Confused about low testosterone blood test results...

[Bananaman]

Hello Everyone

I am a 31 year old male from the UK and I believe I have had low testosterone levels since I hit puberty. I train 3 to 4 times a week, I try to lift heavy but find it very difficult. I have the classic mental and physical symptoms that you all know about. Anyhow I went to my GP and he didn't seem to know much about low testosterone (common in the UK) so I am currently in talks to see a hormone specialist.

Here are some blood results from 2011-present

2011 (23 years old)

FSH 0.9 (1.5-11.4)
LH 3.9 (1.7-8.6)
Prolactin 374 (86-324)
Testosterone 13.9 (76-31.4)
DHT 1.07 (1.13-4.13)
SHBG 24 (14-78)
Free Androgen Index 57.9 (22-104)

2019 (31 years old)

FSH 1.01 (1.5-12.4)
LH 5.29 (1.7-8.6)
Oestradiol 157 (41-159)
Testosterone 13.1 (8.64-29)
Free Testosterone Calculated 0.279 (0.2-0.62)
Prolactin 225 (86-324)
TSH 2.49 (0.27-4.2)
Free T3 6.1 (3.1-6.8)
Free Thyroixne 15.8 (12-22)

My questions are:

1. Why has my FSH showed up low on both occasions whilst my LH is normal, do I have a testes related deficiency?

2. I want to have children in the near future so if I start TRT even with the combination of HCG, will it take me longer to than someone who doesn't take exogenous TRT?

3. Can I just use HCG along with a strict diet and exercise regimen and see if that increases my T-levels?

I am sorry if I made this long and confusing but a BIG thank you to those who can provide any clarity.















My questions are: 1. Why has my FSH results been so low for so long

 

[Cataceous]

Hello Everyone
...
1. Why has my FSH showed up low on both occasions whilst my LH is normal, do I have a testes related deficiency?

2. I want to have children in the near future so if I start TRT even with the combination of HCG, will it take me longer to than someone who doesn't take exogenous TRT?

3. Can I just use HCG along with a strict diet and exercise regimen and see if that increases my T-levels?
...

Not sure about your FSH, but it may have some bearing on your fertility. If having children is a priority then you might consider deferring TRT and taking Clomid in the meantime. Or, for additional insurance bank some sperm before starting TRT. It's true that many men retain some fertility on TRT + hCG, and further that stopping TRT restores fertility in most cases. Note Dr. Saya's fertility ranking:

A *very* generalized ranking of relative fertilities (with top being most fertile):

1. Clomid/SERM treatment
2(A). HCG + HMG (or lyophilized FSH)
2(B). Baseline no treatment (no HPTA suppression via TRT, AAS, HCG mono, etc) - assuming no significant degree of primary/secondary/tertiary dysfunction.
3(A). HCG monotherapy (does in fact result in HPTA suppression, especially at higher doses, but *may* move up to #2 in select cases of SECONDARY/TERTIARY hypogonadism)
3(B). TRT + HCG (as we know many men are still able to maintain adequate fertility to conceive)
4. TRT/AAS with no concurrent HCG.
Ref

 

[Bananaman]

Not sure about your FSH, but it may have some bearing on your fertility. If having children is a priority then you might consider deferring TRT and taking Clomid in the meantime. Or, for additional insurance bank some sperm before starting TRT. It's true that many men retain some fertility on TRT + hCG, and further that stopping TRT restores fertility in most cases. Note Dr. Saya's fertility ranking:

A *very* generalized ranking of relative fertilities (with top being most fertile):

1. Clomid/SERM treatment
2(A). HCG + HMG (or lyophilized FSH)
2(B). Baseline no treatment (no HPTA suppression via TRT, AAS, HCG mono, etc) - assuming no significant degree of primary/secondary/tertiary dysfunction.
3(A). HCG monotherapy (does in fact result in HPTA suppression, especially at higher doses, but *may* move up to #2 in select cases of SECONDARY/TERTIARY hypogonadism)
3(B). TRT + HCG (as we know many men are still able to maintain adequate fertility to conceive)
4. TRT/AAS with no concurrent HCG.
Ref

Fantastic, I get it now. I did read about clomid before but I kept hearing about the terrible side effects in forums like this one e.g. vision problems and in particular mood swings which I am prone to anyway. I forgot to mention I did do a semen analysis that showed a 53 million total count which is not too bad but could better for someone my age.

 

[Cataceous]

Side effects are indeed possible with Clomid, but more prevalent at higher doses. It's safer to start with low doses, such as 12.5 mg EOD, and titrate up if needed. Subjective results with Clomid are on average not nearly as good as with TRT. Some guys do very well with it, but I'd say the majority does not. That's why I'd use it to help with fertility, but then switch to TRT for the long run.

 

[Bananaman]

Ok my man thanks very much.

 

[Systemlord]

Most men need free hormones at the top of the ranges to feel good, your testosterone is pretty low for your age.

 

[Bananaman]

Yeah tell me about it, the symptoms are sometimes unbearable. Will hopefully find out soon.

 

[HealthMan]

Get a sperm analysis BEFORE starting any protocol. With your low FSH levels you might have fertility issues already. Having this information before starting any protocol is key for future guidance

 

[Bananaman]

Yes I think so too. I had 1 already but defo need another one.