Coming to Terms blood test results - please advise

Member Stories Lab Tests
#1

I would be extremely grateful for any feedback and observations anyone has on my blood tests. I am aware my recent SHBG result is abnormal and would like to know what this indicates. My GP believes my results are in range and so has not discussed them with me. I intend to see an endo privately but first I want to make sure that I’m armed with all the necessary test results and info.

These results are approx 14 months after coming off Propecia. I tried to get as many of the tests done from the recommended “short” list as possible. As far as I was informed the only tests I’m missing from the short list are for Androstenedione, DHT and 3alpha-diol G. I am willing to pay to get these tests done if anyone thinks it will paint a better picture of how finasteride has affected me. The only problem is that I do not believe it is possible to get the 3alpha-diol G test in the UK. I really hope someone can shed more light on my results. I work out 4 days a week, eat healthily and take zinc with copper, magnesium and vitamin D supplements regularly.

6 March 2013
Serum free triiodothyronine level: 4.7 (3.1-6.8 pmol/L)
Serum TSH level: 0.46 (0.27-4.2 mIU/L)
Serum LH level: 3.2 (1.7-8.6 IU/L)
Plasma FSH level: 3.7 (1.5-12.4 IU/L)
Serum prolactin level: 112 (86-324 mIU/L)
Serum sex hormonne binding glob:48 (20-40 nmol/L)
Serum vitamin B12: 486 (191-663 pg/ml)
Serum folate: 13.9 (4.6-18.7 ng/ml)
Serum oestradiol level: 85 (44-146 pmol/L)
25-Hydroxyvitamin D2 level: 1 nmol/L
25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 level: 65 nmol/L
Total 25-Hydroxyvitamin D level: 66 nmol/L (12.5-140)

Not sure if this is relevant but four months after coming off Propecia I had the following results:
4th April 2012
Serum testosterone: 17 (9.25-55.8 nmol/L)
SHBG: 27 (13-71 nmol/L) - yes the range is different to my 2013 results.

#2

Your SHBG looks high, but it needs to be considered in the context of what your total serum T is, which was not listed in your early March test results.

Try to get total serum testosterone run as early in the AM as possible, along with SHBG at the same time. Most of us (myself included) have SHBG near the top or over range, some are under range. Then use this to calculate your percent free T and total free T:

issam.ch/freetesto.htm

If possible convert the free T into other common units to make it easier to compare. Can link you to the common conversion factors/units.

If you can’t get 3a androstanediol glucuronide run then I’d suggest a 24 hour urinary hormone profile. Am going to guess that it will show that you are in the below normal range for testosterone excretion, just based on your SHBG. The 5a/5b metabolite ratios from that test can also provide some insight.