Testosterone Levels - Am I low?

[JoePSU]

I've been feeling symptoms lately that line up with many symptoms of low testosterone, so my oncologist had my levels checked.

LH: 5.8f
Testosterone: 425 f

I never had it checked before my orchiectomy or chemo, so I don't know where this range falls for me.

Since I don't have an appointment with my new urologist for another two months, is anyone aware of any ways to increase my testosterone levels without hormone replacement in the meantime? Ie, I live a very sedentary lifestyle, and probably consume more alcohol than I should. Will eating better, working out, and drinking less help with my testosterone levels?

Anything I can do otherwise?

[Fed]

Penn State Joe,
Rover could not have given you any better advice. Case in point, there was a time recently when I thought I had all the symptoms of low T. When I went to my annual physical several months ago, I brought the issue up with my GP, and she said that it wouldn't hurt to see what my T levels were but warned me that the "normal" range is quite broad. Turns out I was on the very high end of normal, so really the symptoms were due to something else: at the time, I was stressed out about a grant deadline, was having issues with my parents, and it was pretty close to the time of a surveillance check-up. Needless to say, my psyche was kinda screwy, but this goes to show that there are many things that can, really or fictionally, cause the symptoms of low T.

[Michael112]

If you want to try something in the meantime, I felt a lot better with Zinc chelate 50mg a day in the morning.

[stitch]

Good idea about the zinc

Don't mean to sound like a know-it-all or anything, but I think L-Optizinc in capsule form might be the best of all, perhaps 30 mg per day. Just trying to help.
"Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in numerous enzyme systems the body needs to keep healthy and fit. OptiZinc and L-OptiZinc are patented 1:1 complexes of zinc and methionine, the amino acid best absorbed by the body. Studies show that OptiZinc and L-OptiZinc are absorbed better, retained longer and are more effective than other zinc supplements tested.
Research shows that a high-fiber meal can inhibit zinc absorption to under 3% of the amount consumed. A 1992 study showed that OptiZinc actually resists dietary fiber and phytate, and increases zinc absorption better than ordinary zinc supplements tested. In addition, unlike other zinc supplements, OptiZinc will not adversely affect copper absorption.
OptiZinc and L-OptiZinc are the only premium zinc supplements FDA-approved safe for human nutrition. Some zinc binding ligands, such as picolinic acid, have been shown to remove iron from cells and cause anemia, or increase lead absorption. OptiZinc and L-OptiZinc will not remove iron from cells or cause anemia. In fact, a 1991 study showed that a combination of zinc and methionine actually inhibits lead absorption and reduces lead levels in the blood. Standardized to 20% zinc, regular OptiZinc consists of zinc bound to the "DL" form of methionine (written as dl-methionine). L-OptiZinc, also standardized to 20% zinc, consists of zinc bound to the natural and more bioavailable "L" form of methionine (written as l-methionine). Studies show that both forms are highly bioavailable and potent antioxidants, but that L-OptiZinc is the most potent form of all.

[R50]

I am getting my Test tomorrow.One of the secretary's called me today and said 4 things were high in my blood tests.One was high cholesterol which I didn't expect.The other 3 that were high I have no idea what they are.Strange that they wouldn't tell me what else was high.I will bet that my T Test is low.I will know tomorrow morning.Can low Testosterone cause high cholesterol??

[Michael112]

I am getting my Test tomorrow.One of the secretary's called me today and said 4 things were high in my blood tests.One was high cholesterol which I didn't expect.The other 3 that were high I have no idea what they are.Strange that they wouldn't tell me what else was high.I will bet that my T Test is low.I will know tomorrow morning.Can low Testosterone cause high cholesterol??

Yea it can.

[stitch]

I know they are often seen together. The same is true

for triglycerides. I think I've read that low T makes it harder to maintain proper blood glucose levels. In any event, it's best to have your T in the optimal range no matter what aspect of your physical or mental health you are talking about.

[R50]

for triglycerides. I think I've read that low T makes it harder to maintain proper blood glucose levels. In any event, it's best to have your T in the optimal range no matter what aspect of your physical or mental health you are talking about.

My regular Doctor told me to go that a Urologist is where I should go.Is that how it works these day's.Urologist then Endicrinologist??