Got my testosterone test back. What does this mean?

datsthat

Well-known member
Just got my results few seconds ago. Follow up with doc next week. Can somebody help me understand? Thanks



TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL AND FREE - Details

Details
Component Results
ComponentStandard RangeYour Value
TESTOSTERONE,TOT SRMSee Notes ng/dLTNP
TANNER STAGES (nd/dL)
MALE FEMALE
1 <3 1 <3-6
2 <3-432 2 <3-10
3 65-778 3 <3-24
4 180-763 4 <3-27
5 188-882 5 5-38

ADULT RANGES
Female: 20-29Y: 8-48 ng/dL
>49Y: 3-41 ng/dL
Male: >20Y: 348-1197 ng/dL
TESTOSTERONE,FREE6.8 - 21.5 pg/mLTNP
Direct Free Testosterone reagents not currently available. Requested
panel being provided by Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry
and Equilibrium Dialysis.
General Information
Collected:
10/08/2015 6:55 PM
Resulted:
10/08/2015 10:20 PM
Ordered By:
Robert T Sargent JR, MD
Result Status:
Final result
This test result has been released by an automatic process.
Back to the Test Results List
 
Either Its incomplete to or me dumber than I thought because this makes no sense to me
 
My doc said that he is still waiting for Test levels and will let me know at that time. Here are the other numbers that I got back in case anybody that gives a fauk. Overall, my doc said these numbers. I'll update once I get my Test levels back (hopefully within next day or so). I am very interested in knowing what my Test levels are. I have not made up my mind if I am going to get on TRT or not if my Test levels are low enough to qualify. My wife doesn't care as long as I am happy. I've done a lot of research of PROs and CONs. For now, I am not going to worry about it until I get my results back.

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My doc said that he is still waiting for Test levels and will let me know at that time. Here are the other numbers that I got back in case anybody that gives a fauk. Overall, my doc said these numbers. I'll update once I get my Test levels back (hopefully within next day or so). I am very interested in knowing what my Test levels are. I have not made up my mind if I am going to get on TRT or not if my Test levels are low enough to qualify. My wife doesn't care as long as I am happy. I've done a lot of research of PROs and CONs. For now, I am not going to worry about it until I get my results back.

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Your thyroid level is in the low end. That could be your issue all together. Ask your dr to do more bloodwork regarding your thyroid.
 
Your thyroid level is in the low end. That could be your issue all together. Ask your dr to do more bloodwork regarding your thyroid.

Thank you. I'll ask him about it when I see him next (hopefully I'll have my Test results soon)

edit: I just checked the symptoms for low thyroid level (below) and some of it is similar to low test levels.


Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Fatigue
Weakness
Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
Coarse, dry hair
Dry, rough pale skin
Hair loss
Cold intolerance (you can't tolerate cold temperatures like those around you)
Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
Constipation
Depression
Irritability
Memory loss
Abnormal menstrual cycles
Decreased libido
 
Got my Test results back.....wow. I am speechless....I would have put money down that my test was normal range because I've been making good progress at gym...or maybe I am delusional.

I am 41, how low are my numbers with regards to my age?

My docs wants me to go to urologist which I am in process of making appointment.


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Obviously your test is very low regardless of your age, but this is only part of the picture. You need to know much more than this to properly evaluate (you want full hormone/thyroid test with CBC/lipids) and you want to get a referral to an endo, not a urologist.
 
Obviously your test is very low regardless of your age, but this is only part of the picture. You need to know much more than this to properly evaluate (you want full hormone/thyroid test with CBC/lipids) and you want to get a referral to an endo, not a urologist.

Thank you. I'll inform my doc (actually its his nurse that I've been communicating with) about endo NOT urologist. I'll post more info once I get it.
I also found out that my cholesterol is high, but its hereditary. I wonder if my low T is also hereditary...
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Yeah, as already pointed out, see an endo and make sure they run test on hormones and possible prediabetes (glucose and cholesterol high). Good luck!
 
I made an appoint with Specialist and asked if I should see an Endo or Urologist and she said that they treat low T at that clinic. My appt in in couple weeks and I'll update at that time. I'll start a new thread "My TRT Journey" so that the title is appropriate to subject matter.

