Opinion on bloodwork

[scmtnboy]

Been 3 months since last contest prep cycle and I’ve been on 250 test cyp .5mg Arimidex 2x week. I had posted early that I had been running 7-8iu GH for an extended period of time and fasted glucose was up to 120. Have since dropped growth maybe 4 weeks ago. My fasted blood sugar is gradually improving. I also order the A1c test which I came in right at borderline of limit. One question I have Is I was using insulin a fair amount during last 3 months so wouldn’t that contribute to bringing that number down? If so the result would be worse than what shows on labs. I’m going to continue to work on brining that down. I know it’s best to take a few days off training but it didn’t fit with my schedule and I trained the day before labs. How concerned should I be about my creatinine levels? I’ve struggled with blood pressure in the past but try and keep it in check. I have astragalus which I will start using. Thanks for any input.


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[rookx750]

You bloods look perfect.
Maybe dump some blood.

Keep doing what your doing with keep the glucose down.

Drop the adex or cut back, unless your really happy what everything associated with estro( you know your stuff)

Creatinine is fine it’s barely elevated and your body could just operate that way.

Good job being responsible and sharing about it.

Edit******** you kidneys need some help. Your reallllllly low and I don’t see other markers that show bad dehydration. Start researching on how to get those number up. What’s is you every day blood pressure??? Throughout the day??? Start monitoring it and get on a medication if you need it. It can’t be water retention BP. Be very on top of that, no joke.

That your answer at why you creatinine is high you 4 points away from being ........... you need to follow up ASAP with a kidney specialist not just a GP or urologist someone who knows their shit. Obviously people with more education will chime in and give you the advice you need better than I can provide.

 

[MR. BMJ]

You bloods look perfect.
Maybe dump some blood.

Keep doing what your doing with keep the glucose down.

Drop the adex or cut back, unless your really happy what everything associated with estro( you know your stuff)

Creatinine is fine it’s barely elevated and your body could just operate that way.

Good job being responsible and sharing about it.

Edit******** you kidneys need some help. Your reallllllly low and I don’t see other markers that show bad dehydration. Start researching on how to get those number up. What’s is you every day blood pressure??? Throughout the day??? Start monitoring it and get on a medication if you need it. It can’t be water retention BP. Be very on top of that, no joke.

That your answer at why you creatinine is high you 4 points away from being ........... you need to follow up ASAP with a kidney specialist not just a GP or urologist someone who knows their shit. Obviously people with more education will chime in and give you the advice you need better than I can provide.

He's fine. His training will have caused his increased creatinine levels. What else are you looking at that you are concerned about his kidneys and that they need help and low?

 

[rookx750]

He's fine. His training will have caused his increased creatinine levels. What else are you looking at that you are concerned about his kidneys and that they need help and low?

Egfr at 64 I mean he’s not dying but needs to watch make it doesn’t drop anymore.

 

[MyNameIsJeff]

You bloods look perfect.
Maybe dump some blood.

Keep doing what your doing with keep the glucose down.

Drop the adex or cut back, unless your really happy what everything associated with estro( you know your stuff)

Creatinine is fine it’s barely elevated and your body could just operate that way.

Good job being responsible and sharing about it.

Edit******** you kidneys need some help. Your reallllllly low and I don’t see other markers that show bad dehydration. Start researching on how to get those number up. What’s is you every day blood pressure??? Throughout the day??? Start monitoring it and get on a medication if you need it. It can’t be water retention BP. Be very on top of that, no joke.

That your answer at why you creatinine is high you 4 points away from being ........... you need to follow up ASAP with a kidney specialist not just a GP or urologist someone who knows their shit. Obviously people with more education will chime in and give you the advice you need better than I can provide.

You clearly have no idea what you are talking about, how about you refrain from giving medical advice?

He's fine. His training will have caused his increased creatinine levels. What else are you looking at that you are concerned about his kidneys and that they need help and low?

Creatinine is not increased by exercise in the days prior to blood draws. Creatine Kinase (CK) is, but that's a different thing.

I do not see any reason for concern regarding kidney health. As has been discussed here many times, Creatinine is not a reliable marker of kidney function in bodybuilders. Creatinine levels increase with the amount of muscle mass an individual carries and with the amount of dietary creatine intake (either through meat consumption or supplements). Consequently, bodybuilders will have higher serum creatinine levels that the average Joe, on whose values the reference ranges are based. Hence, in bodybuilders, creatinine levels slightly higher than the reference range generally do not imply reduced kidney function.

With that being said, it's always a good idea to work on keeping your kidneys healthy. I would encourage you to take blood pressure control seriously: Routinely measure blood pressure and consider BP meds to get it in an optimal range. ARBs or ACEis should be the first choice.

