48YO, 530-Test, Told no HRT

[RobertD1885]

Twice with the same 'anti aging doctor' I have had my Total Test levels measured, once 2 years ago, once 1 year ago, both times my results were very average, roughly 540 mg/dl total test. I don't have any dramatic symptoms, just general fatigue. Based upon my visits to his office, I would say I am one of his younger patients, and that the average age of his patients is 60 something.

I would just like to try HRT to see if it has any significant impact upon the quality of my life. Although my doctor is very smart, I can't help but think that he is acutely concerned about being accused of prescribing HRT without a clearly atypical Test result, and that this is the main consideration preventing him from prescribing me HRT.

Is it reasonable that I can find a doctor to prescribe HRT to someone such as myself with average Test levels and no dramatic symptoms?

 

[Dial_tone]

No harm in trying another doctor but you're well within normal range.

 

[DJ_UFO]

Also just total test is the tip of the iceberg. You need a whole endocrine panel tested to see if there'a any other factor affecting your overall health.

 

[ProfPump]

What is your free or bioavailable T? Do you have any of the other symptoms of hypogonadism? You really need to have a complete panel of tests before you try to tell your physician what to prescribe, "just to see what happens".

 

[RobertD1885]

Additional information from one of the tests:
Treiiodothyronine,Free,Serum 3.8 pq/ml
T4,Free(Direct) 1.31 ng/dl
Free Testosterone(Direct) 13.9 pg/ml
DHEA-Sulfate 160 ug/dl
Estradiol 33 pg/ml

 

[legbuh]

We'd need ranges too.

 

[RobertD1885]

I hope these are the ranges you need, but I suspect it is not,
it does not say 'range' on my lab report it says 'limits':
Triiodothyronine,Free,Serum --3.8 pq/ml------2.3--4.2
T4,Free(Direct) -------------------1.31 ng/dl-----0.61--1.76
Testosterone, Serum------------526 ng/dl------246---832
Free testosteron(Direct)------ 13.9 pg/ml-----6.8---21.5
DHEA-Sulfate--------------------- 160 ug/dl------95---530
Estradiol -----------------------------33 pg/ml-------0-----53

I have only had two test. The tests were a year apart. The 2nd test result was not much different than the first, so I didn't keep the lab report.
Is is customary to get multiple tests in a short period of time and establish a range?

 

[niightz]

You do not seem to need trt, just sayin....

 

[RobertD1885]

You do not seem to need trt, just sayin....

maybe not. Or we might just have a different definition of 'need'. My doctor explained that what is most important is what my current level is relative to what it was 10 or 20 years ago. As I understand it, it is possible my total test level averaged 800 20 years ago, but it is only 530 now, thus I would be a candidate for HRT. But I don't have any such comparable data from 20 years ago.

Conversely someone that had averaged 350 through his 20s, and is now 48YO and measures 325 may not be actually in 'need' of HRT.

 

[ProfPump]

Without significant symptoms, I still have to wonder why you are looking for replacement because that is what it is, not supplementation. you don't just "top off" your T levels because exogenous T shuts down your HPTA.

Your E2 is a tad high but again, without significant symptoms why treat? It could make things worse. Too high and your libido goes in the dumpster, too low and even Viagra can't get it up.

My advice, leave well enough alone. And, this is from someone who is an advocate for HRT.

 

[M.P.]

Without significant symptoms, I still have to wonder why you are looking for replacement because that is what it is, not supplementation. you don't just "top off" your T levels because exogenous T shuts down your HPTA.

Your E2 is a tad high but again, without significant symptoms why treat? It could make things worse. Too high and your libido goes in the dumpster, too low and even Viagra can't get it up.

My advice, leave well enough alone. And, this is from someone who is an advocate for HRT.

Yeah but if that's the case what about Sylvester Stallone... he is obviously a huge advocate of Growth Hormone Replacement, he even got busted with a stash at the airport. I myself at age 47 understand the need for some type of help to improve overall health, including libido and increase energy levels. I for instance have noticed a tremendous decline in sex drive over the last couple of years. All I'm saying is he has a point.

 

[ProfPump]

Yeah but if that's the case what about Sylvester Stallone... he is obviously a huge advocate of Growth Hormone Replacement, he even got busted with a stash at the airport. I myself at age 47 understand the need for some type of help to improve overall health, including libido and increase energy levels. I for instance have noticed a tremendous decline in sex drive over the last couple of years. All I'm saying is he has a point.

So now you think you need GH. You do know that GH and Testosterone are not the same thing, right?

What makes you think you are low? What were your levels of IGF-1 and IGF-BP3?

 

[kingplaya4]

Doesn't free T look suboptimal guys?

 

[ProfPump]

Doesn't free T look suboptimal guys?

Free testosteron(Direct)------ 13.9 pg/ml-----6.8---21.5

Range = (21.5-6.8) = 14.7

He is 7.1 units above the bottom of the range (13.9-6.8 = 7.1)

7.1/14.7 = .48, or 48% above the bottom of the range. In other words, he is right in the middle of the range, not what I would call suboptimal.

Now having said that, I shoot for the top 1/3 in my own HRT but all my numbers were below range to start with. I would be afraid that if he started supplementing he would wind up worse that when he started as his starting point is pretty good.

If he were to start supplementing, he would shut down his own production and his balls would shrink. His E2 might begin to rise and there would be that to deal with. I would look elsewhere for ways to improve how he feels.

If he wants to pursue it, he should get with a good medical advisor who will evaluate all his hormone levels, get a complete history along with symptoms, and review his lifestyle factors.

 

[Dial_tone]

Wanting HRT and needing HRT are two different things. Stallone and the OP both wanted it, despite not necessarily needing it. If you want it why bother with justification? You're an adult.

 

[thelion2005]

Sure. My dr always wanted my testo blood results to be at the top of the range BUT without high blood pressure or harmful cholesterol. Remember ... HRT is for health, not freaky muscles.

You wanna be freaky? Then you must go to the dark side. LOL I wan't on HRT for more than a year
and wanted more dramatic results. Only human aren't we?

 

[RobertD1885]

If you want it why bother with justification? You're an adult.

Primarily because technically HGH is classified as a class III controlled substance where I live and possession could be prosecuted as a felony . But I also wanted feedback from people on HRT.