Lab Corp blood work range by age?

[txnhb]

So I have an appointment tomorrow with a PCP that advertises on their web page testosterone therapy. I am very excited that maybe this doc will be able to help me. I have posted threads before about trying to go through the VA for help and came up with no luck. I was going over my last blood work taken dec 15th at the VA and noticed one thing. They post ranges for age now. Any how heres what my blood work showed for what the doctor ordered. In case you guys forgot i'm a 29 year old male. What I noticed was they attached the normal ranges by age thing. Is this in fact legit? Lab Corp is the company. Anyways any thoughts would be appreciated and advice for how to talk to the civilian doctor tomorrow to try and get help. I want a new me this year and to feel new.

My total test range: 328 ng/dL

Reference Ranges are:
MALE 20-49 YEARS OLD = 249-836 ng/DL
MALE >49 YEARS OLD = 193-740 ng/dL
FEMALE 20-49 YEARS OLD = 8-48 ng/dL
FEMALE > 49 YEARS OLD = 3-41 ng/dL

Thyrotropin: 1.82 uIU/mL
Ref Range: 0.34-5.60

Thyroxine free: 1.09ng/dL
Ref range: 0.61-1.12

Triidothyronine free: 3.5 pg/dL
reference range: 2.0-4.4

[zaggahamma]

yes the ranges look legit

why would they not be legit?

[SlimmerMe]

LAbcorp is legit and gauging results with a range is necessary and done by age.

[txnhb]

bad choice of words...not legit, but i guess i am not used to seeing it by age. i was under the impression that it was a broad range of being in range in general as a man.

[brazey]

Ranges are just guides and you also have to go by how you feel. Your target should be the upper 3rd of the range; somewhere from 540-840. Most will feel their best in that range but not always. Hopefully your new doc will understand this and not just go by the numbers and tell you you're fine. And of course there are other test he should do to help determine your problem. Good luck & keep us posted.

[steroid.com 1]

The ranges in the OP's post are old Lab Corp reference ranges for Total Test.

For men over 40 it used to be: 193 - 740 ng/dl

It's been adjusted now: 348 - 1197 ng/dl

Significant difference in both the bottom and top of the reference range. This means more men will be diagnosed clinically low causing health insurance to kick in which is fantastic news for all of us!

It's interesting to see how they raised the top range. I always thought the 740 was low anyway. My Lab uses 1100 as their top and 340 for their bottom and my Lab specializes in hormone testing.

Here's the study in case you're interested: http://atlanta-liposuction.com/pdf/n...rone_study.pdf

[zaggahamma]

Guess their using the old ranges since lab was in De***ber they're all pretty similar and couple posts above said it best when states hopefully doc will cosnsider symptoms

[steroid.com 1]

Guess their using the old ranges since lab was in De***ber they're all pretty similar and couple posts above said it best when states hopefully doc will cosnsider symptoms

The right Doc will treat symptoms.

The reference range will impact whether or not insurance covers the protocol or not.

[bass]

that doesn't make sense, the changes were effective October 17, 2011, and TXNHB's blood test was done on Dec. 15! not sure why they were still using the old ranges!

[zaggahamma]

The right Doc will treat symptoms.

The reference range will impact whether or not insurance covers the protocol or not.

my test level was in range but still covered by insurance bases solely on the doctor prescribed it...maybe its different for different docs/insurances....would make sense

[txnhb]

Ok guys doctors visit went well. She seemed to be on board with me on how I feel and why it is i'm feeling this way. I told her my signs and symptoms. Gave her my VA blood work results. She also drew blood and said if it comes back low she has no problem starting testosterone therapy.

My only concern was how she mentioned it would be done. She mentioned starting with a 200mg dose once every 2 weeks. Getting blood work after the third injection and going from there. I will try mentioning to her on the follow up appointment if we can split the dose in half and go for once a week injections. I also mentioned if she runs HCG alongside the treatment. I said I was concerned with sperm production and keeping the testes functioning. She said that the only affects she sees in needing something like that is for people who are abusing anabolics and getting stuff from across the border and changing doses etc. I'm excited though to at least have found a doctor that is willing to help. Maybe with me educating her a little more I can get treated properly though. Any thoughts?

[zaggahamma]

Ok guys doctors visit went well. She seemed to be on board with me on how I feel and why it is i'm feeling this way. I told her my signs and symptoms. Gave her my VA blood work results. She also drew blood and said if it comes back low she has no problem starting testosterone therapy.

