Terrible Hormone levels, Doctors not helping. Please help!

[Buffspartan]

I'm pretty much at my wits end. I've had messed up hormone levels all my life and my docs haven't done anything. My most recent blood test showed a Testosterone of 408, Cortisol at 8.8 (Normal 6-22), and Sex Hormone at 24 (Normal 20-60). Since I'm not getting any medical help, I'm hoping you guys can give me some help here. My test last year was 375 and in 2011 it was 410. Please help! The only decent number in my body is my IGF-1 which is pretty high. Even my growth hormone is sickly low. I can barely function without massive amounts of caffeine and other stimulants, cuz otherwise I have the energy levels of my 93 year old grandfather. HELP!!! COMPLETELY DESPIRATE

 

[Buffspartan]

I have considered clomid, but idk where to find a doc to prescribe it. Also, I took a long time off when I had mono, and I've only been back for maybe a month. Even a few years ago when it was just as low, I was working out less often.

 

[xhrr]

I have my doubts about a Clomid restart but it may be worth a shot at least when it comes to your testosterone levels. It is odd you have low GH levels but high IGF levels.

Have you talked to your doctor about your energy levels? What is your sex drive like, diet, sleep, stress?

 

[Buffspartan]

Libido is trash, I have ED and I'm always stressed out. No energy at all without tons of stims

 

[Beau]

I would suggest you tell your MD the whole deal, low sex drive, ED, lack of energy, etc.

This would allow him/her to test accordingly.

I am going to guess your cortisol is sky high.

In the mean time, if you haven't, look into the basics: diet, sleep, workouts and supplements and make sure they are all adequate.

I agree, take some time away from hard workouts. Mono (which I have had in the past) destroys your energy. Figure out why you were susceptible to mono on the first place; it may be that you are anemic or just burned out.

 

[Buffspartan]

I would suggest you tell your MD the whole deal, low sex drive, ED, lack of energy, etc.

This would allow him/her to test accordingly.

I am going to guess your cortisol is sky high.

In the mean time, if you haven't, look into the basics: diet, sleep, workouts and supplements and make sure they are all adequate.

I agree, take some time away from hard workouts. Mono (which I have had in the past) destroys your energy. Figure out why you were susceptible to mono on the first place; it may be that you are anemic or just burned out.

I got tested. And i already posted them. Testosterone is 408, Cortisol is 8.8 (Normal 6-22), Sex hormone 24 (Normal 20-60)

 

[xhrr]

I got tested. And i already posted them. Testosterone is 408, Cortisol is 8.8 (Normal 6-22), Sex hormone 24 (Normal 20-60)

Well your test and free test are in range but less than ideal. For your age they "should be higher"

You may need to see a different doctor if yours is unwilling to try anything. I have my reservations about clomid restarting the HPTA but it would be worth a shot I suppose before delving into a life long exogenous test source. You can find clomid if you look around and want to try it.

I'm sure you know what TRT entails but from the sounds of it, it could really help enhance the quality of your life. This is from the outside looking in you need to see an endo who runs the necessary tests before hand. PS: I'm not a doctor just an internet doctor this is mere speculation on my part.

 

[mw1]

I got tested. And i already posted them. Testosterone is 408, Cortisol is 8.8 (Normal 6-22), Sex hormone 24 (Normal 20-60)

That's really not that bad. How old are you?

 

[Buffspartan]

I'd prefer to keep TRT as a last resort. I just want to improve my quality of life. As of right now, it sucks! I've gone on some of the women's fertility forums and found where they get their clomid. Idk if it's real or not though. I'm finding one month supplies of 50mg Tabs for around $35-$40

 

[Buffspartan]

That's really not that bad. How old are you?

I'm turned 22 about a month ago, and still cannot grow a full beard. Last year my test was 375 and the year before it was 410.

 

[mr.cooper69]

I'd love to have your hormone levels. It's quite possible you have some other underlying issue or deficiency

 

[Wilsy7]

I'm turned 22 about a month ago, and still cannot grow a full beard. Last year my test was 375 and the year before it was 410.

Being able to grow facial hair isn't really a factor. Some people grow more some people don't. It's not an indication of test levels.

 

[uubiduu]

I'm pretty much at my wits end. I've had messed up hormone levels all my life and my docs haven't done anything. My most recent blood test showed a Testosterone of 408, Cortisol at 8.8 (Normal 6-22), and Sex Hormone at 24 (Normal 20-60). Since I'm not getting any medical help, I'm hoping you guys can give me some help here. My test last year was 375 and in 2011 it was 410. Please help! The only decent number in my body is my IGF-1 which is pretty high. Even my growth hormone is sickly low. I can barely function without massive amounts of caffeine and other stimulants, cuz otherwise I have the energy levels of my 93 year old grandfather. HELP!!! COMPLETELY DESPIRATE

Have yoz already looked into vit d3 and zink?