I commend your decision to stop the GH in light of your high fasting blood glucose levels. A1c is a weighted average of blood glucose levels during the life of the red blood cells (117 days for men), so you will have to wait longer than 4 weeks to see the full benefits of coming off GH in terms of lowering A1C.

 

[pickapeck]

Vitamine D has a role in insulin sensitivity and many of us are deficient. You might want to check it and supplement f you are getting close to bottom of the range.

 

[rookx750]

You clearly have no idea what you are talking about, how about you refrain from giving medical advice?



Creatinine is not increased by exercise in the days prior to blood draws. Creatine Kinase (CK) is, but that's a different thing.

I do not see any reason for concern regarding kidney health. As has been discussed here many times, Creatinine is not a reliable marker of kidney function in bodybuilders. Creatinine levels increase with the amount of muscle mass an individual carries and with the amount of dietary creatine intake (either through meat consumption or supplements). Consequently, bodybuilders will have higher serum creatinine levels that the average Joe, on whose values the reference ranges are based. Hence, in bodybuilders, creatinine levels slightly higher than the reference range generally do not imply reduced kidney function.

With that being said, it's always a good idea to work on keeping your kidneys healthy. I would encourage you to take blood pressure control seriously: Routinely measure blood pressure and consider BP meds to get it in an optimal range. ARBs or ACEis should be the first choice.

I commend your decision to stop the GH in light of your high fasting blood glucose levels. A1c is a weighted average of blood glucose levels during the life of the red blood cells (117 days for men), so you will have to wait longer than 4 weeks to see the full benefits of coming off GH in terms of lowering A1C.

eGFR totally fine, in range, that is what was point out (64) he probably 100% fine I know, only said watch it, don’t let it drop, maybe see a Doc with blood pressure.

Umm please reread my post I don’t know if you quoted the right person but if you read what I wrote what medical advice did it I give ??? I said watch his the bLood pressure and his efrg is getting low imo n to keep an eye on it?? If you think being 4 point above range he in the right direction maybe you shouldn’t be tossing out advice. YES I said see a kidney specialist because of his post HE wrote about his blood pressure, better safe than sorry, it’s only dialysis for the rest of your life if you don’t get ahead of a “possible underlying problem”( I have no idea how long it’s been at 64) that a simple check up could reassure you.(I still have yet to give medical advice) I don’t play around with kidney health and the man came her for ADVICE, and that what I gave him. None was medical advice unless you consider seeing a MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL is . I really don’t understand the mindset around here lately. Are his kidneys functioning perfectly probably, but do you want to be at 64 or at 100 when you already have blood pressure issues??????????

I have no idea what’s he’s doing or taking I’m just looking at the number on the paper n giving my advice that was asked for. On top of that, to be very clear about your post YOU Legit said everything in YOUR POST that i wrote in my post just lesser extent and to take the kidneys seriously. I do agree with you that kidney function is a very complex functioning organs and there are so many ways to test and many false readings that could concern people when there is absolutely nothing wrong.

 

[Bio]

scmtnboy are you African American? Just curious which GFR we're looking at. Also, what have your GFR numbers been in past blood work?

 

[rookx750]

scmtnboy are you African American? Just curious which GFR we're looking at. Also, what have your GFR numbers been in past blood work?

Hahahahahahah very true hahah

 

[trekrider215]

Isn't the egfr just based on creatinine? So if creatinine goes up, egfr goes down.

I was always taught that its more important to track an overall trend of creatinine over the course of many months or years. If it stays relatively close each time, you're probably fine. If you gradually seenit climbing over time, then there may be a problem.

 

[rookx750]

Isn't the egfr just based on creatinine? So if creatinine goes up, egfr goes down.

I was always taught that its more important to track an overall trend of creatinine over the course of many months or years. If it stays relatively close each time, you're probably fine. If you gradually seenit climbing over time, then there may be a problem.

Scmt****Your kidneys are fine not trying to scare or cause drama, bloods look good andn fine.

Same here, that’s what I have been told to. All the functions of the kidneys correlate when trending downward in function. NOT SAYING IN THIS CASE WHAT SO EVER, but really low functioning kidneys that are just about to go.

To be honest there are so many people on here educated beyond my grasp on the kidneys so maybe they can simply over health and trends to watch over the years. There are also many diseases and other factors that can hurt and destroy kidney function temporarily and permanently that I have the slights clue to start spouting out.

 

[scmtnboy]

scmtnboy are you African American? Just curious which GFR we're looking at. Also, what have your GFR numbers been in past blood work?

Not African American and I have bloodwork going back 8 years. At a quick glance my creatinine levels are almost always a little high but my eGFR has kind of gradually decreased. Probably form me neglecting my blood pressure even though I try and stay on top of it. Going to really try extra hard to keep an eye on things.