I have a bottle of Osta and LGD. Do you you are anybody else know what I should do differently since I will be on TRT at that time? I originally planned for osta only, but ended getting a bottle of OL UK Legend. My temporary plans now is to use cycle LGD first and then next cycle will be with Osta. I am assuming that the only difference will be in regards to PCT, but I am not sure.
 
Don't take anything. If you end up going the TRT route, you definitely don't need any variables in play and want to make sure you know where you stand as you dial in your protocol. If you don't go the TRT route and find this is something else, the answer is still the same.
 
Don't take anything. If you end up going the TRT route, you definitely don't need any variables in play and want to make sure you know where you stand as you dial in your protocol. If you don't go the TRT route and find this is something else, the answer is still the same.

Thank you. I will not take anything hormonal until my Test levels are dialed in. Speaking of dialed in, how do you know when you are at your therapeutic dose? The TRT procedure is to increases ones Test levels to a "normal" range, but at what level is considered normal? Normal is different for everyone. Lets say after however many months or years, my T levels maintains around 1200, but I still have same low T symptoms that I have now. Would I increase Test dosage or is there a point where doc says that is as high as we can go?
 
Normal is normal for you based on addressing the cause, symptoms, and how you feel. As you say, everyone has a different normal so you can't chase numbers, you simply use them as a gauge. For most people, it is not uncommon to take 6 months to a year to get everything corrected and really start seeing benefits, but it could happen sooner.

Your question regarding "what if" it doesn't work is partially why it is so important to properly diagnose and make sure you've ruled things out before jumping on because it can mask the issue and have it appear that it is solving it, but ultimately does not. That being said, it's a journey and you can continually tweak things. And no, adding more test is not the answer.
 
This is response I got from nurse at my doc office about low thyriod and low vit D.

To answer your questions - no worries regarding your "low" TSH - TSH is actually inversely related to thyroid function. The lower TSH, the more active the thyroid. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, and you are in a normal range. You could safely take 1000 Units daily, to maintain.

With regards to your glucose, please call to make a lab appointment so we can check your hemoglobin A1C, which is a more comprehensive test for diabetes.
 
This is response I got from nurse at my doc office about low thyriod and low vit D.

To answer your questions - no worries regarding your "low" TSH - TSH is actually inversely related to thyroid function. The lower TSH, the more active the thyroid. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, and you are in a normal range. You could safely take 1000 Units daily, to maintain.

With regards to your glucose, please call to make a lab appointment so we can check your hemoglobin A1C, which is a more comprehensive test for diabetes.

Das it man. Although you would need to get T3/T4 levels to confirm this. But i would be alot more worried if your TSH was close to the max range.
As your nurse has outlined above.

Have you dabbled in any sarms/ph/ds in recent times?
 
TSH doesn't tell you a lot. You also need free T4 and T3 to help paint the picture for the TSH reading. And, your TSH is not low.
 
Das it man. Although you would need to get T3/T4 levels to confirm this. But i would be alot more worried if your TSH was close to the max range.
As your nurse has outlined above.

Have you dabbled in any sarms/ph/ds in recent times?

I've never tried anything hormonal such as sarms/ph/ds yet. why do you ask? based on my lab results?
 
Thank you. I'll ask him about it when I see him next (hopefully I'll have my Test results soon)

edit: I just checked the symptoms for low thyroid level (below) and some of it is similar to low test levels.


Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Fatigue
Weakness
Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
Coarse, dry hair
Dry, rough pale skin
Hair loss
Cold intolerance (you can't tolerate cold temperatures like those around you)
Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
Constipation
Depression
Irritability
Memory loss
Abnormal menstrual cycles
Decreased libido

I did not read to see if anyone mentioned this. However, if you have low TSH levels that normally means your thyroid is working to much and is a sign of hyperthyroidism. Although without seeing a FULL thyroid panel there is no way to know for sure. This is because TSH is produced by the pituitary then is a messenger hormone for the thyroid gland. So having low TSH could mean you have an over active thyroid or an under active pituitary or nothing at all. The only way to know is to have a FULL thyroid panel done.
 
That is true, but his TSH reading was not low. In fact, it falls right in the middle of the range the American Thyroid Association likes to see. They have been trying to lower the range for awhile.
 
