Strange lab fluctuations...T

[JimBob]

I'm 61, 6'2", 170lbs, and not on HRT.
June 2018 I ran total and free T labs. Results were 368 for total T, 8.83 for free T. My FNP said I was not a candidate for TRT due to the 368 total T.
Jan 2019, I ran the same labs. Results are 609 for total T, and 15 for freeT.

The lifestyle changes since June 2018 are losing 10-12lbs, and going on a modified Atkins diet. I have been weight training 5 days a week since July 2017. Nothing else to speak of. Are wide swings like this common in T labs? If so, what is the value of these labs, anyway? I can't say I feel any different with the higher T scores. I'm just surprised by the wide swing. Thanks.

 

[JimBob]

Probable lab error?

 

[Vince]

Lifestyle changes definitely will make a difference in levels. We're both labs done about the same time early morning.

 

[mooseman109]

Were either time soon after last orgasm, or working out?

 

[Sean Mosher]

There's still a large room for improvement in your FreeT.
That's probably why you aren't feeling much of a difference but it's good to see your numbers are improving!
You'd be a candidate with any of the top docs out there who treat partial androgen deficiencies.

 

[JimBob]

Lifestyle changes definitely will make a difference in levels. We're both labs done about the same time early morning.

Exactly the same time.

 

[JimBob]

Were either time soon after last orgasm, or working out?

No on the orgasm. The second test was done the day after a workout (back, legs). I don't recall whether or not I worked out the day prior to the first lab.

 

[JimBob]

There's still a large room for improvement in your FreeT.
That's probably why you aren't feeling much of a difference but it's good to see your numbers are improving!
You'd be a candidate with any of the top docs out there who treat partial androgen deficiencies.

Yeah, definite room for improvement. I'm testing red light therapy daily for the next 2 months to see if I can raise the free-T. That's why I had the January lab done just prior to the red light therapy. I'll do the next blood draw in 2 months.

 

[Dansk]

61yo, and throwing TT numbers up like 609 that is impressive, but free T is what counts more.

 

[JimBob]

61yo, and throwing TT numbers up like 609 that is impressive, but free T is what counts more.

That's why I thought maybe a lab error. Not that it matters, the first lab was done at the hospital; the second was at Labcorp.

 

[mooseman109]

No on the orgasm. The second test was done the day after a workout (back, legs). I don't recall whether or not I worked out the day prior to the first lab.

Ok, blood work right after either can show lower T numbers

 

[Vince Carter]

That's why I thought maybe a lab error. Not that it matters, the first lab was done at the hospital; the second was at Labcorp.

It absolutely does matter, you can't compare labs side-by-side from different labs. You'd think a lab test is a lab test with no difference but they're not.