Low T? Looking for Recommendations.

[WingZeroCustom]

I am 28 years old, 170lbs, 5'8" and have been feeling fairly depressed and down for years. I also have libido issues in that I am never in the mood. This is completely different from my early 20s and trying to figure out what is going on. These symptoms have been around for ~3 years now.

I recently went to the doctor to test for low t and the results came back as this. (Results are from LabCorp.)

Item, Current Amount, Units, Typical Range
Bilirubin Total, 0.3, mg/dL, (0.0-1.2)
Alkaline Phosphatase S, 53, IU/L, (39-117)
AST (SGOT), 27, IU/L, (0-40)
ALT (SGPT), 27, IU/L, (0-44)
TSH, 4.280, uIU/mL, (0.450-4.500)
LH, 2.2, mIU/mL, (1.7-8.6)
Prolactin, 8.5, ng/mL, (4.0-15.2)
Neutrophils, 3.5, x10E3/uL, (1.4-7.0)
Lymphs, 1.6, x10E3/uL, (0.7-3.1)
Monocytes, 0.4, x10E3/uL, (0.1-0.9)
Eos, 0.1, x10E3/uL, (0.0-0.4)
Baso, 0.0, x10E3/uL, (0.0-0.2)
SHBG, 33.9, nmol/L, (16.5-55.9)
Estradiol, 28.5, pg/mL, (7.6-42.6)
Total T, 344, ng/dL, (350-1000)
PSA, 0.43, ng/mL, (< 4.0)
Free T, 6.78

*Roche ECLIA methodology

The test was done first thing in the morning after plenty of rest and no foods before the test was taken. I also refrained from eating anything after 9pm the night before.

Is TRT a viable option? What suggestions would you give on this situation? I would prefer to not have to deal with shots or gel forever but at the same time I would like to feel better. Has anyone been in a similar situation and know of any other options that I might have?

Thanks for the help!

[Sh0tsf1red]

Your test is right about at the low end of "normal", most doctors would probably treat you based on your complaint.

If you have low T and need to be on TRT it's a life long commitment, there is no going back.

I was diagnosed at a young age also, I didn't want to accept it, made me feel like less of a man to hear it. Once I made my peace with it, accepted the realities of the treatment plan and got on it, things gave never been better.

Consider it very carefully, it will greatly decrease your chances of having kids so mask sure to include that in your thought process.

While I've been on TRT for years now, I've been where you are now. My choice worked for me but might not be for you. Choose wisely friend.

[kelkel]

First, welcome.

Your TSH is at the top of the range, and it's an out-dated range. More modern range would be .3 - 3.0. This is indicative of an underperforming thyroid. That said, TSH by itself is a weak indicator of thyroid health so you'd need further lab work such as FT3, FT4, RT3, Antibodies to further assess it. Hypothyroidism can cause hypogonadism. I would see this as step one based on what you posted.

Beyond that, if thyroid issues aren't the culprit suppressing LH levels I'd be curious if you've suffered any head trauma as a precurser to your feeling depressed and other symptoms.

At your age you need to accurately diagnose this. Find a doctor that will search to find the causative factor and correct it. TRT can be a god-send if needed, but I'd hate to initiate it in any form if your suppression was correctable.

kel