Bostonusa2009's blood test results Very Low Free T

Member Stories Lab Tests
#1

I probably should have posted this here originally rather than in my member story area,

Ok well here is my 2nd & 3rd blood test results I just received today.

My first test done by my Primary care dr on 6/23/09:

Total T: 751(range 241-827) Free T 9.3( range 12.4-40.0)

2nd test done by 1st Endo Dr on 9/30/09 (about 4 weeks ago rec today)

Total T: 628.02 (241-827) ng/dl

Free T: 11.7 (12.4-40.0) pg/ml

Estadial: 34.92 (0-52) pg/ml

Prolact: 5.4 (2.1-17.7) ng/ml

FSH: 4.8 (1.4-18.1) mIu/ml

LH: 6.6 (1.5-9.3) mIu/ml

DHEA 5.0 (0-10) ng/ml

SHBG 46 (10-60) nmol/L

3rd test done by 2nd Endo Dr on 10/13/09

Total T: 557.69 (241-827)ng dl

ALB: 4.1 (3.4-4.7) gm/dl

SHBG: 43 (10-60.0) nmol/L

I guess the dr wanted to see ALB as it helps show clues to certain disorders.

My Free T is actually slightly higher than it was about a month ago, but my total is continuing to drop. I’m thinking my estrogen is way too high, but maybe someone who knows more can comment on that one.

I’m also thinking that my FSH level is much too low and probably why the tyrosine seemed to benefit me.

ALso, does anyone know if Free T Increases does this normally cause Total T to decrease? My first blood test shows a higher Total T and low Free, Then second test shows lower Total, but higher Free than the 1st test. The third test shows again a lower Total T, but I did not get Free tested this time as the new dr didn’t want to see it.

Well I am going for another blood test tomorrow morning. I personally added Free T to the Lab requisition; who gives crap if the dr wants to see it. I want to see it. I am sooooo tired of hearing drs tell me Freet T is not important and that does not provide an accurate essay.

It seems to me the guys that are able to improve their Free T levels improve their overall well being.

#2

My free T is almost out of the range on the upper side and I still have sides. Free T is measured in the urine panel also. I think it seems all of us are having different issues that were all initiated by finasteride. You should definitely have it tested though. I don’t think your FSH is low. Your SHBG is kind of high so that would help explain the low Free T.

#3

The SHBG was a little lower on the second test which was about a month apart. It would have been nice to be able to see the Free T and compare that and see if it rose again on the third test.

#4

Boston 09,

Plug your numbers in here to calculate your true free testosterone:

issam.ch/freetesto.htm
Legend has it that Shippen himself had a hand in developing this calculation technique.

The “Free T” that the labs do is notoriously inaccurate, much better to calc it from SHBG and total serum T. . ALB is likely albumin (range looks correct, and it does not change much month to month).

You have the SHBG of a man in his 60’s or 70’s depending upon the date… Other than that you look in good shape though estradiol, is a little high (18 to 25 ideal according to the ex steroid guys) - best have adiol-G run if you can. -Were these all 8 AM draws? Try to get the next draw to include 8 AM cortisol and maybe ACTH… Resist the urge to take nettle root to reduce SHBG, as it also is a 5 alpha reductase TYPE 2 inhibitor (though not as strong as saw palmetto from what I’ve read).

kazman

#5

kazman,

Thanks for the input. These are the numbers I came up with after entering in ALB, T & SHBG.

Free T : 10.4 ng/dL = 1.86 %
Bioavailable: 232 ng/dL = 41.7 %

WHat do I make of these numbers now? Do I still use the range of free that was provided on my blood tests? If that is the case, my free T is worse than the actual Free T that was done on the test.
The range was 12.4-40, that would put me well below the range.

I took the blood test at 8:30. Also, do you know anything at all that can lower SHBG?

thanks, Boston09

#6

I believe this will help you bro,
Eurycoma longifolia is also known as Tongcat Ali. This rainforest plant has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. It enhances testosterone levels through different mechanisms. One of these involves the freeing up of testosterone from SHBG. Another way that eurycoma works is by stimulating the Leydig cells of the testes to directly increase testosterone production. Research confirms that it can lower SHBG by about 30% and increase testosterone levels by almost 20%. It has also been shown to enhance muscle growth and strength greater than a placebo.
Test Score: Take 100–300 mg of eurycoma in the morning, 30–60 minutes before workouts and before bed. Cycle eurycoma for eight weeks, then take two to four weeks off before repeating.

#7

You can also take Avena Sativa which unbinds Testosterone from SHBG.

#8

Some studies:

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1967

#9

If this Eurycoma longifolia or Tongkat Ali is so effective why don’t we see anyone really mentioning on these forums very much; or even on the internet for that matter.

I’m interested, but naturally I’m skeptical it will work. I have so many dam supplements I have tried or am still taking it makes you wonder if it will work.

I was thinking of trying Proviron, since there is lot proof of guys on here, that had high SHBG and getting good results. I have been going back forth with whether I should begin a treatment like this. I obviously wish I could just remain drug free and let my body recover, but I’m starting to be convinced it will be a long recovery.

It just isn’t healthy to have very low Free T and high SHBG.

#10

It works for me. I have been cycling it for about two months now, and I get a solid hit everytime I use it. Better yet, I combine it with Tribulis for a super punch. I only take it once a week though, otherwise it starts to lose its power rather quickly.

#11

cdnuts,

Where do you buy yours from? I would hate to buy it from an unreputable company. Maybe I will try this, what do I have to lose.

