Is there a doctor in the house? Testosterone levels

[HobbyHorse]

Having some issues with libido and ED that the usual meds are not impacting, so I had my testosterone checked.
My “free testosterone” was measured at 338 pmol/l.
But the units are very confusing… Canada uses pica mols per litre (Pmol/l), whereas in setting out “normal” ranges, the Brits and Americans use a variety of other units, like ng/dl and pg/ml.
The on-line conversion tools for pmol/l to these units provide contrary and inconsistent results.
So does anyone know what the normal range is in pmol/l? Is 338 pmol/l within the normal range?
The lab report that I am looking at (from Lifelabs) seems to indicate that normal range is 155 to 558 pmol/l, which is contrary to what I am seeing on-line.
(Yes, I am aware normal free testosterone levels vary by age but I am trying to determine a general standard. And please don’t tell me to ask my own doctor. He has demonstrated that he is incapable of hearing a question, let alone answering.)
HH

 

[Robert Mugabe]

Having some issues with libido and ED that the usual meds are not impacting, so I had my testosterone checked.
My “free testosterone” was measured at 338 pmol/l.
But the units are very confusing… Canada uses pica mols per litre (Pmol/l), whereas in setting out “normal” ranges, the Brits and Americans use a variety of other units, like ng/dl and pg/ml.
The on-line conversion tools for pmol/l to these units provide contrary and inconsistent results.
So does anyone know what the normal range is in pmol/l? Is 338 pmol/l within the normal range?
The lab report that I am looking at (from Lifelabs) seems to indicate that normal range is 155 to 558 pmol/l, which is contrary to what I am seeing on-line.
(Yes, I am aware normal free testosterone levels vary by age but I am trying to determine a general standard. And please don’t tell me to ask my own doctor. He has demonstrated that he is incapable of hearing a question, let alone answering.)
HH

LOL
So rather than your doctor you are turning it over to us. Good call.

 

[HobbyHorse]

LOL
So rather than your doctor you are turning it over to us. Good call.

Not you in particular.
Hopefully someone knowledgeable and helpful.

 

[Robert Mugabe]

Not you in particular.
Hopefully someone knowledgeable and helpful.

If you wait I'm sure they are all studying their data and will get back to you.

 

[The Oracle]

 

[The Oracle]

''

The difference between total, free, and bioavailable testosterone can be summarized as follows:
Total Testosterone:
- Total testosterone refers to the overall quantity of testosterone in the bloodstream, including all forms of testosterone[1][3].
- It represents the sum of three forms of testosterone: free testosterone, testosterone bound to sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and testosterone bound to albumin[1].
- Total testosterone levels can provide clinical information in the majority of cases[1].
- It is typically measured in ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) [3].

Free Testosterone:
- Free testosterone is a small fraction of testosterone that is not bound to any proteins[1][2][3].
- It is considered the biologically active form of testosterone as it can freely enter cells and be used by the body[1].
- Only about 2-3% of testosterone in the bloodstream is free testosterone[3].
- Measuring free testosterone directly can be challenging, so it is often calculated using total testosterone, SHBG, and albumin levels[3].
- Free testosterone levels can be helpful in diagnosing low testosterone when total testosterone levels are low[5].
- It is typically measured in pg/mL (picograms per milliliter) [3].

Bioavailable Testosterone:
- Bioavailable testosterone refers to the total quantity of testosterone that is available for use by the body[1][2].
- It includes both free testosterone and testosterone bound to albumin[1][2].
- Bioavailable testosterone is sometimes considered a reserve supply of testosterone that can be used when free testosterone levels are low[2].
- Measuring bioavailable testosterone can be useful in cases where total testosterone levels may not accurately represent biological activity[1].
- It is typically measured in ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) [4].

In summary, total testosterone represents the overall quantity of testosterone in the bloodstream, free testosterone is the biologically active form that is not bound to proteins, and bioavailable testosterone includes both free testosterone and testosterone bound to albumin. Measuring any of these fractions can provide valuable clinical information, but the specific measurement used may depend on the individual's circumstances and the purpose of the testing.''

 

[Combat Shock]

As other have said, you need to check more than just your free testosterone, add total and bio-available. Also check levels of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) and estrogen.

Before even trying to get a TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) prescription, see if you can improve on your diet, exercise, increase muscle mass and lose fat.

TRT injection dosages are between 50-150mg/week of testosterone, very rarely, especially in Canada will a doctor prescribe 200mg/week

 

[canada-man]

Having some issues with libido and ED that the usual meds are not impacting, so I had my testosterone checked.
My “free testosterone” was measured at 338 pmol/l.
But the units are very confusing… Canada uses pica mols per litre (Pmol/l), whereas in setting out “normal” ranges, the Brits and Americans use a variety of other units, like ng/dl and pg/ml.
The on-line conversion tools for pmol/l to these units provide contrary and inconsistent results.
So does anyone know what the normal range is in pmol/l? Is 338 pmol/l within the normal range?
The lab report that I am looking at (from Lifelabs) seems to indicate that normal range is 155 to 558 pmol/l, which is contrary to what I am seeing on-line.
(Yes, I am aware normal free testosterone levels vary by age but I am trying to determine a general standard. And please don’t tell me to ask my own doctor. He has demonstrated that he is incapable of hearing a question, let alone answering.)
HH

Get more sleep and eat more animal proteins. Lack of sleep can cause ED

 

[cryptic]

Free Testosterone reference range from my Dynacare lab: 160 - 699 pmol/L

You might be seeing reference ranges for total testosterone online, which will be different. That range is 7.6 - 31.4 nmol/L (Canadian units).

As mentioned, you need a better panel for sex hormones. Just getting results for free test doesn't help you gauge your health. Sounds like your doctor has no idea what he's doing. If you're paying out of pocket, try this Male Hormone Panel plus estradiol and use their promo codes. A doctor will comment on the results (choose Yes I would Like Reported Results).

 

[RZG]

LOL
So rather than your doctor you are turning it over to us. Good call.

Prostate cancer likes to grow on high T levels, so says my cancer doc/radiation oncologist. I`ve been through the system, be careful that`s all.

 

[Robert Mugabe]

Prostate cancer likes to grow on high T levels, so says my cancer doc/radiation oncologist. I`ve been through the system, be careful that`s all.

Kinda my point. "So says my cancer doc/radiation oncologist"
So you are seeking medical advice from a doctor. Not Terb members.

 

[Fugly]

Prostate cancer likes to grow on high T levels, so says my cancer doc/radiation oncologist. I`ve been through the system, be careful that`s all.

there are arguments against that belief. Low T may be linked to prostate cancer.

 

[Big Rig]

there are clinics that specialize in these issues

I go to this one

Home - Canadian Men’s Clinic (mensclinic.com)

 

[xmontrealer]

there are arguments against that belief. Low T may be linked to prostate cancer.

A brief internet search yielded conflicting opinions.

What a surprise from the largest source of misinformation on the planet.

If it were an issue for me I would seek the best professional specialist medical advice I could find in person, and totally ignore all the unqualified opinions on terb.

 

[basketcase]

there are clinics that specialize in these issues

I go to this one

Home - Canadian Men’s Clinic (mensclinic.com)

I don't buy the claims of medical businesses who's profit is explicitly based on them diagnosing you with that issue.

Huge issues with TRT when not medically appropriate.