Hello Doctor,
I recently had some lab work done through Labcorp, and my testosterone levels came back with the following results:
Testosterone Total: 566 ng/dL (Standard range: 264 - 916 ng/dL)
Testosterone Free Direct: 6.9 pg/mL (Standard range: 7.2 - 24.0 pg/mL, flagged as low)
I’ve been dealing with fatigue, low sex drive, and erectile dysfunction for the past five years, and I've gained weight. I also have a history of diabetes, hypertension, depression, and take several medications including Amlodipine, Olmesartan, Metformin, Trulicity, Tadalafil, Paroxetine, and Wellbutrin.
Could my testosterone levels be contributing to these symptoms, and should I be concerned about the low free testosterone result? Is there any action I should take?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Based on your lab results and symptoms, it’s possible that your low free testosterone is contributing to some of your issues, such as fatigue, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and weight gain.
While your total testosterone level is within the normal range, the low free testosterone suggests that the active form of testosterone in your body may be insufficient.
Given your symptoms and medical history, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) could be a good option for you.
TRT can help alleviate symptoms of low testosterone. There are two common forms of treatment: topical (such as gels or creams) or injectable testosterone.
The choice between the two depends on your preference, convenience, and how well you tolerate each method.
It’s important to discuss this with your doctor, who can assess the full picture of your health, including how your medications (like paroxetine and wellbutrin, which can affect sexual function) might be interacting with your testosterone levels.
Your doctor will also consider other potential causes of your symptoms and ensure that TRT is the right option for you.
Thanks
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