27 Year Old Low Testosterone Levels

[Starhitect]

Hi all,

Please help out a brother in pain and frustration. I would appreciate your expertise and advice.

In summary, my problem is threefold:
1) Hair loss / androgenic alopecia / MPB
2) Overall moodiness/apathy/psychological fatigue
3) Low testosterone level for my age (363 - I've read that it should be a bit under double)

I would like to try to find out whether my problem is inherently because of psychological or a physiological condition (chicken-egg situation). I have had 3 roller-coaster years of constant stress (both active and in the back of my mind all the time). Can my condition be because of stress?

Here is a brief into where I think it all began from (I can go on with what happened over those 3 years, if needed):

Throughout university I had a rather calm/fun life - studying, partying here and there, eating more or less normally, being more or less active (walking a lot, playing sports etc.), basically living as "care free" a life that someone my age/demographic could have. I had a severe wake up call and change in how I perceived the world and life in general in May 2013, when my mother passed away after a long, excruciating and brave struggle with kidney failure. I knew of her condition overall, but my close relatives chose to "hide" the harsh reality, so I was always convinced that eventually she would get better and everything would be OK. Since this topic was rather taboo in our family, I never really researched into it. So, you can say that "ignorance was bliss".

When that happened, I changed as a person - became superstitious and anxious about the well-being of my other closest relatives (my father and grandmother) and my girlfriend. I was afraid to experience the pain of losing someone again, although somewhere in my head I knew that I can't fight this battle with myself. This manifested itself in various ways, but the gist was that I was stressed when they didn't answer my phone calls, texts etc. (I became afraid that something might have happened to them). This went on and on for many, many times. Everything kept turning out OK every time, so every time I would convince myself that I have to stop this, but I just couldn't. I know it sounds very dumb, but please bare with me guys.

My hair loss problem really started in September 2015 when I realised that my thin hair was not the result of my hairdresser "thinning it out" per my request (I have always had very thick, wavy hair). Here's my bloodwork and tests since then. If you need specifics on a test, please let me know and I will reply, since the list is huge and typing everything would be a pain.

October 2015:
Everything (including urine) within normal ranges, apart from:
Cholesterol : 5.6 mmol/L [0.0 - 5.2]
LDL Cholesterol: 3.92 mmol/L [0.0 - 3.3]

January 2016:
Everything (including urine) within normal ranges, apart from:
Bilirubin umol/L: 24.1 [5.0 - 21.0] (had two beers the night before the bloodwork, so doc said it's fine)
Phosphates mmol/L: 1.5 [0.81 - 1.45] (same as above)
Cholesterol : 5.6 mmol/L [0.0 - 5.2] (unchanged from 3 months prior)
LDL Cholesterol: 3.88 mmol/L [0.0 - 3.3] (very slight decrease from 3 months prior)

February 2016:
Free T4 pmol/L: 12.49 [7.75 - 15.21]
Free T3 pmol/L: 4.86 [3.80 - 6.00]
Anti-TG U/mL: 0.9 [0.0 - 115.0]
Anti-TPO U/mL: 0.3 [0.0 - 9.0]
Prolactin mIU/L: 138.3 [56.0 - 278.4]
Testosterone: 392 [176 - 782]
Free Testosterone Index: 54.9% [24.3 - 110.2]
Reverse T3: 0.34 [0.07 - 0.35]
SHBG nmol/L: 24.7 [13.3 - 89.5]
Urine Iodine Concentration ug/L: 84 [100 - 300]

April 2016:
SHBG nmol/L: 22.7 [13.3 - 89.5]
Testosterone: 363 [176 - 782]
Free Testosterone Index: 55.9 [24.3 - 110.2]
Urine Iodine Concentration ug/L: 350 [100 - 300] (this was after 3 months of iodine tables, which I stopped using after finding out the results)
Urine Indicators (Protein, Nitrites, Sugar, Bilirubin etc.): All negative/normal
Selenium umol/L: 1.69 [0.93 - 1.77] (this was after 3 months of selenium tablets, which I stopped using right after finding out the results)

Can anyone please share some thoughts on my condition? I can gladly follow up with more details on timeline, if needed.

