31, Got bloodwork and have low T

[NeilCartwright_01]

I'll be 31 next month, and after getting into hormone optimization a couple months ago i looked into TRT, got tested and my total T was 240 and my free was 7.8. I knew i didn't have the highest energy, but didnt expect it to be that low. I always made good gains in the gym but had other symptoms like low motivation, lack of energy etc.

Started researching and im more than likely going to get on TRT. Im concerned about testicle shrinkage and fertility. The clinic im going through will more than likely give enclomiphene along with TRT to help maintain testicle size and fertility. Although i know alot of people recommend HCG.

I've also seen some recommend to get a baseline of my sperm count now, to help plan fertility protocols later. I even thought about freezing sperm. Its alot to take it, trying not to make any rash decisions but also want to educate myself quickly so i can get some of these symptoms resolved.

 

[Systemlord]

I'll be 31 next month, and after getting into hormone optimization a couple months ago i looked into TRT, got tested and my total T was 240 and my free was 7.8. I knew i didn't have the highest energy, but didnt expect it to be that low.

That fact you didn't expect your hormone levels to be that low is very telling. It hints that your normal range may be on the lower end, not the higher end. Not every man is meant for high testosterone at peak at 21.

AR CAG repeat lengths long/short determines how sensitive to hormones one is and what constitutes normal levels for you.

Describe your lifestyle, do you exercise, do you eat healthy?

If the answer is no, then you shouldn't attempt TRT at this point until you clean up your lifestyle.

Now my TT is at 438 and FT 8.4 and my lifestyle at the time I started TRT was shit! I went on TRT and never felt right.

Until I stopped and cleaned up my lifestyle.

You need more testing than just hormones, a vitamin (Vit D) and mineral panel.

 

[NeilCartwright_01]

That fact you didn't expect your hormone levels to be that low is very telling. It hints that your normal range may be on the lower end, not the higher end. Not every man is meant for high testosterone at peak at 21.

AR CAG repeat lengths long/short determines how sensitive to hormones one is and what constitutes normal levels for you.

Describe your lifestyle, do you exercise, do you eat healthy?

If the answer is no, then you shouldn't attempt TRT at this point until you clean up your lifestyle.

Now my TT is at 438 and FT 8.4 and my lifestyle at the time I started TRT was shit! I went on TRT and never felt right.

Until I stopped and cleaned up my lifestyle.

You need more testing than just hormones, a vitamin (Vit D) and mineral panel.

I got CMP12+8AC; CBC With Differential/Platelet; Testosterone,Free and Total; Estradiol; Prostate-Specific Ag; Sex Horm Binding Glob, Serum. Everything was in range, except chloride was 107 mmol/L, and total and free test and SHBG was low.

My diet is ok and im lightly active (lift 2-3 times a week to maintain mass). I was in the military for 5 years and now work a desk job. I don't do cardio like i did in the military so i need to do better with that. I dont track macros like i used to but eyeball it. My normal weight 7 years ago was 210-215 and now im 233 so i need to lose weight. The old days of benching 275/squatting 400/deadlifting 455 from 19-23 are gone, i just want to maintain. I never had an issue in the gym tbh it was just the other symptoms now, like low energy, brain fog, just my mood in general isnt what it was in my early-mid twenties.

I always thought my levels had to be at least decent because of the gym aspect my whole life, but like i said i was surprised when i got tested. Im just trying to educate myself on the whole process/subject. I'll look into a vitamin and mineral panel, the place i go to for blood work offers same day appointments.

 

[Systemlord]

I was in the military for 5 years and now work a desk job.

Did you fire any shoulder fired rocket systems or did you suffer any concussions or blasts nearby?

 

[Phil Goodman]

How long have you had your symptoms and what have you done so far to try and improve them. I had lower levels in my early 30’s but was somewhat hesitant to jump on at that age and was able to get into a better place through improved exercise and cutting back a lot on alcohol. I was able to feel better for a few years but eventually the juice isn’t worth the squeeze with regard to his meticulous you have to be vs. how much better you can feel. Ended up getting on at age 39 and this will be my fourth year on. I don’t regret it at all and feel great for the most part. Sometimes so much so that I take it for granted, because I used to be exhausted almost every afternoon and now I can’t remember the last time I was.


To try and avoid rambling, I’d just say try to hold off if possible…but at the same time don’t live your life suffering with things that modern medicine will allow you to improve. If you do get on and want to maintain fertility then go the HCG route. If your doctor won’t provide it for you that’s a red flag, so find someone who will. My previous doctor not providing HCH is a huge reason I switched to Defy Medical. I’ve been with them ever since and am very pleased with treatment and service. But again, at your age I’d recommend trying to resolve it via other means first…but if that doesn’t work then I don’t see anything wrong with considering other options.