Lab results/new doctor

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I just joined the group, and I've been reading the posts. The information here

seems to be some of the best I've come across. My insurance just changed, and I

want to understand my lab results and my treatment objectives before I see my

new doctor.

I'm 44 years old. I have been on Androgel for a little over a year. My latest

lab results are 2.9 ng/ml for total testosterone and 12.82 pg/ml for free. All

of the test results I read about are per dl, so I think I have to multiple the

total by 100 to be comparable the free by 10.

I had a full hormone panel a year ago before I started with the Androgel as well

as an MRI. I don't remember the test results, but total and free were both low.

I started with 5g of Androgel (4 pumps) for 6 months and the results were still

low. The doctor increased to 7.5g (6 pumps). Again, 6 months later, the

results were still low. The doctor suggested that about 10% of people don't

absorb Androgel well, and I may have to switch to injections. Before he did

that, he wanted one more test in the afternoon, as all of the previous tests

were in the morning. The afternoon test at 4:30 (Androgel applied at 7:30 in

the morning) yield the results of 2.9 ng/ml for total testosterone and 12.82

pg/ml for free. The doctor said since it was in the normal range it was good

enough and no need to change the dosage or switch to injections.

I have all of the symptoms of low testosterone. Those symptoms abated a month

after I started taking the Androgel, but then they returned over the next few

months. I'm feeling them all again. It seems to me that based on my last lab

results, my testosterone is still low. If my total is 290, it is barely in the

normal range. Shouldn't the objective be to get it to 600 to 700?

So, before I see the new doctor in a couple of weeks, I want to educate myself,

so I can be a better patient. I want to understand the test results. I want to

understand what my treatment objectives should be. I'd like to understand what

tests need to be run and how often. And, I'd like to know if I should consider

switching to another TRT or stick with the Androgel.

Thanks for your help.

.