Lab Error?

[Palermitano]

Started with Defy, very happy. Injecting 80mg test 2x per week, plus 400iu HCG 2x per week, same day.

I tested after 2 months to see where I was at, assuming my levels were stabilized

Total Test 964 (348 - 1197)
Free Test 19 (7.2 - 24)

E2 Sensitive 50.1 (8 - 35)


Just for fun I tested again after 3 months but had much higher levels, Im hoping this is a lab error because I can't see how it could jump this much, or could it? I'm really just concerned with my E2, although I have no symptoms and feel great. I have however developed prostatitis, (constant urination and interrupted stream) currently on 750mg Levofloxacin for 14 days, not sure if its related since Ive had this on and off for years. Here are my current levels after 3 months. I am retesting to rule out lab error. All other blood work is solid and in range.


Total Test 1368 (348 - 1197)
Free Test 22.2 (7.2 - 24)

E2 Sensitive 91.6 (8 - 35)


Thoughts?

 

[ERO]

When did you draw for your test relative to your last T shot each time? This could easily be explained if, for example, you inject Monday AM and Thursday PM and the first time you had a blood draw on Thursday before your shot and the second time you had a blood draw on say Monday afternoon or Tuesday.

 

[Palermitano]

Both times I injected on Friday, blood work Monday around 11am.

 

[Vince Carter]

Well since you did the injection and the draw at the same times you can eliminate a timing issue. For the record you should only have a draw right before your injection. if you inject on Fri, your draw should be Tues, not Monday. You've got an anomaly in there somewhere, there's no way you should be running 50 and then 92 Estradiol using 80mg.

 

[Palermitano]

I'm retesting next week, (Tuesday) this time I'll try Quest instead of LabCorp. I'll post results.

 

[Vince Carter]

If you got with another lab you're just putting a new variable in the mix. Just my opinion.

 

[CoastWatcher]

If you got with another lab you're just putting a new variable in the mix. Just my opinion.

I'd urge you to stay w/the original lab. I learned, the hard way (on a psa test), that regularity is critical.

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

Total Test 1368 (348 - 1197)
Free Test 22.2 (7.2 - 24)

E2 Sensitive 91.6 (8 - 35)


Thoughts?

When did you draw the labs for these results? Not a date...but how soon after you pinned your 80mg of Test?

A lot of people would freak out at your sensitive E2 level, but your TE ratio is approx 15, and you're having no high E2 symptoms.

Other than the prostatitis, how do you feel otherwise? Have you considered daily low dose Cialis to help with your prostate (not for the prostatitis, but generally speaking)?

 

[Palermitano]

When did you draw the labs for these results? Not a date...but how soon after you pinned your 80mg of Test?

A lot of people would freak out at your sensitive E2 level, but your TE ratio is approx 15, and you're having no high E2 symptoms.

Other than the prostatitis, how do you feel otherwise? Have you considered daily low dose Cialis to help with your prostate (not for the prostatitis, but generally speaking)?

I pin Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoon. I pinned Friday, then had bloodwork Monday, Im trying again, this time Ill have bloodwork Tuesday am, and stay with labcorp per the suggestions here, then wait for my follow up with Defy. I feel great, no E2 symptoms at all, and yes, my TE ratio is solid, but 90 still scares me a bit. I wish there was a definitive answer on this E2 issue.

I may be a candidate for an AI, Ive always had high (50-60+) E2 with test, but never an issue. I have however, never had a solid test level with E2 in the "preferred" range, maybe Id feel even better? Not sure why most seem to be against taking an AI, as long as E2 doesn't drop too low. Also wondering what long term effects are.

I was actually very excited to try low dose Cialis (5mg) but when I did, it gave me pretty bad heartburn, slight pain behind my eyes and lower back, had to stop, will this go away in time? I could try 2.5mg, will that give me the same benefits? Is there an alternative daily med with same (prostate, blood flow, etc) benefits?

