Help with test results

[Guest guest]

On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 00:00:48 -0000, you wrote:

>Was referred to endo after my gp tested T level and found it to be

>low. Endo did more bloodwork, and a physical exam, told me I am not

>hypogonadic. His suggestion was to lose weight and reduce stress,

>saw no physical symptoms of hypogonadism, thought things would

>improve if I took better care of myself.

>

>Here are my test results......

>

>Total T 197 (400-1080)

>SHBG 8 (13-71)

>Albumin 5 (3.5-5)

>Bioavailable T 161.5 (130.5-681.7)

>% Free T 2.7 (1.6-2.9)

>FSH 2.6 (1-42.5)

>LH 2.0 (1.7-11.2)

>Prolactin 7.5 (4.4-16.4)

>Ferritin 324.3 (22-340)

>Estradiol <20 (4-75)

>

>I don't have hot flashes, no mood swings, don't feel like I need a

>nap at midday, no joint pain, no sign of breast growth, no change in

>body hair, etc.

>

>I don't mean to argue with the doc, but that total T level is very

>low, SHBG is low too.........ideas?

The total T says your hypogonadic. I wonder what the hell his problem

is. This is not even a close call.

Look in the file section for the age T level table - you should have

levels around 600.

Also look up the AACE guidelines in the file section. they will

explain it to you. You should be able to bring that to the doc for his

education.

- - - -

Just another albino black sheep

[Guest guest]

That total T level is below the reference range. I am surprised you

can get out of bed in the morning and go to work. When I was a few

points above the bottom of the reference range, my life was hell. ED

was the least of my worries. I almost slapped the doctor when he

wanted to send me on my way with Viagra. Your FSH and LH levels do

not look good either. In a low T situation, they are supposed to be

elevated. I have low LH and FSH too. Some endos make it a point not

to treat you if your LH and FSH are low. That sometimes indicates

past steroid abuse. Even if you did, it is not their job to pass

judgement. It should be their concern that all of your levels are so

low. I hope you can get a second opinion. This endo is making all

of the wrong decisions.

>

> Ok, I'm 38, only real physical symptom is occasional ED. I did

have

> weight gain and fatigue, started exercising and eating better, have

> much better energy and have dropped 25 pounds.

>

> Was referred to endo after my gp tested T level and found it to be

> low. Endo did more bloodwork, and a physical exam, told me I am

not

> hypogonadic. His suggestion was to lose weight and reduce stress,

> saw no physical symptoms of hypogonadism, thought things would

> improve if I took better care of myself.

>

> Here are my test results......

>

> Total T 197 (400-1080)

> SHBG 8 (13-71)

> Albumin 5 (3.5-5)

> Bioavailable T 161.5 (130.5-681.7)

> % Free T 2.7 (1.6-2.9)

> FSH 2.6 (1-42.5)

> LH 2.0 (1.7-11.2)

> Prolactin 7.5 (4.4-16.4)

> Ferritin 324.3 (22-340)

> Estradiol <20 (4-75)

>

> I don't have hot flashes, no mood swings, don't feel like I need a

> nap at midday, no joint pain, no sign of breast growth, no change

in

> body hair, etc.

>

> I don't mean to argue with the doc, but that total T level is very

> low, SHBG is low too.........ideas?

>

> Thanks.

>

[Guest guest]

I have had high ferritin levels in the past and your iron levels are

high. I would recommend you see a hematologist , one who recognizes

that your iron is too high. It can damage or interfere with your

body's efforts to make testosterone. When i was first hit by the low T

thing it happened all at once after having a real good sex life and

good health. My T plummeted from the 800s to 200 in 4 weeks. Upon

further testing my Ferritin came back in the high 300's. With blood

letting my ferritin was reduced to 19 ( not a typo) after about a

year improvement came and lasting many years i has satisfactory T

until recently. I think my high iron did cause testicular and pitutary

damage IMHO.

I hate when doctors blindly follow the so called " normal " range when

they recieve blood tests back from the lab.

[Guest guest]

>

> I have had high ferritin levels in the past and your iron levels

are

> high. I would recommend you see a hematologist , one who

recognizes

> that your iron is too high. It can damage or interfere with your

> body's efforts to make testosterone. When i was first hit by the

low T

> thing it happened all at once after having a real good sex life

and

> good health. My T plummeted from the 800s to 200 in 4 weeks. Upon

> further testing my Ferritin came back in the high 300's. With

blood

> letting my ferritin was reduced to 19 ( not a typo) after about a

> year improvement came and lasting many years i has satisfactory T

> until recently. I think my high iron did cause testicular and

pitutary

> damage IMHO.

