Is my testosterone low?

[ian191]

I took a testosterone test from ZRT labs and I got the results back today. The results said I was in range, with 496ng/dL (range was 400-1200, "depends on age" as it says). Is this low?

For the past few years I've always felt drained, lethargic, no matter how much sleep I get (I've tried different amounts to see if I responded any differently, and it never does). I also have low libido and sometimes have issues staying erect as well. I eat plenty of protein, carbs, fats and I take my multi and so on, but it never makes any difference. In the gym, I've never seen that great of gains, and I always push hard, keep my form in check, and I always increase the weight when I can, but it never seems to get me anywhere. I've always thought I might have some sort of hormone problem, because a couple years back I lost some 70lb, and it probably wasn't done in the best way possible (probably under ate by a lot).

I've discussed this before with my doctor, and he didn't want to test my testosterone levels (hence why I did it through ZRT labs). He did check my thyroid and it was normal, along with some other basic blood tests and everything was fine. I emailed my doctor's office and brought up the results and said I wanted to discuss them.

Yeah, I've searched, and I am not expecting any real answers, and I know I need to talk to my doctor -- and I will. But, is 469ng/dL for a 21 year old low? I certainly feel like crap with similar symptoms of low testosterone, but my symptoms are also similar to depression as well. Any thoughts?

[4speed427]

In for replies

[ClubFootMonster]

Your pretty damn close to being in the low category I'd defiantly try a natural rest booster and increase your healthy fats. I'd talk to your doctor about trt

[bulkbreh]

Ask your doctor if it would be healthy to start enjoying bicycle rides and get fakkin joocy.












Not srs.



















Your good, try a natty test booster + adjust diet. But also consult your health professional, they will know what's best.

[2L8forGrace]

Based on your numbers and the range of the test you would be at the lower end.

Whats your free test % look like? Also what kind of test was it? (Blood/saliva/urine)

[ian191]

Thanks everyone.

I don't have free test levels, it was just total. From what I've found in these forums, I understand free levels are important too... So I'd have to ask my doctor about testing that.

Also, it was a blood test, done in the morning.

I also have a hard time focusing in classes, which I know isn't too surprising for most, but this didn't used to be a problem. That's a sign of depression it seems, too.

[KS98]

Your pretty damn close to being in the low category I'd defiantly try a natural rest booster and increase your healthy fats. I'd talk to your doctor about trt

I don't think he'd qualify for TRT, doesn't hurt to ask though I guess

[2L8forGrace]

Thanks everyone.

I don't have free test levels, it was just total. From what I've found in these forums, I understand free levels are important too... So I'd have to ask my doctor about testing that.

Also, it was a blood test, done in the morning.

I also have a hard time focusing in classes, which I know isn't too surprising for most, but this didn't used to be a problem. That's a sign of depression it seems, too.

If it is your free test it could be because your e2 levels are high in which case an AI would help.

Do you know what your E level is at?

[ian191]

I don't expect TRT either, but all I know is that if this is the issue (low test and this lower test is not a side effect of something else), it needs to be fixed somehow. Ever since I lost a lot of weight, I've felt like **** everyday.

A lot of people tell me its a mind game, and I'm just thinking that I'll feel like crap, so I do. But I have gone long time periods where I don't even think about feeling like crap, its just become part of my every day life.

Even through all of this I remain motivated to go to the gym, and I've also motivated a handful of other people to do so as well. But I have never seem many gains, they're slow. Not long ago I logged all my food and kept track of my macros and when I didn't notice any weight gain I increased calories accordingly and kept going and hitting the gym hard (always sweating, breathing hard, etc) but very little came from that, except fat (even though I monitored intake and macros and increased calories in small increments, the end result just seemed like fat).

[ian191]

If it is your free test it could be because your e2 levels are high in which case an AI would help.

Do you know what your E level is at?

Nope, I don't know. The test was only for total testosterone, nothing more. Which I know isn't much to go off of now, which is why I need to see my doctor. But since I just got the test results today I figured I'd ask to see what others may think, or if I'm just overreacting to these results.

[2L8forGrace]

Nope, I don't know. The test was only for total testosterone, nothing more. Which I know isn't much to go off of now, which is why I need to see my doctor. But since I just got the test results today I figured I'd ask to see what others may think, or if I'm just overreacting to these results.

