Low Testosterone At Only 25 - Advice Needed

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Hey all. New to this Forum. So a quick bit of background before my results.

I’m a healthy 25 year old male. I’ve not been not been training/exercising much in the last few months but I’m generally quite/very fit. And when I train hard (have done p90x a few times) I can get into great shape. Diet is pretty good, probably better than most and I don’t smoke or take any drugs. I don’t carry much fat around on me (I’m not as lean as I normally am though), and can put on muscle mass quite easily. In fact when I first started training at 17/18, some guys thought I may be on steroids! If I dedicate myself and lift heavy for a few weeks, I can put on good size.

I would describe myself as a confident person and ambitious - run an online business. I’m also assertive as an individual and a lot of people would describe me as having a masculine personality. Basically, I’m not effeminate character wise. Energy levels - pretty good. I work mostly from home, so as you can imagine pretty average during these hours. But when I’m out and about, with friends or at meetings, my energy levels tend to be high.

Taking the above into consideration, it really confuses me how I have such low testosterone. What triggered me to get tests done was basically inconsistent erectile strength and an inconsistent libido as well as general curiosity. I just thought both should be top notch at my age. With getting my results, I am shocked - I would have expected at least average testosterone results, and thought my actual issue would have been something else out of control (prolactin/cortisol) and not testosterone itself.

But the results speak for themselves. And I have to accept them and deal with them. I will never get TRT that’s not an option. I do want to naturally raise my testosterone levels - but can anyone give me a starting point? And does anyone think there could be a bigger issue behind all of this? (tumour/underlying condition) What, if anything, could be causing such low total testosterone and ridiculously low free testosterone? Are there any other tests I need to get done?

Finally - I’m surprised the free testosterone is so low. Total testosterone is low, but with low SHBG levels and average albumin levels, what can explain such low FT?

I’d really appreciate any thoughts. All my tests were paid for privately, and I spent quite a bit to get these results. I guess I should go see a specialist too, which I will be looking into.

Thanks - and look forward to interacting.


My Results

Prolactin: 364 mIU/L (86 - 324)
Testosterone: 13.4 nmol/L (7.6 - 31.4)
Free Testosterone: 2.77 pg/ml (4.0 - 30.0)
SHBG: 13 nmol/L (16 - 55)
Testosterone/SHBG Ratio: 102.3 (24 - 104)
Prostate Specific Ag(Total): 0.52 ug/l (0.00 - 1.40)
FSH: 2.5 IU/L (1.5 - 12.4)
LH: 4.4 IU/L (1.7 - 8.6)

TSH: 4.19 mIU/L (0.27 - 4.2)
Free T4: 19.5 pmol/l (12.0 - 22.0)
Total T4: 117 nmol/L (59 – 154)
Free T3: 5.8 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8)

Insulin: 11.9 mIU/L (2.6 - 24.9)
Cortisol: 402 nmol/l (9 am: 171 to 536)
Vitamin D: 27 nmol/L (50 – 200)
Albumin: 50 g/L (34 - 50)
Oestradiol: 117 pmol/L (44 - 156)

Random Blood Glucose (FL): 5.1 mmol/L (3.5 - 7.9)
Fasting Blood Glucose (FL): 5.1 mmol/L (3.5 – 5.8)
HbA1c: 40 mmol/mol (20 - 42)
Triglycerides: 1.3 mmol/L (< 2.3)
Cholesterol: 4.3 mmol/L Optimum (<5.0)
HDL Cholesterol: 1.6 mmol/L (0.9 - 1.5)
LDL Cholesterol: 2.1 mmol/L (Up to 3.0)
HDL % of total: 37 % (20 and over)
 
EasyEJL

EasyEJL

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Honestly, your testosterone level isn't that low. The erectile issues probably come from the high prolactin. there are some natural supplements that can help with that, mostly the L-dopa ones. That and as well p-5-p can lower it some.

the free testosterone is a big ? though. it doesn't make sense with your SHBG being as low as it is. What time of day did you take the blood test?
 

