He was in his 30s. A busy professional. He’d used anabolic steroids in his late teens, and over time, he just didn’t feel the same.
Low motivation. Flat mood. Low libido. No drive.
He went to his GP to get some answers.
They checked his bloods and told him his testosterone was normal. That he didn’t need any treatment.
That was it. Case closed.
But something didn’t sit right with him, so he pushed to get a copy of his results and booked in to see me.
His testosterone was 11 nmol/L. Technically “normal” but far from optimal. His SHBG was also high, meaning the amount of usable, free testosterone was even lower than it looked.
We sat down and went through everything. His symptoms, his lifestyle, his concerns, and what he wanted from treatment.
Together, we made a plan. We started subcutaneous testosterone injections, added HCG to help maintain fertility and testicular size and gave him a short course of a PDE5 inhibitor.
He emailed me a few weeks later.
“I feel like I’ve got my life back,” he said.
And when I saw him again at his follow-up, he said his only regret was waiting so long. He thought his levels were “fine.”
This happens more than you’d think.
Men are told their testosterone is normal, even when their symptoms are screaming otherwise. Most NHS GPs can only refer you if your levels are under 8. And even then, it has to be on two separate occasions and often men are waiting for 1-2 years before treatment.
Free testosterone isn’t usually measured. SHBG isn’t often looked at. But they matter a lot!
If you feel like something isn’t right, don’t ignore it. It’s worth speaking to someone who understands testosterone and hormonal health properly.
At Men’s Medical Clinic, we offer home testing kits, in-depth consultations, and personalised TRT plans. You’ll speak to the same doctor each time and get a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle. We believe every man deserves to be listened to.
Based in Leeds. Helping men across Yorkshire.
Test at home. Book online. Get answers.