Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Flan747 on August 17, 2022, 02:31:52 PM

Title: Testosterone levels
Post by: Flan747 on August 17, 2022, 02:31:52 PM
After having consistent low levels of T whilst being on Androfem and now Testim my latest results from a venous blood test have come back as T 13.3 and FAI 10.3? Surely this must be wrong? Any thoughts and should I panic yet? Xx
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Floo36 on August 17, 2022, 02:35:24 PM
It does look like from bloods that you are absorbing it now.  How much do you use?
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Flan747 on August 17, 2022, 02:41:18 PM
Panicking now as that’s way too high! I use Testim over 7 days but have nebebr for my levels above 1.9. Thinking this must be wrong? Looking up symptoms I haven’t got any of them. I feel very anxious and breathless but have had that a long time now xx
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Floo36 on August 17, 2022, 03:24:44 PM
It may be that you dont get any side affects but also no benefit from it.  They do say that estrogen needs to be sorted before testosterone benefits in some as some benefit from it anyway, I never have.  Is your estrogen Ok and symptoms gone, although you say anxiety and breathless which is one of my low estrogen symptoms?
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Flan747 on August 17, 2022, 03:30:52 PM
Hi Floo. So never felt that settled on the patches, I’m on 100 although things have got worse and I was putting it al down to low estrogen and thinking of going higher. I level was 661 although I know that fluctuates xx
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Floo36 on August 17, 2022, 04:01:36 PM
It does sound like you may need some more Estrogen, if you are fluctuating you won't know how much you get from the patch but if you still dont feel right then an increase sounds reasonable.
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Flan747 on August 17, 2022, 04:06:16 PM
Thanks Floo, need to get this T sorted first it’s scared the life out of me I won’t lie xx
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Floo36 on August 17, 2022, 04:22:01 PM
Where do you apply the testosterone and how long before the test did you apply it?
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Flan747 on August 17, 2022, 06:25:57 PM
I apply it on my inner thigh and it was about 4 hours before which is what I always do and always had low readings? Xx
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Floo36 on August 18, 2022, 07:42:57 AM
You may get a peak and then level out. 
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Flan747 on August 18, 2022, 07:49:08 AM
Morning. I’ve not applied it today as it’s freaked me out if I’m honest. Now the worry of not applying ? Can’t win at the minute x
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Floo36 on August 18, 2022, 10:41:52 AM
I dont think its going to harm you so sort worry.  If you weren't getting any bad side effects then you should be ok.
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Flan747 on August 18, 2022, 11:08:02 AM
Your right thank you, I’ve applied it 😄 xx
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: joziel on August 18, 2022, 11:18:18 AM
I think maybe apply it every other day for now and request a repeat blood test?
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Flan747 on August 18, 2022, 11:22:26 AM
That’s a great idea Joziel thank you so much, surely the results are not accurate, I would be taking like a man😄
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: joziel on August 18, 2022, 11:38:47 AM
Is there some way you could have gotten some testosterone gel onto your arm where they take the venous blood draw from? Where do you apply it, to your thighs? Could you have wiped your hands afterwards on your arms or something?

The problem is it can take several weeks to get off your skin (they say 4 weeks or something). I'd suggest applying it with a little silicone spatula like a kitchen spatula so you don't even touch it. Put it on your upper thighs and put a long-sleeved shirt or jumper or whatever on first, to cover your arms...
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Flan747 on August 18, 2022, 11:43:03 AM
Yes outer thigh Joziel, I’m thinking that is possible even though I’m careful, it must be that, it can’t have torn that high. Just had a reply from my specialist who isn’t concerned but suggested smithed one for peace of mind so that’s what I will do, thank you for replying ladies xx
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Flan747 on August 18, 2022, 11:45:03 AM
To be honest I was hoping for something to stand out in my bloods to account for the anxiety that I’m yet to get rid of but I don’t think that’s the answer? Xx
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: joziel on August 18, 2022, 11:48:20 AM
I think it could most definitely account for your anxiety! Testosterone is going to make you feel pumped and that's a very high dose of it. (If the bloods are accurate!)
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Flan747 on August 18, 2022, 11:59:19 AM
I’m booked in for next week to have them done again so we will see. Will let you know. I keep thinking I need more estrogen but don’t really want to go above 100 if I’m honest xx
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: joziel on August 18, 2022, 01:31:32 PM
Maybe ask them to take it from your other arm? It's unlikely you've accidentally contaminated both your arms(!!?).
Title: Re: Testosterone levels
Post by: Floo36 on August 21, 2022, 09:48:24 AM
Why don’t you want to go above 100 if you need it? If most of your symptoms are controlled on the 100 you may only need a little more Estrogen.