Is A Testosterone Level Of 74 A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Sun, 31 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 31 Jul 2016 Answered on

Wed, 17 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : address each one of my problems, and tell me the reason why I cannot have testosterone replacement without having to have blood removed, my total testosterone is 74 and if there is a solution to that and if so please lay them out to me so I can go over them with my primary care physician

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If it is low replacement can be given

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ward,
Thanks again for posting your intriguing query.

If you have low testosterone (total 74) and have symptoms like decrease libido there is no reason to supplement testosterone. I don't understand why you want your blood to be removed there is no such indication when we replace testosterone.

The testosterone can be supplemented with oral as well as intramuscular route depending on the choice of patient.

Having said this alike every medication testosterone comes with its own side effects. Although there are many but with advancement of age the enlargement of prostate and increased urinary frequency are major problems. In addition increased risk of thromboembolic events and mild fluid retention may compound your health since you already have swelling over lower limbs.

I hope this answers your question.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (12 hours later)

thank u very much for a quick response, however I don!t see where you addressed any of my other problems. testosterone is the least of my problems, I just wanted to know why when taken that it causes me to have blood drawn ??, each of the other problems I would like u to tell me something about each and how each can be treated for the best possible results, also if possible tell me what from your experience would be the best possible treatment.. I do realize how difficult it is to try to advise a patient long distance without being able to examine the person and to be able to perform test to establish a helpful protocol, so I ask that you just give it your best shot.. thank u very much, I!m XXXXXXX XXXX

thinking back to my last message to you maybe I should have asked if my other problems are in your area of expertise, sorry about that, in the event that is true, would you be kind enough to refer me to the proper type doctor to address my many other problems, thanking u in advance............ XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please read below

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ward,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

You are absolutely right in saying that things are difficult to explain when you have long distance patient that too with limited information.

Having said this I like to inform you that there are multiple factors which lead to build of testosterone in body. Among them first is some defect in metabolism which results in accumulation of testosterone. Since testosterone metabolism takes place with aromatase as well as 5 alpha reductase there is possibility that some defective function of one or another enzyme results in building up of testosterone.

The second reason could be obesity. Since the testosterone is lipid soluble it gets retained in the fatty tissue resulting in increased level. Although as per the literature none of your current medication interacts with testosterone but it is possible that some of these drugs interacting with testosterone and science may not know about it till date.

Due to defective metabolism it remain in the blood and gets accumulated when you get supplemental form. This same needs to be removed through letting out the blood to maintain the optimum level.

I must inform you that most of the above content is my speculation and there is nothing concrete known about it other than obesity part.

Since we do not know much about it it is difficult to chart out treatment and letting out blood is suitable option to treat the condition.

I hope this clarifies.
Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)

thank u for that great response, could you advise me the type medical professional that could advise me about bad knee cartilage and bone related issues...........thanks, XXXXXXX Ward

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Either rheumatologist or Orthopedician

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ward,
Thanks for your compliment.

About knee cartilage and bone related issues two kinds of specialists are available. One is rhematologist and other is Orthopedician. The former mostly deal with conditions that can be helped out with medications and later deal with surgical conditions related to bone and cartilages.

I hope this assists you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
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Thanks and regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D