 

[Buffspartan]

Being able to grow facial hair isn't really a factor. Some people grow more some people don't. It's not an indication of test levels.

Ok fine, but that's still not gonna make me feel better for being in the 5th percentile in testosterone levels for my age and average for an 85 year old male!

Anyway, in the meantime until I can get a second opinion from another doctor. I'm think I'm gonna get some DAA and some AD-3. What do you guys think?

 

[Buffspartan]

Have yoz already looked into vit d3 and zink?

6000 IU Vitamin D3, and 80mg Zinc per day

 

[mr.cooper69]

Do not use an otc tbooster, do not use so much zinc. I can't stress enough that your hormone levels look fine (your total T is low-normal but your SHBG and cortisol are low too; your GH is low because IGF-1 demand is being more than met). There's a very good reason your doctor isn't helping you in this case. However, if you have chronic fatigue and malaise, you need to look into other possible causes. Hormones don't seem to be the issue

 

[manstr]

I'm sorry if I skimmed over this important detail, but how is your tsh, t4, t3, thy peroxidase etc?

 

[Buffspartan]

I'm sorry if I skimmed over this important detail, but how is your tsh, t4, t3, thy peroxidase etc?

She didn't check them

 

[Buffspartan]

Do not use an otc tbooster, do not use so much zinc. I can't stress enough that your hormone levels look fine (your total T is low-normal but your SHBG and cortisol are low too; your GH is low because IGF-1 demand is being more than met). There's a very good reason your doctor isn't helping you in this case. However, if you have chronic fatigue and malaise, you need to look into other possible causes. Hormones don't seem to be the issue

I'll hold off then. All I know is I have every single Low T symptom listed on any website. And if 408 is my test during the peak time in my life, that's pretty bad. It is severely impacting my quality of life. My friend who is my age has a total test of 1250.

 

[manstr]

She didn't check them

I'd suggest asking for those. As for your ed, yohimbine would be a good place to start. How is your prolactin? Ask for that too, and if you have a generous Endo, they might throw some caber your way if your levels and symptoms can justify it.

 

[mr.cooper69]

I'll hold off then. All I know is I have every single Low T symptom listed on any website. And if 408 is my test during the peak time in my life, that's pretty bad. It is severely impacting my quality of life. My friend who is my age has a total test of 1250.

The problem with self-diagnosis is that everyone thinks they have every disease. Because all the symptoms overlap: lethargy, lack of interest, blah blah blah. Your issue sounds more neurological than anything, but it could be many things that you should discuss with your doctor.

Your free T is exactly what it should be. I doubt your friend with 1250 total T has an SHBG of 24

 

[Beau]

6000 IU Vitamin D3, and 80mg Zinc per day

You might want to consider a small dose of additional copper w/ the zinc. There is a lot of information available on that.

 

[Buffspartan]

You might want to consider a small dose of additional copper w/ the zinc. There is a lot of information available on that.

I've heard that copper increases estrogen. Plus there's a small dose in my multi

 

[Buffspartan]

The problem with self-diagnosis is that everyone thinks they have every disease. Because all the symptoms overlap: lethargy, lack of interest, blah blah blah. Your issue sounds more neurological than anything, but it could be many things that you should discuss with your doctor.

Your free T is exactly what it should be. I doubt your friend with 1250 total T has an SHBG of 24

All I know is my regular doctors sent me to an endo because they suspected hormonal issues

 

[Beau]

I've heard that copper increases estrogen. Plus there's a small dose in my multi

OK - but you may want to read up on the benefit of supplementing copper w/ high doses on Zinc.

 

[xhrr]

All I know is my regular doctors sent me to an endo because they suspected hormonal issues

Good, hopefully you get it all figured out.

 

[mw1]

All I know is my regular doctors sent me to an endo because they suspected hormonal issues

That's great but don't think its going to be an overnight fix

 

[ax1]

All I know is my regular doctors sent me to an endo because they suspected hormonal issues

They "suspected" a hormone issue...which turned out not to be the case which is why they sent you to an endo to be sure.

 

[Buffspartan]

They "suspected" a hormone issue...which turned out not to be the case which is why they sent you to an endo to be sure.

