Blood Test Advice

[Wulfgar]

Been viewing the site for a while and finally signed up. I've had some recent test results that dr says are "normal" but they are willing to look at some TRT options. Can I get some shared wisdom for the group on who my results might indicate? I'm a 59 year old guy who could lose 20 pounds or so:

Free 3T 2.9 pg/ml where 2.4 to 4.2 is normal

DHEAS 47 µg/dL where 26-342 µg/dL is normal

Estradiol 19 pg/mL where 14-32 pg/mL is normal

Testosterone 407 ng/dL where 324-905 ng/dL is normal

Any thoughts? Low libido with ED issues as well and difficulty losing weight the last few years.

 

[Vince]

Did you get LH and FSH tested? To know if you are primary or secondary hypogonarism.

Primary hypogonadism is associated with low levels of testosterone and high-normal to high levels of LH and FSH. Secondary hypogonadism is associated with low levels of testosterone and normal to low levels of LH and FSH.

 

[Golfboy307]

It would also be helpful to know SHBG so a calculated Free T number can be derived. I had numbers similar to you and benefitted quite a bit from TRT. My bet would be you have higher SHBG which drops your bioavailable T. Probably why you have symptoms.

 

[Systemlord]

Testosterone 407 ng/dL where 324-905 ng/dL is normal

Total T by itself isn't very useful and doesn't tell you how much of your T is available for your body to utilize.

If you do decide to check the Free T, do not use the direct immunoassay as it's a junk test, you want the equilibrium dialysis testing.

I'm willing to bet you have a moderate elevation in SHBG which wouldn't be surprising considering older men typically see an elevation in SHBG which drives up the Total T and decreases the Free T.

You should consider some DHEA supplement.

 

[Wulfgar]

Did you get LH and FSH tested? To know if you are primary or secondary hypogonarism.

Primary hypogonadism is associated with low levels of testosterone and high-normal to high levels of LH and FSH. Secondary hypogonadism is associated with low levels of testosterone and normal to low levels of LH and FSH.

These are the only results I've received so far. Definitely appreciate your advice on what to ask questions about and check further.