by Chris Shugart
Your testosterone levels might fall into the normal range, but that doesn't mean they're optimal. Here's what to watch out for.
Decades ago, I asked my regular doctor for a testosterone test. He didn't understand why I wanted the test, but reluctantly ordered it. When the results came back, he said, "Your T levels are normal."
And that's it. He didn't show me the results, nor discuss the symptoms that caused me to ask for the test.
Before we throw this doctor under the bus, remember, this was decades ago. And, admittedly, I didn't know crap about testosterone back then either. I didn't know about free and total testosterone, and I'd never even heard of SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin).
I've learned quite a bit about this hormone since then. In hindsight, I suspect my testosterone was probably low-normal when I took that first test. The doctor didn't lie; he just looked at the test results, consulted a chart that said 300 ng/dL is normal, and sent me on my way.
Here's what we know now: A total testosterone level of 300 ng/dL is just above the American Urological Association's cutoff for low testosterone (below 300), but it's not optimal. A man who used to have levels of 600-900 in his 20s will look, feel, and perform differently if he falls to 300 or 400 in his 30s or 40s.
Let's look at the signs and symptoms of low-normal testosterone, then talk about how to get those levels back up to optimal.
Low-Normal T: The Signs & Symptoms
1. How Do You Look?
A man with T levels around 300 ng/dL may notice subtle to moderate changes in his appearance, particularly if this is a drop from higher levels he had in the past. These changes are often gradual and may include:
- Reduced Muscle Mass and Strength: Testosterone promotes muscle protein synthesis. At 300 ng/dL, a man may find it harder to build or maintain muscle. He might appear softer compared to when his levels were higher.
- Increased Body Fat: Low-normal testosterone is associated with reduced fat metabolism, potentially leading to increased body fat, especially around the belly.
- Hair and Skin Changes: Testosterone influences hair growth and skin quality. At 300 ng/dL, some men may notice thinner body or facial hair, slower beard growth, or less oily skin.
2. How Do You Feel?
Testosterone influences mood, motivation, and cognitive function. At 300 ng/dL, a man may experience emotional and mental changes:
- Low Energy and Fatigue: He might feel chronically tired or lack the drive to tackle daily tasks, even after adequate sleep. He might feel sluggish and be less enthusiastic about hobbies or work.
- Mood Changes: Low-normal T is linked to irritability, mild depression, or emotional flatness. He might feel less confident or assertive than he used to.
- Reduced Libido: He may still have some libido, but notice it's less intense or frequent.
- Cognitive Effects: Some men report brain fog or reduced mental sharpness.
3. How Do You Perform?
Testosterone affects physical and sexual performance, and at 300 ng/dL, a man may notice functional changes:
- Gym Performance: He might struggle to lift as much weight, recover more slowly from workouts, or have less endurance.
- Sexual Function: While 300 ng/dL is above the low-T cutoff, erectile function and sexual performance may still be affected. Erections might be less firm or spontaneous, and orgasm intensity could be reduced. This varies widely, though, because sexual function also depends on vascular health and stress.
- Sleep Quality: Low-normal T can disrupt sleep.
- General Vitality: He might feel like he's "slowing down," with less zest for life or ability to bounce back from stress.
What To Do About It
The first step is to consult a progressive doctor and get tested. Remember, total testosterone doesn't mean much; you want that "free" testosterone number, too.
Free T is the unbound, biologically active portion of testosterone. Unlike total T, which includes both free testosterone and testosterone bound to proteins like SHBG and albumin, free testosterone isn't attached to these proteins and is readily available. A good doc will look at all these numbers and prescribe TRT based on the numbers AND your symptoms.
If your doctor won't play along or you'd rather avoid weekly testosterone injections, consider supplementing with Longjack. Various studies show that this herb (if you take enough of the right kind) boosts total testosterone and, more importantly, free testosterone. As a bonus, it won't shrink your testicles.
Use only the patented LJ100 variety, as found in Biotest Omega-Man (Buy at Amazon).
Omega-Man uses only LJ100 Longjack (a hefty 300 mg dose), developed and patented by the Government of Malaysia and MIT. It's formulated in a self-emulsifying delivery matrix designed to get all active fractions into the body. The microemulsion is a game-changer for complete absorption. You only need one softgel daily.