It is an issue when your test is at the 5th percentile for people my age and my libido and sexual function is slim to none and my endo says, well youre still within normal range! These are not issues a 22 year old should have!

 

[996ttelise]

It is an issue when your test is at the 5th percentile for people my age and my libido and sexual function is slim to none and my endo says, well youre still within normal range! These are not issues a 22 year old should have!

The focus should be more on free than total. Your SHBG is actually good so you percentages of bound and circulating may be just fine. Curious why they did not test free and your albumin levels are also important for bound ratios. My wife is an endo that works with professional athletes and I believe I recall her stating that a body may work to retain homeostasis on hormone panels. If you free is solid due to low binding with SHBG and albumin, then your total numbers need not be so high. Individuals with very high total may have a very high total to compensate for higher levels of albumin and SHBG.

I suppose the point here is chill out and try not to freak out about the less then full picture the numbers you posted convey. You will have issues with sexual function and libido if you obsess about it regardless of your hormone panel. This can cause depression, anxiety, lethargy and everything you are experiencing.

 

[bigflex0]

It is as simple at this. If they tell you it is not the hormones making you feel like **** then politely ask them to figure out what the heck it is!

 

[Spaniard]

It is an issue when your test is at the 5th percentile for people my age and my libido and sexual function is slim to none and my endo says, well youre still within normal range! These are not issues a 22 year old should have!

The normal range is 200 something to 1200 or some **** I can't remember specifically but those numbers are close. What you have to realize is that your numbers aren't bad by medical standards. The T range unfortunately isn't based on age groups, so yes, you are within normal ranges of a healthy 22 year old or a 90 year old. Unfortunately, your levels while probably not being ideal for what you want aren't of significant medical concern meaning that doctors aren't going to diagnose such levels within the normal range as a medical condition.

I would look to lifestyle changes. How much sleep do you get? Do you drink alcohol in excess? Do you eat enough fat? Cholesterol? You also have to remember that you may be genetically predisposed to low levels, which may be a tough truth to swallow but such is life.

My levels are regularly at 700-900 by minimizing environmental and lifestyle factors that negatively influence T levels.
If you have any additional questions throw them out there.

 

[ax1]

It is an issue when your test is at the 5th percentile for people my age and my libido and sexual function is slim to none and my endo says, well youre still within normal range! These are not issues a 22 year old should have!

Sexual function can be other factors as well. It can be psychological.

How is your lifestyle? Have you ever overindulged in sexual activities (including self activity.) Do you drink? Do you sleep in a regular schedule? Do you eat a rich nutritious diet? Do you work alot? Stress? Have you been taking in stimulants including caffeine? etc.....

 

[996ttelise]

Sexual function can be other factors as well. It can be psychological.

How is your lifestyle? Have you ever overindulged in sexual activities (including self activity.) Do you drink? Do you sleep in a regular schedule? Do you eat a rich nutritious diet? Do you work alot? Stress? Have you been taking in stimulants including caffeine? etc.....

Totally psychological with his numbers and the obvious anxiety he conveys . . .

I laugh at your questions though because I am 46 and my lifestyle sucks. I have sex 1 to 3 times a day. I drink lots of vodka. My sleep sucks, sometimes getting only 3 hours a night. I eat crap 3 or 4 days a week. I work in a high pressured fast past industry and average 60 hours per weeks. I do about 500 to 700 mgs of caffeine a day. . . . and I still want it all them time. Helps having a hottie Russian wife that is 13 years younger though . . .

 

[saggy321]

Totally psychological with his numbers and the obvious anxiety he conveys . . .

I laugh at your questions though because I am 46 and my lifestyle sucks. I have sex 1 to 3 times a day. I drink lots of vodka. My sleep sucks, sometimes getting only 3 hours a night. I eat crap 3 or 4 days a week. I work in a high pressured fast past industry and average 60 hours per weeks. I do about 500 to 700 mgs of caffeine a day. . . . and I still want it all them time. Helps having a hottie Russian wife that is 13 years younger though . . .

Ah, but not everyone is blessed with such a robust constitution. I'm over a decade younger and if I did what you are doing, I wouldn't be able to get out bed forget anything else!

 

[kisaj]

If you doctor only tested total, free, and SHBG when you are coming in looking for help, you need to find a new doctor. You need a full panel test with T4, T3, freeT3, FSH, LH, and a complete blood analysis to check RBC and all other vitals. Also, it would help to have a female panel to check e2. You may be asked to get an MRI based on the results of the lab work.

Don't self diagnose this thing and start throwing OTC crap at it. Find out what is wrong and treat it properly. Could be many things- thyroid, adrenal, cortisol, etc...

