Hi everyone,
Posting here to get some insights from others who might have been through a similar physiological crash.
Context & Background:
Current Bloodwork (Both US & European Units):
Current Plan:
I am now stabilizing my weight around 78–80 kg, increasing healthy fats, taking ZMA, D3, completely abstaining from alcohol, and prioritizing sleep. Plan is to re-test in 4-6 weeks.
My Main Question:
Given how low these values are compared to my 2023 baseline (and knowing that Norway makes medical intervention very difficult to get unless numbers stay critically low over time), has anyone here experienced a crash this severe due to extreme personal stress, weight loss, and chronic sleep deprivation, and did your axis recover naturally on its own once lifestyle factors were stabilized?
Or is a crash of this magnitude (LH/FSH heavily suppressed, T at 2.2 nmol/L / ~63 ng/dL) typically something that requires medical intervention to break the vicious cycle?
Thanks for sharing any similar experiences or insights!
Caleb
Posting here to get some insights from others who might have been through a similar physiological crash.
Context & Background:
- Demographics: 49-year-old male from Norway (where regulations for TRT/hormone replacement are extremely strict). I have done strength training my entire life.
- Baseline History: Baseline bloodwork back in 2023 showed Total Testosterone at 15 nmol/L (~432 ng/dL) (Free T was not measured at the time).
- The Trigger: Went through a severe family crisis as my son was going through a critical illness that required 24/7 care and monitoring. Combined with an aggressive weight loss of 17 kg (37 lbs), dropping from 93 kg down to 76 kg.
- Sleep: Severe sleep disruption for 6–8 months (nightly deep sleep is practically nonexistent due to chronic hyper-vigilance and stress). Currently taking low-dose Quetiapine (25mg) for sleep.
- Symptoms: Severe brain fog, low energy/drive, physical tension/tightness across the forehead, poor recovery.
Current Bloodwork (Both US & European Units):
- Total Testosterone: 2.2 nmol/L | ~63.4 ng/dL (Extremely low; normal range ~300–1000 ng/dL)
- LH (Luteinizing Hormone): 1.3 IU/L | 1.3 mIU/mL (Suppressed; normal range ~1.7–8.6 mIU/mL)
- FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): 1.2 IU/L | 1.2 mIU/mL (Suppressed; normal range ~1.5–12.4 mIU/mL)
- ALT (Liver): 103 U/L (Elevated due to rapid weight loss/stress)
- Folate: Low (5 nmol/L)
- Vitamin D & Active B12: Normal / optimal
Current Plan:
I am now stabilizing my weight around 78–80 kg, increasing healthy fats, taking ZMA, D3, completely abstaining from alcohol, and prioritizing sleep. Plan is to re-test in 4-6 weeks.
My Main Question:
Given how low these values are compared to my 2023 baseline (and knowing that Norway makes medical intervention very difficult to get unless numbers stay critically low over time), has anyone here experienced a crash this severe due to extreme personal stress, weight loss, and chronic sleep deprivation, and did your axis recover naturally on its own once lifestyle factors were stabilized?
Or is a crash of this magnitude (LH/FSH heavily suppressed, T at 2.2 nmol/L / ~63 ng/dL) typically something that requires medical intervention to break the vicious cycle?
Thanks for sharing any similar experiences or insights!
Caleb
