Only Firing on 2 or 3 Cylinders for 25 years

[leachim]

Hi, I am new here

I have been firing on 2 or 3 cylinders for over 20 years now (47
yo) - symptoms are little energy, underweight, low endurance and
strength, apathy, ED, sleeping after lunch, poor memory, small
appetite, digestive weakness, intolerance to dairy etc....

LH - 10.2 (range 1.7-8.6)

FSH - 6.0 (range 1.5-12.4)

IGF-1 - 139 (range 94-252)

Testosterone - 31.4 (range 9.9-27.8)

Prolactin - 228 (range 23-340)

Free Testos - 26.9 (range 7.2-23)

Total T4 - 82 (range 59-154)

TSH - 1.87 (range 0.27-4.2)

Free T4 - 15.9 (range 12-22)

Free T3 - 4.7 (range 4-6.8)

Waiting for Oestradiol and SHBG

Saliva tests
Cortisol revealed a dip at midday
Testosterone a dip to baseline at midday

Urine test for T4 and T3 were low (but then again I read that most
peoples come back low??)

I have tried cortisol and T3 meds (self prescribed) and feel better.
T3 will make me lose weight - I cant afford to do that. I was 10st
4lbs 25 years ago - now barely 9st. It is my lifes quest to be at least 10 and a half stone.

Calcium and/or mineral metabolism is wrong - I have sensitive teeth (and possible
bone loss on bottom jaw) and when trying to supplement, end up more
tired and soreness in the nether regions - no matter what brand I
buy (parathyroid probs?)

It seems to be multifactorial, but to know where to start would be
useful.

Have I done the right blood tests to convinced my doc to take it further, as he said last time that my condition was "in my genes" as is to be expected ie underweight and low endurance etc

All he tested was Total testosterone - so when he saw it was over range, he took it no further - but from the other tests I have paid for privately, there seems to be a problem - What do you think ?

Thanks

Mike
UK

 

[mxim]

a you waking up with erections? thats usually a good indicatation the testosterone is normal. your free test is also high,are you taking any medications? how is your libido?

 

[HeadDoc]

do your energy levels fluctuate over the course of the day? If yes, how so?

 

[leachim]

a you waking up with erections? thats usually a good indicatation the testosterone is normal. your free test is also high,are you taking any medications? how is your libido?

Hi

Can't remember waking up with wood for ages, although all of a sudden in the last 10 days I have noticed it. Don't feel any different though. It will probably die off again.

Not taking any medications.

Libido is low.

Just got final results

SHBG = 87 (range 10-80)
17 Beta Oestadiol = 72 (range 44-146)

Do these figure paint a bigger picture ? and what brings SHBG down

Many Thanks

Mike
UK

 

[leachim]

do your energy levels fluctuate over the course of the day? If yes, how so?

I would say it is worse midday and may perk up a bit at 5 pm slightly

See my other recent post for SHBG and E2 results

Many Thanks

Mike
UK

 

[HeadDoc]

how is your sleep and are you a vegitarian? Have you been tested for diabetes? What eating plan do you have? What kind of exercise do you use?

 

[leachim]

how is your sleep and are you a vegitarian? Have you been tested for diabetes? What eating plan do you have? What kind of exercise do you use?

Sleep can be up and down

I don't eat too much animal protein (esp for dinner) as this wakes me up in the night (yes it sounds stupid) but my digestion has ruled my life for many years. I may go 1 or 2 days without having animal protein.

Just had a fasting blood glucose which doc says is ok

Because of low energy reserve, I do not exercise per se, although I live on a farm.....

How do I get the SHBG down so that I use the T, which it looks as though I am producing. Whats the good of producing it, if I can't use it ??

Thanks so far

Mike

 

[mranak]

Your free T levels by definition exclude any T that is attached to SHBG. Your active testosterone (non-bound) is very high. Are you taking any supplements?

 

[leachim]

Your free T levels by definition exclude any T that is attached to SHBG. Your active testosterone (non-bound) is very high. Are you taking any supplements?

No, none at the time of the blood test.

I sometimes take cortisol, but not for 3 days before. Slow release(12hrs) T3, but not for almost a week before.

What supps upset these readings ?

Thanks

Mike

 

[mranak]

There are some supplements available that tend to boost testosterone, yet the man doesn't get the benefits of higher testosterone. The names of these supplements escape me right now.


According to your labs, your testosterone is actually high. I'm not a physician, but this is the first time I've seen total and free testosterone above the range without any supplements or medication.

 

[leachim]

There are some supplements available that tend to boost testosterone, yet the man doesn't get the benefits of higher testosterone. The names of these supplements escape me right now.


According to your labs, your testosterone is actually high. I'm not a physician, but this is the first time I've seen total and free testosterone above the range without any supplements or medication.

Aha, but how do I get my body to use it ?

I have read that low T can cause higher readings of LDL and lower readings of HDL - and that is what I have got..... ?

Mike

 

[leachim]

There is also a test called Bioavailable T

Is this the same as Free T

My total T and free T are high, but am not convinced I am making the most of it all.

Mike

 

[mranak]

No, Bioavailable testosterone and free testosterone are not the same.

Free testosterone is that testosterone which is unbound and active.
Bioavailable testosterone is unbound and loosely bound testosterone. Loosely bound can easily become free.

 

[mranak]

Aha, but how do I get my body to use it ?

We can't conclusively say that your body isn't using it, although since you testosterone is high I have to wonder why your body is pushing your testosterone so damn high.

I have read that low T can cause higher readings of LDL and lower readings of HDL - and that is what I have got..... ?

Low testosterone doesn't change the 'readings' themselves, but the testosterone levels do have an impact on your real cholesterol levels. But testosterone is just one of many factors that affects your cholesterol. Certainly, one can not infer their effective testosterone levels based on a cholesterol test.

At this time, your thyroid is more suspect of problems than your testosterone. But I don't think you should self-medicate for thyroid issues. While endocrinologists are generally totally incompetent at properly treating hypogonadism, they are usually very good treating thyroid disorders. Thus, I suggest you go to an endocrinologist.

 

[HeadDoc]

the fatique pattern is mildly reminiscent of adrenal fatique. I would get a consult from an endocrinologist. I would not do cortisol treatment without proper consultation. This includes am and pm cortisol checks and 24 hour urine assessments.

 

[mranak]

Are endos typically open to the andrenal fatigue thing?

 

[leachim]

the fatique pattern is mildly reminiscent of adrenal fatique. I would get a consult from an endocrinologist. I would not do cortisol treatment without proper consultation. This includes am and pm cortisol checks and 24 hour urine assessments.

What type of endo do I seek out

I am going to have to convince my doc that it is in my interest.

How do you convince someone who thinks "its in my genes" ?

Thanks

Mike
UK

 

[leachim]

the fatique pattern is mildly reminiscent of adrenal fatique. I would get a consult from an endocrinologist. I would not do cortisol treatment without proper consultation. This includes am and pm cortisol checks and 24 hour urine assessments.

Actually I am from the UK - do they just do a ACTH test - which from what I have heard is only good for picking up Addisons ?

I had a 24hr saliva cortisol done privately which revealed a dip at midday.

Mike
UK

 

[earthdog]

How do you convince someone who thinks "its in my genes" ?

You could try a new doctor.
You have to rule out non-hormonal issues also. Obstructive sleep apnea comes to mind, as does a heart condition, and allergies.