Wtf are you talking about, 1 it's in range. 2 the lower the TSH reading the more blood levels of T3/T4 in most cases for healthy people. TSH works on feedback.

Damn dude chill out. Did you not read my last post? If I'm wrong I'm wrong.
For the record I didn't say it wasn't in range I said it was at the low end.
 
But Kisaj is more knowledgable than I am. If I'm wrong I'm wrong!

Not at all, I just have access to resources. And coincidentally this topic came up not long ago because of several people we know, so we started discussing it. Our friend's practice considers .3 - 2.5 to be normal, but they prefer to see it around 1. This falls in line with the suggested range changes and what my endo likes to see.
 
Not at all, I just have access to resources. And coincidentally this topic came up not long ago because of several people we know, so we started discussing it. Our friend's practice considers .3 - 2.5 to be normal, but they prefer to see it around 1. This falls in line with the suggested range changes and what my endo likes to see.

I personally don't think tsh should be even looked at by it self ever for diagnosis purposes. This is because, people like my self, can have higher numbers of tsh (mine was 4.4 which is in range but higher end) but totally perfect thyroid numbers. There was also no sign of any other pituitary issues. The rest of my hormones that are produces by or in result of the pituitary came back perfect. However, I'm no doctor so take my advice for what it is(some guy on the internet lol). Hormonal issues are not something to take lightly. Its always best to talk to an endo for these things instead of GPs and internet forums. Best of luck to OP hope things get sorted out for you.
 
I know I'm new here but I feel compelled to add my two cents in here. I agree with the nurse at datsthat's doctor's office. Low TSH levels are an indication that the thyroid is working just fine and needs no stimulation. The total cholesterol of 214 isn't all that bad. Besides, check out the HDL. It's 80 and the CHOL/HDL ratio is 2.7. That ain't bad. He's gotta be supplementing with niacin. Also, I've been on TRT since 2004. I'm supposed to use 4 pumps of Androgel daily and when I do my total T is right around 250. Last time I got tested my total T was 92 because I had run out of Androgel. Even so, I still had that "morning wood" and still would get a rise if I looked at bikini babes for too long. That's why I'm not surprised he felt his T level would have been higher. The way one "feels" is a completely useless barometer for what one's T level actually is no matter what those testosterone booster testimonials tell you. That's not to say 145 ng/dL is good I'm just saying that it doesn't tell the whole story. I didn't see SHBG values but it may be that his SHBG is a bit high. Lowering SHBG could effectively raise free T. Raising it from 1.3% to 2.6% could skyrocket his gains and make him feel invincible without raising his total T one iota.
My endocrinologist is only concerned with my total T. I'm 54 and if she sees "250" come back from my bloods she's perfectly fine with that. She flat out won't check my free T level...but I digress. I'm just saying that datsthat's number don't look like the end of the world. Perhaps cortisol management (de-stress) or some of the more natural remedies should be considered first. Me, I'm sick of TRT. It's nice to see a more normal number on test results but the swollen legs and feet just aren't worth it.
Just my two cents.
 
I know I'm new here but I feel compelled to add my two cents in here. I agree with the nurse at datsthat's doctor's office. Low TSH levels are an indication that the thyroid is working just fine and needs no stimulation. The total cholesterol of 214 isn't all that bad. Besides, check out the HDL. It's 80 and the CHOL/HDL ratio is 2.7. That ain't bad. He's gotta be supplementing with niacin. Also, I've been on TRT since 2004. I'm supposed to use 4 pumps of Androgel daily and when I do my total T is right around 250. Last time I got tested my total T was 92 because I had run out of Androgel. Even so, I still had that "morning wood" and still would get a rise if I looked at bikini babes for too long. That's why I'm not surprised he felt his T level would have been higher. The way one "feels" is a completely useless barometer for what one's T level actually is no matter what those testosterone booster testimonials tell you. That's not to say 145 ng/dL is good I'm just saying that it doesn't tell the whole story. I didn't see SHBG values but it may be that his SHBG is a bit high. Lowering SHBG could effectively raise free T. Raising it from 1.3% to 2.6% could skyrocket his gains and make him feel invincible without raising his total T one iota.
My endocrinologist is only concerned with my total T. I'm 54 and if she sees "250" come back from my bloods she's perfectly fine with that. She flat out won't check my free T level...but I digress. I'm just saying that datsthat's number don't look like the end of the world. Perhaps cortisol management (de-stress) or some of the more natural remedies should be considered first. Me, I'm sick of TRT. It's nice to see a more normal number on test results but the swollen legs and feet just aren't worth it.
Just my two cents.

