Help Analyzing Test Results and need for TRT

[razoron]

Hi All,

Over the past 3 years, I have had my testosterone levels monitored and have been told I am a candidate for TRT by a local anti-aging clinic. My PCP (and an endocrinologist) have said my testosterone is normal and unneeded. Using different tests the TRT clinic showed low free testosterone, but not PCP and endo showed normal. I am trying to figure out which is more reliable, and if I should start TRT.

A bit of background on me. I am 35, 5'7, 170lbs, 12%bf, and daily active in the gym or sports. I have a low libido, but it's not non-existent. I have some generalized low-T symptoms: lack of energy, mental focus, joint pain. I have never cycled or taken prohormones.

Here is a summary of my past bloodwork:

July 2012 (TRT clinic - LabCorp):
Total Test 400 (348-1197 ng/dl)
Free Test 8.1 (8.7-25.1 pg/ml)- LOW
TSH 1.41 (0.45-4.5 uIU/ml)
Estradiol 20.1 (7.6-42.6 pg/ml)

March 2014 (PCP - GenPath Lab):
Total Test 584.7 (249-836 ng/dl)
Free Test 7.58 (8.7-25,1 pg/ml) - LOW
TSH 2.21 (0.27-4.2 uIU/ml)

April 1, 2014 (Endo - Solstas Lab):
Total Test 489 (300-890 ng/dl)
Testosterone, Free 72.5 (47-244 pg/mL)
SHGB 55 (13-71 nmol/L)

April 7, 2014 (Endo - Solstas Lab):
Total Test 521(300-890 ng/dl)
Testosterone, Free 91.7 (47-244 pg/mL)
SHGB 57 (13-71 nmol/L)

January 2015 (TRT clinic - LabCorp):
Total Test 675 (348-1197 ng/dl)
Free Test 8.1 (8.7-25.1 pg/ml)- LOW
TSH 2.91 (0.45-4.5 uIU/ml)
T4 7.7 (4.5-12 ug/dl)
T3 uptake 33 (24-39%)
Estradiol 23.8 (7.6-42.6 pg/ml)

March 2015 (PCP - GenPath Lab):
Total Test 665.6 (249-836 ng/dl)
SHGB 48 (10-57 nmol/L)
Free Test 108.86 (30.00-150.00 pg/mL)

I'd like any insight on the different test results (all of these were taken in the mornings), and why I may be low on one but normal on others. Worse case for me would be to start TRT and not get the benefits because of my ranges above. Thanks for any insight.

[OingoBoingo]

Blood work is just a snapshot in time; they draw a little blood and count all the goodies.

Things can change over time.

Were you experiencing a lot of stress in 2012?

You're most recent test doesn't look that bad to me. If I could get off TRT and live at those levels, I'd certainly give it a try.

Get your Vitamin D checked. And keep an eye on your libido as it's often the canary in the coal mine when it comes to TRT. DHT?

Also, check out the Finding a Physician sticky for a list of important tests. It wouldn't hurt to have more information.