Low testosterone

Author
Discussion

xx99xx

2,203 posts

79 months

Saturday 1st June
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Guv10 said:
I've just done a testosterone test with Thriva, results came back at 8.29 nmol/L. It's showing just below the normal range. Is that right? They have the normal range as between 8.64 and 29

To be honest I know nothing about it, got a few other tests done and added that one on.

Any suggestions, ideas?

They have suggested I try another test but make sure it's fasted and between 8am and 9am as results can fluctuate
8.29 is just below their normal range (8.64).

I say their normal range because reference ranges (normal range) varies from lab to lab. It used to be that anything below 8 was 'low' and between 8-12 could merit a trial of treatment or further investigation. Those were just NHS guidelines though which were rarely followed unless enough of a fuss was kicked up.

And yes, test first thing in the morning is what is always recommended as that's when T is supposedly at its highest.

  • Edit, apologies, not NHS guidelines but Endocrine Society guidance. Can be found via google. Which the NHS can follow or ignore as they see fit. But as I say, kick up enough of a fuss with a GP and they'll usually at least refer to an endo as they will probably be clueless as to the endocrine society and male hormones in general.
Edited by xx99xx on Saturday 1st June 19:54

Howitzer

2,857 posts

222 months

Sunday 2nd June
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272BHP said:
That is an awful lot of exogenous Testosterone for a TRT protocol. If your new protocol is correct then that works out at 196 mg of Testosterone a week - double what men usually use for TRT.

Has your doctor got an opinion on what is going on?
I’m pretty heavy at 20 stone and 25% body fat.

Also whether it be the dentists or at hospital, I end up getting a lot of stuff to block the pain etc. when I had surgery on my shoulder the person injected me to knock me out and after she counted with me to 10 I was still awake 😂

The doctor doesn’t seem too worried so neither am I, maybe ignorance is bliss?

Dave!

Legacywr

12,751 posts

194 months

Sunday 2nd June
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People on HCG, do you think it makes your semen globby?

Legacywr

12,751 posts

194 months

Monday 3rd June
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Legacywr said:
People on HCG, do you think it makes your semen globby?
... biggrin

CaiosH

1,336 posts

232 months

Monday 3rd June
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Legacywr said:
People on HCG, do you think it makes your semen globby?
No, tastes different though.

Legacywr

12,751 posts

194 months

Monday 3rd June
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CaiosH said:
Legacywr said:
People on HCG, do you think it makes your semen globby?
No, tastes different though.
biggrin

Funk

26,513 posts

215 months

Monday 3rd June
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I started my treatment today. I'm on:

  • 12.5mg / 0.1ml Testosterone Cypionate daily via subcutaneous injection
  • 100iu / 0.1ml HCG daily via subcutaneous injection
  • 5mg Tadalafil daily
  • 6.25mg Exemestane every 4 days (quarter tablet) = 1.6mg (delayed start until Friday)

The latter two medications are apparently to do with estradiol control/reduction, the Tadalafil should also have a benefit with my slightly elevated BP (usually around 155/85). Didn't even feel the jabs (one done by the doctor, the other I did myself). Still a little bit daunted by it all but really hoping to start feeling the benefits within a week or two.

Edited by Funk on Tuesday 4th June 10:51

Legacywr

12,751 posts

194 months

Tuesday 4th June
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Funk said:
I started my treatment today. I'm on:

  • 12.5mg / 0.1ml Testosterone Cypionate daily via subcutaneous injection
  • 100iu / 0.1ml HCG daily via subcutaneous injection
  • 5mg Tadalafil daily
  • 6.25mg Exemestane every 4 days (quarter tablet) = 1.6mg (delayed start until Friday)
The latter two medications are apparently to do with estradiol control/reduction, the Tadalafil should also have a benefit with my slightly elevated BP (usually around 155/85). Didn't even feel the jabs (one done by the doctor, the other I did myself). Still a little bit daunted by it all but really hoping to start feeling the benefits within a week or two.
I think you'll notice quicker than that.

How expensive are all these meds?

Dunclane

1,244 posts

175 months

Tuesday 4th June
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simons123 said:
How much is this costing you per month if you don't mind me asking?
TRT is £109 per month
HCG is £75 for 2 vials which will last 12 weeks
Exemestane is £30 for 30 tablets (120 doses / 60 weeks)

plus I bought the BAC water and syringes etc which was £60 for 3 months, I can get these cheaper online now I know what to buy.


Funk

26,513 posts

215 months

Tuesday 4th June
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Legacywr said:
I think you'll notice quicker than that.

How expensive are all these meds?
Sent you an updated email!

Mezger

381 posts

112 months

Wednesday 5th June
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Just had my bloodwork done also, as was curious on T level.
Context, I keep relatively fit, Crossfit around 4x per week, have been been feeling a bit low energy..