Thank you!!!

 

[That_TRT_Guy]

What is your lifestyle like

what are your stats weight/age

also full blood work, not just what seems important would be very helpful, its important to look at everything to get a full idea

your test is a little bit on the low side,,, but it could be largely due to lifestyle factors..untill your respond with some more info



the first thing that i would take care of is your cholesterol, daily LISS cardio will help with that


Second:
you need to fix your Reverse t3.

Your RT3 being at the peak of the range will greatly impede your bodies ablity to use T3 that is circulating in the blood.
T3 & RT3 both attach at the same receptor:
T3 is essential for turning on the mitochondria of each cell in are body, the gas to the engine.
RT3 binds to the same receptors and blocks T3 from working,, this i good during short bouts of stress or injury, as the less mitocondrial activation lows the metabolism and allows for repair and rest in the body.
when dealing with prolonged bouts of stress, as we often do, RT3 becomes excessive and blocks far to much T3 from working. this results in the Serum T3 pooling in the bloodstream, as it is unable to enter into the cell.

while your bloods show that your Free T3 i at the middle-low range of the spectrum i bet a large amount of that is due to pooling, and the t3 being able to be utilized by the body is far lower.

Also your iodine levels are very low,,, your body needs bio-available iodine everyday as it is what is used to Create T4 which is later converter into T3

you mentioned you took a supp...then stopped cold-turkey...aim for balance, perhaps jsut a slightly reduced dose


this sup will provide you with essential idoine to help support your thyroid, its $12 for a years supply

http://www.amazon.com/Lugols-Iodine-Solution-Oz-Potassium/dp/B00WTJUML2/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1462494790&sr=8-4&keywords=lugols+iodine+5

 

[Starhitect]

Thank you very much for the comments, I appreciate them a lot!

I weigh about 170 lbs, height is about 5'9". Don't know the exact body fat %. I'm not overweight, nor am I cut. I'd say I'm average...

Job is 9-5, desk all day. I do several flights of stairs during the day to keep the blood going, so I don't sit for 8 hours straight. But again, nothing extreme.

I go to the gym, play soccer during the weekend, walk a fair amount during the week. I don't do this meticulously, but I can say that for a person who doesn't do fitness for a lifestyle, I'm active. I've had this on and off lifestyle for many years and have never had any of the issues I'm having now (granted, I've never looked into any health problems before either... ignorance is bliss). I can play a full 90 minute soccer game and yes, I might feel a bit tired in the first 15-20 mins, but my endurance kicks in and I can get a full game in. Likewise for gym, I frequently walk to/from it, which is a good 15 minute walk. Yes, my muscles feel tired, but overall I don't feel out of breath or overall fatigued as if I ran a marathon. Basically, I'd say I'm "normal"...

When you say full bloodwork, could you be more specific? Which indicators should I provide? I've only included the ones which were off, so I can give you glucose, sodium, magnesium etc.

Lastly, regarding your iodine comment - I do agree that per the January test I am under (84), but after 3 months of iodine supplements, I am now above the upper range (350). Was your comment addressed to the initial test or to the retest?

Would be happy to further provide any other details.

 

[That_TRT_Guy]

Thank you very much for the comments, I appreciate them a lot!

I weigh about 170 lbs, height is about 5'9". Don't know the exact body fat %. I'm not overweight, nor am I cut. I'd say I'm average...

I go to the gym, play soccer during the weekend, walk a fair amount during the week. I don't do this meticulously, but I can say that for a person who doesn't do fitness for a lifestyle, I'm active. I can play a full 90 minute soccer game and yes, I might feel a bit tired in the first 15-20 mins, but my endurance kicks in and I can get a full game in. Likewise for gym, I frequently walk to/from it, which is a good 15 minute walk. Yes, my muscles feel tired, but overall I don't feel out of breath or overall fatigued as if I ran a marathon. Basically, I'd say I'm "normal"...

