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[Tc]

Hiy ladies. Any help please from you ladies who are good with these figures.  Just had receptionist call to say doc is phoning me at 4.30  as my t bloods abnormal.

From previous experience I dont think my gp understands the FAI.

I asked for levels.
BLT is 2.5
Serum T is 2.2
SHBG is 67

I dont know what BLT is normally just get total t which I assume is the serum figure of 2.2 so going by that I've worked out a FAI figure of  3.2.  Is that right. ?

Thanks xx

[CLKD]

Have a list of queries for the Dr?  Make notes. 

[Tc]

I'm not too worried CLKD. More important things happening in world. Just know that she misinterpreted my bloods before.  If she takes me off t then so be it.  But not if its for wrong reasons. Last thing I need is my HRT messing with.

Waiting for her call.  Thank you xxx

[Hurdity]

Hi Tc

This is probably too late but I will answer anyway.

First - I don't know what BLT is apart from Bacon Lettuce and Tomato sandwich, and google didn't help me!

Re testosterone levels. The document I always used to refer to for ref ranges from RCOG has been taken down but I downloaded it although I have no idea if these values still apply. They gave the range for total T as 0.5-3.0 nmol/l, SHBG as 18-144 nmol/l and for the FAI as 0.5-6.5% , but stress that normal ranges will vary between labs. GP Notebook also gives a similar range for T. I assume yours are also in same units ie nmol/l?

FAI is total T/SHBG x 100 to give a %

Therefore your T is within this range. I seem to remember mine was over 2 at one point and doc said it was "abnormal but expected, no action needed" and they didn't do anything. I went to see my gynae specialist GP at same practice and explained the FAI to her , that mine was within range, and she wrote it all down in my notes lol!

Hopefully this is helpful and you can go back to her if necessary - but maybe let me know what BLT is?

More to the point - how are you feeling?!

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

How did U get on?

[Tc]

Hiya CLKD. Hiya hurdity and thanks.

She just phoned me. Total t is over lab range.  They do not work out FAI at the surgery so I have to email c and w. 

Turns out the main reason she  was phoning me was vit D.  I forgot I'd had that. It's very low.  13 and bottom normal is 50.  Shes sent a booster course to chemist for me.

To answer your question hurdity I am not feeling or noticing any excess T symptoms.  5he FAI I worked out seems o.k. range.   I dont expect  to hear back soon from c and w so I will just sit tight. 

As for BLT. I think receptionist may have read it out wrong.  Maybe she was hungry 😆

Thank you both.  Xx

[Tc]

Meant to say. She said it's important I pick up and take the tablets as being low could affect immune system. Xxx

[CLKD]

Off you go then  - skipping, avoiding people, I found VitD lifted how I felt really quickly. 

[Tc]

That's good to hear CLKD. Thanks. Xx

[Hurdity]

Gosh Tc that is so low it is almost off the scale for vit D! What a worry and no wonder you are not feeling at your best. So important not to be deficient in this vitamin. If you can get out for a walk each day when the sun is shining then do so - without sunscreen for whatever time is safe for you to do so, and get thee some sardines or salmon or something rich in vit D as well as cod liver oil, once you have finished the course of tabs and if they bring your levels up!

I am sure your total T is barely over the lab range! Like I said mine was slightly but FAI was fine. It's not like it's way out. Did you ask for the lab range or can you look at your results and the ranges online at your practice? What I meant was are you feeling better with the T?!!

Hurdity  x

[Tc]

Hurdity. I realy dont feel the T has done anything for me. A year now. 

Whilst C and w meno clinic is shut my doc has decided to keep things as they originally prescribed. 

 I guess vit d deficiency might explain some of my symptoms.  Shes prescribed  a booster of very high dose and she has told me to continue taking otc highest dose once finished.

Might make a lot of difference to me.

Thank you xxx

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies

Tc - would you mind telling me what symptoms you have that could be attributed to low vitamin D? I am not taking HRT atm but I don't get much sun so I wonder if low Vit D could be a problem for me.

Thinking about it you may get a better response from your T when your Vit D is higher.

Take care everyone.

K.

[Tc]

Kathleen. I've been tired and had pains in my legs. Not sure if I can attribute that or other symptoms  as I dont actually know what symptoms associated with it. Only that it's important for bones. I will have a look see if I can find symptom list. Xx

[Kathleen]

Hello Tc

Thank you so much for your post. I have pains in my legs this evening but that's probably due a sudden burst of activity earlier today!  I will also Google the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, good idea.
 
Wishing you well.

K.

[Tc]

Kathleen. The pains in my legs lasted quite a,while. Not muscle pain.  I have been puzzled over them for weeks. 

It does look as though bone pain is a symptom and fatigue.

Bit worried as loads of info I came accross was how a deficiency can lower immunity particularly to respiratory infections and make it harder to fight infection once you have it.   I've  decided with that and also having astma it doesnt make sense for me to go out from now on.  My scrip is being delivered Thursday.  I will cross the shopping bridge when I come to it.

Kathleen I expect you saw it if you googled but low vit d and a deficiency are not the same.treatment wise.  low vit d can be treated OTC as opposed to a .deficiency when   otc are not strong enough to bring it up from so low so prescription drug is needed. . backs up what my doc said.  I have to get mine up with v high dose and then maintain . But if you are low rather than deficient you can take otc supplements. 

Xxx