21 Year Old, Just been told i have low testosterone.

[LovesPitbulls]

Hi Guys

I'm 21 yrs old, very athletic male. Played football, baseball & ran track in HS. For about a year now, ive been feeling sluggish, no libido, penis feels like dead skin.

One day i got fed up how i was feeling & went to the doctor, mind you i havent gotten a checkup or any bloodwork in about 3 years. My doctor tested my Testosterone serum, free T, TSH etc. & thyroids.

He said my kidney function is perfect, liver function is perfect. Thyroid is perfect. Then he said, "Your testosterone levels are very low for someone your age."

I also just found out im anemic lol.

Anyways back to the T thing. He said he was going to refer me to an endo & a urologist. What should i be expecting out of all of this?

I've read about HRT, but im not sure thats something id like to do since i would like to have kids one day. Anyone gimme any advice?

[warchild]

what were ur levels free and total?

[kelkel]

Post a copy of your BW including ranges so we can take a look at it. His idea of "perfect" may not really be ours and may lead us in a good direction to help you out. Be sure to include LH/FSH, thyroid panels, shbg and what warchild requested. Example, he could be using an older TSH range where higher numbers were acceptable. Norms for it have been tightened up a bit. Also, have you cycled in the past or used pro-hormones?

In the meantime, start reading the relevant stickies at the top of the forum and educate yourself. Do not go to your next appt unprepared. Know the answer to your questions before you ask them if possible. Write them down so you don't forget. Start maintaining copies of all your BW from this point forward. When it comes to his referral to an endo or euro, fine. Just after gaining contact info call them and ask if they will treat you per Crislers protocols? (see Finding TRT Physician Sticky.) The nurses there will know. Don't waste your time and money if they won't. Remember, tons of docs refer patients to their doctor friends, not necessarily who is best for your needs. The title euro or endo does not mean they know TRT.

So, welcome to the forum LP. Post up your BW with ranges and let us help! Other will chime in too!

[steroid.com 1]

^^^^What the wise man above said X2.

Get LH/FSH panels.

Know the difference between Primary and Secondary Hypogonadism...very important.

Also learn the types of Pituitary Tumors - Adnenoma's - that can cause changes in Testosterone serum levels.

At your age this is not age related and more likely pathology.

[zaggahamma]

sorry to hear

follow above advice

and please keep this thread posted/updated

best of luck

[Renholder]

Testosterone repla***ent therapy is not anyone would want to do voluntarily, especially at a young age, but the alternative is far worse. Not only will low testosterone reduce your life quality, but it can be outright hazardous to your overall health.

You mentioned being an athlete.

Overtraining, stress, lack of sleep and straining your body can surpress your testosterone levels. Are you guilty of that? Are there any lifestyle issues that you can think of or any changes that have happened in your life that could explain your low levels?

Like the other guys have said, make sure you do adequate research and know that you actually need TRT before you start on it. Right now, it`s too early to tell. Exhaust every other option, and then embrace it if you actually need it.

There are alternatives to exogenous testosterone (SERMs) which may be worth trying out before going with exogenous testosterone.

Good luck!

[LovesPitbulls]

Ok guys heres an update

I saw the Uro today & he said physically everything is normal. No estrogen related issues connected to breast tissue growth & testicular size is normal. Tomorrow is my appointment with the endo. He told me to make sure i see a male endo because female endos dont wanna be bothered with males my age. He said "We need someone that understands what youre going through in order to get you the best treatment possible."

What should i be expecting at the endo tomorrow?

[LovesPitbulls]

Testosterone repla***ent therapy is not anyone would want to do voluntarily, especially at a young age, but the alternative is far worse. Not only will low testosterone reduce your life quality, but it can be outright hazardous to your overall health.

You mentioned being an athlete.

Overtraining, stress, lack of sleep and straining your body can surpress your testosterone levels. Are you guilty of that? Are there any lifestyle issues that you can think of or any changes that have happened in your life that could explain your low levels?

Like the other guys have said, make sure you do adequate research and know that you actually need TRT before you start on it. Right now, it`s too early to tell. Exhaust every other option, and then embrace it if you actually need it.

There are alternatives to exogenous testosterone (SERMs) which may be worth trying out before going with exogenous testosterone.

Good luck!

The last time i had an alcoholic beverage was on my 21st birthday. I got totally hammered that night & that was 3 months ago. I sleep 8 - 10 hours a night, im always very lethargic & i am also anemic.

Supplementation wise
OptiMen (multi)
A crapload of vitamin C, i find it helps my asthma.
Designer Whey protein powder.

Diet wise
On a solid day i ll have my protein intake around 300g. That'll include three shakes.

Rest is made up of
Steel cut oats
whole wheat pasta
lean ground turkey
lean ground beef

& if i go out to a restaurant i ll typically have steak. All my drinks are 0 calorie diet .

I workout 4x a week. Not including the mile walk i do 3x weekly because i train my pitbull for weight pulling.


BTW, I have no idea what the test results were. All he said was quite low for someone your age.