When you say full bloodwork, could you be more specific? Which indicators should I provide? I've only included the ones which were off, so I can give you glucose, sodium, magnesium etc.

Lastly, regarding your iodine comment - I do agree that per the January test I am under (84), but after 3 months of iodine supplements, I am now above the upper range (350). Was your comment addressed to the initial test or to the retest?

Boods: can you upload the images as you see them on your computer. often time things can be 'within range' but be far from optimal or even detrimental.

Iodine was in regards to your initial test,,,,,but idione is only stored in very low amounts in the body
if you where slightly high in your latest test, then you stopped taking them, i would assume that you are now low again...or on your way there

 

[GettinSwolen]

Subbed, in similar situation as you bro.

 

[That_TRT_Guy]

Boods: can you upload the images as you see them on your computer. often time things can be 'within range' but be far from optimal or even detrimental.

Iodine was in regards to your initial test,,,,,but idione is only stored in very low amounts in the body
if you where slightly high in your latest test, then you stopped taking them, i would assume that you are now low again...or on your way there

...even more importantly we need to see your e2/estraiol levels those will shed some serious light

 

[Starhitect]

I have not tested those, will do ASAP.

I have to admit that I'm not from the US and as such the lab tests are not in English. It would be a pain to translate everything from scratch and type everything in. So could you give me a list of a few of the most important indicators? I can then post them here manually. I know, it's not an optimal approach, but I have 4 full pages of data...

As for iodine, would you recommend retesting and lowering the dose to 1/2 pill per day so that I stay around 150-200?

 

[That_TRT_Guy]

I have not tested those, will do ASAP.

I have to admit that I'm not from the US and as such the lab tests are not in English. It would be a pain to translate everything from scratch and type everything in. So could you give me a list of a few of the most important indicators? I can then post them here manually. I know, it's not an optimal approach, but I have 4 full pages of data...

As for iodine, would you recommend retesting and lowering the dose to 1/2 pill per day so that I stay around 150-200?

Labs/bloods:

Total test
Free test
Estrogen
SHBG

ALL thyroid labs
ALL liver kidney test

Iodine: yes

 

[Starhitect]

Also, I'd like to note that I had a full abdomen and pelvis ultrasound, which revealed that everything is in order. I also had an MRI of the skull, which did not reveal anything problematic, except for chronic sinusitis, which I've had since I was a child (spring allergy etc.).

October 2015:
AST: 23 U/L [0 - 50]
ALT: 23 U/L [0 - 50]
ALP: 107 U/L [30 - 120]
Gamma GT: 28 U/L [0 - 55]
LDH: 309 U/L [240 - 480]
Urea: 5.9 mmol/L [2.8 - 7.2]
Creatinine: 92 umol/L [53 - 100]
Ferritin: 148 ug/L [20 - 300]
Total Iron Binding: 70.6 umol/L [42.8 - 85.6]
Transferrin: 2.8 g/L [1.7 - 3.4]
Albumin: 51.9 g/L [35 - 52]
Total Protein: 81 g/L [66 - 83]
C Reactive Protein: 0.54 mg/L [0 - 5]
Iron: 13.2 umol/L [12.5 - 32.2]
TSH: 2.270 mIU/L [0.400 - 4.000]