Thank you for your comment. You an few others have expressed that I should take my time getting on TRT and to look for natural remedies first. I am spending countless hours every day researching and reading about other people's TRT journey, from good to ugly. I have not made my mind up yet, but every day I am leaning towards starting TRT.

Below are results from my 2nd blood. How does it look?

Tests: (1) Testosterone,Free and Total (140103)
Testosterone, Serum [L] 192 ng/dL 348-1197 *1
! Comment: TESTM *2
Adult male reference interval is based on a population of lean males up to 40 years old.
Free Testosterone(Direct)
[L] 5.2 pg/mL 6.8-21.5 *3
Tests: (2) TSH (004259)
TSH 1.230 uIU/mL 0.450-4.500 *4
Tests: (3) Luteinizing Hormone(LH), S (004283)
LH 3.4 mIU/mL 1.7-8.6 *5
Tests: (4) FSH, Serum (004309)
FSH 2.6 mIU/mL 1.5-12.4 *6
Tests: (5) Prolactin (004465)
Prolactin 7.7 ng/mL 4.0-15.2 *7
Tests: (6) Estradiol (004515)
Estradiol 8.9 pg/mL 7.6-42.6 *8
Roche ECLIA methodology
Tests: (7) Prostate-Specific Ag, Serum (010322)
Prostate Specific Ag, Serum
0.2 ng/mL 0.0-4.0 *9
Roche ECLIA methodology.
According to the American Urological Association, Serum PSA
 
Thank you for your comment. You an few others have expressed that I should take my time getting on TRT and to look for natural remedies first. I am spending countless hours every day researching and reading about other people's TRT journey, from good to ugly. I have not made my mind up yet, but every day I am leaning towards starting TRT.

Below are results from my 2nd blood. How does it look?

Tests: (1) Testosterone,Free and Total (140103)
Testosterone, Serum [L] 192 ng/dL 348-1197 *1
! Comment: TESTM *2
Adult male reference interval is based on a population of lean males up to 40 years old.
Free Testosterone(Direct)
[L] 5.2 pg/mL 6.8-21.5 *3
Tests: (2) TSH (004259)
TSH 1.230 uIU/mL 0.450-4.500 *4
Tests: (3) Luteinizing Hormone(LH), S (004283)
LH 3.4 mIU/mL 1.7-8.6 *5
Tests: (4) FSH, Serum (004309)
FSH 2.6 mIU/mL 1.5-12.4 *6
Tests: (5) Prolactin (004465)
Prolactin 7.7 ng/mL 4.0-15.2 *7
Tests: (6) Estradiol (004515)
Estradiol 8.9 pg/mL 7.6-42.6 *8
Roche ECLIA methodology
Tests: (7) Prostate-Specific Ag, Serum (010322)
Prostate Specific Ag, Serum
0.2 ng/mL 0.0-4.0 *9
Roche ECLIA methodology.
According to the American Urological Association, Serum PSA
Yeah. Your T is still low but #1: you've only had a couple weeks since your last test, right?
#2: I don't see a result for your SHBG value.
The reason I mention SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) is because it is a very important value to know when considering your course of action.
Looks like your total T was 192 but your free T was just 5.2. That suggests that your SHBG was a little on the high side but without having the actual value it's merely a suggestion. For the sake of argument, let's say your SHBG was high. Then it might be a good idea to take a supplement with a higher amount of 3,4- Divanilytetrahydrofuran (aka Divanil) standardized to at least 85%. It's the active ingredient in Stinging Nettle and it has properties that impede your SHBG's ability to bind up the free testosterone in your blood. That, effectively, raises your free testosterone making more of it available to do the "good stuff" without your having to take any exogenous testosterone. Next, I'd suggest supplementing with ZMA because it helps to support your body's ability to make its own T. Next, I'd suggest working on controlling your stress and the accompanying cortisol spikes. And, BTW, blood tests don't tell the whole cortisol story. It's not the level you see in the test results that are the problem. Cortisol spikes dramatically raise your level but only for a short time and then the cortisol clears from your system. Kind of like the elves in the cobbler story that come out while the cobbler is asleep, do lots of work and then disappear leaving a whole bunch of shoes for him to find when he awakes as the only evidence of their existence. It's the spikes that occur throughout the day and night that beat your T down and give you all sorts of other grief. I use Relora by NowFoods.
I'd also suggest making sure you're functionally hydrated. I say functionality hydrated because I don't need to drink an entire gallon of water every day to be hydrated. Now, this is purely anecdotal, but I seem to be just fine with a little as 2 liters of water per day. As long as I do that, I can drink 12-16 ounces of water (in a protein shake of course) within 15 minutes of going to bed and still stay asleep for at least 4 hours depending upon what time I go to bed. I have found that the old fashioned conventional wisdom of not drinking anything after 7PM is worthless advice when battling with night time bathroom visits (nocturia). BTW, I think I've found a new regimen. So far, both times I tried it this week, I slept at least five hours straight. I've just added pygeum to my mix as well. I'll let you know how that works out.
Anyway, if you give a routine like I mentioned a try for about four weeks, you may find yourself willing to forego the TRT. I'm giving my routine 8 weeks because my starting value was above 200 but, again, that's just anecdotal not entirely scientific.
 