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

I pin Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoon. I pinned Friday, then had bloodwork Monday, Im trying again, this time Ill have bloodwork Tuesday am, and stay with labcorp per the suggestions here, then wait for my follow up with Defy. I feel great, no E2 symptoms at all, and yes, my TE ratio is solid, but 90 still scares me a bit. I wish there was a definitive answer on this E2 issue.

Tuesday morning bloodwork before you pin the Test would be optimal. Sometimes you just can't fit it into your schedule perfectly, and you have to get your bloodwork when you can. All of your levels were elevated on your last bloodwork because you basically drew blood a day early. Knowing that, I wouldn't freak out about it.

I may be a candidate for an AI, Ive always had high (50-60+) E2 with test, but never an issue. I have however, never had a solid test level with E2 in the "preferred" range, maybe Id feel even better? Not sure why most seem to be against taking an AI, as long as E2 doesn't drop too low. Also wondering what long term effects are.

If you're feeling great, and aren't experiencing any symptoms of high E2, I wouldn't touch an AI. Honestly, I don't think you need it. You always want to go with how you feel, not some number on a piece of paper.

I've read numerous threads here on this forum where guys crashed their E2 by taking an AI when they didn't need one, or overdosing when they needed a tiny amount.

I was actually very excited to try low dose Cialis (5mg) but when I did, it gave me pretty bad heartburn, slight pain behind my eyes and lower back, had to stop, will this go away in time? I could try 2.5mg, will that give me the same benefits? Is there an alternative daily med with same (prostate, blood flow, etc) benefits?

You could try the lower dose, but you may still have some side effects. Some guys here are doing the low dose Vardenafil (Levitra), but I don't know if it has the same benefits (prostate wise) as Cialis. Are you taking brand name Cialis, or foreign stuff? I take the Cialis troches from Defy Medical (APS Pharmacy), and I love them. You might give them a try, but be forewarned...they are a little pricey.

 

[CoastWatcher]

Jackie's observations are solid. I have only one point to make - if you decide to make changes to your protocol, change one thing at a time. If you add something, don't do anything else until time has passed for the full effect of what you added to be felt. If you eliminate something, follow the same general plan. Increase/decrease a dose, same idea. The fewer moving parts you have to manage, the better off you will be.

 

[Palermitano]

Here is an update and recap

After 2 months Inject Tuesdays and Fridays, blood drawn Monday

Total Test 964 (348 - 1197)
Free Test 19 (7.2 - 24)

E2 Sensitive 50.1 (8 - 35)


After 3 months Inject Tuesdays and Fridays, blood drawn Monday

Total Test 1368 (348 - 1197)
Free Test 22.2 (7.2 - 24)

E2 Sensitive 91.6 (8 - 35)


I was concerned about my high levels so I retested again, this time on TUESDAY, my injection day as I should have all along (before injection), is it possible that me levels dropped that much in one day?

Total Test 827 (348 - 1197)
Free Test 17.0 (7.2 - 24)

E2 Sensitive 63.3 (8 - 35)

 

[CoastWatcher]

Here is an update and recap

After 2 months Inject Tuesdays and Fridays, blood drawn Monday

Total Test 964 (348 - 1197)
Free Test 19 (7.2 - 24)

E2 Sensitive 50.1 (8 - 35)


After 3 months Inject Tuesdays and Fridays, blood drawn Monday

Total Test 1368 (348 - 1197)
Free Test 22.2 (7.2 - 24)

E2 Sensitive 91.6 (8 - 35)


I was concerned about my high levels so I retested again, this time on TUESDAY, my injection day as I should have all along (before injection), is it possible that me levels dropped that much in one day?

Total Test 827 (348 - 1197)
Free Test 17.0 (7.2 - 24)

E2 Sensitive 63.3 (8 - 35)

You're assuming the earlier lab test was correct. What is your SHBG? Are you experiencing issues related to elevated estradiol? Your initial post indicated you felt "great;" is that still the case?

 

[Palermitano]

SHBG 45.9 (19.3- 76.4)

Yes, I still feel great. Just wondering how that one extra day can go from TT 1368 to 827 , and E2 from 90 to 63