Conflicting Labs: Estrodiol, Sensitive vs. Estrogen, Total, Serum -How's it possible?

[forrest_and_trees]

Recently I had blood work done at two different labs on the same day. The blood draws were taken about 30 mins apart, but I got differing results. Both did a complete panel. The first was Lab Corp, who I've used for the past several years, and the second was a local lab who I'd never used before.

Lab Corp tested:
Estrodiol, Sensitive
Results= <3
out of 3 - 70

It had a side note that said "LOW"

The local lab tested:
Estrogen, Total, Serum
Results= 198
out of 130 or less

This one said H for high…

How is this possible?

[Ryanmcd]

I would trust the Sensitive one, Better yet if your E2 is at 3 you should feel like total chit, have sore knees and prob ED. Any of these going on?

[The Deadlifting Dog]

I am pretty certain that total estrogens is a completely different test that estradoil. I believe the E2 estradoil is only one of the types of estrogen found in the body.

Just read a Wiki.
There is E1, E2, and E3 in men. E2 estradoil is the strongest. That is probably why we focus on it.
Women also produce E4 during pregnancy.
I believe total estrogens measures E1+E2+E3+E4.

[kelkel]

E2 Sensitive is the test to live by. It's the only one sensitive enough to read properly for men.

[forrest_and_trees]

Ironically, the lab that said my estrogen is high was at my new doctor's request; who happens to be female. Unfortunately, she was the only doctor in town who took my new insurance. For the past 5 years, I'd been paying out of pocket for another doctor, who's been going by my Labcorp blood work. He's been a *huge* help with my LowT and other health issues, unfortunately he doesn't accept my new insurance. …Now this new doctor says my estrogen is *too* high! …Clearly she does not know about male issues. But what really gets me, is she was trying to dis my longterm doctor, inferring he doesn't now what he's doing.

On an interesting side note, my long term doctor has been going by the same range as Labcorp for Test; which is 348-1197 ng/dL. He's been trying to keep me above 1000, which is awesome… whereas the new lab range was only 241-827 ng/dL and of course, the new doctor is going by that. No thank you!!

If there's anything to take away from all this, it's what so many have said for so long and that is, not all doctors get it and you have to stick to your guns until you find a doctor who does. Even though I now have insurance, I'd still rather pay out of pocket so I can stick with my long term doctor. I really can't say enough good things about him.

As for low E side effects, surprisingly I have no joint pains or clicking and no real problems with erections, though my E levels seem to fluctuate almost throughout the day, based on things like moodiness and puffiness of my nipples etc. I've have experienced the clicking and soreness etc. in the past, but it was back when I first began using an AI.

[kelkel]

On an interesting side note, my long term Dr. has been going wit the Labcorp normal range for Test of 348-1197 ng/dL, trying to keep me above 1000, the new lab range was only 241-827 ng/dL and the new Dr. wants to go by that. No thank you!!

Only range to be interested in is Free Testosterone . Too many docs look only at total t which is a mistake. You are absolutely correct, way to many doc's don't know hormones.

Good to see you back here Forrest!

[spacemon]

What do you mean when you say that you experienced clicking?

[forrest_and_trees]

A common symptom of low E is clicking in your joints, like shoulders, arms, knees etc. when you move them.