Another blood work question...Low % T free?

[carlovee]

Hi folks, here's my numbers before hrt...

TotalT 500 300-890 (my first totalt score was 368 btw)
SexBindingGlob 49 11-80
TestFree 75 47-244
Test%Free 1.5 1.6-29

So only %Free was out of range. When I asked my dr about it he said 'Its complicated' and left it at that. He wants to focus on the TestFree and bring it up into the 150 range.

For what its worth I'll include the out of range scores on my CBC...
WBC 3.6 4.1-11
MCV 96.1 80-95
MCH 33.3 27-32

Doc said this indicated a B12 deficiency.

btw...The main reasons I pursued HRT were low libido and low energy.

Thanks in advance for any input. I find that the folks here are usually more clued in then most Dr's are.

[carlovee]

I'll add some more info...

I'm 51 and fit, I do short cardio most days.

Estradiol 26 <47
Prolactin 4.4 2.5-17.4

My TSH has been high when tested ... Poking around this forum I see that that's a significant red flag.

Component Standard Range 10/25/2007 12/13/2007 1/27/2012 7/16/2012
TSH 0.32-5.00 uIu/ml 4.56 2.29 6.27 4.05

[Trific]

Maybe addressing your thyroid and possibly taking some vitamin d to help you get more free T and the B12 would be enough to satisfy you.?.

[bass]

no its not complicated for your doc to explain TRT to you unless he has no clue what's he doing! as mentioned above by Trific definitely take care of your thyroid first before you start injection more stuff, if you want to supplement with vitamins then do the orals one, they work just as good.

[carlovee]

Thanks guys...Does this mean a visit to the endo for the Thyroid issue or can it be controlled with iodine or some other supplement?

Started taking B12.

Yeah, my dr was clueless about some things...But what does %T Free mean? Can someone explain? I'm curious what it means when my Total T and my FreeT are in range but %T Free is low.

Thanks again.

[powerlifterty16]

u started trt with 890 t level

[100%]

I'll add some more info...

I'm 51 and fit, I do short cardio most days.

Estradiol 26 <47
Prolactin 4.4 2.5-17.4

My TSH has been high when tested ... Poking around this forum I see that that's a significant red flag.

Component Standard Range 10/25/2007 12/13/2007 1/27/2012 7/16/2012
TSH 0.32-5.00 uIu/ml 4.56 2.29 6.27 4.05

You need to get your thyroid squared away. TSH is high even for older ranges see link.
http://www.hospitalsoup.com/public/A...ighlighted.pdf

[Trific]

u started trt with 890 t level

I believe it was 368 & 500

[Trific]

what does %T Free mean? Can someone explain? I'm curious what it means when my Total T and my FreeT are in range but %T Free is low.

Your free test should be somewhere between 1.6% and I think that should maybe be 2.9% of your total test and it is 1.5%...so you are .1% below the bottom range....a little more vitamin d or a better working thyroid could get you in range.

With your previous total of 368 your free% might have been in range depending on what your free was at that time.

[carlovee]

Yes, my total t was tested at 368, then 500 the 2nd time. Not crazy low numbers but I felt like my symptoms (low libido, low energy, brain fog) were bad and getting worse.

I've since started my TRT and while the libido is back I still feel like my energy isn't where it should be so I'm going check my TSH level checked again and show my doctor the link above.

Thanks again. This site has been valuable resource for me.

[powerlifterty16]

Yes, my total t was tested at 368, then 500 the 2nd time. Not crazy low numbers but I felt like my symptoms (low libido, low energy, brain fog) were bad and getting worse.

I've since started my TRT and while the libido is back I still feel like my energy isn't where it should be so I'm going check my TSH level checked again and show my doctor the link above.

Thanks again. This site has been valuable resource for me.

you had an 890 in there too....when was that from?

[The Deadlifting Dog]

Powerlifterty,

You misread his post.
He stated a range of 300-890 for the testosterone test.
You read the 890 as his result.

