Hi Guys
Come on here to seek some advice from those in the know.
Basically, 32 years of age, never done anabolic steroids in my life. Trained for around 4 years to gain size and strength. 5ft’6 in height, 13.6 stone in weight. Not sure what that is in kg, but Google seems to think 86.3 kg. Supplemented with whey protein, high protein foods, rice etc - creatine.
My situation unfolds that despite getting into pretty good shape, I’ve battled ‘what now looks likely’ to be the classic symptoms of low testosterone for many years. Not going to list them all here. However, suffice to say I’ve felt pretty crap. Last year, I started looking more into the symptoms of low testosterone - and how they might affect an individual. I tick pretty much every box on that list.
I finally decided to get it checked out. I ordered blood work through an independent laboratory last August, NOT my NHS GP. The reason for this, is I’ve read many stories from guys turning to GP’s for help, only to be not taken seriously (happened to me today more on that later). So, the initial blood work was a complete examination. Not only did it measure hormones, but also took a look at general blood health. For the most part, it was a decent profile. However, abnormalities showed in the red cell count/health. The results of the 3 abnormalities in that panel is: HAEMOGLOBIN (G/L) *176 g/L (130.000-170.000). HCT *0525 (0.370-0.500). RED CELL COUNT *5.88 x10^12/L (4.400-5.800). MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW were all ok. The one’s that are not appear borderline.
Testosterone levels shown in the initial test were as follows: Testosterone *8.81 nmol/L (7.600-31.400). 17-Beta Oestradiol *37.34 pmol/L (44.000-156.000). As you can see, my testosterone levels are LOW. Although, not out of range in this test. The doctor reviewing my results suggested TRT may be beneficial, but urged an additional hormone screen. I was supposed to have completed that a month later, but left it for a few months until a week ago (Feb 2017). Plenty of time to see if my testosterone would pick back up on it’s own. Unfortunately, it hasn’t.
The results of my latest test show that Testosterone has dropped further. It now shows the following. Testosterone *5.74 nmol/L (7.600-31.400). Free Testosterone *0.157 nmol/L (0.30-1.00). SHBG *14.43 nmol/L (16.00-55.00) and 17-Beta Oestradiol has risen to
67.64 pmol/L (0.00-191.99). This may explain the worsening of my symptoms the last few months especially, and what seems like more in the way of fat build up.
Problem is guys, I requested TRT privately yesterday, through a reputable service and provided my blood work report. Because I have a raised blood count, they are not willing to proceed and terminated my request for treatment. I understand TRT can cause polycythaemia, and the doctor probably thinks it’s too risky to proceed already having a high blood count - as TRT would rocket an already high result. So what do I do?
As for my NHS GP. Don’t even go there. Took one look at me and my results from these tests. He said, based on your build and size I highly doubt you have testosterone issues. Started asking questions like if I took any supplements, had any problems growing facial hair etc. I mentioned that my request for TRT privately was refused due to a high blood count - and he didn’t even question that. He’s ordered another blood test later this week - but really just didn’t seem at all fussed even after reading the results. In fact I felt the appointment was a disaster.
So I guess I’m just wondering what I can do if TRT is a no go privately or on the NHS?
Gazza