Results came back as

FSH Male - 6.6 iU/L
ICSH 4.25 IU/L
Estradiol 91.0 pmol/l
Testosterone 12.77 nmol/L 368ng/dL
Prolactin 57.3 MIU/L 2.69ng/mL

Given a relatively healthy lifestyle, seems a little low, my sleep is far from perfect, but not sure if improving that would get me towards the higher end of the range?

Funk

26,513 posts

215 months

Wednesday 5th June
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Out of interest where are people sourcing BAC water/syringes etc from? Whilst I won't need any for the next 3 months (TMHC's starter kit includes everything needed for that period) but after that they encourage you to source your own. I'd like to make sure I'm getting legit/safe stuff from a trusted supplier.

Mark Lewis

57 posts

8 months

Wednesday 5th June
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Some of these cost!!! My TRT cost me less than I spend on protein powder.

and not sure why Doctors are starting people on an aromatase inhibitor before they even know if E2 is going to be a problem. Some places just seem to want to sell stuff.

Funk

26,513 posts

215 months

Wednesday 5th June
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Mark Lewis said:
Some of these cost!!! My TRT cost me less than I spend on protein powder.

and not sure why Doctors are starting people on an aromatase inhibitor before they even know if E2 is going to be a problem. Some places just seem to want to sell stuff.
If you're referring to me regarding this, my E2 is very high so it makes sense to try and bring it down asap.

CaiosH

1,336 posts

232 months

Monday 24th June
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Just got of a zoom with a Dr from Manual.co, I’ve had a few blood tests and there has been a bit of back and forth regarding my sleep apnoea, zoom meetings and blood tests.

We initially discussed cypionate & HGC, but the Dr wanted to check with the lead Dr. But now the lead Dr recommended I start cautiously on a testogel and monitor my sleep apnoea. With a view to a full blood test in 6 weeks and either staying on the gel or moving to cypionate. My preference was for cypionate, but was happy with the gel when reasons discussed.


So far so good, but at the end of a further zoom the Dr went to add everything and the Testogel wasn’t available for some reason. The Dr then suggested a cream, which I haven’t heard of or read about on here and was not previously mentioned as an option. I was a little frustrated as in the run up to this point I had read about the positives and negatives of cypionate and testogel. Waited a week while they discussed cypionate or gel. The gel recommended, then not available...how about the cream...

Ive asked them to find out exactly what the issue is with ordering the gel and get back to me.

I probably being a bit stuborn due to disliking changes of plans. Any opinions on the cream, think they called it Versabase? Is it the just the same as the gel?

Is this something that happens with TRT, your usual treatment being out of stock and having an alternative?

simons123

196 posts

22 months

Monday 24th June
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Anyone else had Test flu or know if it's a thing?

2 injections and both times a week after my injections had flu like symptoms with a really bad cough each time.

Legacywr

12,751 posts

194 months

Monday 24th June
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No?

272BHP

5,649 posts

242 months

Monday 24th June
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CaiosH said:
I probably being a bit stuborn due to disliking changes of plans. Any opinions on the cream, think they called it Versabase? Is it the just the same as the gel?

Is this something that happens with TRT, your usual treatment being out of stock and having an alternative?
Surprised at gel being out of stock as it is used much more in the UK than the cream. However, the cream generally has a better reputation as a treatment than the gel.

Was the price the same?

xx99xx

2,203 posts

79 months

Monday 24th June
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272BHP said:
Surprised at gel being out of stock as it is used much more in the UK than the cream. However, the cream generally has a better reputation as a treatment than the gel.

Was the price the same?
Not heard of a cream but I'm a bit out on recent developments.

There was an issue about 6-7 years ago where testogel was in short supply. But this was mainly because they shifted from making boxes of 30 (1 a day) sachets to the pump bottle we have now.

I've not had any issues getting gel these days. It can depend on the pharmacy though. If they dont have much demand for it then they won't have it in stock but they can order it for next day delivery. Weird that a testosterone specific clinic wouldn't have a pharmacy lined up with tons of the stuff though.

Mezger

381 posts

112 months

Thursday 4th July
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Mezger said:
Just had my bloodwork done also, as was curious on T level.
Context, I keep relatively fit, Crossfit around 4x per week, have been been feeling a bit low energy..

Results came back as

FSH Male - 6.6 iU/L
ICSH 4.25 IU/L
Estradiol 91.0 pmol/l
Testosterone 12.77 nmol/L 368ng/dL
Prolactin 57.3 MIU/L 2.69ng/mL

Given a relatively healthy lifestyle, seems a little low, my sleep is far from perfect, but not sure if improving that would get me towards the higher end of the range?


Quick update, saw the doc, looked at my 4 blood tests over past 6months and decided to give TRT (Androgel) a crack to see if it makes any difference.

As a Noob, where is the best place to apply?