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How to interpret testosterone results? And what to do about it?

Posted on 6/6/19 at 11:15 am
Posted by StringedInstruments
Member since Oct 2013
18426 posts
Posted on 6/6/19 at 11:15 am
Nurse just called after my physical yesterday and said my testosterone level was 3.3. It's on the lower end of normal range, but the doctor said there's nothing to do or worry about. Do another test next year to see if it's decreasing. I've had some issues with general fatigue and a bit of a lower sex drive, which is why they tested.

Been doing some reading, and I'm wondering a few things. I ate a heavy, fatty meal the night before. Ran 6 miles a few hours before the blood was drawn and ate eggs cooked in butter (fatty meal) with a banana. Might this have impacted the results?

Outside of the inevitable onset of AIDS, what are some natural ways y'all have found to boost testosterone? I run long distance and do light weight lifting. Eat a heavy fat and carb diet. Get about 75-100 grams of protein a day. 5'7 165 pounds if it matters.
This post was edited on 6/6/19 at 11:16 am
Posted by SabiDojo
Open to any suggestions.
Member since Nov 2010
83940 posts
Posted on 6/6/19 at 11:34 am to
I’d go to a doc recommended by gym bros instead of some poor postured Patrick who only sees sissy boy patients all day
Posted by Rep520
Member since Mar 2018
10420 posts
Posted on 6/6/19 at 12:36 pm to
quote:

Outside of the inevitable onset of AIDS, what are some natural ways y'all have found to boost testosterone?


It's a bold plan.

Compound exercises and maintaining a healthy weight with higher muscle mass would be my first things.

Eat 150 g protein a day. If you're not lifting, start Greyskull or Candito LP. Keep overall calories managed and sugar low.
Posted by WaydownSouth
Stratton Oakmont
Member since Nov 2018
8179 posts
Posted on 6/6/19 at 2:04 pm to
quote:

what are some natural ways y'all have found to boost testosterone?


Nothing natural is going to have any significant impact on testosterone. As someone said, you weigh 165 pounds. I would try to eat 150-175g of protein a day. If you really think you have low T, then you need to go to a Low T center instead of your regular doc. Tell them your dick doesn’t work.
Posted by Popths
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2016
3968 posts
Posted on 6/6/19 at 7:39 pm to
My testosterone level result is always read as a number but not single digit. I was told that 600 is normal. I was in the 200’s. Now am on T therapy.
Posted by PEPE
Member since Jun 2018
8198 posts
Posted on 6/7/19 at 1:39 am to
There are two different types of testosterone tests, that's why you're discussing two diff scales of numbers.

There's a "total" test, which is what it sounds like, measures all detectible testosterone, even that which is "bound" and not bio available. Values for it run like say 300-1000 normal ballpark looks like, varying by age range. It's in like ng/dL or something.

The other test is actually more useful and typically what people are talking about when discussing testosterone numbers. It measures "free" testosterone, that is testosterone that is unbound and biological available to the body. This # is actually most important in terms of function. It's obviously related to the total # as if your total is low, your free will likely be as well. The free number you typically see a range of like 4.0 - 15.0 for the values (if also in ng/dL), but the decimal places can vary depending on the scale used.

If you're getting a test test, probably a good idea to do both to get a complete picture of what's going on.
This post was edited on 6/7/19 at 2:19 am
Posted by PEPE
Member since Jun 2018
8198 posts
Posted on 6/7/19 at 1:53 am to
OP 3.3 (assuming it's a free measurement) is def low, even for an older man. Feel free to do some independent research. If you really wanted T therapy you could get a Dr to prescribe it I'm sure.

There are various possible side effects and nuisances to consider, but it sounds like the benefits would be good for you. You suspected you were low and were after all.

You can also try lifestyle changes. Lift weights, eat better, take some zinc supplements, stop drinking/smoking if applicable, get good sleep. Those things can naturally help.

But ya read up on everything pros and cons. Talk to drs. Don't make any decisions based on my or anyone else's posts.
This post was edited on 6/7/19 at 2:22 am
Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
31234 posts
Posted on 6/7/19 at 7:54 am to
I assume by the number you posted you are speaking of free test like pepe said. First, that is still low, second without getting total test number you have no way to know what the issue is. You are only seeing a small part of the bigger picture.

Yes all the things listed will impact results, but I would still be concerned.

Don't go see a low t center, most are quakes but on the opposite end of the spectrum from a GP. It's a option but only if there are no better options. I would first find a good urologist and ask to be referred to him and have your blood work sent over and do another test in 12 weeks making sure you eat well and exercise consistently u til then. From there post your blood work and a couple here can help along with a good urologist.

Don't take no for an answer or the generic, it's in the normal range, as an answer either. That range is for 18-80 year man and unless they use the charts adjusted for age, then it's bullshite.
Posted by tke_swamprat
Houma, LA
Member since Aug 2004
9769 posts
Posted on 6/7/19 at 10:29 am to
We were talking about this at work (surgery dept) on Monday with one our urologist. He was saying how dermatologist and other specialties are pumping ppl with pellets and other forms of test. He’s had some 50-60 yr olds with test of 1500 which is like being in puberty. And then you have the inactive younger ppl who want to get on test instead of eating and working out to help produce natural test.

Posted by litenin
Houston
Member since Mar 2016
2352 posts
Posted on 6/7/19 at 11:12 am to
I just had my first ever testosterone test and sounds like it was the total version. I requested it from my GP even though they seemed to initially discourage it. They discouraged it primarily because I didn't have any symptoms of low T, basically I felt like I was as good of shape as ever at 40 years old. I just wanted a baseline for future reference, similar to how I now track cholesterol, blood pressure, etc.

My results unexpectedly were low, around 250ish. I read an article that claimed levels can vary quite a bit, even to the point that three different testers may come up with three wildly different numbers on the same sample. I also recall that I had a few nights without good sleep before getting tested. I want to eventually get it tested again, although not worrying about it too much yet. Also wondering if I've always had lower than normal levels. I don't get emotional about little things or have the stereotypical problems that can be associated with too high levels.
Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
31234 posts
Posted on 6/7/19 at 10:25 pm to
Yea they can, need to establish a baseline tends. Get it tested every two weeks first thing in the morning, 3 or 4 times to get this. From there, you will know if exercise and diet alone will help by testing after starting those. If not, look into try only if you are having symptoms and are done having kids
Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
31234 posts
Posted on 6/7/19 at 10:34 pm to
Doctors are no different than any other job field, some good, some shitty, and some with plain shitty ethics.

The people you are talking about are those doctors. frick the long term consequences, make them feel 18 again. It's one thing to allow a patient to blast higher doses for 12 weeks, even though that still didn't smart, then to have the patient who is 50+ at the top of the range. Doing that brings in so many possible side effects.

That is why I am so educated on the subject. I went through some shitty doctors and when they couldn't answer my questions, I fired them. I now have over of the best doctors in the world and he actually listens to me. Before I had to embarrass the doctor on his lack of knowledge to get him to listen.

Free I keep my levels between 600-900 sitting for the 700-800 range specifically, which is higher end for mid to late 30s.
Posted by magildachunks
Member since Oct 2006
32482 posts
Posted on 6/8/19 at 1:16 am to
quote:

Been doing some reading,





First things first: do not confuse your Google search with your doctor's degree.
Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
31234 posts
Posted on 6/8/19 at 3:02 pm to
When it comes to make hormones, most doctors should do some googling cause they don't know shite
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