
Originally Posted by
vetteman08
You are correct, I'm not a doctor, which is why you need to be talking to a GOOD one ASAP. The other problems you asked about could be some sort of pituitary disorder, or complications with the testes. I agree, 320 is low, especially for 18. That's the problem with some of the GP's out there ... A lot of them want to just stick to what the range is. Total Testosterone might have a range of 280-to-850 (or something like it), but there's nothing "normal" IMO for a 18yo to be in the low 300's. The good news is, 320 is low, but it's not completely shutdown, so you're capable of producing exogenous test, it's just not optimal.
If it makes you feel any better, you're talking with someone who has had a similar experience. My story doesn't involve the PH's like you, but I went through the same ordeal of discovering I had low "T". The big difference was that I was in my early 40's, not 18. However, it was the same process of ruling out that I didn't have a tumor in the pituitary region. My LH/FSH levels were low (I think 1.9 or so at the time), which was the indicator the doctors needed to take a look at the pituitary. In your case, this would have been a huge lab to have at the time. High levels of LH/FSH would indicate a possible problem in the testicular region; possibly indicating leydig cell damage and/or other issues. The problem now is that your HPTA could be shutdown real good from the PH's, so there's a chance your LH/FSH is going to be in the tank regardless of your condition.
Anyways, I didn't have any complications, as confirmed from my MRI, and I'm just like a million other guys who start getting hypogonadism in their 40's, also known to some as Andropause. In your case, you're 18, your whole life is ahead of you! You don't need any of this stuff at your age! Call the doctor tomorrow and see if they can bump you up, or see if there's other cancellations. Be up front with them. Ask that they give you a full battery of lab tests, including the thyroid panels that were spoke about above. I think you have addressed this early enough that you can get it back on track, just don't wait any longer than you have to.
Wishing you all the best!
Vette