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Yeh the FT result is confusing as hell. I guess that's the main thing which worried me...

Blood test was taken at 9:15am.

I had a test done exactly 4 weeks earlier - those were taken at 11:30am. Only measured TT, SHBG, for that one. And both were identical to these recent results...
 

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Do you see any other issues...like the thyroid results? Do they look normal?

Thanks
 

Mr.TT

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E2 ??? DHT???

TSH highish - Thyroid requiring a lot of stimulation to produce T3/T4. (low iron, selenium, iodine)

Do you have a long refractory time, from the prolactin?
 

sammpedd88

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Hey all. New to this Forum. So a quick bit of background before my results. I’m a healthy 25 year old male. I’ve not been not been training/exercising much in the last few months but I’m generally quite/very fit. And when I train hard (have done p90x a few times) I can get into great shape. Diet is pretty good, probably better than most and I don’t smoke or take any drugs. I don’t carry much fat around on me (I’m not as lean as I normally am though), and can put on muscle mass quite easily. In fact when I first started training at 17/18, some guys thought I may be on steroids! If I dedicate myself and lift heavy for a few weeks, I can put on good size. I would describe myself as a confident person and ambitious - run an online business. I’m also assertive as an individual and a lot of people would describe me as having a masculine personality. Basically, I’m not effeminate character wise. Energy levels - pretty good. I work mostly from home, so as you can imagine pretty average during these hours. But when I’m out and about, with friends or at meetings, my energy levels tend to be high. Taking the above into consideration, it really confuses me how I have such low testosterone. What triggered me to get tests done was basically inconsistent erectile strength and an inconsistent libido as well as general curiosity. I just thought both should be top notch at my age. With getting my results, I am shocked - I would have expected at least average testosterone results, and thought my actual issue would have been something else out of control (prolactin/cortisol) and not testosterone itself. But the results speak for themselves. And I have to accept them and deal with them. I will never get TRT that’s not an option. I do want to naturally raise my testosterone levels - but can anyone give me a starting point? And does anyone think there could be a bigger issue behind all of this? (tumour/underlying condition) What, if anything, could be causing such low total testosterone and ridiculously low free testosterone? Are there any other tests I need to get done? Finally - I’m surprised the free testosterone is so low. Total testosterone is low, but with low SHBG levels and average albumin levels, what can explain such low FT? I’d really appreciate any thoughts. All my tests were paid for privately, and I spent quite a bit to get these results. I guess I should go see a specialist too, which I will be looking into. Thanks - and look forward to interacting. My Results Prolactin: 364 mIU/L (86 - 324) Testosterone: 13.4 nmol/L (7.6 - 31.4) Free Testosterone: 2.77 pg/ml (4.0 - 30.0) SHBG: 13 nmol/L (16 - 55) Testosterone/SHBG Ratio: 102.3 (24 - 104) Prostate Specific Ag(Total): 0.52 ug/l (0.00 - 1.40) FSH: 2.5 IU/L (1.5 - 12.4) LH: 4.4 IU/L (1.7 - 8.6) TSH: 4.19 mIU/L (0.27 - 4.2) Free T4: 19.5 pmol/l (12.0 - 22.0) Total T4: 117 nmol/L (59 – 154) Free T3: 5.8 pmol/L (3.1 - 6.8) Insulin: 11.9 mIU/L (2.6 - 24.9) Cortisol: 402 nmol/l (9 am: 171 to 536) Vitamin D: 27 nmol/L (50 – 200) Albumin: 50 g/L (34 - 50) Oestradiol: 117 pmol/L (44 - 156) Random Blood Glucose (FL): 5.1 mmol/L (3.5 - 7.9) Fasting Blood Glucose (FL): 5.1 mmol/L (3.5 – 5.8) HbA1c: 40 mmol/mol (20 - 42) Triglycerides: 1.3 mmol/L (< 2.3) Cholesterol: 4.3 mmol/L Optimum (<5.0) HDL Cholesterol: 1.6 mmol/L (0.9 - 1.5) LDL Cholesterol: 2.1 mmol/L (Up to 3.0) HDL % of total: 37 % (20 and over)
I don't blame you for wanting to look at all options to get your T and other hormones in check, but why are you dead set against it? What are you going to do if the only alternative is TRT?
 