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[Bio]

Not African American and I have bloodwork going back 8 years. At a quick glance my creatinine levels are almost always a little high but my eGFR has kind of gradually decreased. Probably form me neglecting my blood pressure even though I try and stay on top of it. Going to really try extra hard to keep an eye on things.


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I would start taking Astragalus, 2-3 grams a day and see what the next round of blood work looks like. Also, I hope you're using BP meds. BP will not only screw up your heart but it's the number one cause of kidney disease and kidney failure!

 

[Black Beard]

Been 3 months since last contest prep cycle and I’ve been on 250 test cyp .5mg Arimidex 2x week. I had posted early that I had been running 7-8iu GH for an extended period of time and fasted glucose was up to 120. Have since dropped growth maybe 4 weeks ago. My fasted blood sugar is gradually improving. I also order the A1c test which I came in right at borderline of limit. One question I have Is I was using insulin a fair amount during last 3 months so wouldn’t that contribute to bringing that number down? If so the result would be worse than what shows on labs. I’m going to continue to work on brining that down. I know it’s best to take a few days off training but it didn’t fit with my schedule and I trained the day before labs. How concerned should I be about my creatinine levels? I’ve struggled with blood pressure in the past but try and keep it in check. I have astragalus which I will start using. Thanks for any input.View attachment 110846


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Your labs look great. Creatinine is fine, bodybuilders have higher creatinine due to increase skeletal muscle mass and protein consumption. Creatinine is a by product of skeletal muscle metabolism.


Your A1C is completely fine, so don't worry about diabetes. That Lab range is absurdly tight. I would not be concerned until you get to 5.8%. Stay as lean as possible and doing cardio year round, this will keep your insulin sensitivity naturally high.


How high do you let your BP go? You don't want to be over 135/90 mmhg for long periods of time, it's okay for a few months on cycle as long as BP doesn't go over 160/100 mmhg.


You need your E2 a little higher. You will be healthier and better off with at least 30-45 pg/mL. Your E2 is too low. E2 has a protective effect on your cardiovascular system, insulin sensitivity and a bunch of other very important effects. Without E2, testosterone does not offer all it's benefits to us.


I would get Free T4 and Free T3 tested to gauge thyroid activity, your thyroid labs are fairly useless. TSH is higher than the norm, so it's a good idea to look at Free T4/Free T3. Sluggish thyroid will reduce kidney filtration and GFR.


I would keep an eye on HCT. 52% is the max i recommend, you want to stay under 53% ideally. Donating whole blood once will drop it 2-3%.

 

[scmtnboy]

Your labs look great. Creatinine is fine, bodybuilders have higher creatinine due to increase skeletal muscle mass and protein consumption. Creatinine is a by product of skeletal muscle metabolism.


Your A1C is completely fine, so don't worry about diabetes. That Lab range is absurdly tight. I would not be concerned until you get to 5.8%. Stay as lean as possible and doing cardio year round, this will keep your insulin sensitivity naturally high.


How high do you let your BP go? You don't want to be over 135/90 mmhg for long periods of time, it's okay for a few months on cycle as long as BP doesn't go over 160/100 mmhg.


You need your E2 a little higher. You will be healthier and better off with at least 30-45 pg/mL. Your E2 is too low. E2 has a protective effect on your cardiovascular system, insulin sensitivity and a bunch of other very important effects. Without E2, testosterone does not offer all it's benefits to us.


I would get Free T4 and Free T3 tested to gauge thyroid activity, your thyroid labs are fairly useless. TSH is higher than the norm, so it's a good idea to look at Free T4/Free T3. Sluggish thyroid will reduce kidney filtration and GFR.


I would keep an eye on HCT. 52% is the max i recommend, you want to stay under 53% ideally. Donating whole blood once will drop it 2-3%.

How concerned should I be about my GFR. I’ve always tried to be responsible and have labs going back 8 years since my first cycle. I’m 43 years old now. I always just kind of looked if things were in range but never paid attention to my GFR dropping consistently overtime. I’ve also now read it is an estimate based off creatinine levels? Looking back my creatinine levels are almost always just out of range so I never paid any attention to that. Like I said I’ve struggled with HBP and have used Carditone and Lisinopril to try and keep in check. I don’t blast year round but I noticed GH always elevated my heart rate and BP. Right now I’m most concerned with Kidney health. I’ve included Astragalus as part of my general health stack for the last few years but in small doses. I’m going to dose that really strong right now and add Pycnogenol as well. Any help or suggestions are appreciated guys.