If you are really experiencing those symptoms you described and based on your test levels it isn't out of the question to be concerned. Dr might be a little wary to start you on high dose TRT because it would most likely shut down your HPTA even with an HCG the rebound might be bad and you might be back to or worse from where you started. I know a lot of guys don't like taking an outside source of test before 25 because of the effects it has on your endocrine system.


With that being said talk to the doctor and make a judgement call, ultimately it is your body.

[ian191]

If you are really experiencing those symptoms you described and based on your test levels it isn't out of the question to be concerned. Dr might be a little wary to start you on high dose TRT because it would most likely shut down your HPTA even with an HCG the rebound might be bad and you might be back to or worse from where you started. I know a lot of guys don't like taking an outside source of test before 25 because of the effects it has on your endocrine system.


With that being said talk to the doctor and make a judgement call, ultimately it is your body.

Yeah, I am due to see my doctor soon about the new inhaler I got for my asthma in a little over a month. I emailed my doctor earlier so depending upon his response I may just go in earlier.

If these numbers are translatable (I have no clue if the levels depend on the lab or what, http ://mens-hormonal-health.com/normal-testosterone-levels.html) then I'm like an 85 year old in regards to testosterone levels, haha.

[ErikTheElectric]

Not low at all OP. Considering my T levels were considered "low" at 65-80ng/dl around a year ago.

You're fine.

[Mikebrah22]

Ask your doctor about hormone therapy. Since you're a teenager it should be right up there.

[DDon1996]

I took a testosterone test from ZRT labs and I got the results back today. The results said I was in range, with 496ng/dL (range was 400-1200, "depends on age" as it says). Is this low?

Didn't read the rest- but one test is not significant data.

Your pretty damn close to being in the low category I'd defiantly try a natural rest booster and increase your healthy fats. I'd talk to your doctor about trt

No doctor worth his weight in pennies (<$300) will even SUGGEST trt to a 21 year old at 500ng/dl

Not low at all OP. Considering my T levels were considered "low" at 65-80ng/dl around a year ago.

You're fine.

wut. That's about the test level of a 10 year old with Klinefelter's... Not sure if srs...

[ErikTheElectric]

wut. That's about the test level of a 10 year old with Klinefelter's... Not sure if srs...

Completely srs. It's been a rough journey breh.

[DDon1996]

Completely srs. It's been a rough journey breh.

Oh you were anorexic right? That would make sense.



Inb4 I'm thinking of someone else and I just insulted you.

[ian191]

Thanks again everyone. I scheduled a visit with a doctor today, a different one (because my other doctor isn't available till sometime next week, and I'm feeling especially down today). I'll bring up the results, but I'm just thinking this may be a case of depression now.

[ErikTheElectric]

Oh you were anorexic right? That would make sense.



Inb4 I'm thinking of someone else and I just insulted you.

weve conversed before, and I knew you may possibly have been aware of my past situation. So it's all good.

[roflbringer]

I took a testosterone test from ZRT labs and I got the results back today. The results said I was in range, with 496ng/dL (range was 400-1200, "depends on age" as it says). Is this low?

For the past few years I've always felt drained, lethargic, no matter how much sleep I get (I've tried different amounts to see if I responded any differently, and it never does). I also have low libido and sometimes have issues staying erect as well. I eat plenty of protein, carbs, fats and I take my multi and so on, but it never makes any difference. In the gym, I've never seen that great of gains, and I always push hard, keep my form in check, and I always increase the weight when I can, but it never seems to get me anywhere. I've always thought I might have some sort of hormone problem, because a couple years back I lost some 70lb, and it probably wasn't done in the best way possible (probably under ate by a lot).

I've discussed this before with my doctor, and he didn't want to test my testosterone levels (hence why I did it through ZRT labs). He did check my thyroid and it was normal, along with some other basic blood tests and everything was fine. I emailed my doctor's office and brought up the results and said I wanted to discuss them.

Yeah, I've searched, and I am not expecting any real answers, and I know I need to talk to my doctor -- and I will. But, is 469ng/dL for a 21 year old low? I certainly feel like crap with similar symptoms of low testosterone, but my symptoms are also similar to depression as well. Any thoughts?

Check your liver. A damaged liver is often the cause of depression and fatigue.