Low Test Advice....

chowtking

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Let me start off with a bit of background info:
I'm a 25 year old, 170lbs, 6'1 and over all I'd say I'm a healthy guy. I do moderately-heavy/intense weight training 3 times a week, with a bit of cardio. I also try to do some yoga a few times a week to relax and stay flexible. I've ran a few 5k's, 10k's, and a half marathon within the last 2 years. I eat pretty healthy, lots of fresh fruits & veggies..I drink a ton of water everyday and take multi vitamins and fish oil every day. Also I'm STD free, don't smoke, don't do drugs, and I'm a light drinker.

Ok so with all that said in the last 2.5 years my sex drive has come to a screeching halt. When I was 21-22 I still had the intense sex drive of my late teens. I'd always get erections throughout the day, dripping precum all the time, and would have dirty thoughts all the time. I'd also be able to shoot a load and then be ready to go a 2nd or 3rd round in seconds.
My sex drive first started to decline after ending a relationship about 3 years ago, and I thought it was normal to not be so sexually driven (when not in a relationship), I then started to focus more on school and getting into grad school. During that year, I still masterbated and occasionally had sex but far less then before (Jacking off maybe 3-4 times a week, and having sex 1-2 a month).

So once I started my Masters degree, I felt less stressed and wanted to start dating/sexing it up again. That is when I REALLY noticed the change in my sex drive! I barley ever felt like masterbating, but I would do it because I had always jacked off at least 3 times a week. At that point I decided to try and take some 100% natural supplement to try and get my libido back up. Like Maca root and horny goat weed, which did nothing for me.
And just to note, I have no problem obtaining an erection (with a lot of stimulation), I just have almost no urge/desire to get one...and if I stopped stimulating my cock for more then 20 seconds i would go limp.

(I had read somewhere that mens libido can fluctuate from time to time so I wasn't extremely worried).

So about a year ago I met my current bf and upon meeting him my sex drive seemed to ramp up a little (but no where like it was before) and things have been fairly good. But within the last 6 months or so, my sex drive has once again plummeted... so this time I decided to go to the doctors and get a Testosterone test. So my current testosterone level is 475 (got it done 2 weeks ago). My doctor said it's a bit low but I'm within levels. After doing a bit of research. my levels seems low for a 25 year old male, that is very active (doing cardio and weight training).

The levels he said were normal was 380-1197

Ok...sooo I am going to make another appointment with my Dr soon to talk about the test results again...but I'm not sure what I should do. Should I tell him that I think my levels are low, and after I do so...what are my options? I really think I'm too young to start Testosterone/hormone replacement therapy.

What would you do if you where in my shoes?
 

Dave NoCal

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Low testosterone is not the only reason men have problems with erections. A few young men have venous leaks in which blood flows out of the penis too easily. diabetes is another occasional culprit. I would suggest seeing a urologist who specializes in male sexual function as 475 is not really that low. PM for the name of one in the Bay Area.
 

trjnhrs9

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I'm also doing testosterone replacement therapy. It has been the best thing ever. And I know a guy who's a little younger than you who was also beginning T-therapy not long ago.

If your levels are that low at 25, how low will they be when you're 30 and 35 and 40? Regardless of your workout, the testosterone levels will not increase on their own, not to the degree that matters.

Get with a physician who understands the issue and treats the issue with weekly injections that you give yourself. He will probably perform blood tests four times the first year and twice a year thereafter.

Your libido will return to normal, but it may not be to the level you had when you were in your teens. But that's okay. You are no longer in your teens and neither am I. ;-)
 

chowtking

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I looked into venous leaks, but I don't think that's what's happening to me.... I can maintain an erection with enough stimulation, and I've taken Cialis before and was able to achieve a rock hard erection. It's really more that I have almost no/very little desire to have sex or masterbate, even while taking cialis.

As for hitting the gym harder, I've been trying to do just that..but it honestly feels like my body just isn't into it. Even though I make sure to push myself through it all, I find myself consistently yawning after doing a set of deadlifts, squats, etc. I've tried taking preworkout shakes, and drinking coffee to give myself an edge, but nothing seems to help.

If there's a way to naturally get my Test/ sex drive up, I'd much prefer that over HRT/TRT.
 

chowtking

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Ok so I went back to the Dr. and got my Free Testosterone levels checked.
My levels:
Total Testosterone: 438 *healthy range (348-1190)
Free Testosterone: 11.9 *healthy range (9.8-26.5)

The doctor once again said that my levels are "within range". I'm aware that I'm not considered to have "low levels", but my numbers seem far from optimal for a healthy 25 year old. The doctor told me that I wouldn't qualify for any type of medical testosterone boosting drugs (which I'm alright with). But I asked the Dr. if he could recommend any supplements/vitamins that could help me, and he told me that he doesn't trust any supplements/ most vitamins since most aren't FDA regulated.
The only thing the doctor did was recommend I see a therapist... because he thinks my lack of a sex drive and morning wood maybe in my head.

I think I should look for a second opinion, I really don't think I'm depressed/fighting depression...If it's anything I'm in a happier place in my life then ive been in a long time! And I don' have any sexual scars/ mental issues. I just seem to have no sex drive!