January 2016 (note that this was after several type of antibiotics to treat what the derm thought was fungus/bacteria in my hair and during this period stress levels intensified dramatically because I was sent from one doctor to another, which made me very frustrated and depressed):
AST: 22 U/L [0 - 50]
ALT: 19 U/L [0 - 50]
ALP: 86 U/L [30 - 120]
Gamma GT: 28 U/L [0 - 55]
LDH: 296 U/L [240 - 480]
Urea: 6.1 mmol/L [2.8 - 7.2]
Creatinine: 100 umol/L [53 - 100]
Ferritin: 214.9 ug/L [20 - 300]
Total Iron Binding: 62.5 umol/L [42.8 - 85.6]
Transferrin: 2.5 g/L [1.7 - 3.4]
Albumin: 53.8 g/L [35 - 52]
Total Protein: 79 g/L [66 - 83]
C Reactive Protein: 0.35 mg/L [0 - 5]
Iron: 19.2 umol/L [12.5 - 32.2]
TSH: 1.980 mIU/L [0.400 - 4.000]

Let me know if I missed out any.

 

[That_TRT_Guy]

im assuming your take creatine?

do you have globulin readings?

the readings are odd..

you have somewhat high ALP levels but normal alt/ast....any history of bone disorders in your family?

your:
elevated bilirubin
elevated albumin
elevated alp
and normla liver enzymes suggest some sort of bone/marrow issue...have you ever breached this with your doctor

 

[Starhitect]

I am not taking creatine. I am only on multivitamins and fish oil. Again, I took a lot of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory pills prescribed by the derm during October-January.

I recall that my mother had some issues with her bone marrow, but I think that it developed due to drugs. I am not aware whether her bone marrow condition was congenital.

I am surprised that you bring this up, since my doctor did not mention this after seeing my tests. Moreover, all of the docs that I went to (multiple derms and endos) never linked the variables together. Again, could these elevated values be as a result of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs? I've used a lot over those 2-3 months, probably more than I would have used in one whole year.

 

[That_TRT_Guy]

I am not taking creatine. I am only on multivitamins and fish oil. Again, I took a lot of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory pills prescribed by the derm during October-January.

I recall that my mother had some issues with her bone marrow, but I think that it developed due to drugs. I am not aware whether her bone marrow condition was congenital.

I am surprised that you bring this up, since my doctor did not mention this after seeing my tests. Moreover, all of the docs that I went to (multiple derms and endos) never linked the variables together. Again, could these elevated values be as a result of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs? I've used a lot over those 2-3 months, probably more than I would have used in one whole year.

i doubt the 'DRUGS' could have raised those levels while leaving your alt/ast intact.

by any chance do you have your RBC/WBC leves? they are produced my bone marrow,, so it may add another clue

 

[Starhitect]

October 2015:
Hemoglobin: 164 g/L [135 - 170]
Hematocrit: 0.5 L/L [0.41 - 0.51]
MCV: 84.5 fl [81 - 100]
MCH: 27.9 pg [26 - 34]
MCHC: 330 g/L [310 - 360]
WBC: 6.9 Giga/L [4.5 - 11.5]
RBC: 5.9 Tera/L [4.5 - 5.9]

January 2016:
Hemoglobin: 160 g/L [135 - 170]
Hematocrit: 0.46 L/L [0.41 - 0.51]
MCV: 83.7 fl [81 - 100]
MCH: 29 pg [26 - 34]
MCHC: 346 g/L [310 - 360]
WBC: 7.4 Giga/L [4.5 - 11.5]
RBC: 5.5 Tera/L [4.5 - 5.9]

Does this help?

Disclaimer (bit late but better late than never): I've never taken any steroids or bodybuilding drugs. I've taken whey protein from time to time, but nothing extreme. I've probably consumed about 10-15 pounds over a period of 5 years. Not dissing it, just thought I'd point this out, as maybe my body was late to react to it in some way (whey, chemical intolerance etc.)