You are low for 22 and it could be related to stress and any sleep issues, but it sounds like this has been going on for awhile.

 

[Buffspartan]

If you doctor only tested total, free, and SHBG when you are coming in looking for help, you need to find a new doctor. You need a full panel test with T4, T3, freeT3, FSH, LH, and a complete blood analysis to check RBC and all other vitals. Also, it would help to have a female panel to check e2. You may be asked to get an MRI based on the results of the lab work.

Don't self diagnose this thing and start throwing OTC crap at it. Find out what is wrong and treat it properly. Could be many things- thyroid, adrenal, cortisol, etc...

You are low for 22 and it could be related to stress and any sleep issues, but it sounds like this has been going on for awhile.

This is probably the best answer I've gotten so far on this issue! And I agree, I'm not really crazy about the endo I have. She never seems to really take me seriously or think anythings a big deal. I need to get in touch with some more docs I think. I'll give the office a call today. Idk if she even checked free. All she checked was total test, cortisol, DHEA, and SHBG. When the test, cortisol and SHBG levels came back "Normal" she didn't even wait for DHEA or bother taking aany other tests, she was just like, yeah, you're fine, but I'll send you to a urologist or Endo that specialises in Sexual disfunction to get the libido stuff checked out. I'm just thinking to myself, umm, I want to get my numbers fixed, I don't want some Urologist giving me a script for Cialis. I know several people that have been on prednisone just like me and they all have hormone issues! She didn't believe me, she was like, oh it might bump up your cortisol.

 

[kisaj]

One word of advice is to be strong about this. Doctors and endos are surprisingly fast to dismiss problems related to hormones and are in general, not overly knowledgeable. You need to be diligent and work with someone you can be open with and trust.

My doctor is great, but I went through 3 endos before finding one that was up on current TRT protocols and understood all the testing and time it takes to find out what could be influencing hormone levels.

I wish you luck.

 

[Spaniard]

This is probably the best answer I've gotten so far on this issue! And I agree, I'm not really crazy about the endo I have. She never seems to really take me seriously or think anythings a big deal. I need to get in touch with some more docs I think. I'll give the office a call today. Idk if she even checked free. All she checked was total test, cortisol, DHEA, and SHBG. When the test, cortisol and SHBG levels came back "Normal" she didn't even wait for DHEA or bother taking aany other tests, she was just like, yeah, you're fine, but I'll send you to a urologist or Endo that specialises in Sexual disfunction to get the libido stuff checked out. I'm just thinking to myself, umm, I want to get my numbers fixed, I don't want some Urologist giving me a script for Cialis. I know several people that have been on prednisone just like me and they all have hormone issues! She didn't believe me, she was like, oh it might bump up your cortisol.

Get in touch with THEmatrix he may know a good doc in your area

 

[snagencyV2.0]

lqtm

you still starting threads on this forum over the same issue, buff? I think I tried to help you on some related issue like a yr ago or something, when you were wanting all kinds of info on DHEA and talking about your prednisone situation....

how many of these threads are you going to try to roll out?
amazed you still get guys who try to help you over and over again


to everyone else:
guy is a trainwreck, needs to stick with medical guidance, and I would advise not giving him info which would lead him to believe he can self-medicate or self-mediate any of his stated issues
if he's not trollin, dude needs srs professional help


for your entertainment:
http://anabolicminds.com/forum/general-chat/223123-having-problem-women.html

 

[Buffspartan]

lqtm

you still starting threads on this forum over the same issue, buff? I think I tried to help you on some related issue like a yr ago or something, when you were wanting all kinds of info on DHEA and talking about your prednisone situation....

how many of these threads are you going to try to roll out?
amazed you still get guys who try to help you over and over again


to everyone else:
guy is a trainwreck, needs to stick with medical guidance, and I would advise not giving him info which would lead him to believe he can self-medicate or self-mediate any of his stated issues


for your entertainment:
http://anabolicminds.com/forum/general-chat/223123-having-problem-women.html

Jesus! All I'm asking for is some supps since I'm not getting any medical advice period!! I dont think that's exactly self medicating! And if i have several docs telling me the same thing, that theres one stubborn 65 year old endo saying nothings wrong, yeah, im gonna turn to here for advice on how to deal with things! The people above were very helpful in giving me advice on supplements, additional test, and advice on local endos. I think I'm gonna listen to them thanks! And if I we're getting medical advice, why the hell would I be on here asking questions? And oh, you're gonna bring up that thread? You realise that was a joke right?

