Had My Testosterone levels checked

[Bupolo]

According to my Doc, I'm a "little low" at 229. However, I'm "normal" at 2.5% Free testosterone. He also said something about 57 picka-grams, or something along those lines (sorry, results are probably in the mail).

I had my test levels checked because of recent hairloss (probably just MPB, ugh).

Thoughts on those levels?

Sorry about putting this in the supplement area, I didn't know which forum to post it in.

[TexAss]

Was that from an endo or your GP?

How old are you?

[Bupolo]

It was just the general practitioner.

I am 27, almost 28.

[TexAss]

It may not be a bad idea to take your results once you get them to an endo.


How's your stress level usually?

How is your diet? (getting any saturated fat?)

[Bupolo]

Just started a new job about 5 months ago, so stress levels are a lot higher than normal. I think it may have triggered some added hair loss (which is why went in to check in the first place).

I'm getting enough fat, although my diet is pretty crumby right now (long hours, long drive, will soon change both). Also I've literally only been working out once a week (after being so diligent for close to 2 years) because I simply don't have the time right now.

[NameoftheDay]

lol at "A little low"

Low end is supposed to be 300...I've seen as low as 250 be used for "normal". Horse****.

Demand a referral to see and endo

[Bupolo]

What will the endo be telling me? or what should I be asking about?

[Blast_]

And endo specializes in your situation.

[NameoftheDay]

Originally Posted by Bupolo

What will the endo be telling me? or what should I be asking about?

GP's don't know jack **** besides what they get off Google(yes, I've actually had my doctor Google my symptoms right in front of me)


Endo's can do full bloodwork and see exactly what the problem is.

[TexAss]

So you might be able to chalk up the low results to current life stressors.

I'd check them again in a month or so or when things calm down for you and see where they are then. If they are still low maybe go see an endo.

Stress can wreck havoc on you.

You might try some adaptogens for a little while too, they help.
Ashwaghanda (spelling?)
Rhodiola

Get you a good B complex vitamin and take some extra C as well.

[Bupolo]

I just about pass out when my blood is drawn, would that lead to a lower test level as well?

I mean my stress levels laterly haven't been terrible, but they've been higher than normal, and higher than I would like.

How much blood must be drawn to do a complete blood workup?

[Bupolo]

I need to ask for a referral to an "endo?" Is that the full name of the type of doctor?

[NameoftheDay]

Originally Posted by Bupolo

I need to ask for a referral to an "endo?" Is that the full name of the type of doctor?

Endocrinologist, the specialize in hormones

[Doughboy]

I had an endo tell me that he doesn't consider your Test low until it hits 100, so do not assume an endo is going to know it all.

I hate giving blood too. I have full blood work done every few months and they take out several vials. I just lay down and close my eyes, I wont let them do it unless I am laying down.

Also make sure you are hydrated, drink a lot of water prior to having it done.

[seville55]

Under 500 is really pathetic. Test levels in men have decreased over 50% in the past 50 years due to plastics and toxins.

[TexAss]

Originally Posted by Doughboy

I hate giving blood too. I have full blood work done every few months and they take out several vials. I just lay down and close my eyes, I wont let them do it unless I am laying down.

Also make sure you are hydrated, drink a lot of water prior to having it done.

I'm with you on the blood draws/needles, believe it or not.
Makes me woozy.

[Bupolo]

Damn now I'm all freaked out by this. I honestly believed for awhile that I had low testosterone, I started taking some natural supplements to aid in weightlifting. But I have a lot of trouble putting on muscle, and I may have a skinny frame, but I believed that was only part of the problem.

I have to have SEVERAL vials taken? I had 4 vials taken for my last one, and right before she finished I was completely squirming around, trying to keep my arm straight saying: "Ok, you have to stop, I'm not going to be able to last much longer." A few seconds after that she was done, thank god. I go completely white, I have NO idea why it effects me so much. Gotta rebrake my wrist? Go for it. Gotta give me a painless little tiny shot? let me lay down... =/

[Doughboy]

Originally Posted by Mozelstein

I'm with you on the blood draws/needles, believe it or not.
Makes me woozy.

I used to work myself up to the point I would throw up. I am much better now though. I kind of have to be since I get it done several times a year.

[Doughboy]

Originally Posted by Bupolo

Damn now I'm all freaked out by this. I honestly believed for awhile that I had low testosterone, I started taking some natural supplements to aid in weightlifting. But I have a lot of trouble putting on muscle, and I may have a skinny frame, but I believed that was only part of the problem.

I have to have SEVERAL vials taken? I had 4 vials taken for my last one, and right before she finished I was completely squirming around, trying to keep my arm straight saying: "Ok, you have to stop, I'm not going to be able to last much longer." A few seconds after that she was done, thank god. I go completely white, I have NO idea why it effects me so much. Gotta rebrake my wrist? Go for it. Gotta give me a painless little tiny shot? let me lay down... =/

4 vials seems right.

BTW your Test levels are extremely low for your age. Go to endo who can test you again and see what your story is and if they diagnose you with hypogonadism you can find out if you are primary or secondary.

[pharaoh7]

Originally Posted by Bupolo

Damn now I'm all freaked out by this. I honestly believed for awhile that I had low testosterone, I started taking some natural supplements to aid in weightlifting. But I have a lot of trouble putting on muscle, and I may have a skinny frame, but I believed that was only part of the problem.

I have to have SEVERAL vials taken? I had 4 vials taken for my last one, and right before she finished I was completely squirming around, trying to keep my arm straight saying: "Ok, you have to stop, I'm not going to be able to last much longer." A few seconds after that she was done, thank god. I go completely white, I have NO idea why it effects me so much. Gotta rebrake my wrist? Go for it. Gotta give me a painless little tiny shot? let me lay down... =/

I'm the same way with drawing blood. The last time I had blood drawn I was covered in sweat and like seconds from passing out before she finished.

But yeah below 300 is low. Especially if you're in your 20s. But test levels can vary a lot, I would go to an endo and get accurate testing done and if it's still low possibly get some andro gel.

[Bupolo]

Originally Posted by Doughboy

if they diagnose you with hypogonadism you can find out if you are primary or secondary.

What are the symptoms of that?? What is the difference between primary and secondary?

[Doughboy]

Originally Posted by Bupolo

What are the symptoms of that?? What is the difference between primary and secondary?

I am no expert so I cannot tell you if the symptoms are any different.

Here is some talk about primary and secondary.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypogonadism

My advice is stay away from all hormone/test boosting supplements and have yourself checked out by a knowledgeable endo and find out the cause of this problem.

[Doughboy]

Also you can ask some more questions here:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/forumdisplay.php?f=81

Ignore the spam there.

Hopefully pmgamer will be there to answer you. Very knowledgeable person.

[gisnb]

I had mine tested a few months ago and it came back at about 800...the high end of the range. But, I did not know to get my free test checked, and my GP didn't know either or didn't care.

...and this was all natural.