Bloodwork numbers and TRT

jakobe · Jan 26, 2012

I recently went in to get a complete blood panel completed. They checked everything from testosterone to allergies.

They said the testosterone levels were 192 and that was within the acceptable range (100-900). I also had elevated liver numbers which has been handled so far.

I am concerned about the 192 though and initially went in complaining about being tired all the time and the libido of a post-menopausal woman. Should I be pushing the subject harder? I am only 26 years old and do not see the numbers getting any better with time.

What kind of numbers are people having when their doctors start recommending TRT?

wukillabee · Jan 26, 2012

Did you just come off a cycle? When was the last time you ran a cycle and what was it? If you're all natty and you're obviously on the far low end of that scale, seems obviously a problem and if the doc doesn't care then i'd find a new doc asap! Lot can come into play though on the levels so answering above would help give us a clearer idea of what's going on. For 26yrs old though that is damn low imo. New 40yr olds in their 450's!

jakobe · Jan 26, 2012

I started a moderate cycle once and that was over 2 years ago. I did three shots but all led to massive lumps with redness and swelling. I had to take antibiotics to clear it all up. Other than that I took prohormones when I was 20 for 10 weeks and that was m1t.

My doctor wants to get me close to my "normal" weight range for 6'1 which is between 170-210. He thinks by losing 30-50 lbs that my numbers may pick up.

anabolicscuba · Jan 26, 2012

192 is extremely low for someone that hasn't used anything in over two years and your age. If I were you I would pursue therapy or at the very least try a cycle of clomid. Do you have a sex drive at all? Do you feel run down at the end of the day. I would think you would symptoms at that number.

ROCKEDUP · Jan 26, 2012

jakobe said:
I recently went in to get a complete blood panel completed. They checked everything from testosterone to allergies.

They said the testosterone levels were 192 and that was within the acceptable range (100-900). I also had elevated liver numbers which has been handled so far.

I am concerned about the 192 though and initially went in complaining about being tired all the time and the libido of a post-menopausal woman. Should I be pushing the subject harder? I am only 26 years old and do not see the numbers getting any better with time.

What kind of numbers are people having when their doctors start recommending TRT?

If you have symptoms, which it sounds like you do, and you are on the low end of the range, which you are, it is certainly a conversation a doctor should have with you. First though, before writing off your doctor completely, give him time to rule out other causes. There are a myriad of things that could be causing low t, and you are young, so give it some time and weigh your options. Trt is forever.

zaven · Jan 26, 2012

Find another doc....

jakobe · Jan 26, 2012

TRT being forever has been the thought imposing on me lately. I have not pushed it due to this fact.

Sex drive: What is that? We just had our first child and even that surprises me. I rarely find myself thinking about sex or anything very sexual for that matter. Viagra or other enhancers were discussed at the most recent office visit to the Dr. but nothing was prescribed. He said I can get samples if I would like.

Between work, family, gym, and my Masters degree I do not have a lot of time to think about 'extracurricular' activities. Plus my wife's hormones are still out of whack with the pregnancy, birth, and recent removal of her right ovary.

Pharm_Fed · Jan 26, 2012

See another doctor, this one doesn't seem willing to help. At 26 you should be in the upper third of the range. 1) The range is not a magic square wave where at 99 you are deficient and at 100 you're OK. 2) Where did they get this ''range" from? What is it based on? The range from LabCorp that does my blood work is 348 - 1197 ng/dL. Based on that "range" you are way below "normal". 3) A thorough doctor would have also test SHBG, LH, FSH and calculated free Test to see what you body actually has available to use. You could have total test in the 400 range, but also have abnormally high amounts of SHBG binding all your test, leaving you with below normal amounts of free test. 4) A GOOD doctor would want you to be optimal, ESPECIALLY at 26. Barely being above the lower threshold is absolutely NOT optimal.

Find another doctor.

I know that if you find a doctor that doesn't know much about it, but it willing to learn/open-minded, you can have them collaborate with Dr. John Crisler who is a renowned HRT physician. His website can be found at All Things Male - Center for Men's Health There is a lot of good information there. Good luck.

GATUFF · Jan 26, 2012

TRT is very healthy. Low test levels are not.

I started TRT at 26. Now 35. Go to a doc that is know for HRT. If you can't find one go online and look for a HRT clinic.

They need to get you on around 200mg/wk and your numbers will get up to the top and you will feel like a different person. Make sure they give you HCG and and arimidex(anastrozole).

I have two kids that were born in the last few years. The TRT has had no negative effects.

bigoso · Jan 26, 2012

jakobe said:
I started a moderate cycle once and that was over 2 years ago. I did three shots but all led to massive lumps with redness and swelling. I had to take antibiotics to clear it all up. Other than that I took prohormones when I was 20 for 10 weeks and that was m1t.

My doctor wants to get me close to my "normal" weight range for 6'1 which is between 170-210. He thinks by losing 30-50 lbs that my numbers may pick up.

where the hell would he get that idea from....losing weight will magically make your test jump....sorry, sounds like time for a new doc. No reason your levels should be so low...I however would look at finding out the root cause before jumping on TRT

jakobe · Jan 26, 2012

The doctor I have seen thus far has just been our family doctor. He offered to refer me to any specialist I would like to see. He is pretty genuine and seems to want what is best for me.

Is my next step to see an endocrinologist? I can get the referral if this is the case. But how do I go about finding the right one or one that is willing to go with TRT if need be? I live in the southeastern corner of South Dakota, but I doubt many people on here are in the same area...

matt77 · Jan 26, 2012

jakobe said:
The doctor I have seen thus far has just been our family doctor. He offered to refer me to any specialist I would like to see. He is pretty genuine and seems to want what is best for me.

Is my next step to see an endocrinologist? I can get the referral if this is the case. But how do I go about finding the right one or one that is willing to go with TRT if need be? I live in the southeastern corner of South Dakota, but I doubt many people on here are in the same area...

Finding a good Dr. that knows TRT is critical for success! If you can't find one your happy with keep looking. Also researching the proper way TRT should be given will also be critical.

I can tell you the cycle of M1T is what damaged your endocrine system. That shit was very suppressive and I have heard of countless people who never recovered after a proper PCT with over a month of M1T use.

LRG11 · Jan 26, 2012

jakobe said:
I recently went in to get a complete blood panel completed. They checked everything from testosterone to allergies.

They said the testosterone levels were 192 and that was within the acceptable range (100-900). I also had elevated liver numbers which has been handled so far.

I am concerned about the 192 though and initially went in complaining about being tired all the time and the libido of a post-menopausal woman. Should I be pushing the subject harder? I am only 26 years old and do not see the numbers getting any better with time.

What kind of numbers are people having when their doctors start recommending TRT?

i started checking my T levels @ 17 before i ever took a shot the highest i was was 321 every 6 months tested @ 19/20 i was testing 180-250 this was enough for my primary care to prescribe testim gel only 1 tube a day i lost my insurance after never got rechecked, wish i still had insurance they were going to bump me to injection because rubbing gel on your shoulders is annoying.

its been a decent amount of years i should go back and check.