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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does A Low Reading Of Testosterone Imply?

Hello, I am at a loss as to what is afflicting me, and have been backwards and forwards to the doctors' for almost 2 years now. I am a 21 year old male whose main problems include inexplicable fatigue and mental 'foggyness' (best way of putting it). Other symptoms and characteristics that may be of a note are the fact that i can not grow facial hair, have wide hips and suffer from gynecomastia, although I am otherwise healthy and have a BMI of ~20. My main problem has been the tiredness, which has become progressively worse over time. I have had a mulitude of tests investigating the following which have all come back fine: -Thyroid function -Diabetes -Multiple Sclerosis -Full blood work up I am currently waiting for the results of a sleep apnoea test, and also had a synacthen induced adrenal test done recently although the results are currently lost... I have also had tests done regarding sex hormones, although the endocrinologist I saw reported that everything was in working order. Only possible thing that may be amiss was a testosterone reading of 12 nmol/l (345 ng/dl) which I myself considered to be low for my age, but was instructed that anything between 10-40 nmol/l is within normal range and that every person is different. Should I pursue this further, the gynocomastia is getting worse. There is no hard glandular tissue, and is instead rather 'puffy' and in a shape that protrudes like a cone. My areola are also rather large for a male although not exceptionally so. Adipose tissue around my breast area and hips is disproportionately excessive considering I am of a slim build (little muscle, narrow shoulders). Could testosterone levels in the range of my results cause the symtpoms I have listed, especially the tirdness/unrefereshing sleep/lack of mental acuity? I am at a loss and any help or opinions would be much appreciated. Many thanks in advance
Tue, 13 Oct 2020
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

One re-test of the free-testosterone index could make sense. Otherwise there is little one can do. Of course your endocrinologist could try how you react to some extra testosterone. However, too much of it can have quite severe adverse effects. We are all unique, indeed. I hope you learn to like yourself the way you are.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Alexander Davis, General & Family Physician
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What Does A Low Reading Of Testosterone Imply?

Hi, One re-test of the free-testosterone index could make sense. Otherwise there is little one can do. Of course your endocrinologist could try how you react to some extra testosterone. However, too much of it can have quite severe adverse effects. We are all unique, indeed. I hope you learn to like yourself the way you are. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Alexander Davis, General & Family Physician