Latest Labs - Observations?

[cjsabbath]

Hey Gents:

Here's my latest condensed labs. I'd appreciate any input/observations you may have:

Hemoglobin: 16.5 Reference Range 12.5 – 17.0
Glucose, Serum 96 Reference Range 65-99
PSA 1.0 Reference Range 0.0 – 4.0
Testosterone, Free 20.6 Reference Range 6.8 – 21.5
Testosterone, Serum 589 Reference Range 241 – 827
TSH 3.027 Reference Range 0.350 – 5.500
T4 6.6 Reference Range 4.5 – 12.0
T3 Uptake 31 Reference Range 24 – 39
Free Thyroxine Index 2.0 Reference Range 1.2 – 4.9

DHT 78 Reference Range 30 – 85
Estradiol 15 Reference Range 3 – 70

I’m on 5mg Androgel. My endo said that I appear to be absorbing the gels very well. It also appears that I’m not converting a lot of the T into Estradiol.

I believe that 10 years of Dilantin use caused my low T levels (and contributed to my depression). I made the decision to discontinue Dilantin and now my neurologist is placing me on Lamictal. Hopefully, the transition will be a smooth one (knocks on wood).

[1cc]

How do you feel?

[cjsabbath]

At the moment - I am dealing with depression and anxiety - on anti-d's (Wellbutrin XL and Remeron for sleep). The Wellbutrin XL has helped alleviate some of the depressive symptoms - but I think most of it is "life."

The latest episode has to do with my son. He's 17 - with a substance abuse problem - and he is in denial. I think he's selling drugs. He's gotten in trouble with the law - he's terribly disruptive at home - has no job - and appears to have no ambition to do anything other than "his own thing."

Of course, this is terribly upsetting to us - and we have fought like cats and dogs about what to do.

Now that he's approaching 18 however, I've want to do the following:

He must a) remain clean and sober (and submit to random urinalysis), b) remain gainfully employed, c) do well in school and d) respect the rules of our home. If he cannot manage to do this - he will have to find alternative living arrangements. Of course, I don't want this for him - but I cannot continue to struggle with the daily torment. It's become nearly unbearable. As anyone living with depression can relate - getting better becomes priority numero uno.

We've tried to provide the very best for him - psychiatric counseling (he claims it does nothing) as well as private schooling all his life.

I've been down that road he's on and know that until HE chooses to get help - there's really nothing anyone can do. Tough love and reality may be the only thing that helps him.

I have learned that HRT - while helpful - is only one part of the puzzle to keeping depression at bay. Counseling, medication, and exercise are also essential.

Otherwise, I feel fine

[1cc]

Well, you certainly have your hands full at this time.

As far as your labs are concerned, your T numbers look great. How long after applying Androgel did you have blood drawn for these labs?

Your TSH is a little high. Doing a Free T3 and Free T4 will give you a complete picture of how your thyroid is doing. DHEA is good for depression. Check DHEA Sulfate to see where your DHEA is at.

[cjsabbath]

I applied the gel to my thighs approximately one hour prior to the draw.

Thanks for the tip on the DHEA - I'll look into that one. I'm seeing a new doctor now who is really up to speed on this.

Thanks so much for the input!

[1cc]

Originally Posted by cjsabbath

I applied the gel to my thighs approximately one hour prior to the draw.

According to Swale, you should wait a minimum of 2 hours before drawing blood.

[pmgamer18]

Originally Posted by 1cc

According to Swale, you should wait a minimum of 2 hours before drawing blood.

Yes this is true done this many times on the gels your levels can be much lower after 2 to 3 hrs. I was told to do the blood work first thing in the morning they when I get put on the gels.