I just got back from my primary care dr. I went over my endo’s blood tests with him. I went in with the mentality that I wanted to leave there with a script for some treatment drug.

I left with nothing. He wants me to see another endo. This will be endo #3. He wants me to try to find one of the best endo drs in the North East, that is familiar with Testosterone problems and specifically free T in men.
I still can’t believe all of the controversy with Free T and how endo drs’ tell you they give it Zero credibility.

Anyway, my primary care doc is a pretty good guy. I’m kind of glad he talked me out of trying a med. He told me a lot of the pharma testosterone producing drugs like TRT, Proviron & Clomid raise T levels too much. If I take it too long it could enlarge the Prostate causing Prostate cancer. The you have surgery and permenant ED. ok, he scared me.

I also had a Ultrasound done on my Testicles last week. Good news they found nothing.

#12

Source naturals has a good extract and the one I am using now is from Physicians formulas which is a 100:1 extract. Both work very well if used correctly and not abused. Meaning, don’t take it for more than a day or two if you want to get a response from it.

#13

you mentioned that ball zinger was also working for you.is still working? did you check your T-level befor and after. I have been under pacebo effect but when I check my T-level it is always down the hill.

#14

Yes, it is still working. My flacid hang is normal and my erections are always there when I need them to be. I no longer get that shriveled up tight, cold wad of flesh that used to be a dick. It hangs and looks normal. Not shriveled and wrinkled.

I haven’t checked my T levels because I don’t need to. I go by functionality and how I feel. That’s all I care about. That’s all that matters to me. Not numbers on a piece of paper.

I can see how people want to know what their levels are, but you have some guys with high T levels that can’t get an erection or function what so ever, so I guess it just depends on what you want to do. As long as I feel good and can function, again, that’s all that matters.

#15

Hi bostonusa2009

based on your values I can bet you will recover eventually. don’t go on TRT or any med just give time. I wish I had not taked the advice of my doctor, he put me on Androgel wich further supressed my pitutary gland.

#16

Thanks SP,

I do think my free T is much too low though. There are only a few blood test to go on here, but I’m hoping the drop in Total T and the slight increase in Free is due my SHBG level decreasing and binding to less free T. I guess I really won’t be able to feel confident until I see a few more blood tests and confirm a pattern.

I am glad that I decided not to try any meds right now. It’s frustrating because we want to get better as quickly as possible, but I decided it’s best to try to let my body recover on it’s own. I do feel a ton better than I did 10 months ago. I feel much more energetic. I am having sex more. I get sporadic wood, although morning erections not really back yet.

My bigger concern was having low T levels over an extended period of time. I’m going to continue to have my blood tested on a 6-week basis and I’ll continue to post those for everyone to see. I will reevaluate things after a couple of more blood tests.

I am trying to find one of the best endo drs in the North East, preferably someone who has first hand experience dealing with men suffering from propecia side effects.

#17

Just got back from the endo drs, got the blood results. I’m not even sure what some of these are. Maybe someone can chime in on what he tested for.

Blood Count

WBC 5.0 (3.5-11.0)
RBC 4.96 (4.30-5.70)
HGB 15.3 (13.3-17.0)
HCT 43.2 (38.0-51.0)
MCV 87.1 (80-100)
MCH 30.8 (27-34)
MCHC 35.4 (32-37)
PLAT 221 (150-450)

Basic Metabolic

PHOS 4.0 (2.7-4.5)
MAG 2.2 (1.7-2.4)

Hormone Results

TSH 1.61 (.35-5.50)
FT4 1.0 (0.9-1.8)
Cortis 10.6 (4.3-22.4)

Anemia
Results

B12 819 (211-911)

Ferritin 88.8 (20-300)

Iron 99 (65-175)
TIBC 252 (250-450)
% Trans 39.3 (20-50)

Tumor Markers

PSA .49 (0.0-4.0)

TESTOS 759 (240-950)
FREE T 19.7 (9.0-30.0)

GH .05 (.01-.97)

Strangely my Free T has gone up since the last test and overall T. Maybe the supplements or zinger have something to do with that. I still am not close to being back to myself.

My doctor said he thought it was a possibility that the propecia effected my bodies cells and although the T range looks ok, this would explain why things still are not right.

I will be doing a more in depth adrenal gland test later this week. I want to find out if adrenal fatigue could be a possibility. I will post the results of that as well.

#18

Hi Boston.

Those number look okay to me!

Your corisol is mid range i thought you were low last time is this correct?

What tests are you running to check adrenals this time? You should check that thyriod again if i were you. ft4 1.0 is low. If your free t3 is good i understand its not a problem tho so ask to check just to be safe.

#19

Troubledfinuser Thanks for your insight.

This is a new endo dr. I asked him about the thyroid and he said, "There is definitely no problem with your thyroid. huhhh. The frustration. This is my third endo dr in about 6 months. He is nice guy, but what the heck he should examine the results better. I just don’t understand why he would say that.

Regarding the cortisol, I never had that tested before. This was my first time on that one.

I had a blood test done for the thyroid. So you think if the FT3 comes back within the range it’s ok? I will get that done on the next test.

#20

I just looked at these results again. My Growth Hormone seems very low.
.05 (.01-.97) On a percent basis, that put’s me at 4% of my GH range.

Has anyone else tested theirs recently. Of course the endo said nothing about this. It is in within the damm range, so no problem as far as he is concerned. The seems very low, I would think the average guy my age would be somewhere in the middle on this one.