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How widely can testosterone tests vary month to month?

Male age 62 - low body fat, active cyclist, swimmer, runner with weight lifting. No health issues other than elevated cholesterol now being treated with 5 mg of Crestor daily.

Follow up visit to December physical is as follows:

Testosterone test that came back at 935 ng/dl. Doctor was concerned about elevated level. Questioned me regarding testosterone supplement use, which I am not nor ever have. My genitals were examined and I was informed my testicles were smooth and firm but larger than normal for my age. (greater than 25ml on orchidometer.)

Retested total testosterone in January and it came back at 305 ng/dl. Doctor reviewed results and informed me T was back in normal range and not to worry.

What could cause such a wide swing in T levels in one month? Could my T naturally fluctuate this much (67%) as my libido does ebb and flow (high sex drive) Also, I do occasionally get oily skin on my face and a pimple or two. I was informed that extremely high T can indicate tumors of adrenals and/or pituitary, thyroid problems so this has me wondering. I also have no basis to understand the significance of the size of my gonads.
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To answer your question "outside your norm based on previous physical"    Had only one prior test in 2012 and number was in the 300s .  

Sara - I appreciate your response and have a call in to the doctor for further discussion.
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15695260 tn?1549593113
Hello and welcome to MedHelp's forums.  This is a very interesting question.  Inquiring as to why there would be such a fluctuation in a months time of your testosterone level would be a great conversation to have with your doctor as they are the best source of information.  The top level you mention is not outside of the normal range but is on the high side, however, as it is a change for you, your doctor was suspicious about enhancing drugs to cause that.  Glad to hear that isn't the case but it does lead to the mystery of why they were so elevated from your norm. And I'm presuming it is outside your norm based on a previous physical?  

Here is some general information to understand testosterone in men https://www.medicinenet.com/high_and_low_testosterone_levels_in_men/views.htm.

Keep in mind that diet and environment can impact your testosterone level.  To increase testosterone levels naturally, there are articles on how to do so. https://www.webmd.com/men/features/can-you-boost-testosterone-naturally#1.  If you look through that, you may then think back if you had an increase in any of these things or journal your daily habits to look for patterns. Being aware of what the symptoms of high testosterone are and noticing when you have them and then comparing that to your daily habits may be insightful.

Far more men have low testosterone and the troubles that go with that.  You are still within normal range so would not worry that this is unhealthy for you.  But do understand the desire for understanding your body, hormones and what is happening with them.
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To answer your question "outside your norm based on previous physical"    Had only one prior test in 2012 and number was in the 300s .  

Sara - I appreciate your response and have a call in to the doctor for further discussion.





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