There seems to be very many different ways to measure testosterone. You need to know what is the range for the test you were given. Just asking what your number means is almost impossible to decode. In all of my test results the range of normal was given. So I knew what was in range and what was not. Some test results may even give the range for female levels.

You need to know all of the number from the doctor. There are also several different test that are taken to measure the testosterone. Each of those test have a different range of numbers. If you look at on of those numbers it could look like you are at castration levels. It is best to get a copy of the test results to see just what test you are talking about. Also what the normal range for the test should be.

Thanks bobbie. Yes, when I received the test results showing my testosterone as low I was also given the "normal" values, and yes, my numbers are considerably low based on the "normal" values shown which I do not have nearby right now. Again Thank you.

Hal

Everyone must react differently to T levels. For me when my T levels are up near normal I have a very strong desire to get rid of my testicle and even my penis. When I keep my T levels low that urge is not nearly as strong. I must not be normal.

Reference ranges for total testosterone from my own labs:

Arup: 400-1080 ng/dL

Labcorp: 241-827 ng/dL

Quest: 300-1000 ng/dL

Free Testosterone:

Labcorp: 5 - 21 ng/dL

Other labs allow for a lower "floor" of total testosterone (around 200 ng/dL).

As others have said, your free T and total T are both low (though the total T may be barely above the reference range, depending on the lab). To prevent osteoporosis, anemia, and diabetes, you should talk with your doctor about going on some form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some forms of HRT work better than others, but a good goal for testosterone would be the upper third of the reference range, if you don't seek bodily feminization.

leftbehind33 (imported) wrote: Sat Aug 15, 2009 1:47 pm Reference ranges for total testosterone from my own labs:

Arup: 400-1080 ng/dL

Labcorp: 241-827 ng/dL

Quest: 300-1000 ng/dL

Free Testosterone:

Labcorp: 5 - 21 ng/dL

I get my testing at LabCorp. Last December my total T was 211 and free T was 4.0; I had poor libido and unserviceable erections. This July it's up to 259 and 5.5 and I'm experiencing some improvement but not nearly what I want.

Yes, judging a test result must be with respect to the lab's own reference ranges as given above, which I understand are set to simply include the middle 95% of all their results (two standard deviations each way from the mean value.)

Thus scoring just within the reference range limit is no sign that the result is of no further concern or that it is normal. Normal in my mind is much closer to mid-way between the reference range extremes.

Best to know Your FSH value also, and YOUR Lab's normal range on this test.

FSH is a hormone from the Pituitary Gland at the base of the brain.

In men it signals for production of T. from down below.

Zero FSH means one is taking too much T.

Elevated FSH means one does not have enough T.

By looking at the FSH values, you see the effect of your T,

Physiological, relatively low / absent, or too Much T.

Just An Opinion.

Like noses, everyone has one.

Moi

FSH signals sperm production, so wouldn't LH be more meaningful, since the cells int the testes that produce testosterone depend on LH signaling? If it hasn't been stated already, prolactin is another pituitary hormone worth testing, as excess prolactin can lower testosterone.

Both FSH and LH values are useful (pre-testosterone replacement therapy) to know if the pituitary's activity or if excessive estrogen is blunting testosterone production, but I've never heard a low or non-existent reading of either indicated excessive testosterone therapy. Generally, the testes get lazy as soon as they figure out T is present and coming from somewhere outside, regardless of how much T is administered.

Riverwind (imported) wrote: Fri Jul 17, 2009 7:09 am When I was first checked I had been on Androcur for about 4 months, my level was 30. two months after castration it did not register at all.

River

interesting. thanks. i didn't know that medication suppressed all Testosterone production, even from the adrenal glands (for me, about 30--50 without HRT). I'm curious if there aren't negative side effects on normal adrenal functioning.

Interestingly enough, my post castration level without TRT runs between 35 and 75. At this level I feel neutered but not without some interest in sexual matters. --FLO--

Mine was at 333 ng/dL last month, does anyone have a rough guess about how long it takes for the testosterone to metabolize out post-orchiectomy?