>

> I hate when doctors blindly follow the so called " normal " range

when

> they recieve blood tests back from the lab.

>

After reading a lot here, and also reading Dr Shippen's book, I

suspect secondary hypogonadism, also noticed the ferritin level was

elevated and do wonder about that.

Two things, first, my insurance company has refused to pay for any

of this so far because my doctor said I am not hypogonadic. When

that happened, I did not have the MRI I thought I probably should

have, so it could be a pituitary tumor.

In Shippen's book, he mentions treating men who have secondary with

CG, it sounded very promising, has anyone here done that?

[Guest guest]

My endo, who I no longer see, told me that my low T and high E was due

to being overweight and that the excess body fat made estrogen. Took me

off of Androgel and sent me spiraling back into depression, etc. This

is the same endo who undertreated my thyroid supplementation after the

gland was removed. I think the thyroid problems were the root cause of

the hypogonadism...

Help with test results

Ok, I'm 38, only real physical symptom is occasional ED. I did have

weight gain and fatigue, started exercising and eating better, have

much better energy and have dropped 25 pounds.

Was referred to endo after my gp tested T level and found it to be

low. Endo did more bloodwork, and a physical exam, told me I am not

hypogonadic. His suggestion was to lose weight and reduce stress,

saw no physical symptoms of hypogonadism, thought things would

improve if I took better care of myself.

Here are my test results......

Total T 197 (400-1080)

SHBG 8 (13-71)

Albumin 5 (3.5-5)

Bioavailable T 161.5 (130.5-681.7)

% Free T 2.7 (1.6-2.9)

FSH 2.6 (1-42.5)

LH 2.0 (1.7-11.2)

Prolactin 7.5 (4.4-16.4)

Ferritin 324.3 (22-340)

Estradiol <20 (4-75)

I don't have hot flashes, no mood swings, don't feel like I need a

nap at midday, no joint pain, no sign of breast growth, no change in

body hair, etc.

I don't mean to argue with the doc, but that total T level is very

low, SHBG is low too.........ideas?

Thanks.

[Guest guest]

On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 08:28:14 -0700, you wrote:

>My endo, who I no longer see, told me that my low T and high E was due

>to being overweight and that the excess body fat made estrogen.

This is true for some. But Jack's E2 levels are low in addition to his

low T.

>Took me

>off of Androgel and sent me spiraling back into depression, etc.

- - - -

Just another albino black sheep

[Guest guest]

>

> All

>

> Anyone on this site meet Dr ? Anyone find it curious how he's

the ONLY one that has any thoughts/info on this? I would think with

his 'knowledge' and 'success' he would be widely known throughout

medicine and not just with folks that are suffering the drugs he

prescribes to others (finasteride for one).

>

>

It's possible that finasteride isn't what is causing your problems. I

can take 5mgs/day without ill effect.

Brad

[Guest guest]

my T jumped 200 pts after one month of quitting propecia.

brad999us <no_reply > wrote:

>

> All

>

> Anyone on this site meet Dr ? Anyone find it curious how he's

the ONLY one that has any thoughts/info on this? I would think with

his 'knowledge' and 'success' he would be widely known throughout

medicine and not just with folks that are suffering the drugs he

prescribes to others (finasteride for one).

>

>

It's possible that finasteride isn't what is causing your problems. I

can take 5mgs/day without ill effect.

Brad

[Guest guest]

or maybe we have excess body fat because we have low T and high E....the chicken

or the egg theory.

retrogrouch@... wrote:On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 08:28:14 -0700, you wrote:

>My endo, who I no longer see, told me that my low T and high E was due

>to being overweight and that the excess body fat made estrogen.

This is true for some. But Jack's E2 levels are low in addition to his

low T.

>Took me

>off of Androgel and sent me spiraling back into depression, etc.

- - - -

Just another albino black sheep

[Guest guest]

>

> And why are the hopes and advice coming from him? What's his claim

> to fame to be the 'knowledgable' one other than than his agreement

> about Low T.

To be " known " in medicine generally means you are well-published in

medical journals. I don't think he'd describe himself as THE

knowledgeable ONE.

> Who here has been successful from what 'Dr ' says.

My treatment is similar to what he advocates but I arrived at it on my

own and I don't especially care for Androgel.

> Sounds like his theories are all common sense in a vague way...

Common sense is surprisingly uncommon in TRT. One could say the same

about Shippen.

> and he's a supporter of TRT

>

Also uncommon. A negative bias seems to be the prevailing view.