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[thethinker48]

Order a cystatin c panel (while off GH)

It’ll paint a better picture of kidney health; less creatinine dependence


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[scmtnboy]

I’ve been reading up on that and been off GH for like 6 weeks primarily because my Fasted Blood Sugar had gotten out of hand. Just another thing to keep an eye on. I felt like I always have been fairly conservative and tried to take precautions but some are clearly more prone to side affects. Thanks for the input.


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[rookx750]

How concerned should I be about my GFR. I’ve always tried to be responsible and have labs going back 8 years since my first cycle. I’m 43 years old now. I always just kind of looked if things were in range but never paid attention to my GFR dropping consistently overtime. I’ve also now read it is an estimate based off creatinine levels? Looking back my creatinine levels are almost always just out of range so I never paid any attention to that. Like I said I’ve struggled with HBP and have used Carditone and Lisinopril to try and keep in check. I don’t blast year round but I noticed GH always elevated my heart rate and BP. Right now I’m most concerned with Kidney health. I’ve included Astragalus as part of my general health stack for the last few years but in small doses. I’m going to dose that really strong right now and add Pycnogenol as well. Any help or suggestions are appreciated guys.


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In my OPINION your kidney health is probably totally fine. ( sorry if I overreacted) remember these number are just a screenshot of those seconds of time. It just caught me off guard that your other number were soo good then that with you complaining about BP issues.

How long were you off Gh when taking bloods/ and how long from the other gear?your trt is 250mg, how long where you on trt when you took these bloods? The older you get the longer it takes you to bounce back from cycles. I ask about the Gh timing because most ppl hold a lot of water from it at the dose you were taking, and once IGF/“Gh” levels are elevated it does take time to come down. Even if you were low body fat and thought you were not holding water your internal water retention could be causing the high BP (diuretic).

So through all that Bs I’d just re check bloods. If your still there that go see a doctor( what I was trying to emphasize in my first post, to not tring to figure it out from the internet and let an educated doc, not just your GP doc)to figure out what is causing the high BP. It could be from all different angles and might take some different types of BP medication.

 

[qbkilla]

your creatinine is a bit high, if it starts to creep up I would worry, just keep it where it is or lower. gotta get the blood pressure in check or the kidneys won't last forever, thats a must. I wouldn't rely on a supplement, medication if needed, cardio, lose weight, don't eat excessive protein (eat what you need but its not a bad idea for kidney health to not over do the protein, carbs and fat are anabolic too). Real food if you can, a doc once told me to stop supplements my creatine would be fine and she was correct, all I did was drop protein powders and supplements and my creatinine dropped to normal. she said real food protein was fine, this was consistent with what she saw in her crossfire athletes too. definitely do not use CREATIINE. always suspected this was a kidney killer, search its effect on kidneys. also stay hydrated and watch potassium and sodium intake.

kidneys must be kept healthy but I wouldn't freak out just mostly get blood pressure normal and use common sense, stay away from var.

 

[Black Beard]

How concerned should I be about my GFR. I’ve always tried to be responsible and have labs going back 8 years since my first cycle. I’m 43 years old now. I always just kind of looked if things were in range but never paid attention to my GFR dropping consistently overtime. I’ve also now read it is an estimate based off creatinine levels? Looking back my creatinine levels are almost always just out of range so I never paid any attention to that. Like I said I’ve struggled with HBP and have used Carditone and Lisinopril to try and keep in check. I don’t blast year round but I noticed GH always elevated my heart rate and BP. Right now I’m most concerned with Kidney health. I’ve included Astragalus as part of my general health stack for the last few years but in small doses. I’m going to dose that really strong right now and add Pycnogenol as well. Any help or suggestions are appreciated guys.


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You're fine, if you have above average muscle mass, then use the African GFR. Creatinine/BUN which are used to calculate estimate GFR are metabolites of skeletal muscle. Africans tend to produce more of these and carry more skeletal muscle than other races. So i suggest using African eGFr as a surrogate test for bodybuilders.


As someone else mentioned, you can check cystatin levels, this test is less sensitive to muscle mass, hydration levels and diet than the Egfr reading. In my opinion, your labs look very good for a bodybuilder.


More importantly, keep your BP and heart rate in range. Calcium scoring and heart monitoring at least every few years is also a good idea as a lot of the heart issues are invisible to the naked eye and to blood work. Blood work gives too many guys a false sense of security when it comes to their health. All their labs come in range and they think they are as healthy as can be while their arteries are getting clogged in plaque, they are developing cardiomyopathy, etc.


Concerning GH and blood glucose levels, keeping up your cardiovascular exercise will help your body handle this better. My post-prandial BG on GH was +120 mg/mL, i did 20 minutes of light cardio which brought that down to 65 mg/mL. Cardio+weight lifting is very good natural medicine for hyperglycemic states. Being very lean can also help. Your A1C is perfect, i would only be concerned once you get past 5.8%.