Complete Blood test

[Jeff C]

I see my new primary doctor tomorrow (1/8/14) and my urologist on 1/9. I read the post on the minimum blood tests required before starting T replacement, but what would you recommend as a total/complete blood work up. I'm on Axiron, but because of my insurance I experimented with two pumps (60mg). At three pumps (90mg) I was in the low 700's and with two pumps I dropped to 245.

I'll post my results after I get them, but what tests should I ask (and hope) the doctor orders?

 

[Vettester Chris]

Total Testosterone Serum
Free & Bio Testosterone
SHBG
Estradiol (E2) Sensitive
Prolactin
DHT
Cortisol (4x Saliva Panel) ...
... ACTH (not always needed, but it will portrait the feedback loop productivity with the adrenals, and help if certain diseases are in question i.e., Addison's, Cushing's,)
... Aldosterone (Again, probably not on the 'standard' follow up requisition list, but something to consider if adrenal issues persists, and other variables like High BP is a factor, i.e., ruling out Conn Syndrome)
DHEA
Thyroid Panel ...
... -TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Antibodies (TPO, TgAb for Hashis and Graves)
Iron (TIBC & Saturation % if possible)
Ferritin
CBC w/Diff
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Lipid Panel
PSA
IGF-1
Vitamin D3 (essential with the effective management of SHBG, and much more!)
Vitamin B12

 

[Jeff C]

Thanks Chris!

 

[Vettester Chris]

Let us know how it turns out. Good luck!

 

[russell]

Hopefully, you have a Dr. (unlike mine) who doesn't look like a 'deer in the headlights' when you request these. Good luck.