Yeah. Your T is still low but #1: you've only had a couple weeks since your last test, right?
#2: I don't see a result for your SHBG value.
The reason I mention SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) is because it is a very important value to know when considering your course of action.
Looks like your total T was 192 but your free T was just 5.2. That suggests that your SHBG was a little on the high side but without having the actual value it's merely a suggestion. For the sake of argument, let's say your SHBG was high. Then it might be a good idea to take a supplement with a higher amount of 3,4- Divanilytetrahydrofuran (aka Divanil) standardized to at least 85%. It's the active ingredient in Stinging Nettle and it has properties that impede your SHBG's ability to bind up the free testosterone in your blood. That, effectively, raises your free testosterone making more of it available to do the "good stuff" without your having to take any exogenous testosterone. Next, I'd suggest supplementing with ZMA because it helps to support your body's ability to make its own T. Next, I'd suggest working on controlling your stress and the accompanying cortisol spikes. And, BTW, blood tests don't tell the whole cortisol story. It's not the level you see in the test results that are the problem. Cortisol spikes dramatically raise your level but only for a short time and then the cortisol clears from your system. Kind of like the elves in the cobbler story that come out while the cobbler is asleep, do lots of work and then disappear leaving a whole bunch of shoes for him to find when he awakes as the only evidence of their existence. It's the spikes that occur throughout the day and night that beat your T down and give you all sorts of other grief. I use Relora by NowFoods.
I'd also suggest making sure you're functionally hydrated. I say functionality hydrated because I don't need to drink an entire gallon of water every day to be hydrated. Now, this is purely anecdotal, but I seem to be just fine with a little as 2 liters of water per day. As long as I do that, I can drink 12-16 ounces of water (in a protein shake of course) within 15 minutes of going to bed and still stay asleep for at least 4 hours depending upon what time I go to bed. I have found that the old fashioned conventional wisdom of not drinking anything after 7PM is worthless advice when battling with night time bathroom visits (nocturia). BTW, I think I've found a new regimen. So far, both times I tried it this week, I slept at least five hours straight. I've just added pygeum to my mix as well. I'll let you know how that works out.
Anyway, if you give a routine like I mentioned a try for about four weeks, you may find yourself willing to forego the TRT. I'm giving my routine 8 weeks because my starting value was above 200 but, again, that's just anecdotal not entirely scientific.

Thank you for taking time to write that. Very informative. Why are you no longer on TRT? Why did you only use gel? Did you feel any withdrawal when stopped gel?
 
Thank you for taking time to write that. Very informative. Why are you no longer on TRT? Why did you only use gel? Did you feel any withdrawal when stopped gel?

