How to tell if your test levels are low?

[Stabber]

I train naturally...but something is *off* in my body to say the least.
Here it goes. Around January I got off Paxil and slowly started to gain weight. In weird places for a guy. Butt cheeks.. face got puffy :eek: , and the usual stomach. I have really bad stretch marks on my body. I initially thought they were just from lifting, but they have gotten worst. Also, I have been terribly lethargic. And last but not least...non-existent libido. This happened within the past 2 months. I went on a cut , diet, and cardio to try to shape up. Nothing yet. Only minute increases in strength.
Nothing changed in my life that would cause this (no increased stress or anything). I also slowly began losing muscle at this time . I wasnt even cutting yet!
I've spoken to a few other members here who reported similar problems and their test levels were low.
I was wondering if it could possibly be something else? I'm only 23, that's why this is kind of freaking me out.

I couldnt get to a dr the past 6 months due to my medical insurance running out now that i'm out of school ( i did just get it back from my job).

Any feedback appreciated. If anyone has had something similar let me know. thanks

[grim]

Go to a doc and get tested. I walked into mine, told him what tests I wanted, and he ran them no questions asked. I kind of did this in preparation for a cycle, but after finding my test levels were pretty good, I decided against AS for now.

As for the lethargy and low libido, I'd wager a guess at depression coming back (or were you taking the Paxil for anxiety?). You might want to try going back on SSRIs again to see if they help, or if the libido is a big issue, try something like Wellbutrin, it supposedly has pro-libido effects (or at least none of the side effects of the SSRIs) and some positive effects on weightloss (haven't seen any studies, only an anecdote in some FitnessRX magazine or something of that sort).

Last guess would be to take a good look at your diet and your cutting routine, alot of cardio and a poor diet would have stressed you enough to cause similar effects..

jb

[Stabber]

thanks for the reply man good advice. All this started before the cut and cardio. And I tried wellbutrin before. Made me feel sick to my stomach. I never suffered from depression, only some anxiety...
guess i'll ask the doc

what were your test levels? What is normal?

[Behemoth]

Could it be as simple as diet? How much fat and of what kind are you taking in daily?