Does A Borderline Testosterone Level Require Treatment?

Posted on Wed, 29 Oct 2014

Question: I am a 43 yr old male and have recently had my testosterone levels checked. the came back at 295 with a normal range of 300-1200. the dr. said, "in most cases, a slight decrease does not warrant treatment". I consider myself healthy, workout 5 times a week, and am not overweight. I have noticed minimal mood fluctuations over the last year and noticed that its very difficult to gain muscle, despite working out daily. In the bedroom, i also notice erections are not a full as they used to be. I also have noticed fatigue as well. Given these 'symptons' would you treat me? to me, i would want an 'optimal' level, not borderline low, especially if it can tighten things up in the areas i mentioned. if you would not treat, is there an over the counter supplement that you could suggest? i am currenty on 10mg lipitor and 25 mg of metoperol.

Answered by Dr. Manuel C See IV (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
yes I would have given you testosterone.

Detailed Answer:
Good Day and thank you for being with Healthcare Magic!

There are a variety of questionnaires online that would detect if you need testosterone replacement. The testosterone levels are a guide but I have seen cases where in they have normal testosterone and they still benefited from exogenous testosterone shots. So the answer is yes I would have given you testosterone more so because of your symptomatology.

I hope I have succeeded in providing the information you were looking for. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications at: http://www.HealthcareMagic.com/doctors/dr-manuel-c-see-iv/66014 I would gladly help you. Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manuel C See IV (13 hours later)

Thanks for your answer. Are there any supplements that you know of that I might benefit from? also, why do you think my dr. is so hesitant to treat? are there certain risks associated with treatment?

Answered by Dr. Manuel C See IV (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Healthy lifestyle.

Detailed Answer:
Good Day and thank you for being with Healthcare Magic!

There are no supplements to increase testosterone other than living a healthy lifestyle. Eating right and exercising regularly which you are already doing.

There is a theoretical risk of prostate enlargement and higher risk of developing prostate cancer. That is why baseline PSA levels are acquired prior to treatment. Studies have shown no increase incidence of prostate problems.

Regards, Manuel C. See IV, M.D. DPBU FPUA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manuel C See IV (6 hours later)

I failed To mention that I have one testicle XXXXXXX to torsion when i was 12. Is that something that would contribute to lower testosterone levels?

Answered by Dr. Manuel C See IV (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes may be the cause of low normal testosterone.

Detailed Answer:
Yes. Having only one testis can lead to low normal testosterone since instead of two organs producing the hormone you only have one.

I really urge you to answer a questionnaire like the one found here. http://www.landerurology.com/pdf/adam_questionnaire.pdf

Regards, Manuel C. See IV, M.D. DPBU FPUA

Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar