How to Ask for Hormonal Blood Test

General Discussion
#1

Hi,

Stopped propecia 5 weeks ago (tomorrow). I have taken for almost 14 years (started in 1998).

I would like to have the hormonal panel done. I am seeing a Urologist tomorrow. I am unsure how you guys recommend requesting this test. Do you just hand the Doc the list and say I found this on the internet and I would like to be tested? A lot of doctors don’t like to be told what to do. I’m looking for experience on how to approach that. And, if he is not familiar or is capable of ordering tests for even the "short list’ what are the main hormones you would be adamant about testing for? If you have encountered resistance such as “that won’t show anything” or “where did you get this list” or “this medicine is safe” etc… how did you convince the doc to order it? (I am guessing that presenting evidence of studies, trials to the doctor might be met with resistance so I am reluctant to do that).

I have experienced testicular pain beginning in week 4 and lasting until today (yesterday was bad - it radiated into my stomach and made me naseus) but today was somewhat better - is this a good or bad sign? What could be causing this?

One good sign is that I am still waking up with morning erections.

Thanks

#2

Here are a couple of studies and the most recent article that might help you:

viewtopic.php?f=29&t=5813

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02255.x/abstract

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21176115

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=202

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=50 (1 mg Propecia has about the same effect as finasteride has a flat dose response rate)

For blood tests, try the short list and tell him they are known blood parameters affected by finasteride.

Recommended “short” list:

Total Testosterone
Free Testosterone
Bioavailable Testosterone
Androstenedione
DHT
3alpha-diol G (Androstenediol glucuronide – (“Adiol-G” for short): metabolite of DHT, measures 5AR-II activity
Estradiol (E2)
LH
FSH
SHBG
Prolactin
TSH

#3

Why on earth are thyroid tests and 4 x salivary cortisol absent from that shortlist? 4x saliva cortisol is arguably the most important test of any to start off (adrenals). However, many doctors don’t use it and therefore it may have to be paid for privately.

Realistically, no doctor is going to test 3 adiol G straight off the bat for you and it may even put them off you so take that off. Unless of course you are going the whole mile and informing them of this website - that’s your choice at the end of the day but it’s not something that i would do on a first appointment.

If you want your doctor to take you seriously about this then give it some serious thought before approaching them. Guys with issues as simple as low testosterone often have to go through tens of doctors and a lot of convincing to finally get a doctor on there side and approach things properly. I would advise that you select a few very convincing/ solid sources. Even things like the men’s health article are good.

#4

Posted 10 days ago:

???

Regarding the text, 3 aidol g may be a difficult test to get initially and I agree about some of the thyroid tests, however the poster is seeing a uro, not an endo, which makes this list appropriate.

Blakes33, if your doctor isn’t open to testing everything get what you can. Getting tests, judging from the results of the forum, is usually a process.

#5

Hey - thanks for the advice. Turns out that he was VERY willing to do a hormonal blood test - not the entire list but many of the main ones. I can’t believe it but he spent almost a full hour consulting with me and doing a physical exam…WOW!! Very knowledgeable and open-minded.

He mentioned a medical conference he is attending next month with other scientist and doctors to review the latest on finasteride and sexual dysfunction - HAS anyone heard (or know about) anything about this conference??

Turns out the pain is from my prostate - just a ‘normal’ reaction to stopping finast. After all, it is GROWING again…or at least, not being shrunken.

#6

I am in terrible shape. My mental side effects have returned in full force, and I simply cannot function like this. I am constantly tired, and I cannot think at all. I dont know what to do! I have found and contacted several endos in my area, but I don’t know what exactly I should be getting when I goto them.

Obviously, blood tests to check my levels of various things, but what things? Also, has anyone compiled a list of other members blood test results that I can print off and show the doctor so my “low but within range” results aren’t shrugged off?

I’m at my wits end guys. I’m not living my whole life in a fog.

#7

  1. Get them to believe your symptoms by any means necessary (likely be extremely difficult, especially when putting the blame on finasteride)

  2. Get as many blood tests from the list on this website as possible. A 24 hr cortisol saliva profile and full thyroid panel are also essential if you are serious about investigating your issues from a hormonal stance.

A few things worth looking into:

  • raw and paleo diets (members of this forum have found relief from ‘brain fog’ sticking to such diets and also fasting is another one

  • pregnanolone and progesterone

  • ghb (xyrem)

  • mild cardiovascular exercise 5 x per week

  • log your body temperatures

Lastly, if you do happen to find a doctor that is willing to comply. Consider posting any blood test results on the following forums as they are very helpful when dealing with hormones. In fact, you should register at Crisler’s forum and ask about doctors in your area now.

musclechatroom.com/forum/forum.php (crisler’s forum)

forum.mesomorphosis.com/mens-health-forum/

#8

Review www.propeciahelp.com (main site and all links therein). There’s plenty of info, articles etc to help convince your endo of the problem.

#9

So obviously it makes sense to want to get tested every few weeks at first. And then, maybe every 6 months or so…

For those who have had multiple bloodtests - is insurance paying or are you paying cash out of pocket for these tests? How are you convincing a doctor to order these many tests?