I just have a sort of aversion to prescription anything. I much prefer to use something as close to natural as possible. I'll admit it was initially nice with the TRT. After a while, though my legs felt swollen. Of course, I was carrying excess fat then, though less than I am currently. Still, I didn't feel that swollen feeling before the TRT.
I was given the option to come in weekly for an injection or use the gel. I went with the gel because when it comes to my body, I'm a bit of a control freak and the doctor wouldn't let me do my own injections. I did experience withdrawal when I stopped using the gel. I went into a depression and I gained even more fat. However the fat gain was more because I just ate whatever I happened to feel like eating at the time and I didn't give a hoot.
I will say, though, that I got that "T high" feeling again now. I've been using my T-booster for 10 days now and it kicked in yesterday. I was feeling pretty upbeat all morning and it didn't dawn on me why until I got out of the office and out on the road. I'm really looking forward to my next test results.
Oh, BTW... I just saw a post by David Dunn on the Life Extension: Male Hormone Modulation Therapy thread. He put up a GREAT post from the Life Extension web site with a link at the end. I didn't read the whole thing but I started to read it and immediately thought of you. You should check it out. It covers pretty much everything we've talked about here and then some. It also covers possible therapies you may want to consider and could answer some questions you haven't even asked yet.
I can't post a link to it because I don't have enough posts yet but you can go check now if you want.
 
I just have a sort of aversion to prescription anything. I much prefer to use something as close to natural as possible. I'll admit it was initially nice with the TRT. After a while, though my legs felt swollen. Of course, I was carrying excess fat then, though less than I am currently. Still, I didn't feel that swollen feeling before the TRT.
I was given the option to come in weekly for an injection or use the gel. I went with the gel because when it comes to my body, I'm a bit of a control freak and the doctor wouldn't let me do my own injections. I did experience withdrawal when I stopped using the gel. I went into a depression and I gained even more fat. However the fat gain was more because I just ate whatever I happened to feel like eating at the time and I didn't give a hoot.
I will say, though, that I got that "T high" feeling again now. I've been using my T-booster for 10 days now and it kicked in yesterday. I was feeling pretty upbeat all morning and it didn't dawn on me why until I got out of the office and out on the road. I'm really looking forward to my next test results.
Oh, BTW... I just saw a post by David Dunn on the Life Extension: Male Hormone Modulation Therapy thread. He put up a GREAT post from the Life Extension web site with a link at the end. I didn't read the whole thing but I started to read it and immediately thought of you. You should check it out. It covers pretty much everything we've talked about here and then some. It also covers possible therapies you may want to consider and could answer some questions you haven't even asked yet.
I can't post a link to it because I don't have enough posts yet but you can go check now if you want.


Once again, thank you for taking time to explain. I'll check out that thread by david dunn. Couple months ago before I knew I had low T, I took my first t booster called Ultimate T by USP Labs and when it kicked in I felt confidence that I never knew existed while be sober. I used to abuse Rx pills especially opiates which is why I think my T is so low. My friend is taking alphamax which contains Divanil and he is enjoying it. I don't think he has low T though.

You are correct SHBG was not tested, not sure why.
 
I've been wondering about SHBG/free test values also. My total test is fine but S-SHBG=47. Doctor said "it's in the reference range, dont worry". But lower SHBG would make free (usable) test higher, right? datsthat are you going to get the SHBG tested before trying i.e Divanil? Cheers
 
Once again, thank you for taking time to explain. I'll check out that thread by david dunn. Couple months ago before I knew I had low T, I took my first t booster called Ultimate T by USP Labs and when it kicked in I felt confidence that I never knew existed while be sober. I used to abuse Rx pills especially opiates which is why I think my T is so low. My friend is taking alphamax which contains Divanil and he is enjoying it. I don't think he has low T though.

You are correct SHBG was not tested, not sure why.

For some reason most doctors won't test for it because they're just looking for things related to their course of treatment for you. They're prescribing a drug so they're checking to see what it's doing for you and that's all. I had to really,REALLY ask my endocrinologist to check my free and bound testosterone as well as my SHBG. She relented and tested everything I asked for EXCEPT my SHBG. That's why I went & got my own labs done.
 
That is really unfortunate because that is the whole point of working with an endo. May as well be dealing with a shady anti aging clinic.
 
