25 Y/O - Blood work. Will TRT cure Fatigue and low libido?

[michaelx]

Hey all,

I've been suffering from chronic fatigue, low libido and possibly ED for the past 1 year. The doc thinks it's because of stress or lack of exercise/sleep. This is why I ended up ordering the following blood tests.

Stats:
Height - 178 cm
Weight - 64 Kg
Age - 25
Country - Australia

Testosterone :

Total Testosterone: 17.3 nmol/L (10.0 - 32.0) OR 501 ng/dL
Free Testosterone: 2.8% (Calculated from a website by entering Albumin, SHBG, TT)
SHBG: 18 nmol/L (11 - 78)
Albumin: 43 g/L (35 - 50)
Estradiol E2: 99 pmol/L (40-162) OR 27 pg/ml
Prolactin: 650 mIU/L (40 - 450) - ELEVATED
Progesterone: 1.4 nmol/L (<3.0)

Thyroid

TSH: 1.66 mIU/L (0.40 - 3.80)
TPOAb: 0.3 IU/mL (<5.5)
TGAb: 2.3 IU/mL (<4.5)

FT4,FT3, RT3 - The doc said if TSH is normal then FT3,FT4 are normal by default. He said RT3 is not necessary. It's a government rule. lol.

Diabetes

HbA1c: 5.1 (<6.1)
GHB: 32 mmol/mol (<43)

Other Tests:

Ferritin: 50 ug/L (30-300)
Hemoglobin: 144 g/L (130-180)
Hct: 0.44 (0.38-0.54)


Second blood test for elevated Prolactin: After 2 Months

Prolactin: 278 mIU/L (40 - 450)
TSH: 0.85 mIU/L (0.40 - 3.80)

It would be extremely difficult to get on TRT in Australia. My doc thinks T levels are good. But I just don't feel good anymore. Low energy levels, low libido and weak erections.

Would really appreciate if anyone can give me best possible advice or alternatives.

[Quester]

It appears as if the health system has decided that test isn't important and created contrivances (% free test based on other indicators) to support their belief. If the possibility exists, you should get the whole BW indicators (incl T3 and cortisol) tested through what ever source is available to you. Personally, I don't believe in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, especially when used by a medical provider. I do understand fatigue and low libido, among others, these are quality of life symptoms that point to TRT being a possible cure. Get a full work-up. But, if you can or can't get a work-up, what can you do in your country for treatment? (No offense, Australia's great, just being realistic).

[michaelx]

Well the tests were covered by medicare. In order to get full BW I'll have to try private providers which is expensive, but I guess I'll just have to do that.

I was thinking to get LH and FSH BW to see if I have secondary hypogonadism. If that's the case I can take clomid for starters. I have read people went from 500 to 900 ng/dL with clomid.

Aside from THT (FT3/FT4/RT3) are there any blood tests you would recommend?

[kelkel]

You are not hypogonadal. Your TT is mid-range - normal and your calculated FT is great. 2-3% is normal.
Do you take any other meds?

[Marcus G]

I don't think Testosterone is the cause of your low libido and fatigue. How is your sleeping pattern? Also as mentioned above any other medications or herbs your on?

[jonny8888]

Are you under stress and / or suffering from anxiety?

What's your digestive system like? A lot of gut / bowel disorders can cause fatigue

[The Deadlifting Dog]

Hey all,

I've been suffering from chronic fatigue, low libido and possibly ED for the past 1 year. The doc thinks it's because of stress or lack of exercise/sleep.

Address the stress and lack of exercise and sleep before resorting to drugs.

Also note that reducing stress and increasing exercise and getting more sleep WILL INCREASE TESTOSTERONE .

[michaelx]

Thank you all for the reply.

You are not hypogonadal. Your TT is mid-range - normal and your calculated FT is great. 2-3% is normal.
Do you take any other meds?

No. No meds. Although my TT is in mid range it's not optimal as you know. It would be in 400's when I hit 30s. Do you think clomid + aromatase inhibitor will help? I don't care if I have to take extra meds as long as I feel good.

Address the stress and lack of exercise and sleep before resorting to drugs.

Also note that reducing stress and increasing exercise and getting more sleep WILL INCREASE TESTOSTERONE.

I sleep 9-10 hrs mate. In fact I'm sleeping more than I should. When I wake up I feel tired. Clearly something is wrong.


The doc did another Full blood count. Alk Phos elevated, but he said it's not a problem. He then said we should test for Vitamin D and B12. If that's normal he'll try to refer FT3 and FT4. The GP's here truly don't know shit.

[slfmade]

Sorry if this sounds too "basic", but how's your blood pressure? Have you checked your blood sugar recently? Do you live with anybody? If so, even though it's a bit creepy, have them watch you sleep. Do you snore? Do you ever stop breathing for a second. Go to your local pharmacy or amazon and pick up a pulse oximeter - they're cheap. Have somebody slip in on your finger several times throughout the night. I'd be interested to learn your Sp02. You may have sleep apnea - which could be why you're waking up tired, feeling fatigued, which will decrease libido. Your blood pressure and blood sugar could also be the cause of the symptoms you're experiencing. Start with the easy stuff. Rule those out and move on to all the blood work. People too often jump to conclusions.

[TRA]

Agree with Kelkel, I don't think test is the problem. What is your body habitus? Diet? Exercise regimen? Caffeine use? If you are heavy or neck circumference greater than 17 in/43 cm agree with above comments by slfmade pointing toward sleep apnea...