Brad

[Guest guest]

Your Endo is full of shit. Your T is so low you don't even have any

SHBG, that's why your Free T is okay. You want some good advice, start

calling Endos or doctors in your are and tell them this:

I've been diagnosed with Low T. I'd like to be treated with the

following regimen:

100 mg Testosterone Deconate Weekly

500 units hCG 3x Weekly

If my tests confirm my diagnosis (and they do) will you treat me using

this regimen?

Just keep calling until you find one who will.

If you're in CT or nearby, try Dr. Hulinsky

Regards,

Louis Nardozi

>> aliveagain67 <aliveagain67@...> wrote:

>> Ok, I'm 38, only real physical symptom is occasional ED. I did have

>> weight gain and fatigue, started exercising and eating better, have

>> much better energy and have dropped 25 pounds.

>>

>> Was referred to endo after my gp tested T level and found it to be

>> low. Endo did more bloodwork, and a physical exam, told me I am not

>> hypogonadic. His suggestion was to lose weight and reduce stress,

>> saw no physical symptoms of hypogonadism, thought things would

>> improve if I took better care of myself.

>>

>> Here are my test results......

>>

>> Total T 197 (400-1080)

>> SHBG 8 (13-71)

>> Albumin 5 (3.5-5)

>> Bioavailable T 161.5 (130.5-681.7)

>> % Free T 2.7 (1.6-2.9)

>> FSH 2.6 (1-42.5)

>> LH 2.0 (1.7-11.2)

>> Prolactin 7.5 (4.4-16.4)

>> Ferritin 324.3 (22-340)

>> Estradiol <20 (4-75)

>>

>> I don't have hot flashes, no mood swings, don't feel like I need a

>> nap at midday, no joint pain, no sign of breast growth, no change in

>> body hair, etc.

>>

>> I don't mean to argue with the doc, but that total T level is very

>> low, SHBG is low too.........ideas?

>>

>> Thanks.

--

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.361 / Virus Database: 267.12.5/149 - Release Date: 10/25/2005

[Guest guest]

Thanks Louis. I've got to get back to my gp, figure out why my

insurance company won't pay for this stuff, and go from there. TRT

doesn't scare me in the least, the long term damage from not doing

it scares the hell out of me.

My guess is, secondary hypogonadism, I believe I should have a

pituitary MRI, then begin treatment.......I'm stuck if insurance

won't cover this though, I could never afford it.

-Todd

> >> Ok, I'm 38, only real physical symptom is occasional ED. I did

have

> >> weight gain and fatigue, started exercising and eating better,

have

> >> much better energy and have dropped 25 pounds.

> >>

> >> Was referred to endo after my gp tested T level and found it to

be

> >> low. Endo did more bloodwork, and a physical exam, told me I

am not

> >> hypogonadic. His suggestion was to lose weight and reduce

stress,

> >> saw no physical symptoms of hypogonadism, thought things would

> >> improve if I took better care of myself.

> >>

> >> Here are my test results......

> >>

> >> Total T 197 (400-1080)

> >> SHBG 8 (13-71)

> >> Albumin 5 (3.5-5)

> >> Bioavailable T 161.5 (130.5-681.7)

> >> % Free T 2.7 (1.6-2.9)

> >> FSH 2.6 (1-42.5)

> >> LH 2.0 (1.7-11.2)

> >> Prolactin 7.5 (4.4-16.4)

> >> Ferritin 324.3 (22-340)

> >> Estradiol <20 (4-75)

> >>

> >> I don't have hot flashes, no mood swings, don't feel like I

need a

> >> nap at midday, no joint pain, no sign of breast growth, no

change in

> >> body hair, etc.

> >>

> >> I don't mean to argue with the doc, but that total T level is

very

> >> low, SHBG is low too.........ideas?

> >>

> >> Thanks.

>

>

> --

> No virus found in this outgoing message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.1.361 / Virus Database: 267.12.5/149 - Release Date:

10/25/2005

>

[Guest guest]

> > >> Ok, I'm 38, only real physical symptom is occasional ED. I

did

> have

> > >> weight gain and fatigue, started exercising and eating

better,

> have

> > >> much better energy and have dropped 25 pounds.

> > >>

> > >> Was referred to endo after my gp tested T level and found it

to

> be

> > >> low. Endo did more bloodwork, and a physical exam, told me I

> am not

> > >> hypogonadic. His suggestion was to lose weight and reduce

> stress,

> > >> saw no physical symptoms of hypogonadism, thought things

would

> > >> improve if I took better care of myself.

> > >>

> > >> Here are my test results......