[Rusty11]

Yes, my total t was tested at 368, then 500 the 2nd time. Not crazy low numbers but I felt like my symptoms (low libido, low energy, brain fog) were bad and getting worse.

I've since started my TRT and while the libido is back I still feel like my energy isn't where it should be so I'm going check my TSH level checked again and show my doctor the link above.

Thanks again. This site has been valuable resource for me.

So, your doc put you on trt, but has said nothing about synthroid (or a generic)to bring that tsh level down? We're all different. The brain fog, etc... could very well be thyroid related. Doc needs to adress this. If not, get referred to an endo. Symptoms are similar for low t and hypothyroidism. I don't see your level as being too bad, but should be looked at. No flaming all you tsh gurus . Years ago, I went to doc for check-up and found my tsh to be at nearly 9. I had been feeling fine and working hard in the gym. But, as I said, we are all different. Ppl often feel horrible with tsh levels like yours.

[powerlifterty16]

Powerlifterty,

You misread his post.
He stated a range of 300-890 for the testosterone test.
You read the 890 as his result.

wow i guess i did lol.
idk if id go on trt with 500. it is a shitty level, but i dont think he should go on trt and shut his natural production

[carlovee]

Hey Rusty, its funny but that's just about exactly what my GP said about the TSH when it was 6.27, that I might be more sensitive to it then most. But when it was retested and came back 4.05 it was within their range and he wouldn't consider treating it at that point.

My GP didn't start me on TRT, I had to go find a local anti-aging dr for that. My GP said "Your body knows what the right level of testosterone is for you". I like my GP, he's a smart guy but young...I felt like saying 'Hey doc when you find yourself 50 years old and your libido drops off a cliff make sure you repeat that to yourself.'

I did a lot of reading about TRT and I know its for life...2 months in I'm still comfortable with my decision. I wasn't expecting a miracle cure and I didn't get one but my libido is back up and I'm sleeping better. The better sleep alone has had numerous benefits.

I think I will see the local Endo.

thanks!

[Rusty11]

Hmmmm...I'm sure there are many people who feel crappy with a tsh of 4. The newer range only goes up to 3.0. My endo looks at levels, but talks to me about how I feel. Interesting quote by your GP. LOL. My gp is nice enough, but hasn't a clue. He prescribes testim and I do all the research to learn what's important-estrogen, hemicrit levels, relief from atrophied balls, etc... I don't change because all bw has been good for almost two years.
Hopefully, an endo will take a closer look at your thyroid. A whacky thyroid really effects your life

[powerlifterty16]

Hmmmm...I'm sure there are many people who feel crappy with a tsh of 4. The newer range only goes up to 3.0. My endo looks at levels, but talks to me about how I feel. Interesting quote by your GP. LOL. My gp is nice enough, but hasn't a clue. He prescribes testim and I do all the research to learn what's important-estrogen, hemicrit levels, relief from atrophied balls, etc... I don't change because all bw has been good for almost two years.
Hopefully, an endo will take a closer look at your thyroid. A whacky thyroid really effects your life

which labs use the new range? labcorp and quest dont

[Rusty11]

Yea. Labs don't. I read this a while back on an article written by an endo. I just had a conversation about this last week with my endo. They don't all follow the same range. Mine saw my tsh at 5, asked me how I felt, assured me it wasn't anything to worry about, then upped my synthroid dosage. Personally, I have been in the 1.50 range and feel very hyper. What's normal for one may not be for another.

[100%]

Yea. Labs don't. I read this a while back on an article written by an endo. I just had a conversation about this last week with my endo. They don't all follow the same range. Mine saw my tsh at 5, asked me how I felt, assured me it wasn't anything to worry about, then upped my synthroid dosage. Personally, I have been in the 1.50 range and feel very hyper. What's normal for one may not be for another.

If you click on the link in post 7 it shows the revision. Most labs still haven't adjusted unfortunately.

[Rusty11]

Thanks 100%. I wouldn't want ppl thinking that I'm pulling this out of my ass.