Low testosterone?

[kelkel]

Forgive me in advance everyone, this is all very new to me so sorry if I ask a lot of questions. I've done a lot of reading on this subject, but a lot of the articles have not really answered the questions I have here.

I remember even at a healthy weight all my symptoms were still an issue (reference original post) and don't believe hormones were any better. My symptoms have been going on since the end of adolescence (last 12 years).

Kelkel this is for you, but anyone else is free to chime in.

1) I assume HRT is my only option to raise Low free T? That would depend on full blood work, which you should get. If you're TT and FT are actually that low then there's a reason. You need to find it. Full BW such as in the Finding A Doc Sticky is step #1. That said, optimizing Vit D levels can help, by reducing shbg. Quality sleep, lifestyle, etc.

2) Even with a supposedly high Total T, Free T is more important? I'm guessing the 283ng/dL of testosterone in my lab result is just testosterone itself, and that would be enough for me to be on HRT. Yep. TT really means nothing. FT is what works for you. Yes, that number is low and enough for TRT in conjunction with other symptoms noted. TRT should not be your goal though. Find the root cause first and correct it if possible. It's worth the time to do so.

3) If I raise Low Free T, does that also raise Total T? How important is Total T compared to Low Free T
No. FT is what's unbound or available for use. You would simply be altering the ratio. Lower shbg = more FT. Higher shbg = less FT. But shbg is important and mid-range is optimal. SHBG and albumin to a minor extent are what transport hormones throughout your body via your blood.

thanks all in advance.

in bold above...

[evolution83]

in bold above...

I've started taking vitamin D and DHEA for the last week or so to see if that helps. I get too much sleep as it is; always tired. Even when I was working out it sometimes made it worse.

I did have a complete blood panel done, although it's not hormonal. I can post if it may be helpful.

Since my SHBG is mid range and you said it's optimal, should I focus on lowering it?

I wouldn't mind trying to find the cause although I'm guessing it's hereditary.