Blood TEST results

[maddzz]

I am 38yo I had my free and total test levels checked. Results were not too good. Total was only 189 (norm i think was 400 to 1080 ng/dl) and total free was only 44 (normal was 47-244 pg/ml). He said he'd like to see the free around 70-90? That seems like it would still be low to me. Is this correct?

I will ask him about what he wants to get the total up to when i go back. He has agreed to let me choose inj, gel, or patch and recommended that I may want to go with inj since my coverage may not cover the gel. Inj will be every other week and he will show me how to do them myself so I dont have to keep going in to the office. What ranges should I be looking for in total and free?

[Undertow]

Do you have kids? Do you plan to have more?

I'm on TRT, but you need to consider all pros and cons

[maddzz]

i have 3, anymore would result in my immediate suicide.

[MusclesAreSexy]

i have 3, anymore would result in my immediate suicide.

Hardest I have laughed in a month.

[Undertow]

Your definitely low...how do you feel?

[maddzz]

Sluggish, tired, and little interest in much of anything including sex.
I returned to the gym in October after 1.5 years off and the gains don't seem to be coming like they used to. I have been dieting and have dropped 23lbs but that also seemed harder to do than before. I estimate BF to be in the high teens rigt=ht now, was probably high 20's when diet started.

[mentalflex]

Maddzz, when I found out about my low-t I started looking for any information I could find and ended up buying the kindle edition of edition of this book: http://www.amazon.com/Testosterone-M.../dp/0966223128

It provides some basic information to guide you in the discussion with your doctor so you know what to ask.

Amazon allows you to lend books to others for 7 days I think so if you are interested send me a PM and I'll lend it to you.

[maddzz]

Thanks MF, I sent you a PM. One of my main concerns is what level he plans to bring me up to. I have read that around 600-700 is a good level for TRT, but some docs prefer to keep you at the low end. My understanding is that being kept at the low end causes levels to drop very low leading up to the next injection and the fluctuations can make you feel worse than before.

[mentalflex]

Thanks MF, I sent you a PM. One of my main concerns is what level he plans to bring me up to. I have read that around 600-700 is a good level for TRT, but some docs prefer to keep you at the low end. My understanding is that being kept at the low end causes levels to drop very low leading up to the next injection and the fluctuations can make you feel worse than before.

Yes, the two week timeframe will probably make you feel kind of down a few days prior to your next injection. Talk to your doctor about doing smaller more frequent injections as this will provide a more stable level. My doc has me doing this and it is much better. No ups and downs at all.

Make sure your doc also checks your SHBG. If you have high SHBG you will have less free testosterone and will need to have a higher total testosterone in order to feel good.

[p2geo]

Ask your Endo to give you weekly dose (half of the biweekly does) and inject weekly instead of biweekly. The gel is horrible. Stick to the injections.

[Duro]

Thanks MF, I sent you a PM. One of my main concerns is what level he plans to bring me up to. I have read that around 600-700 is a good level for TRT, but some docs prefer to keep you at the low end. My understanding is that being kept at the low end causes levels to drop very low leading up to the next injection and the fluctuations can make you feel worse than before.

Dunno if its typical but my doc gives me just enough to make it to the low end of the "normal" spectrum (250-300ng/dl). I was also worried about fluctuations with treatment only once every two weeks but it really isn't significant... I've looked through my training log and there are no noticeable strength consistency issues nor do I feel any different long after treatment. I'm guessing its because the dosage is so low. I've also used the gel before and would definitely recommend against it - its much more trouble than injections and doesn't absorb well for a lot of people.