Checking in after receiving my 1st blood work results. Reconmend any changes to maximize results or should I continue course for now and revisit later. My new results look like I have room to improve while staying within norms.
Background - had all the typical symptoms of low T, initial blood work wasn’t terrible however enough to recommend TRT
Test - 352ng/ml- 264-916
Free T - 10.0pg/ml- 6.8-21.5
Est - 17.6ph/ml - 7.6-42.6
PSA - 2.1ng/ml- 0.0-4.0
Hematocrit - 43.7- 37.5-51.0
Started TRT with a 2X weekly .3 200 SC
Started HCG week 4 with a 2X weekly @ 250 the day before my T poke
Feeling better. Much more energy, mild increase to libido, much easier to build muscle, some small reduction in belly fat, better sleep. Does feel like I could be getting more though since most improvements have been small.
New bloodwork results
Test - 667ng/ml - 264-916
Free T - 12.9pg/ml - 6.8-21.5
Est - 24.9ph/ml - 7.6-42.6
PSA - 1.8ng/ml - 0.0-4.0
Hematocrit - 44.8 - 37.5-51.0
Thanks, I’ll talk to my Dr about adding SHBG. Move to add HCG was solely to resolve testy aching and shrinkage which he said happened faster than he normally would see.
How should I go about specifying the right Estradiol test? LabCorp was the lab who performed the work.
Correct 120 MG weekly. Ok, that’s where I’m leaning as well. With the next tests I’ll add the suggestions above and look to increase the dose if my numbers are consistent. I know the dose should be adjusted test and symptom based however is there a guideline target range for optimum results for both Total and free? Its the free that I would like a little higher.
Well you can use the calculated free t. You need shbg , albumin, total t. There a free t calculator on line.
Free t can fluctuate. You just started and already feel better. I would not make changes based on 1 lab. Hormones can fluctuate greatly in 1 day.
You can retake labs in 6 weeks or more.
Btw target is where you feel good. It may be mid-range free t. That’s fine.
Try to get estradiol sensitive test if you can next time. What was the range of the one you took? NVM I see it
Your doctor checkmarked the standard E2 test, labcorp simply followed what the doctor had ordered. Some doctors aren’t even aware there are two different E2 testing methods
The doctor may say the standard E2 testing is fine and doesn’t matter, only if E2 is higher it tends to be overstated which is a real problem if you are trying to dose anastrozole or dial in E2 by lowering your dose.
I would not. The immunoassay test is not incorrect. I’ve attached two with concurrent testing methods. You’re not using an AI and you have no signs or symptoms of high E2. Base any treatment decisions on your symptoms and how you feel.
