normal testerone levels

[mitchell16]

Im a 44 year old male. In the last month I have been experiencing low sex drive, extreme fatigue and just low energy all around. I had my testerone checked two years ago and the total was 733 ng with a free being 17.7. a year later it showed that it  was 533 ng with free 13 ng. I didnt have any side effects was feeling fine at these levels. When I had the symptoms I again had it tested and this time it showed a total of 436 ng and a free of 11 ng. Is this a normal drop, it seems like alot for just two years. What could be causing such a rapid drop. My dr. wil not prescripe any test. for at least 3 months but I feel terrrible right now. He said mine is not considered low an dhe doesnt seemed concerned. I am about how I feel and also why its dropping so quick. in another year it will be below 300.

[mitchell16]

I had lymphoma. thanks for the information this might help. Im having hard time understanding why my doctor is not more concerned.

[solace21]

Hi,
   Thank you for the feedback.
LH and FSH are hormones produced by the pituitary gland in the brain and they control the production of testosterone and sperm by testes. There is a negative feedback control used by the brain, by which it controls the level of LH to regulate the level of testosterone produced. Therefore if the T level produced by the testes is low, the brain pushes up the production of LH. Similarly, if due to some brain problem like cysts in brain, if the level of LH is reduced, the testes starts producing less of T. So, a measurement of LH can indicate why the T level is reducing and generally both LH and FSH are measured, even though FSH is more connected with Sperm production.
I hope your blood sugar levels are also normal, at your age, otherwise, it could also be a factor to be considered. Did you put on weight, how is your liver functions, have you had any change in life style related to diet, exercise etc., are you on any medication? all these can cause a drop in T level.
Occasional mild pain in testicles may not be of any concern. Which part of your body did you have cancer ?, glad to know that you are strong enough to get over it.

Good luck,
Solace      

[mitchell16]

what are LH and FSH levels. havent noticed dimished size in mt testicles. Had my thyroid checked and it was normal. I am a former cancer patient but had finshed chemo about 4 years before the first T check. My blood platelets were also low on the last check up, Dr. said they  wasnt bad low but just a little. I have had some mild on/off pain in my testicales.

[solace21]

Hi,
    Apparently, your drop in T level is high, even though your present level as such, looks good. Normally, the rate of fall from above 40 years is expected to be about one percent per annum and since many people do not have their previous healthy readings, anything within the range is considered acceptable. In your case, have you taken the LH and FSH readings, if not, it is advisable to look at them also. If your brain sees the present T levels as low, it should normally be reflected as a raised LH level and the problem in this could be with the testicles, do you find any reduction in size or any pain in your testicles of late?. If however, the LH levels are in the lower range, it could point to a problem with the pituitary  or hypothalamus.
Again, a reduction in T may be caused by any problem with the Thyroid, high estrogen level ( especially if you have put on weight recently), or other issues like diabetes, increased cholesterol etc. Since you are having symptoms, it is desirable to do a detailed blood test for all these. In case the present doctor does not agree, you should go for a second opinion  from another doctor who is willing to help you with your physical symptoms.

Regards,
Solace