Allow myself to introduce: HIV+ hemophiliac with possible low T

[vripley]

Hi.

I'm a 48 YO male who has been experiencing many symptoms of low T. I'm also a long-term HIV+ hemophiliac (bad blood 30+ years ago). I'm an inspirational speaker, published author, and certified personal trainer who races in long bicycle rides and triathlons. I use weight lifting to cross-train and give benefits related to bleeding issues in my joints.

I weigh 180 pounds (down 14 pounds over the last two years). I'm 6 feet tall. And, my neck is 15.25 inches.

Thanks to my recent studying of books, web information, and this forum, I think I am prepared to discuss TRT with my doctor. A local endocrinologist office said they need a referral, so I will see my PCP tomorrow. Here's a list of bloodwork I'm planning to ask for:

[TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc"]Testosterone Free & Total[/TD] [TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc, align: left"]140103[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc"]Estradiol (LCMS)[/TD] [TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc, align: left"]500108[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc"]Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)[/TD] [TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc, align: left"]010322[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc"]Metabolic Panel 14 (CMP)[/TD] [TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc, align: left"]322000[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc"]Hematocrit[/TD] [TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc, align: left"]005058[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc"]Sex-Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)[/TD] [TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc, align: left"]082016[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc"]DHEA-Sulfate[/TD] [TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc, align: left"]500161[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc"]Follicle-Stimulating Hormone/Luteinizing Hormone (FSH/LH)[/TD] [TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc, align: left"]028480[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc"]Lipid Panel[/TD] [TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc, align: left"]303756[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc"]Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential[/TD] [TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc, align: left"]005009[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc"]Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Free T4[/TD] [TD="bgcolor: #fff2cc, align: left"]224576[/TD]
Free T3	[TD="align: left"]010389[/TD]
Reverse T3 (RT3)	[TD="align: left"]070104[/TD]
Hemoglobin (HbA1c)	[TD="align: left"]001453[/TD]
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO)	[TD="align: left"]006676[/TD]
Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb)	[TD="align: left"]006685[/TD]
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	[TD="align: left"]120766[/TD]
25-Hydroxy Vitamin D	[TD="align: left"]081950[/TD]
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1)	[TD="align: left"]010363[/TD]
Homocyst(e)ine	[TD="align: left"]706994[/TD]

I am really looking forward to utilizing this forum for pretty much everything as I delve into this new (to me) world.

Cheers,
V

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Welcome to ExcelMale.com!

You can delete hematocrit since it is part of CBC.

You can order these tests (if your insurance does not pay or your copay is high) from www.DiscountedLabs.com

What HIV medications or other meds are you taking?

Please post the lab test results in the Blood Test folder on this forum page.

Thanks for joining!

 

[vripley]

Thanks for the tip! I've been on the majority of HIV meds over the years. My current ****tail is Sustiva, Viread, and Epivir.

 

[CoastWatcher]

Welcome to Excelmale!

 

[Nelson Vergel]

As you know, Sustiva (efavirenz) is known to affect sleep in some patients which can cause fatigue.

It can also increase estradiol, so I am looking forward to seeing that number.

Sustiva breasts

Does Efavirenz (Sustiva) Cause Breast Enlargement?

 

[Re-Ride]

Good post Nelson. The way I read it E2 results may be invalid for EF users. It's not clear to me that the ultra-sensative test will be of much use here either. I would caution op to think twice before using any AI.

The CBC, metabolic and lipid panels are standard with op's current ARV regimen as is careful monitoring of creatinine and eGFR. 25 Hydroxy D is also routine. Very low numbers are common. Therapy involves up to three times the usual dose of daily D3 drops or 15k iu/day. Probiotics and K are usually also advised.

 

[vripley]

I received and posted my bloodwork results... You can see my results here: https://www.excelmale.com/forum/showthread.php?5859-My-Baseline-Test-Results-are-In&p=29499

 

[vripley]

I posted my bloodwork results in that section. Thanks for all the advice and tips!

 

[Vettester Chris]

Welcome to EM!! Glad you joined!!

 

[LucidDreams]

Any new news from your test results?

 

[LucidDreams]

I just had blood work done last month. Should I post my results to get feedback? Which tests should I post? I'm anxious to start learning

 

[vripley]

Dusting this post off and updating to say that here we are five years later and my Urologist did another test. Total Testosterone came back as 284 ng/dL. He has prescribed 0.5 milliliters weekly of Cypionate. I start next Tuesday when the RX arrives. Looking forward to the next level/stage of my life!!!

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Welcome. I assume that is 100 mg per week.