittarius

I found the thread "Finding a Physician" and I will check how much those tests will cost, as bass suggested.

What happens if you have low testosterone and you start a basic testosterone cycle (500mg/week, 12 weeks)? Is the risk of being shut down forever higher if you have low testosterone? Is it possible that the side effects will be more pronounced if you have low testosterone before starting the cycle?
I think after you come back from the cycle and PCT you will not be able to keep your gains because your testosterone will be low.

Thanks! I have to check your web site again.

500 mgs a week is not a simple cycle, LOL! if you do a cycle then proper PCT you will simply go back to where you were or maybe slightly less, and you may lose your gains not only due to low T but also because you will lose motivation to workout, pain, etc...