 

[Buffspartan]

One word of advice is to be strong about this. Doctors and endos are surprisingly fast to dismiss problems related to hormones and are in general, not overly knowledgeable. You need to be diligent and work with someone you can be open with and trust.

My doctor is great, but I went through 3 endos before finding one that was up on current TRT protocols and understood all the testing and time it takes to find out what could be influencing hormone levels.

I wish you luck.

What is a good way to research endos in my area?? I don't really know much about choosing doctors. I did however request a transfer to a male endocrinologist, and my current doc said she'd handle the transfer. I'm a little weary in letting her handle the situation and not knowing anything about the new endo I'm being transferred to.

 

[kisaj]

I had to get referrals from my doc unless I wanted to wait for over a month or two, which I ended up doing. My doc was very thorough, but could not set up the MRI or bone density testing, so he moved me to an endo. Didn't like the first person, but got all my testing done so it was out of the way. My doc referred me to another and I had to wait for almost hour each time I went in and after the second time, it was out of a matter of respect that I had to tell them **** off. I ended up researching through my insurance and found another that was ok enough for me to do some additional labs with. In the end, I got all the testing and info I needed and now just go through my PCP and get bloods every 3 months and refills.

 

[Buffspartan]

I had to get referrals from my doc unless I wanted to wait for over a month or two, which I ended up doing. My doc was very thorough, but could not set up the MRI or bone density testing, so he moved me to an endo. Didn't like the first person, but got all my testing done so it was out of the way. My doc referred me to another and I had to wait for almost hour each time I went in and after the second time, it was out of a matter of respect that I had to tell them **** off. I ended up researching through my insurance and found another that was ok enough for me to do some additional labs with. In the end, I got all the testing and info I needed and now just go through my PCP and get bloods every 3 months and refills.

Thank you! Much appreciated. I'll get things going asap

 

[996ttelise]

Get in touch with @THEmatrix he may know a good doc in your area

Haha, the matrix? Unless he has recently gone to and graduated medical school, I would not listen to him. Dude was pretty out there a couple of years ago when I read his bs.

Listen to your md and get a second opinion if you must. Sounds like his issues are more mental than physical. Nevertheless, listen to Matrix and find someone to prescribe trt for you . . . You think your messed up now, go on trt at 22 and you will really jacked up for life.

 

[Spaniard]

Haha, the matrix? Unless he has recently gone to and graduated medical school, I would not listen to him. Dude was pretty out there a couple of years ago when I read his bs.

Listen to your md and get a second opinion if you must. Sounds like his issues are more mental than physical. Nevertheless, listen to Matrix and find someone to prescribe trt for you . . . You think your messed up now, go on trt at 22 and you will really jacked up for life.

I think you're confusing who I'm talking about with someone else...

 

[xhrr]

Totally psychological with his numbers and the obvious anxiety he conveys . . .

I laugh at your questions though because I am 46 and my lifestyle sucks. I have sex 1 to 3 times a day. I drink lots of vodka. My sleep sucks, sometimes getting only 3 hours a night. I eat crap 3 or 4 days a week. I work in a high pressured fast past industry and average 60 hours per weeks. I do about 500 to 700 mgs of caffeine a day. . . . and I still want it all them time. Helps having a hottie Russian wife that is 13 years younger though . . .

Its ok you won't be laughing when all of your poor lifestyle choices start to manifest themselves a few years from now. You sound so cool by the way bro. Brag on.

 

[rfarns01]

I think you're confusing who I'm talking about with someone else...

No I think he has the right guy. OP you need more bloodwork done I didn't even see although I skimmed through all the BS in this thread, get full hormone panel which must include LH, FSH and prolactin. Full thyroid panel along with it. Someone said your shbg was too low when in fact it looks pretty damn good. Becareful who you take advice from. The kisaj guy was providing the right direction for you.

 

[Buffspartan]

I'm going to get a second opinion from my Nephrologist on Dec 12th! Fingers crossed. I'll make sute he does all the necessary bloodwork. Might throw in a little DAA into my preworkout for ****s and giggles in the mean time. At least some progress is being made. Oh, I also got my DHEA numbers back and they were 202. I have no idea if that's good or bad

 

[ax1]

I'm going to get a second opinion from my Nephrologist on Dec 12th! Fingers crossed. I'll make sute he does all the necessary bloodwork. Might throw in a little DAA into my preworkout for ****s and giggles in the mean time. At least some progress is being made. Oh, I also got my DHEA numbers back and they were 202. I have no idea if that's good or bad

Wish you the best.

I think you should avoid all test boosters so you get accurate readings when you get tested.