Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Postmenopause => Topic started by: Hopeful on March 30, 2022, 08:45:38 AM

Title: Blood test results
Post by: Hopeful on March 30, 2022, 08:45:38 AM

Hi ladies
Have had a medi-checks blood test done and now have results
They seem good, but any thoughts from others who have more experience would be apreciated.

SHGB 130 nmol/l. (Slightly high should be max 128)

Oestrodiol 304 pmol/l

Testosterone 1.24 nmol/l. ( had this done 2 weeks ago before starting Testogel by gp it was 0.9)

FAI. Ratio 1 ( the doctor didn’t do this and this was one reason I got the medicheck test)

Test did not include progesterone, thyroid test was also fine.

I am postmeno using 3 pumps oestrogel ( up from 2 a month ago)
Utro nightly
Testogel pea size daily started 2 weeks ago

Symptoms have improved but not gone entirely still some anxiety, slight  night sweats, tired legs.

I think the best way is to stay with this for a month or two and see if all symptoms resolve, but any advice much aprieciated.

Hopeful

Title: Re: Blood test results
Post by: sheila99 on March 30, 2022, 08:54:00 AM

You've only been on 3 pumps for a month so you may see more improvement yet. Perhaps review things when you've been on it for 3 months. You may consider another half pump then if you're not quite there.

Title: Re: Blood test results
Post by: Gnatty on March 30, 2022, 10:28:03 AM

Also the benefits of testosterone can take a few months before they kick in.

Title: Re: Blood test results
Post by: laszla on March 30, 2022, 02:36:39 PM

The number that counts with testosterone is the FAI which you can calculate herehttps://www.mdapp.co/free-androgen-index-fai-calculator-370/ (https://www.mdapp.co/free-androgen-index-fai-calculator-370/)
Yours is less than 1 and it should be higher - at least 1.5-2. The reason you have low free testosterone is because your SHBG is high.

Title: Re: Blood test results
Post by: Hopeful on March 30, 2022, 09:43:11 PM

Hi laszla
The medi checks reports said the SHGB was slightly high but not a problem as it could be caused by exercise.
Do you know How can I lower my SHGB levels. Will using the testogel help? I have only been using it 2 weeks but feel it might be helping.
Thank you
Hopeful

Title: Re: Blood test results
Post by: laszla on March 30, 2022, 11:57:57 PM

Hi Hopeful, at Chelsea and Westminster the reference range for SHBG is 30 - 100 nmol/L so quite a bit lower than medichecks who are fine for testing - I use them myself - but in terms of advice I would rather rely on the specialist clinic
Three months ago my SHBG was high - 134 - and what I can say is that since then I increased my estrogel dose - and then switched to estradot equivalent to 4 pumps estrogel - and that lowered my SHBG to 103 which is much better.
I also take testogel but in my case what seemed to make a differenc was the increase in estrogen though I will have more feedback in two months when I go back to C&W for more blood tests.

Title: Re: Blood test results
Post by: Hopeful on March 31, 2022, 04:53:03 PM

Hi Laszla
That is so useful, as I only increased my oestrogel a month ago, hopefully it will help bring down the SHBG.
Thanks
Hopeful

Title: Re: Blood test results
Post by: sheila99 on March 31, 2022, 05:03:24 PM

I don't think the reference range is important as that depends on the particular test. The important thing is where your own level are in relation to the reference range.