Low T? [Testosterone]
Hello All,
I know this is a sleep apnea forum but was wondering if anyone has experience with low T. I just had my blood tested and my Testosterone was 340 which according to my doctor and internet search is in normal range. However, I am only 33 years old, so the idea that I should feel great with that number is kinda weird. I would imagine that I should be at least somewhere around 600/700. I wonder If that has something to do with me feeling tired and having hard time to wake up. Suggestions?
RE: Low T?
From what I have read and discussed with my doctor, testosterone levels and its effects haven't been very well researched. There can be other causes for tiredness; low thyroid does it, for instance, and men are hardly ever tested. And, oh, yes, sleep apnea is not uncommon in men your age.
Ask your doctor about the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for a simple non-invasive test for the possibility of sleep disturbances - of which sleep apnea is only one.
RE: Low T?
(09-15-2017, 10:55 AM)pholynyk Wrote: From what I have read and discussed with my doctor, testosterone levels and its effects haven't been very well researched. There can be other causes for tiredness; low thyroid does it, for instance, and men are hardly ever tested. And, oh, yes, sleep apnea is not uncommon in men your age.
Ask your doctor about the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for a simple non-invasive test for the possibility of sleep disturbances - of which sleep apnea is only one.
Thx pholynyk my Thyroid was checked manyyyy times and it is always good. I believe I had that test done with my sleep specialist, that's probably what convince him to suggest CPAP (besides the sleep study).
09-15-2017, 11:05 AM
(This post was last modified: 09-15-2017, 03:36 PM by Sleeprider.)
RE: Low T?
I think a level under 200 is diagnostic of hypogonadism and at 340, most doctors will not recommend supplements or replacement. The big problem is that once you start injecting or applying testosterone, you become fully dependent on exogenous sources to maintain any level. T replacement is also not without its potential side-effects.
At your age, I would expect a higher level of testosterone, and you probably know levels can be adversely affected by weight and other health problems. I think when I tested at 181 it was the result of a severe case of neuro Lyme's and extended antibiotics. At that level I was really not feeling well at all, and felt fatigue, brain fog and lack of motivation among other things. I now inject T-cypionate and maintain about 500-600 ng/dL.
At your age, I would avoid direct testosterone injection and consider other hormone therapy that stimulates natural production. You would need a workup that evaluate FSH and LH (follicle stimulating and lutinizing hormones) and see if there is an imbalance that explains the low T. Working at that end of the hormone production cycle can avoid side-effects like sterility that is more likely with direct T replacement.
RE: Low T?
The reference range of testosterone is 250-1100 (ng/dL). With 330, you are within the norm. I wouldn't worry about that since at 330 insurance won't pay for hormone replacement therapy, nor should a doctor suggest you do that unless there are other circumstances which would require it, and HRT has a truck load of other things that go with it that must be monitored. If you are concerned, best to just monitor it for now and get a range over time to see if this wasn't just a one time fluke.
Also with testosterone tests, labs will have a disclaimer that the testing methods are not cleared or approved by the FDA. That the assay was validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes yada yada.
RE: Low T?
I went to see an endocrinologist (I think that is the right name) for low T. He said that when someone presents with low T and has not been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, the first thing he suggests is a sleep test. So there is a connection there. I think that supplementing has helped my sleep. My level was at the very, very bottom of the "normal" range.
RE: Low T?
Thank you all for your reply.
I know that my number is in 'normal range' but I personally feel like it should be way more at my age with no major weight issues. I will test myself again in a week and this time also free testosterone as well as Estrogen? Will see.... Thank again!!
RE: Low T?
Check vitamin D and lutenizing hormone LH.
RE: Low T?
Search Google Scholar as there is a wealth of new material (especially from Dr Swerdloff and his wife Dr Wu) who are well-respected leaders in the field whose results endorse the treatment of men in the "low normal range" with testosterone if (and only if) they are clinically symptomatic.
They refute the idea that there should be a magic cut-off, but rather individuals in the low-normal range may be good candidates for TRT if they are suffering classic symptoms.
There are other researchers who have reached the same conclusions.
"Normal" isn't optimal and at 330 a 33-year-old is neither "normal" or optimal.
Do look at the latest high-quality research. It backs TRT in qualifying cases.
Bill
RE: Low T?
(09-18-2017, 03:50 PM)Spy Car Wrote: "Normal" isn't optimal and at 330 a 33-year-old is neither "normal" or optimal.
No one can back that statement up with any facts.
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