Do you think i'm doing the right thing getting a second opinion?
 

bobg4400

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Is that range a general range for men of all ages or just 25 year old men?
Either way it seems kinda low since you'd expect 25 year old guys to be at the higher end of the range when compared to all men and you're pretty low if that's the range for a 25 year old. I'd suggest a second opinion on anything medically related since Doctors can make mistakes too.
 

bobg4400

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That test range encompasses all males... of all age and health status (overweight, diabetes,...who knows maybe guys with ebola disease). All of the doctors/insurance company go by that range(s). Which is completely absurd if you ask me!

Yeah, that sounds absurd. Healthy testosterone range for a guy in his mid 20s would be higher than that of a guy in his 50s or 60s.

You could be in the overall healthy range but below the healthy range for a 25 year old but nobody knows because they don't have any fucking data on it.

Do you have any test results from before the drop in libido and stuff? It would be good to compare them. If there's a big drop in Test levels then you could show it to the doctor.
 

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Is it right to focus only on Testosterone? Shouldn't all your male pattern hormones be examined? Your pituitary nay be overproducing prolactin, a female hormone. There are others with names like LH and FSH I believe also from the pituitary. In my case I had some severely wrong amounts coming from the pituitary that caused similar symptoms. I am on testosterone replacement and very low dose Cabergoline which restored libido, and actually also restored a lot of joie de vivre! There's no doubt loss of libido leaves you dull and listless, a heavy cloud on your character.
 

chowtking

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I originally asked my Dr about getting my hormones checked (Prolactin, LH, estrogen, and testosterone), but he seemed to shy away from that. And told me that he'd start off with a testosterone test, and after I was unhappy with my results he agreed for a free testosterone test. So I guess I can make yet another appointment and request what I had originally asked for....a full hormone check.
...sigh...
 

B_mature54

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Ok so I went back to the Dr. and got my Free Testosterone levels checked.
My levels:
Total Testosterone: 438 *healthy range (348-1190)
Free Testosterone: 11.9 *healthy range (9.8-26.5)

The doctor once again said that my levels are "within range". I'm aware that I'm not considered to have "low levels", but my numbers seem far from optimal for a healthy 25 year old. The doctor told me that I wouldn't qualify for any type of medical testosterone boosting drugs (which I'm alright with). But I asked the Dr. if he could recommend any supplements/vitamins that could help me, and he told me that he doesn't trust any supplements/ most vitamins since most aren't FDA regulated.
The only thing the doctor did was recommend I see a therapist... because he thinks my lack of a sex drive and morning wood maybe in my head.

I think I should look for a second opinion, I really don't think I'm depressed/fighting depression...If it's anything I'm in a happier place in my life then ive been in a long time! And I don' have any sexual scars/ mental issues. I just seem to have no sex drive!

Do you think i'm doing the right thing getting a second opinion?

Yes. Find yourself a clinic that specializes in male sexual health and sexual dysfunction. Most doctors don't know and don't care about your erections and drive. Finding such a clinic was a life changer for me. A totally different attitude and atmosphere there than with most doctors and a lot of urologist. Don't. Take anyone else word for the final say so. You and only you know what your body is experiencing.
 

Dave NoCal

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I agree with Mature. You are wasting your time, efforts, hope, and money with your current doctor. HE IS PLACATING YOU AND HAS NO INTENTION OF HELPING. get yourself to a doctor who specializes in male sexual funtion. It will make all the difference in the world. Again, I know of a couple of really good ones in the Bay Area.
 

Boobalaa

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Stop asking for medical advice on a quasi-porno internet site and stop looking at PORN for awhile
 

DavidXL

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Ok so I went back to the Dr. and got my Free Testosterone levels checked.
My levels:
Total Testosterone: 438 *healthy range (348-1190)
Free Testosterone: 11.9 *healthy range (9.8-26.5)

The doctor once again said that my levels are "within range". I'm aware that I'm not considered to have "low levels", but my numbers seem far from optimal for a healthy 25 year old. The doctor told me that I wouldn't qualify for any type of medical testosterone boosting drugs (which I'm alright with). But I asked the Dr. if he could recommend any supplements/vitamins that could help me, and he told me that he doesn't trust any supplements/ most vitamins since most aren't FDA regulated.
The only thing the doctor did was recommend I see a therapist... because he thinks my lack of a sex drive and morning wood maybe in my head.

I think I should look for a second opinion, I really don't think I'm depressed/fighting depression...If it's anything I'm in a happier place in my life then ive been in a long time! And I don' have any sexual scars/ mental issues. I just seem to have no sex drive!

Do you think i'm doing the right thing getting a second opinion?

I had my T-levels tested about a year ago, and my numbers were very similar to yours. I'm older than you (in late 40s), however, and was kinda wondering why I don't wake up with morning wood very often anymore or really crave sex like I used to, when I would just ache for it.

I have no problem getting it up ever and have an awesome time when I do. But, it does bother me when I think about it (e.g., now, as I type this). I am in good shape and work out pretty regularly and would think I would want it more than I do. I probably cum about 5 times per week, but it is not a priority like it used to be, which sort of bothers me. My doctor says its all normal. I'm not so sure. . . .