I've been wondering about SHBG/free test values also. My total test is fine but S-SHBG=47. Doctor said "it's in the reference range, dont worry". But lower SHBG would make free (usable) test higher, right? datsthat are you going to get the SHBG tested before trying i.e Divanil? Cheers

I'll ask my urologist about it. He lab paperwork that he gave me to take to labcorp doesn't contain SHBG on it. I'll probably try Divanil regardless if I get checked or not.

For some reason most doctors won't test for it because they're just looking for things related to their course of treatment for you. They're prescribing a drug so they're checking to see what it's doing for you and that's all. I had to really,REALLY ask my endocrinologist to check my free and bound testosterone as well as my SHBG. She relented and tested everything I asked for EXCEPT my SHBG. That's why I went & got my own labs done.

did you use Invalid Link Removed for your private labs?





I just got another appointment with a TRT clinic. The ONLY reason is because they takes insurance. I've confirmed with my insurance that 2 of the docs there are contracted so I should not have any out of pocket expense as I've satisfied my stop loss. I have a feeling that the TRT clinic will be more willing to simply prescribed based on my symptoms regardless of what my T levels are...to a certain point. I also asked my insurance if I can go to both (urologist and TRT clinic) and the answer is YES. I am interested to see what the TRT clinic's protocol will be.
 
IF I do proceed with TRT, I am leaning more and more towards pellets.

I am still learning and researching.....what are Pros and Cons of pellets?

I was thinking about getting dialed in via Injections and then once my theraputic dose is determined, then get pellets. Is this a "smart" decision?


One of my fears of TRT is that if I ever am in a situation where I can't get my refill. I am afraid of the withdrawals...even though its not life threatening, it won't be enjoyable especially if the situation is a natural disaster. Anybody else have this fear?
 
IF I do proceed with TRT, I am leaning more and more towards pellets.

I am still learning and researching.....what are Pros and Cons of pellets?

I was thinking about getting dialed in via Injections and then once my theraputic dose is determined, then get pellets. Is this a "smart" decision?


One of my fears of TRT is that if I ever am in a situation where I can't get my refill. I am afraid of the withdrawals...even though its not life threatening, it won't be enjoyable especially if the situation is a natural disaster. Anybody else have this fear?

The thing about pellets is they are expensive, some insurance plans don't cover the procedure. It's trial and error to figure out how many pellets you need. Injections are the tried and true method of TRT deployment. If you dr doesn't allow self administered injection, find another one. No reason you shouldn't be allowed this option.

With any prescription, pick up your refill before you run out. There's unusually a few day window you're eligible to pick them up before you run out. I would rather be at the mercy of a pharmacy than the mercy of a dr to implant more pellets.

If we have a natural disaster and you're not able to get your script for an extended period of time, then we have bigger problems to worry about like zombies or some other crazy ****!! If you are choosing TRT, then find another dr that is going to monitor your all necessary blood work and allow self injections.
 
Went to TRT Clinic today. Not really good experience because
(1) they opened door to their office (clinic), but forgot to open door to building. This causes me concern because opening front door is such a simple task.

(2) took nurse 3 attempts to draw blood and tried 3 different needle gauges. Usually one try is all it takes, but never 3 times. What concerns me is that I felt like a guinea pig...lets try this gauge, opps....maybe larger one, opps...lets try the medium again, opps. maybe the small one will work which was successful but hurt the most.

(3) I asked for ideal T level range and Doc said it was based on what insurance will allow. I may be wrong, but I say BS. He said some insurance only allows 600 T level. I will call my insurance to confirm.

(4) this is the one that concerned me the most. I asked for protocol, but doc said I'll go over with you on next appointment when we go over your labs. I asked to tell me now and doc hesitantly said that I will have to come in for injections. I asked if I'd eventually get to do on my own and he did not say "yes". Doc said that they are more concerned with increasing T levels while reducing and eliminating low T symptoms. I asked if once dialed in? He said we will discuss more on next appointment when we go over labs.


I am disappointed. I assumed that they would let me self inject at home. My wife works for medical insurance and said "that is how they make their money". Not letting me self inject is why I will not return.

I have 1 more bloodwork to do for the urologist to start treating me.
 
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