> > >>

> > >> Total T 197 (400-1080)

> > >> SHBG 8 (13-71)

> > >> Albumin 5 (3.5-5)

> > >> Bioavailable T 161.5 (130.5-681.7)

> > >> % Free T 2.7 (1.6-2.9)

> > >> FSH 2.6 (1-42.5)

> > >> LH 2.0 (1.7-11.2)

> > >> Prolactin 7.5 (4.4-16.4)

> > >> Ferritin 324.3 (22-340)

> > >> Estradiol <20 (4-75)

> > >>

> > >> I don't have hot flashes, no mood swings, don't feel like I

> need a

> > >> nap at midday, no joint pain, no sign of breast growth, no

> change in

> > >> body hair, etc.

> > >>

> > >> I don't mean to argue with the doc, but that total T level is

> very

> > >> low, SHBG is low too.........ideas?

> > >>

> > >> Thanks.

> >

> >

> > --

> > No virus found in this outgoing message.

> > Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> > Version: 7.1.361 / Virus Database: 267.12.5/149 - Release Date:

> 10/25/2005

> >

> I was diagnosed with hypogonadism recently, and it took about 3

years before my hmo would let me see an endo. I " m 55 and I think

American corporate health care sucks. Anyway, my tests were these

and I hope it helps. Testosterone 211(ref range 350-890) IGF-1 60,

(ref. range 90-360) Igfprotein-3 (ref 3.3-6.6) LH 1.8 (ref. 1.5>9.3)

prolactin 4.9 (ref. 3-30) Free T4 1.1 (ref. 0.8-1.8)After a year of

therapy, gel (androgel) my SHBG tested 15 (ref. 13-71) and free

testosterone 2.6 (ref. 1.6-2.9). My endo says he wants to test me

for Iron overload, seems to be a problem getting authorized from the

hmo. The other side of pituitary has quit as well so my growth

hormones, ATCH are in the gutter too. Good luck in this crappy system

[Guest guest]

> >

> > Thanks Louis. I've got to get back to my gp, figure out why my

> > insurance company won't pay for this stuff, and go from there.

> TRT

> > doesn't scare me in the least, the long term damage from not doing

> > it scares the hell out of me.

> >

> > My guess is, secondary hypogonadism, I believe I should have a

> > pituitary MRI, then begin treatment.......I'm stuck if insurance

> > won't cover this though, I could never afford it.

> >

> > -Todd

> >

Call the insurance company and ask why they are denying the claim. I

think it may be your doctors doing. Since he doesn't think you are

hypo in the first place, he may not be using the diagnostic code for

hypogonadism. They should be paying for the diagnostic tests. The

insurance company can tell you why assuming you get to talk to a human

being. You could also look at your EOB for any indication.

Brad

[Guest guest]

Hi,

On recent test results we seem to have a recurring pattern of high

eosinophils (10.9%) and low uric acid. Has anybody had similar test

results that could shed some light on this?

From googling, seems that raised eosinophils may indicate an

infection or parasite? Getting some answers on low uric acid results

and autism is a bit more tricky.

Tia, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Jennie:

We shouldn't ignore the most obvious problem.... at 6' 3 " and 350 lbs, Alijah is

in the category of " extremely obese " . He would have to get down to 240 lbs, to

be merely " overweight " .

You didn't mention his age, but I am thinking he must be under 30 years old,

because he is not diabetic yet. ( He is pre-diabetic and that is a serious

warning sign. )

He needs exercise. If all he can do is walk, that would be a good start. Once

around the block if that is all he can do. Fortunately at his weight, he can

burn a considerable amount of calories just carrying himself around. The

important thing is to slowly become stronger and gradually lose weight.

Of course the forumla for weight loss is quite simple.... he just has to burn

more calories than he consumes.

Whatever you do, don't let him become immobile. If that happens he will be in a

downward spiral that is nearly impossible to recover from.

Whatever is done with medication or hormones, he will need to avail himself of

the same health advice we all need to heed:

Diet and Exercise.

Adipose tissue ( fat cells ) are rich in an enzyme called aromatase. This

enzyme can convert testosterone to estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen.

At this point if they start shooting him up with Testosterone, it will mostly

end up converting to estradiol.

There is an excellent graphic in the files section labeled " Steroid Tree " that

shows how various hormones and their precursors convert.

Note that although testosterone can convert to estradiol, the reverse is not

true. Estradiol can convert back and forth with estrone.

At this point I would imagine Alijah has a lot of estrone sulfate in his system.

This acts as a reservior of estrogen. It's very hard to eliminate.

