first comprehensive lab results here

[wannabebig2]

Well I finally got around to getting the lab work done, my free test seems to be a the very bottom of the "normal" range.
I know I have high cholesterol, and I know my thyroid is out of wack, but maybe my Dr. needs to adjust my medication for the hypothyroidism that is likely to be with me the rest of my life. I don't know about the other stuff, maybe I can get a little help here.

[wannabebig2]

Ok so I did a little more reading and I'm more confused than before. Depending on which website you want to believe I could be in the normal free testosterone range, or well below it. Why are there so many different "normal" ranges?

One website say 50=210 pg/ml is the normal range. Another website, WebMd says the same thing 50-210 pg/ml. But lifeextension.com suggest that men maintain 20-25 pl/ml. QuestDiagnostics has a reference range of 35-155 pl/ml, so who is right?

My results came back as 11.9 pg/ml.

[Chauffeur]

Ok so I did a little more reading and I'm more confused than before. Depending on which website you want to believe I could be in the normal free testosterone range, or well below it. Why are there so many different "normal" ranges?

One website say 50=210 pg/ml is the normal range. Another website, WebMd says the same thing 50-210 pg/ml. But lifeextension.com suggest that men maintain 20-25 pl/ml. QuestDiagnostics has a reference range of 35-155 pl/ml, so who is right?

My results came back as 11.9 pg/ml.

There are quite a few different methodologies that are used to measure free T. They use different reference ranges because they are different tests.

As long as you're comparing your results to the ranges that your lab provides, you'll be good to go.

[wannabebig2]

OK so going by their reference range I'm at the low end of normal, but why not just have all labs do the same kind of test so the reference range is standard, different ranges just confuse people. ?

[Chauffeur]

OK so going by their reference range I'm at the low end of normal, but why not just have all labs do the same kind of test so the reference range is standard, different ranges just confuse people. ?

Certain tests cost more than others, labs use different equipment and there are limitations to their fancy machines, etc.

[wannabebig2]

Well I guess I can live with being in their normal range, maybe I can do a little research about things I can do to increase my free test

[kelkel]

You seriously need to adjust your thyroid medication.
What is your current TRT protocol? I see what appears to be a notation for Testim but how much and what else?
You should remove your name from your BW, then repost it please.

[wannabebig2]

You seriously need to adjust your thyroid medication.
What is your current TRT protocol? I see what appears to be a notation for Testim but how much and what else?
You should remove your name from your BW, then repost it please.

Well thanks for reminding me about my name, honestly I let my thyroid medication run out and hadn't gotten my refill in the mail yet, so I hadn't taken it in almost a week when I had the blood drawn, I'm back on it now so I think those numbers would be better. Thats the only medication I take.

[kelkel]

I asked about Testim as directly below your Test Serum is a comment referencing what appears to be Testim but abbreviated.

[wannabebig2]

I asked about Testim as directly below your Test Serum is a comment referencing what appears to be Testim but abbreviated.

Well I didn't notice that on my results but I'm not on any testosterone replacement therapy. Yeah I just looked at my results again and saw them testm on the bottom page. I wonder why they put that there

[kelkel]

It may just be your doctor's "note to self" for future consideration. Regarding your thyroid meds get dialed in asap. If you don't it will eventually suppress LH function and thus, substantially lower your T level. Speaking of which, your shbg is up there a bit which is binding your free T. I don't see your Vit D level on this report but if you are not supplementing I'd suggest doing so as it will help to lower that level and free up more FT. Most everyone in North America is low and I don't have much doubt you'd be fine with 5K iu D3 daily taken with a large meal. Be sure to test it in the future.

[wannabebig2]

It may just be your doctor's "note to self" for future consideration. Regarding your thyroid meds get dialed in asap. If you don't it will eventually suppress LH function and thus, substantially lower your T level. Speaking of which, your shbg is up there a bit which is binding your free T. I don't see your Vit D level on this report but if you are not supplementing I'd suggest doing so as it will help to lower that level and free up more FT. Most everyone in North America is low and I don't have much doubt you'd be fine with 5K iu D3 daily taken with a large meal. Be sure to test it in the future.

Well these were privately ordered tests thru direct labs, so I don't understand why someone in a lab would !make a note like that. Anyway thanks for the advise, do you think I should think about seeking test replacement therapy?

[kelkel]

Well, odd terminology to say the least! No, you do not need T therapy at all. Just get your thyroid in order as hypothyroidism can / will eventually cause hypogonadism.

[RedBeardedViking]

Honestly your levels are not low enough to warrant treatment, I would focus on your thyroid issues first which should fix your fatigue. If you try to get on TRT with those levels you will have a hard time finding a doctor to even work with you and will most likely end up having to pay out of pocket. I been battling to get on TRT for 2 years now with T levels in 280 and FT at 6. your levels are considered normal.

[wannabebig2]

Honestly your levels are not low enough to warrant treatment, I would focus on your thyroid issues first which should fix your fatigue. If you try to get on TRT with those levels you will have a hard time finding a doctor to even work with you and will most likely end up having to pay out of pocket. I been battling to get on TRT for 2 years now with T levels in 280 and FT at 6. your levels are considered normal.

Well yes that was my take on my lab results as well, I just thought I would ask someone who knows more about it than me. I plan on getting full hormone blood work done every couple of years just to keep checking my levels, while I am in the normal range it seems like it is the middle of the range, which seems a little low for 43, with only thyroid issues which are out of whack now because I didn't take my meds for about a week, and elevated cholesterol.