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^^ I always believe in fixing the underlying issues. Taking drugs or doing TRT to fix testosterone issues, is not for me. You're just fixing the symptoms, but the underlying issue will always remain there. Unless it can be proven without doubt your body is not working in some way (Pituitary/testicle damage). Then again I know of guys with pituitary damage who have massively increased testosterone without the need for TRT.

I'm a healthy guy, and I don't believe there is anything wrong with me. So until proven otherwise, I'll always be certain that everything can be fixed naturally and with a bit of effort. It's just a mentality I have in life, and has served me well.

Mr.TT not really - maybe 20 minutes? Half an hour?

I think the E2 and Prolactin are too high though, and I'll be addressing them.
 

sammpedd88

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^^ I always believe in fixing the underlying issues. Taking drugs or doing TRT to fix testosterone issues, is not for me. You're just fixing the symptoms, but the underlying issue will always remain there. Unless it can be proven without doubt your body is not working in some way (Pituitary/testicle damage). Then again I know of guys with pituitary damage who have massively increased testosterone without the need for TRT. I'm a healthy guy, and I don't believe there is anything wrong with me. So until proven otherwise, I'll always be certain that everything can be fixed naturally and with a bit of effort. It's just a mentality I have in life, and has served me well. Mr.TT not really - maybe 20 minutes? Half an hour? I think the E2 and Prolactin are too high though, and I'll be addressing them.
I agree with you that you need to find an underlying issue and address it. I was referring g to the fact that what if all other options are exhausted and your only alternative is TRT. I was bet the 98% of the guys on here are very healthy. Do you think we WANT to be on TRT? If that's your belief you're totally wrong. I wish I didn't have to inject myself twice a week and remember if it's the third day so I can take my AI. I also have to remember to take my pregnenolone, DHEA and vitamin D3. If you're able to fix your issues naturally then great we would all be happy for you. The statement you made to the fact you're a healthy guy and don't believe anything is wrong with you....well guess what.....it is. If it wasn't you wouldn't have posted on the forum. Excuse me if I took your post wrong but it almost sounds like you are accusing guys on here of getting on TRT for the hell of it.
 

v4lu3s

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Don't focus on numbers look at symptoms. I dont think your testosterone levels are the problem at all, maybe more in the thyroid and prolactin areas though.
What about general stress levels in your life? Getting enough sleep as well?
 
divo006

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I started haveing issues around 25 (now 27). I figured they were from useing PH's but I was useing proper protocol so I was very confused. Every time I had my Bloodwork done I had my TSH levels tested. Every time I has them tested my T levels were dropping while TSH was rideing. I didn't understand the TSH until a couple months ago I has bloodwork done and my TSH was well over 7. After doing a lot of research I found out there is a correlation between hypothyroid and low T. Your TSH levels should be in the 1-2 range, the scale goes up to 4-5 depending on who does the test. In my opinion anything over 4 is too high meaning you could possibly be hypothyroid. Just my .02.
 

mrmagoo2010

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Hey, I'm from uk too and your results are almost similiar to mine, except my total testosterone is 20-25, but my shbg is around 50-55. I have never had a free testosterone, but your tsh and thyroid results are fine and prolactin is almost identical

I will save you some money here so you know where to go, I paid for these privately in uk too and seen a consultant, and they all suggested a pituatary MRI. Have you had IGF-1 tested? Mine was low too

TSH is high, yet ft3 and ft4 are perfect, so what gives? no one could give an answer, but my best bet is high rt3 levels which cause tsh to produce more as t3 not getting into cells. My rt3 is high

if you are going to get more tests done, include RT3 and FREE T3, and IGF-1

Also get a 24 hour salivary cortisol
 

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