Low Test HELP

[theanimal2114]

Hi, I am 22 years old and yesterday i got some bloodwork done. In the results it showed that my total testosterone is 332ng/dl. I have NEVER cycled before never took any steroids. What should i do? The bloodwork i got did not show free testosterone but either way 332 seems really low especially since i am only 22 years old. please help.

[Vettester]

If you could, please post up your entire lab work with ref. ranges. Looking to see everything, including your LH/FSH panels.

332 is low, but we need more to work with here. We also need to know more about yourself, stats, lifestyle, medications, anything that can help us assess this with you.

Also, what does your doctor say on the matter?

[steroid.com 1]

You need a complete medical diagnosis.

Men your age with this low of a serum level generally points to a pathology as it's not age related.

There are many medical conditions that can cause such a case.

Post your blood work as Vette suggested along with the corresponding information about yourself and we'll jump in.

Take this very seriously, I don't want to scare you but you need to know why this is happening to you.

[theanimal2114]

as far as stats go
Age 22
Height 5'9
Weight 170
BF 10%

Lifestyle- Eat pretty healthy no fast food or anything. occasional drinking but nothing else

Medications- None overall very healthy

I do not have a doctor because I dont have health insurance. I have been a little stressed out but not too much. I honestly cant really think of anything that would cause these low levels. Anyone that can help or give me insight on this would be greatly appreciated.

[theanimal2114]

anyone?

[bp2000]

What is your diet like? 10% is very low bf. Do you get enough calories?

[theanimal2114]

What is your diet like? 10% is very low bf. Do you get enough calories?

What do you mean enough calories? I just maintain around 2300-2500 I eat pretty healthy.

[steroid.com 1]

Besides the Total Testosterone, LH/FSH and E2 assay you are missing a lot of the hormonal panels that we need to see that would possibly shed some light on the matter.

Clearly, Total Testosterone serum levels are very suppressed in light of the fact that LH is in a good range.

FSH, on the other hand, is low and it shouldn't be...they work synergistically together.

I would like to see your Prolactin levels. The above scenario "can" be caused by Hyperprolactinemia which is a medical term for abnormally-high levels of prolactin in the blood which can cause low FSH.

Hyperprolactinemia is excess production from a prolactinoma or a pituitary gland adenoma tumour which for a guy your age would go to explain why you are androgen deficient.

Don't freak out, they are usually almost always benign and usually managed with just drugs.

You need more blood work by an Endocrinologist who understand hormones in men...as I mentioned in my first post; otherwise healthy men your age who have not completed maturity yet and who present severely suppressed sex hormone levels can point to pathology.

Consult with your Doctor, tell him your concerns and get with a specialist who will conduct all the appropriate test.

It's your health man, don't screw around!!!

[theanimal2114]

thanks gdevine, I will see if i can get the prolactin test. I dont have health insurance so going to a specialist is going to be hard to afford but I will do some research to see if i can find something affordable. Do you think there are any other tests i should get done before going to a specialist?

[steroid.com 1]

What country are you from?

If from the US and you don't have the income you can apply for Medicaid.

There's a list in the stickies that provides the panels you need...but you need to be diagnosed by a Physician.

[theanimal2114]

USA. I was kicked off my parents health insurance when I turned 19. The state only covers up to 18 unless you are in school full time. But thank you for the help, I am going to try to see a doctor.

[Vettester]

Agree with GD. The LH & FSH assays are not quite synched like one would hope.

1st priority will be consulting with your physician as GD mentioned.

GD made some good points on the prolactin, and how it could be interfering with your pituitary function, which is responsible for production of LH & FSH.

I'll throw out a potential counterpoint for discussion. A physician may be inclined to perform a testicular review as well, based on the fact that your LH is just at the range where someone might feel it's a bit elevated in comparison to your total test serum score. The HPTA works on a negative feedback loop setup with the testicles to determine the output of LH & FSH from the anterior pituitary. Possibly, if there was damage with the interstitial cells of the testes, but the receptors with the sertoli cells were functional, then possibly this could explain the variance in LH & FSH.

Not a physician by any means, but just throwing out other options in case an MRI of the pituitary checks out, and/or other pituitary related labs such as prolactin, ACTH, and TSH checkout. It's obvious something doesn't add up, but it's indeed an anomaly at this point. Like GD also mentioned, don't freak out on this ... Just keep yourself focused and objective with partnering with a physician who can help you get it all straightened out.

Keep us in the loop along the way ... (Thanks)

[steroid.com 1]

USA. I was kicked off my parents health insurance when I turned 19. The state only covers up to 18 unless you are in school full time. But thank you for the help, I am going to try to see a doctor.

Under the new Affordable Care Act you can't get kicked off your parents insurance any more until you pass the age of 26 student or not...that's the law now!

There are many many things wrong with this Act and I won't get on my soap box here but this is one part of the bill I agree with.

BTW, read Vettes post above...he makes some great points as usual...take it to heart.

Peace.

[theanimal2114]

Thanks guys I will try to get this figured out and I will let you know what the doctor says.