Testosterone, normal levels but many symptoms?

Hello @thetor, Welcome to Connect. It can be pretty disturbing to have all of those symptoms and the doctor is not able to tell what's going on. It's good that you are advocating for your own health and trying to get a handle on what's going on with your body. Here's some information that talks about testosterone levels and symptoms and may describe what's going on.

"However, many men with normal testosterone levels have similar symptoms so a direct connection between testosterone levels and symptoms is not always clear. As a result, there is some controversy about which men should be treated with supplemental testosterone."
-- Testosterone — What It Does And Doesn't Do - Harvard Health:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/medications/testosterone--what-it-does-and-doesnt-do
Have you thought about getting a second opinion or seeking help at a teaching hospital or major health facility?

T, I’m a 70 y.o. male and retired nurse and I have 2 main thoughts on your issues. I’m glad you settled your mind by knowing your testosterone level is ok. Some of your symptoms may be due to carbon monoxide gas as they sound very similar. My other thought is for you to see a psychotherapists but only after you’ve had a complete physical exam. You only said your doc checked your testosterone, was a full chemistry panel performed? Did you relay all these symptoms you describe to your doctor as well? If you’re trying to put on weight with muscle mass and exercising and dieting to accomplish this and you’re not something is amiss. One question are you using steroids? Some of the side effects of steroids are also described in your symptoms too. Good luck!

Hey @johnbishop,
Thank you for your reply, I found the link you sent to be very helpful.

I've talked to a few doctors, but they all say that as long as my levels are within the "minimum spec" it's all good and I it's something else that's causing the same symptoms, but they can't tell me what.
So far they've run a bunch of tests, but aside from low Vitamin D (Normal this far north) all my blood work has come back as a man in perfect health.
I've seen the results, and it's all almost perfectly in the middle of the accepted range, something I found to be kinda fun 🙂

But yeah, still no idea about what's causing the symptoms from all the tests run.
Even talked to a psychotherapist, and my mind is good too. Aside from the symptoms of depression, anxiety and irritability. But nothing in my past like trauma or other diagnosis that would explain my situation.

Kinda at a loss to be honest, so it's not helping my mental health. And I don't want to start taking all kinds of drugs, especially when it only focuses on one small part of the issue.

But I want to thank you for the link and feedback 🙂

Hello @jenatsky.
Thank you for reply.
I'm still not 100% convinced it's not due to low testosterone, but I'm always open to find out what's wrong.

It's not CO, as I live in an area with very low pollution, very clean air and good ventilation in my home. I work as a Personal Trainer (part time) and do a lot of outdoor training with my clients.

I have been to a psychotherapist, and from her diagnosis, there's nothing wrong expect the symptoms of depression, anxiety and irritability there's nothing else mentally wrong.

I've had full blood work tests, and all the results say I'm in perfect health, aside from a little low on vitamin D, which is normal here in the north due to little sun. Everything else is almost damn in the middle of the accepted range.

I'm very active, training 4 days a week for about 3 hours and I have a pretty healthy diet. Been into strength sports since I was 14 🙂

No illegal P.E.D's. I'm to scared, as there is history of heart issues on my mothers side, so I'm not willing to take a chance that I could provoke something there.
100% natural (Aside from surgery to fix broken bones and torn muscles)

One of the biggest reasons I suspect low testosterone is that so many of the symptoms match, and when looking at the results of the test, I'm just above the minimum level.

As someone that (also) has an automotive engineering degree, my thought is "Just because it's within spec, does not mean it's optimal".
But hell, there must be something wrong to explain what's wrong right? 🙂

Still don't know what's wrong, but I'll keep trying to find out, even though I do feel that it's affecting my mental health not knowing why my body feels like it's shutting down. And in just 2 or 3 years.

Maybe this is an extreme measure, but, for the sake of completeness what about getting a CT scan or MRI on the brain. Admittedly, mental health issues are ultimately central nervous system related. Leave no stone unturned.

I don’t believe any insurance would cover these tests for a diagnosis of low testosterone.

Just a little update.
Got another test done, and everything is within "normal levels"
Problem is, the symptoms are the same or worse.
Been talking to a therapist, and my mental health isn't the cause, but seems to be a side effect of how my body feel.

Like I've said to the doctores, I don't care what's wrong as long as we get it fixed.
Because the way I feel now is no way to live a life.

I've been trying to figure out what's wrong, but I cannot find a single thing that'll cause all the issues, but there is a cocktail of things that could do the same.
So I ask here, got any good tips what I shiuld look into, as I do 't seem to be getting anywhere.

Do you take finasteride or any kind of drug that affects hormone levels? also have you had your testosterone checked in the recent past before developing symptoms to know what your baseline is? To conclude that you have no issues due to your testosterone being in "Normal range" is not necessarily accurate, at all. I actually despise the fact that many doctors will say "your testosterone is in range, no problems" when it is at 300 and below "normal range" is 250 usually. If your baseline is 785, yes you're going to feel horrible if your test is all of a sudden that low. One shoe does not fit all, just because an average range is established for everyone, the individual baseline is what matters. Also, even more important, the bioavailable and free testosterone readings give much more insight into how your body is using testosterone and how much is actually available to use.

@thetor Since you’ve tried all the traditional ways seek the help of a homeopathic doctor. Those whom I’ve met are amazing people who only think outside the box. They’re firm believers in a good diet and obviously from reading your many posts it seems you’ve almost run out of ideas.
I’m a retired nurse and I presume you’ve been tested for metal exposures? Do you have a CO2 detector in your home checking for a gas leak and were you in the military or near burn pits? Your array of symptoms remind me of a few illnesses, hence my questions. I hope you find some answers.

Do you have a homeopathic doctor you can refer us to ...in the Chicago area ?