 

[That_TRT_Guy]

October 2015:
Hemoglobin: 164 g/L [135 - 170]
Hematocrit: 0.5 L/L [0.41 - 0.51]
MCV: 84.5 fl [81 - 100]
MCH: 27.9 pg [26 - 34]
MCHC: 330 g/L [310 - 360]
WBC: 6.9 Giga/L [4.5 - 11.5]
RBC: 5.9 Tera/L [4.5 - 5.9]

January 2016:
Hemoglobin: 160 g/L [135 - 170]
Hematocrit: 0.46 L/L [0.41 - 0.51]
MCV: 83.7 fl [81 - 100]
MCH: 29 pg [26 - 34]
MCHC: 346 g/L [310 - 360]
WBC: 7.4 Giga/L [4.5 - 11.5]
RBC: 5.5 Tera/L [4.5 - 5.9]

Does this help?

Disclaimer (bit late but better late than never): I've never taken any steroids or bodybuilding drugs. I've taken whey protein from time to time, but nothing extreme. I've probably consumed about 10-15 pounds over a period of 5 years. Not dissing it, just thought I'd point this out, as maybe my body was late to react to it in some way (whey, chemical intolerance etc.)

lol no,,, whey wont do anything to you,,, its jsut food

 

[jcam222]

There really appears to be nothing I would consider remarkable in your labs. The few that are out of range are very borderline. I would speculate your issues are largely stress related. I empathize with you and your post was somewhat emotional for me. I lost an aunt who was like a mother to me about a year ago. My brother is the only living blood relative I have left. I now , much like you flip out if he or my wife dont answer a text quickly, the phone quickly etc. Sleep is an issue. I sleep but the sleep sucks. I will be seeing a dr about that whole scenario soon.

Stress can certainly make you lose hair. What you describe as to how you feel is similar to PTSD. It can have dramatic impact. You have done a lot of the bloodwork, have you talked to a doctor more geared towards the potential more mental aspect?

 

[Starhitect]

Thank you for sharing that with me. I am very sorry for your situation and know the feeling of fear of being all alone in the world. Don't take this as advice from a high horse, as you're probably well in control of your life, but I'd advise you to tell them of this fear (if you haven't already). This way, they'd be understanding when you start yelling or fuming at them for not replying/texting etc. That way they won't judge you or be annoyed. It sounds dumb because they are family so it should be a no brainer, but imagine it in their shoes if this happened over and over again - even the most strong characters could one day crack and lash out emotionally (when/if they're in a business meeting or something important). Sorry for the melodrama, but I've realised that I've never ever talked about this subject with anyone, so I find great relief in trying to help someone in a similar situation.

I haven't talked to my doctor about the mental aspect, because I have always considered that my stress is something "normal" - everyone loses close relatives, everyone is stressed with their job, everyone has at least some sort of stress factor in their life. And by "everyone" I mean the average population not the Dan Bilzerians or Kim Kardashians of the world. To be honest, I've never even considered until as of late that stress could have such a huge impact on the body, and everyone's stress levels are subjective.

So, who am I to say that my stress is "significant enough"? I really don't know whether I'd like to go down that road, since the answers are all within - I KNOW why I am like this, but is this REALLY affecting me physiologically in such a profound way? I don't think any specialist can give a straight answer. Moreover, it's been almost 3 years since then. I've never had hair loss problems back then. Over time, the stress levels went down, and now it's more "background stress" all the time (same as before, only then it was acute stress), so why is it now that I am experiencing this condition? I would think that it would kick in about 6 months to a year in when I was in my most stressed state?

On a related note, I don't have problems with jacking off even without porn. I check out hot women as any normal man - boobs, ass, face etc. So, it's not like... hey I've got the test level of a grandfather and I have the mental sexual behaviour to prove it. To be honest, from a sexual point of view, I don't feel that much different from, say, 3 years ago. I get a boner when I cuddle with my girlfriend, or during sleep, or in the morning (not all the time, but from time to time like most healthy men out there I guess). I can get rock hard when duty calls. So, to the best of my knowledge I don't think that I have ED to support the low test number.

Any more thoughts? Again, thank you for all your effort and sincere attention to my situation. From a mental clarity point of view, you've arguably helped me as much as 6 months worth of doctors.