HRT Candidate?

[thedreamthief]

Just got back my testosterone test results 34yrs old:

Profile/Panel/Test Value Unit Normal Range
TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL 373 ng/dL 250-1100

TESTOSTERONE, FREE PERCENT 2.79 % 1.00-3.10

FREE TESTOSTERONE 104.1 pg/mL 35.0-155.0


Total Test seems low to me.

I have been experiencing some symptoms of it such as fatigue, slight loss of sex drive, etc.

To complicate matters, I have been on a low dose of Prednisone for the last 4 months (higher doses for the previous 4 months .. 8 months total so far, have to stay on for 12 months total).

Anyone have any input on this? Can the Prednisone affect Test levels? If not, does it seem like I may be a candidate for HRT?

Thanks.

 

[JetCityDude]

You are low and a Urologist would prescribe.
It is more important to find out why you are low. I think the Pregnisone can affect it.
You also need to get more blood tests done.
A list can be found at www.allthingsmale.com - publications.

 

[Zircon]

when was the test done? 8 am?

 

[thedreamthief]

when was the test done? 8 am?

No, it was closer to 12:30PM when I got my blood drawn. It was part of my yearly physical. I did not have anything to eat since midnight the night before, per Dr. orders. I am not sure if the fasting part will affect it. A lot of variables to consider.

Thanks for the help and info.

 

[Vertigo]

Why the long term prednisone?

 

[thedreamthief]

Why the long term prednisone?

In short, I am taking Prednisone for Sarcoidosis. Basically, sarcoids are small inflammatory nodules that, in my case, are occurring in my lungs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcoidosis

 

[thedreamthief]

I just spoke to my Pulmonologist who prescribed the Prednisone. She said it is possible that the Prednisone could lower my test levels.

I think I may make an appt with a Urologist just to be on the safe side.

 

[thelion2005]

Qualifying for and administering an HRT program is easy if all a person is looking for is to raise testo levels. Even Androgel will do that.

The disappointment comes when you take the added testo and you feel the same. And you don't pack on muscle.

So, as advised above, find out through an Endo what the underlying problem is. Then do some reading here and decide what you want to do. Pllease remember that a proper HRT program takes in all aspects of health improvement. This includes diet, exercise, recovery, supplements and drugs.

Also decide if you want HRT or cycles or both. Big difference.

 

[blz]

Actually the only lab value that really matters is your free testosterone, which is the form of testerone which is actually active in your body. It seems fine.

Although, I would be more worried about your Sarcoidosis and having to be on strong corticosterioids for an extended length of time. Extended overuse of prednisone will change your physical appearance to look more "Cushingoid" (look up Cushing Syndrome). You've probably noticed that your face seems fatter. Corticosteroids are also proteolytic and extremely catabolic if taken systemically. It sucks, but sarcoidosis is a pretty rare and nasty disease that can affect a lot more than the lungs - so it should be your first priority.

One more point to add, with respect to the prednisone shutting down your test. This is very possible as Cortisol (basically what Prednisone is) will feed back to your hypothalamus and pituitary and supress the release of ACTH. ACTH stimulates release of corticosteroids and androgens from your adrenals. Although the adrenal androgens are a very small part of the male's supply of androgens (most made from testes), there may be some overlap in the feedback pathway inhibiting some GnRH secretion which could suppress endogenous synthesis of testerone.