The Surgeon
New member
Hi guys,
This is my first post on this site.. I joined to get some advice on my situation in regards to testosterone levels.
Im a 22 y/o male. I had always suspected I might have low natural test during my late teens as I struggled to gain muscle (despite a huge calorie diet and solid training) and have always had abdominal fat and love handles even at a low bf. I have also seen my libido slowly drop since my teens, I have poor memory and have noticed that I lack drive and motivation (not good while studying at uni). I also wake up 3 to 4 times a night without fail and get quite moody easily.
So I decided to get test levels checked by my GP and they came back as follows.
----------------------------------------------------
TEST 1
13/9/11
Clinical Notes: Cryptotorchidism
Testosterone: 11 nmol/L (8.3-29)
Free Testosterone: 51.7 pmol/L (25 - 120)
----------------------------------------------------
So after that test (which was a couple of months ago) I noticed that 11 seemed a bit low. After further research I realised that it is very low for a young guy and I kind of got that 'well that explains a bit' realisation. I considered this to be well below optimum levels.
So I went back to my GP to discuss the results and she said they are within normal range so your fine. I told her about my symptoms and she said that if I'm concerned I should see a specialist, which suited me.
Made appointment with Endo and Urologist. The endo called and asked for another test to be done with SHBG, LH and FSH included too. The results came back as follows:
---------------------------------------
TEST 2
23/9/11
Testosterone 11nmol/L (8.3-29)
SHBG 20nmol/L (11-71)
FSH 6 (<7)
LH 6.5 (<7)
--------------------------------------
So the level didn't change. FSH and LH were high normal.
A week later during another appointment with my GP she told me that the Endo had talked to her and he didn't think it was worth seeing me as my levels were within range. I was quite disappointed as I really wanted to discuss what might be causing the levels to be lower than normal and get a better understanding of the situation.
I did see the Urologist last week and he was way out of his depth. I could tell he doesn't have a background in the area and went on to suggest that maybe I was suffering from mild depression, I told him I'm not depressed (nearly walked out of his offive when he said it to me actually).
Doctors have been less than helpful so far and I don't know if its worth pursuing this any further. As a keen bodybuilding enthusiast its a huge kick in the guts to be training at such low levels with little to no results, and the sexual, mental and sleep symptoms are a big pain too. I really just want to talk to an open minded and informed doctor.
If anyone could share their thoughts and experiences it would be great. Do you guys think I will get anywhere if I continue my search for a helpful doctor, considering my age and levels?
The Surgeon
This is my first post on this site.. I joined to get some advice on my situation in regards to testosterone levels.
Im a 22 y/o male. I had always suspected I might have low natural test during my late teens as I struggled to gain muscle (despite a huge calorie diet and solid training) and have always had abdominal fat and love handles even at a low bf. I have also seen my libido slowly drop since my teens, I have poor memory and have noticed that I lack drive and motivation (not good while studying at uni). I also wake up 3 to 4 times a night without fail and get quite moody easily.
So I decided to get test levels checked by my GP and they came back as follows.
----------------------------------------------------
TEST 1
13/9/11
Clinical Notes: Cryptotorchidism
Testosterone: 11 nmol/L (8.3-29)
Free Testosterone: 51.7 pmol/L (25 - 120)
----------------------------------------------------
So after that test (which was a couple of months ago) I noticed that 11 seemed a bit low. After further research I realised that it is very low for a young guy and I kind of got that 'well that explains a bit' realisation. I considered this to be well below optimum levels.
So I went back to my GP to discuss the results and she said they are within normal range so your fine. I told her about my symptoms and she said that if I'm concerned I should see a specialist, which suited me.
Made appointment with Endo and Urologist. The endo called and asked for another test to be done with SHBG, LH and FSH included too. The results came back as follows:
---------------------------------------
TEST 2
23/9/11
Testosterone 11nmol/L (8.3-29)
SHBG 20nmol/L (11-71)
FSH 6 (<7)
LH 6.5 (<7)
--------------------------------------
So the level didn't change. FSH and LH were high normal.
A week later during another appointment with my GP she told me that the Endo had talked to her and he didn't think it was worth seeing me as my levels were within range. I was quite disappointed as I really wanted to discuss what might be causing the levels to be lower than normal and get a better understanding of the situation.
I did see the Urologist last week and he was way out of his depth. I could tell he doesn't have a background in the area and went on to suggest that maybe I was suffering from mild depression, I told him I'm not depressed (nearly walked out of his offive when he said it to me actually).
Doctors have been less than helpful so far and I don't know if its worth pursuing this any further. As a keen bodybuilding enthusiast its a huge kick in the guts to be training at such low levels with little to no results, and the sexual, mental and sleep symptoms are a big pain too. I really just want to talk to an open minded and informed doctor.
If anyone could share their thoughts and experiences it would be great. Do you guys think I will get anywhere if I continue my search for a helpful doctor, considering my age and levels?
The Surgeon
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