posted Sat, 07/27/2013 - 01:39
2668
+ 1 TRT with "normal" levels - How many started anyway
ad
I'm curious how many people have decided to do TRT even with their T levels within the normal (but low side) range and if it makes a difference in quality of life.
For example. If someone were in the 400-500 range feels ok, but not great. You know you feel great jacked up on high test amounts but if TRT gets you from 400-500 to 600-800, does that really make much of a difference on quality of life (libido, well being, etc).
- Bookmark
- 1
- 0
There is nothing normal about the lab reference range. Is has nothing to do with health. When a lab adds a test they must establish a range for the analyte. They use a reference group of their patients, run a statistical analysis on the population based on the 95% confidence interval and a reference range is created.
Since young, healthy men are generally not getting tested, the reference range is skewed toward the ill. Only 2.5% of the population will have levels lower than the older, sicklier population in the reference group.
So, regardless of age, total testosterone levels less than 550 ng/ml are generally associated with increased mortality and morbidity.
You should also evaluate
Cortisol
Thyroid
Hgh
Estradiol
Hey Klon, that post describes exactly what I was suspecing regarding normal ranges; sampling bias.
I have been trying to convince my father to seek testing. He simply can't seem to lose a lot of weight. Its like his BMR is half of what it should be. I know, thermogenics, calories in calories out. Hes working his ass off in the gym and eating right (270lbs, eating ~2000-2200cals/day). He's on a rediculous amount of drugs for high blood pressure and all kinds of other obesity related bullsh!t.
Anyway, he is a scholarly man and would be persuaded by any sort of study. He has complete faith in his doctor and their 'normal ranges'. If anyone could provide a link to an article detailing or at least alluding to the above posted I would be much obliged.
I tested low 320ng/dl and t4 was off too. My doc put me on synthriod for hypothyroidism it brought my test levels up to 385 and she said that was good enough. I have been on a blast cruise for the last year and while I have gained muscle lost fat and had my libedo go through the roof I can honostly say I really don't feel any better. I do blood work regularly to make sure estro is in check and that test levels are where I want them (800 on cruise) but still I feel like I should have more energy and drive. Maybe I have over looked something but at 52 yo I think I should feel better than I do.
QtripsYou could still be hypothyroid. T4 is not a good indicator of thyroid status. You need free T4, free T3, and reverse T3.
Mine was on the very very bottom of the "normal" range. My wife pushed me to get on it, because she said our marriage was turning into "The Ropers" from Three's Company. She was chasing me around and I was faking headaches. It was hurting our relationship.
My life has changed dramatically since then, and the roles have reversed. I feel better in just about every possible way. Only issues I've had is oily skin and body breaking out.
First Dr I went to told me to take Zinc but refused to give me any T because I was still "Normal", WTF. Second one was more about making me feel good and helped me out.
Bottom line is its made a huge difference in my life and potentially saved my marriage (or at least kept it on track).
QtripsI was on the low side and went on trt. It's changed my quality of life a little (I have other issues I'm working on), but the main thing is it adds muscle and burns fat. Facial hair gets a little darker and grows quicker too. My levels are 1200 on 90 mg test and some hcg.
Wow 1200 i bet you feel awsome!
QtripsIf the 1.5 was for TSH then we still have no idea about your thyroid. TSH is generally useless. And a doctor cannot refuse you your lab results. Sue that piece of shit. I posted my opinions in some posts within the top 5 or 6 threads under the trt board, please look for them and read them. And nope, 1200 and felt like shit. That's the theme I try to help with, and yes, I understand that some guys really may just have low t due to no other factors, but I didn't fall into that case. I'm still hypothyroid and have adrenal problems, and all the t in the world isn't going to make me feel better when those problems still persist.
Mine was 385 last time i checked so TRT has definitely crossed my mind, only thing is im 22 and i would like kids some day so i want to hold back on trt. Although on 385 i do feel like shit so trt is very tempting
Qtrips385 at 22? Man, you have any bloods to post other than sex hormones? Like your thyroid, anything?
My thyroid was 1.5 on a scale of 1-5, for some reason the doctor didn't let me see the other results :/
QtripsI'm going to post my comments on your comment above so we have one spot and not two.
For me I was on the extreme low end naturally, around 100-200. I have bloodwork that I put up here of my natural levels. For me trt definitely changed my quality of life lol. The thing is you're not going to find many guys that are going to use an amount that puts them between 600-800. My trt is 250mg/week and .25mg adex eod and I feel amazing. I'mActually doing bloods in a couple days to see where 250mg/week puts my levels
QtripsVery interested to see those labs. Do you have any reference as to what your levels were on a lower dose, like 100 or something, so we could compare how much they raised from being on 250?
250mg is alot for trt i bet its going to be 850+
I just posted this....1 cc a week of Test C from Hullk or Big D's Test E 300...too much for me....
http://www.eroids.com/pics/damn-it-big-d-and-hulk
I'm coming down to 1/2 cc a week. Will re test in about 4 weeks.
I had a look and damn that was some strong testosterone you had! Lol. Also i sent you a FR i got a few questions about running your own TRT if you wouldn't mind helping me out abit
Accepted.
I know thats a lot but 1000 level test isnt bad, my doctor is ok with keeping me around 1000 all year round
Im interested in what people have to say about this