I wish I could tell you that there is a magic hormone or drug that would restore

him to health and vigor. There may be some medical help that would help

somewhat, but it won't fix everything without the aforementioned diet and

exercise.

( By the way at 210 lbs and 5' 8 " I am still considered obese. ) I've been

working very hard to get below 200 lbs, but it's just not happening.

Randy Hoops

Springfield, MO

>

> Hello,

>

> I was directed here from the Natural Thyroid Hormone NTH list. My fiancee,

Alijah has been feeling ill recently. His current symptoms are increased sleep

apnea, lower back pain that is eased by sleeping on an incline, no energy, brain

fog, depression, and lost libido. Alijah is 28. He is 6'3 " and weighs 350lbs. He

is on NO medication of any kind.

>

> Free Testosterone 5.7 (9.3-26.5 pg/mL) LOW

>

> Glucose 108 (65-99 mg/dL) HIGH

> Sodium 141 (135-145 mmol/L)

> Potassium 4.1 (3.5-5.2 mmol/L)

> Iron, Serum 84 (40-155 ug/dL)

>

> Cholesterol, Total 221 (100-199 mg/dL) HIGH

> Triglycerides 114 (0-149 mg/dL)

> HDL Chol 52 (>39 mg/dL)

> LDL Chol 146 (0-99 mg/dL) HIGH

> T. Chol/HDL 4.3 (0-5)

>

> TSH 2.49 (.45-4.5 uIU/mL)

> T4 8.5 (4.5-1.2 ug/dL)

> FT4 1.18 (.82-1.77 ng/dL)

> FT3 3.7 (2-4.4 pg/mL)

>

> WBC 2.8 (4-10.5 x10e3/uL)

> RBC 7.0 (4.1-5.6 x10e3/uL)

> Hemoglobin 13.4 (12.5-17 g/dL)

> Hematocrit 39.3 (36-50%)

> Platelets 2.8 (140-415 x10e3/uL) LOW

>

> Any comments on the testosterone would be greatly appreciated. Also, what else

do we need to test?

>

> Thank so much,

> Jennie

>

[Guest guest]

Word Up! If the weather is bad, get to the mall and walk there. If you can't

walk a long distance, walk from bench to bench until you can go farther.

Whatever you can do this week, try to do a little more next week.

Alijah is virtually guaranteed to be diabetic in 3-5 years and to have a heart

attack within the next 7 if he doesn't turn things around.

He's got some time to do this. Losing as little as 1 lb a month will help a lot.

Even converting fat to muscle and keeping the same weight if better than

nothing.

>

Walking will keep you going.

> Co-Moderator

>

> I joined Weight Watches yrs ago it kept me for gaining and I lost weight and

could eat.

> Phil

[Guest guest]

Jennie, I am far from an expert on blood tests but does your doctor seem

concerned with the WBC, RBC and platelets? If these were my results I would want

to know more about what may be going on. Was he sick when the tests were taken?

>

> Hello,

>

> I was directed here from the Natural Thyroid Hormone NTH list. My fiancee,

Alijah has been feeling ill recently. His current symptoms are increased sleep

apnea, lower back pain that is eased by sleeping on an incline, no energy, brain

fog, depression, and lost libido. Alijah is 28. He is 6'3 " and weighs 350lbs. He

is on NO medication of any kind.

>

> Free Testosterone 5.7 (9.3-26.5 pg/mL) LOW

>

> Glucose 108 (65-99 mg/dL) HIGH

> Sodium 141 (135-145 mmol/L)

> Potassium 4.1 (3.5-5.2 mmol/L)

> Iron, Serum 84 (40-155 ug/dL)

>

> Cholesterol, Total 221 (100-199 mg/dL) HIGH

> Triglycerides 114 (0-149 mg/dL)

> HDL Chol 52 (>39 mg/dL)

> LDL Chol 146 (0-99 mg/dL) HIGH

> T. Chol/HDL 4.3 (0-5)

>

> TSH 2.49 (.45-4.5 uIU/mL)

> T4 8.5 (4.5-1.2 ug/dL)

> FT4 1.18 (.82-1.77 ng/dL)

> FT3 3.7 (2-4.4 pg/mL)

>

> WBC 2.8 (4-10.5 x10e3/uL)

> RBC 7.0 (4.1-5.6 x10e3/uL)

> Hemoglobin 13.4 (12.5-17 g/dL)

> Hematocrit 39.3 (36-50%)

> Platelets 2.8 (140-415 x10e3/uL) LOW

>

> Any comments on the testosterone would be greatly appreciated. Also, what else

do we need to test?

>

> Thank so much,

> Jennie

>