Needing some help, low test levels

[laborer]

So I have been having some issues mostly with sleep, fatigue ,depression, and some other things. Anyways talked to my physician and he totally blew me off. So I went on my own for a blood test low and behold I have a total test level of 240. I am a 33 year old male relatively good health but unable to work out due to an injury I suffered at work (only allowed to walk). Havent gained or lost weight since injury ( had abs no longer do) since I primarly eat clean.
Now not sure where to turn currently looking for a new physician since my last completely failed me. I would like to go on trt but don't want androgel since I have kids. I also have insurance and believe with my levels so low that it should be covered.
I am located in chicago so if anyone knows of good doctors or a trt specialist that excepts insurance it would greatly be appreciated.

 

[Zyglamail]

Check out the sticky thread at the top of this forum about low T. Your pretty young to need TRT.

 

[zazen5]

There have been studies on zinc intake related to increasing testosterone. Zinc citrate 50 mg daily is ideal. You dont want to go overboard with minerals because all of them interact with each other and balance in the body for safety is critical. Additionally eating lots of onions has been shown in fertility studies on rats in Iran to augment testosterone. Vitamin D3 is also another natural steroid that you can take, around 5000-6000 units daily.

 

[Zyglamail]

Vitamin D3 is also another natural steroid that you can take, around 5000-6000 units daily.

Vitamins also work together and with minerals. That much D3 will invariably cause issue if not combined with vit A. Your A to D ratio should be about 5:1. And with it you need ample vit K.

Increasing vit D also increases need for magnesium, another mineral that when in short supply can affect test levels.

Thyroid function is a big contributor to test levels as well. When thyroid isnt functioning optimally you wont have adequate sex hormones, many studies show this.

What most studies dont show is that >90% of the population is deficient in iodine which is needed for thyroid hormone production. Also selenium is another item often deficient and plays a huge rile in thyroid function.

Just note your thyroid labs can be in range and still not functioning optimally. Also not that many symptoms of hypothyroid are also the same as low test.

 

[Labtec70]

Hi Lab

I'm in the Uk so cannot recommend any doctors in your area, but I'm sure there will be loads of Male Health Physicians or similar, in your locality.

240ng/dl is pretty low and if you feel as rough as you say you are, then I think it does warrant further investigation. Unfortunately, I'm not a Platinum member and so cannot view the details you attached.
Did your blood work include: LH/FSH, and free or Bioavailable Testosterone? Did they at all measure your levels of prolactin, progesterone, and/or oestriadol, oestrogen (E2?

Basically, if you are hypogonadal it is important to understand why, and hence, what sort of hypogonadism it is you have. There are two distinct types: Primary Hypogonadism, and Secondary Hypogonadism. A third type, and somewhat rarer than the other two is called Central Hypogonadism, which is essentially a combination of Primary and Secondary Hypogonadism.

Primary Hypogonadism: is low testosterone caused by a malfunctioning testicle(s). The gonads aren't capable of producing normal levels of testosterone. This is usually the type that necessitates hormone therapy in the form of gels, patches, pellets, or injections of testosterone.

Secondary Hypogonadism: is also known by various other names depending on specific diagnosis: hypogonadotropic or hypopituitary hypogonadism. These types are primarily due to the malfunctioning of the pituitary gland. The pituitary releases the hormone LH (Luteinising Hormone), which is the hormone produced to instruct the testes to release testosterone. The same gland also secretes FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), which is responsible for ensuring testicular production of sperm. A pituitary related issue that results in failure to produce adequate mounts of either hormone LH/FSH, will likely cause low testosterone and symptoms thereof.

Secondary Hypogonadism usually responds well to exogenous testosterone supplementation, like in Primary Hypogonadism cases. However, the good news is, if you are diagnosed as Secondary Hypogonadal, patients might be able to employ Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) as a therapy. Clomid is a drug which increases production of LH and associated hormones, that, in turn, instruct the testicles to produce testosterone. Many doctors are now trialling this version of therapy on their patients, usually with outstanding results. I know of three Secondary Hypogonadal males who failed to respond well to testosterone therapy, but did massively well on Clomid.

Clomid is also cheaper to buy, easier to administer (tablets) vs. injections, and overall safer to take than other forms of HRT. Clomid also has no effect on the production of your natural testosterone upon discontinuation of the medication. However, hypogonadism is usually a life-long condition, and Clomid will probably have to be used for many years.

Simply put: if you are found to hypogonadal and requiring treatment, find out which type of condition you have. If it is a pituitary related problem then Clomid would probably be a safer, cheaper, and much more effective treatment option than testosterone therapy, which you are averse to.

All the very best.
Craig