Rate my T-Levels...

[72Norton]

Hey guys,

I'm a newbie on this forum. I'm 33, 6'1", 168lbs, 12% BF and have never done an AS cycle. I'm an ametuer cyclist and spend about 6-8 hours a week training (gym and bike). I just had my testosterone levels tested at my doctors office. The results were as follows:

Total Test 401
Free Test 11.52

As I understand, these numbers are on the low end of the normal spectrum. Here are my questions:

1. What range would my t numbers need to be in order to add muscle & strength?

2. How can I naturally increase these numbers?

3. Any suggestions as far as workouts, supplements, reading materials?

Thanks a mil,

-S

 

[lanky]

level does seem a little low, though a few hours later if you had the same total and free testosterone labwork done levels could have been higher/or lower, to validate (low normal) ranges there should be a few test done over a designated period...What were your primary symptoms or resons for the doctor visit, time of onset? was this a primary physician or endocrine specialist? are you currently taking any medication? Any known previous medical conditions that could impact testicular function, diabetes, varicocele ,trauma, pituitary/hypothalmus abnormalities etc... we will worry about your questions 1,2 and 3 once i can get a better picture of whats going on.

 

[72Norton]

Lanky,

Thanks for your reply. I went to see my general practitioner for a routine physical. I haven't had one in years and he suggested that I come in. I've never had any injuries or disease to speak of. I take zoloft and have had a decrease in sex drive (could be from the zoloft). Also, I was just curious about my T - Levels so I had my doc test them while I was having other tests done.

-S

 

[lanky]

If the result of 400 ng/dl was highlighted on the labwork( different parameters are set by different labs, in some cases 300 ng/dl will not be an abnormal reading, abnormal ranges for some start at approx 450-480). Yes a common side effect of SSRI is sexual dyfunction,,now there has to be differentiation between if these symptoms if from the SSRI or from (low normal) testosterone. its the chicken or the egg theory with this one, what came first- sexual problems from low test ,or from the disorder that requires SSRI, or the SSRI itself..you should schedule a follow up appointment and discuss this openly with your doctor. As far as muscle and strength goes, it is highly varried, and not well documented on how a individaul responds going from a (low normal) to a normal range. As far as reading material goes, just a basic nutrition book from the library,try and pick up one that is more adult oriented and highly detailed,,,as far as endocrine systems goendocrine search . be sure to check on the box that says (All Endocrine Journals) in red type, ,more hit results will occur.........

 

[RottenWillow]

72, you didnt mention if you were taking any rx meds for androgenic alopecia or enlarged prostate. The primary side effect of drugs like finasteride and dustasteride is decreased T production.

In his posts, Lanky sort of got at what I was thinking, which is a single test really isnt very informative. All sorts of things can cause a temporary drop in T production. Repeated testing is the only way to uncover chronically low T.

And even if your T is consistently low, it could just be a function of your lifestyle, like insuffient sleep, stress, diet, caffiene and/or alcohol consumption, and frequent, intense cardio.

 

[thelion2005]

Hey guys,

I'm a newbie on this forum. I'm 33, 6'1", 168lbs, 12% BF and have never done an AS cycle. I'm an ametuer cyclist and spend about 6-8 hours a week training (gym and bike). I just had my testosterone levels tested at my doctors office. The results were as follows:

Total Test 401
Free Test 11.52

As I understand, these numbers are on the low end of the normal spectrum. Here are my questions:

1. What range would my t numbers need to be in order to add muscle & strength?

2. How can I naturally increase these numbers?

3. Any suggestions as far as workouts, supplements, reading materials?

Thanks a mil,

-S

My opinion:

Test is at low end of range. Anti-aging Docs go for 1,000
Free test very low. They go for 50.
DHT? This is also important. Keep it at 500

As mentioned, these findings could be the result of extreme cardio or even time of day.

Tough to increase these levels without some medication. Might happen if you biked less and lifted more.

Some products that are called supplements are reported to raise testo levels. If you look at the ads from some of the big names you'll see what they offer.

Even though you are very young, an Anti-aging Doc who administers HRT can help you.

Good luck.

 

[72Norton]

Thanks again for the replys,

I took the test at 9:00 AM. The previous evening I had done a 20 mile bike ride ( average heart rate about 150) and had a few beers with friends. Maybe that lowered my numbers.

-S

 

[lanky]

Thanks again for the replys,

I took the test at 9:00 AM. The previous evening I had done a 20 mile bike ride ( average heart rate about 150) and had a few beers with friends. Maybe that lowered my numbers.

-S

that could do it , did you know acute and/or chronic alcohol use could lower T levels before the bloodwork

 

[72Norton]

that could do it , did you know acute and/or chronic alcohol use could lower T levels before the bloodwork

I figured binge drinking and chronic drinking could have an impact but I didn't realize that 2 beers would cause any change.

-s