My only concern was how she mentioned it would be done. She mentioned starting with a 200mg dose once every 2 weeks. Getting blood work after the third injection and going from there. I will try mentioning to her on the follow up appointment if we can split the dose in half and go for once a week injections. I also mentioned if she runs HCG alongside the treatment. I said I was concerned with sperm production and keeping the testes functioning. She said that the only affects she sees in needing something like that is for people who are abusing anabolics and getting stuff from across the border and changing doses etc. I'm excited though to at least have found a doctor that is willing to help. Maybe with me educating her a little more I can get treated properly though. Any thoughts?

my thoughts
you are in a scenario that a lot of us are in...where, great you may very well get a rx for test but need to buy hcg from the "market"
i think u will also be wasting your time convincing her to change the frequency...i would be happy with your 200 every 2 weeks for the time being...you can convince that coming in every 2 weeks wont work with your work schedule and u need to self inject but...wait a couple months....every 2 weeks isnt the greatest protocol but its better than lowT
imo
then theres always anti aging clinics that will give u all u need but costs more
my .02

[kelkel]

Weekly injections at a minimum. Her answer regarding HCG just shows that she knows nothing about the proper usage of it for TRT. Maybe the lack of testicals, who knows. Print out what you need to from the stickies, Crisler, etc and discuss it with her. Who knows, maybe she will actually take some time and read up. Also, read gdevine's recent post regarding HCG. That post, in and of itself, should persuade her.

Good luck and keep us posted...

[zaggahamma]

Weekly injections at a minimum. Her answer regarding HCG just shows that she knows nothing about the proper usage of it for TRT. Maybe the lack of testicals, who knows. Print out what you need to from the stickies, Crisler, etc and discuss it with her. Who knows, maybe she will actually take some time and read up. Also, read gdevine's recent post regarding HCG. That post, in and of itself, should persuade her.

Good luck and keep us posted...

i agree with above is better

but have seen her type before

[kelkel]

Just trying to be optomistic JPK! Reality may be way different unfortunately. In another 10 years maybe there will be TRT specialists everywhere and situations like these and what we've been through ourselves will hopefully be a thing of the past.

[ecdysone]

Weekly injections at a minimum. Her answer regarding HCG just shows that she knows nothing about the proper usage of it for TRT. Maybe the lack of testicals, who knows. Print out what you need to from the stickies, Crisler, etc and discuss it with her. Who knows, maybe she will actually take some time and read up. Also, read gdevine's recent post regarding HCG. That post, in and of itself, should persuade her.

Good luck and keep us posted...

Wonderful advice...do we all on this forum live in a fantasy world? Would just hope that more practitioners could read any study done in the past few years.

My theory: the manufacture's of test-cyp in trying to make their product universally acceptable went for the 200 mg/2 weeks and 99% of Docs don't want to buck it. Why they don't know ANYTHING about HCG is the real mystery, and of course, an AI, for them, is something you give to women!

Sometimes is just so frustrating!

[steroid.com 1]

It's a simple question to ask her: "What is the half life of Testosterone Cypionate?"

If she can't answer it than tell her: "5 to 7 days with peak values at 48 hours".

Than ask: "Why would you put me on a 2 week cycle"?

Licensed Physicians prescribing controlled substances and don't know half life...criminal in my opinion!

[txnhb]

It's a simple question to ask her: "What is the half life of Testosterone Cypionate?"

If she can't answer it than tell her: "5 to 7 days with peak values at 48 hours".

Than ask: "Why would you put me on a 2 week cycle"?

Licensed Physicians prescribing controlled substances and don't know half life...criminal in my opinion!

That was exactly the way I planned to go about it! Just wanna get my foot in the door with her. I can't thank you guys enough for the education I've received on her through these forums guys.

This doc definitely seems open to what I have to say and impressed with my knowledge. I guess it's amazing how many patients just go along with what doctors say and don't take charge of their own health. She did say an educated patient makes things a lot easier for her and better in general.

If anything I guess I will go along with her treatment and in time and trust see if she can modify things for me or let me just inject at home. Good thing is i'll be applying to PA school soon and I'll be smacking other providers around with the way things should be done to help people.

[txnhb]

As a side note I found the "new" ranges on LabCorp's website. I also am wondering why the VA is telling me i'm in range. I'm looking at my health record online and see that they attached a "comment" showing normal ranges as I originally posted above. Maybe this is just the VA screwing me over? I need to call them and say WTF, I found the new ranges and obviously I'm below normal according to LabCorp's website.

[zaggahamma]

so when is the big day/appointment?

hope you keep THIS thread updated with how it goes

[txnhb]

Well she drew blood yesterday and I guess they will have the blood results in a couple of days. The doc said that she will call me when she gets the results to schedule the appointment. She mentioned next week so hopefully Monday. I will definitely keep this thread updated to let you guys know how the journey is going.

