blood work question on free testosterone

[OldPLer]

I got my blood work back and all is fine except free test was low. Total test was 487 ng/dl but free test was 0.65 ng/dl. Free test normal range is 0.80 to 3.50, have not taken any gear for 6 months and then it was hrt type. Anyone have any ideas or should i just start low dose test and would that raise the free test.

[Ufa]

Kick up your total test to 1,000. Have your blood check for test and estro. If estro is high get an aromatase inhibitor.

[drkinsey]

I got my blood work back and all is fine except free test was low. Total test was 487 ng/dl but free test was 0.65 ng/dl. Free test normal range is 0.80 to 3.50, have not taken any gear for 6 months and then it was hrt type. Anyone have any ideas or should i just start low dose test and would that raise the free test.

The reference range of free T indicates that the lab uses the so-called RIA direct method - a method which lacks sensitivity and accuracy, especially in those cases where T is low normal and SHBG is low. The gold standard is equilibrium dialysis, a costly method that is used by less than 10 percent of the labs. NOTE: the normal range of free T by equil. dialysis is 50 to 250 pg/ml or, equivalently, 5 to 25 ng/dL ( I just converted units here. Some labs use ng/dL for free T, which is the unit normally used for Total T.) Do you know if your SHBG level is low?

[zaggahamma]

yeh, that's the first lab I saw with a range like that for free T...LabCorp(at least the one I use) has a reference range of 8.7-25.1.

[UpstateNY]

It all depends on the lab you use from what I am told. I was told there are 3 seperate "charts" used to determine normal levels, thus adding to confusion and possibly improper dosing. The lab I use has for fasting, free testosterone (direct), a level of 6.8-21.5 pg/ml as normal range and for Total Test. under fasting, 241-827.
You can see why after a month on Androgel when my totals we're 3.2 & 162.2 I was very concerned . I test again in the AM, 5 wks on 1ml Test E. per wk. I'll update.

[Ufa]

Don't worry HRT Doctors will find a way to convince you that your test levels are low. OH! Then they will be to high. Now, more blood work. Now more Money.

"Never give a sucker an even break"