TRT question regarding blood work

[moparfreak360]

Ive been on TRT for about a year now and just got the most recent blood work. Im 33 years old and they have me on 200mg test a week. Im wondering if these free test levels are where they should be.

The blood work labeled my total test at >1500. My free test at 26.3 pg/ml, and estradiol at 15.4 pg/ml. The clinic said the E was a bit low and wants me to back off of my anti e dosage a bit. When looking over the hrt forum I noticed alot of guys free test seem to be a good bit higher and the range they posted is also different......The labcorp blood work says the free test range is 8.7-25.1 pg/ml.

Can anyone help me make a little sense of this? Why am I seeing guys whos free test is 150+ but mine is labeled high at 26?

 

[LisaKeith97]

How’s your SHBG? That’s the factor they use to calculate Free Testosterone. A high SBHG can cause your Free T to be low like yours.

 

[J.DREDD]

How’s your SHBG? That’s the factor they use to calculate Free Testosterone. A high SBHG can cause your Free T to be low like yours.

Exactly, there are ways to free up more test bound to SHBG, an easy one that’s probably super beneficial in your circumstance would be more frequent dosing administration. I would imagine if you’re on 200/week plus an AI, logic tells me you’re likely injecting twice per week as most clinics initially prescribe. Moving to three days a week or better yet EOD or ED has been shown to lower SHBG.

This would also help with lowering aromatization, letting you lower your AI use.

Also keep in mind the reference ranges are a great tool, but remember to take into consideration how you FEEL. I personally feel great without being redlined at the top or above reference ranges. Just food for thought.