[txnhb]

Ok minor update. My doc just had a baby so she is on bed rest. I have a follow up with a PA and he will go over blood work this coming Tuesday 1/10/12 so hopefully she will consult with him and if i begin my trt all will be great. I will ask about going half the dose but once a week due to the half life.

[txnhb]

So today I went in for my follow up. My test came back at 344 in a range of 348-1197. That's all that was drawn. It looks like it will be work working with this doctor. It's actually a PA filling in.
I was given 200mg and told to come in in 2 weeks to have another shot see how I'm feeling and have my test checked again. Before I got my shot I had them draw for E2 to get a baseline and check it also next time.
Any thoughts? Im excited to start feeling good again and ready to start training as hard as I used to.

[bass]

i highly recommend splitting the dose to once a week at 100 mgs, or better yet twice a week at 50 mgs. if you do it once every two week you will be shut down by the time you go to see your doctor. tell your doctor the half life of test is 5 days, you will be back down to nothing on day 9 after your injection!

[txnhb]

i highly recommend splitting the dose to once a week at 100 mgs, or better yet twice a week at 50 mgs. if you do it once every two week you will be shut down by the time you go to see your doctor. tell your doctor the half life of test is 5 days, you will be back down to nothing on day 9 after your injection!

Yeah I mentioned the half life and what I've read about guys experiencing the roller coaster ride. He said to be honest he's not that experienced with this and is going off the doctors protocols. He's a PA though and she's out on maternity leave so I don't blame him. I guess they will see it in my blood work when they draw it right? I will have to complain of the yo yo effect I will experience and see if they budge for me.

[bass]

what doctors protocols? did you take a print out from dr. Crisler as suggested by KelKel above? don't let them toy with your health, no need to go through the roller coaster! tell them you want this done the right way not by guessing!

[lvs]

your bloodwork the next time will be proof in the pudding because your t-levels will be lower than your current baseline because of hpta suppression.

[txnhb]

what doctors protocols? did you take a print out from dr. Crisler as suggested by KelKel above? don't let them toy with your health, no need to go through the roller coaster! tell them you want this done the right way not by guessing!

I didn't but I did talk to them about it. I was in the area and called to see if they had the blood work tests back and they did so I didn't have time to head back home and grab the paper by dr c. Im thinking I will have to wait until the doctor gets off maternity leave to change anything.

[zaggahamma]

you guys think his levels will surely be lower than 348 in 13/14 days from his 200mg injection?

agree every 2 weeks isnt optimal...but not so sure about that...nor was he really given a choice?

[txnhb]

So what should I expect? According to the info on here I won't see/feel a pick up until roughly 4 weeks? Is that what you guys felt also or did you feel different sooner? If it reaches a peak at 24-48 hours would I feel that?

[bass]

most of us feel the benefits within 6-8 weeks, some have reported 4 weeks!

[zaggahamma]

i started with gel and noticed improved strength and energy and libido in less than 4 weeks.....let us know here in this thread...some ppl that feel it quicker will blame it on placebo effect, etc.
it is what it is though you'll either feel better faster or it will take a while

[txnhb]

you guys think his levels will surely be lower than 348 in 13/14 days from his 200mg injection?

agree every 2 weeks isnt optimal...but not so sure about that...nor was he really given a choice?

The way the PA made it sound was he just wanted to get me into normal range. Not higher normal range. The first visit I had with the doc she mentioned being upper third normal. I just am going to have to wait until she gets back for mentioning
1. Switching to a one week injection at 100mg
2. Seeing if I can just fill a script. The $25 copayment each visit isn't going to cut it.

Also what's the deal with the "lucid" dreams you guys mention. I'll let you know if I have any.

[zaggahamma]

The way the PA made it sound was he just wanted to get me into normal range. Not higher normal range. The first visit I had with the doc she mentioned being upper third normal. I just am going to have to wait until she gets back for mentioning
1. Switching to a one week injection at 100mg
2. Seeing if I can just fill a script. The $25 copayment each visit isn't going to cut it.

Also what's the deal with the "lucid" dreams you guys mention. I'll let you know if I have any.

was that in a sticky or something?

[txnhb]

No it was a normal post i remember reading. I'll try and find it.

[lvs]

it was for me...

you guys think his levels will surely be lower than 348 in 13/14 days from his 200mg injection?

agree every 2 weeks isnt optimal...but not so sure about that...nor was he really given a choice?

[txnhb]

it was for me...

What was yours from start and after 2 weeks?

[zaggahamma]

it was for me...

what was? I did u mean, they were?(levels)

[lvs]

My baseline started at 288 (250-1100), and after 6-weeks of 200mg/eow and on the 14th day, before the injection was 179.

[lvs]

jp, I was just answering your question, that my levels were lower on eow injections than my baseline numbers, which was my basis for my comment.

what was? I did u mean, they were?(levels)