Let's talk levels!

FTMax · March 10, 2015, 09:40:26 PM

The only person I have to compare with is my boyfriend, who just had his dose changed because it was too low, so that's probably not the fairest comparison.

My labs came back with total testosterone at 809 (no free T number, just the total). According to the internet, that's on the high side of average. I've gotten tons of changes and only one negative side effect (light acne). Overall, I'm quite happy with where I'm at. Everything else on the other tests is within the recommended range as well.

- Anybody out there in a similar range?
- Is it likely that my doctor will have me maintain or lower my dose?

DragonBeer · March 10, 2015, 10:12:31 PM

Not sure if this is total T but I got my levels checked recently and it said 1,215 ng/dl.

Ayden · March 11, 2015, 06:59:06 PM

My dose wasn't adjusted until I hit way over the healthy T level (I'm talking over 1000), but my old doctor wasn't that experienced with HRT for trans guys.

I think my last test was in the normal range but I would have to dig up my paperwork to tell you the exact number. Depending on when your blood test was done (beginning, middle or end) of your hormone cycle they may change your dose. If you aren't having any other health problems, they might not. It really depends on the doctor and your personal situation.

FTMax · March 11, 2015, 07:01:01 PM

I'm on gel, so no real cycle to speak of. I had applied my gel probably 4-5 hours prior to the test. I didn't see any other issues on the other test results. One issue that I've struggled with for years actually went away.

Ayden · March 11, 2015, 07:15:32 PM

Ah, that probably makes it easier then as far as gauging your actual level. From my understanding, as long as its not over the recommended healthy level and your doctor doesn't seem worried they probably won't make you change your dose. I will say that when my dose was being adjusted I had to take a few blood tests and I ended up being lowered and then raised again. My doctor lowered me temporarily due to my blood being thick.

FTMax · March 11, 2015, 07:55:55 PM

Yeah, they had some difficulty taking my blood this last go round, but I think I was significantly less hydrated than I've been in the past. Was the thickness related to your red blood cell count?

aleon515 · March 12, 2015, 12:22:13 PM

You are in a good range, imo. The average, let's say therapeutic range, is between 300-1000. That just means you are going to get the most changes with the least side effects.
I'd say the big thing, is are you getting changes, how you are feeling, and whether you are having side effects (the big one is high red blood count). Since all seems well I'd just carry on, and not worry re: if you could go higher or lower. I'd think your doctor would want to keep you in this range, unless they were issues.

I'm a bit lower, but it's what I want (more in the 500 range). I'm a little happier with this given my age.

--Jay

Quote from: ftmax on March 10, 2015, 09:40:26 PM
The only person I have to compare with is my boyfriend, who just had his dose changed because it was too low, so that's probably not the fairest comparison.

My labs came back with total testosterone at 809 (no free T number, just the total). According to the internet, that's on the high side of average. I've gotten tons of changes and only one negative side effect (light acne). Overall, I'm quite happy with where I'm at. Everything else on the other tests is within the recommended range as well.

- Anybody out there in a similar range?
- Is it likely that my doctor will have me maintain or lower my dose?

AndrewB · March 12, 2015, 12:32:44 PM

I just got bloodwork done for the T levels at the end of my shot cycle, and am going in Tuesday to discuss results with my endo, so I'll be sure to ask for the specific number when I go in (if my endo doesn't give me it anyway) for you! I guess I'm mostly just posting here so I'll remember to return with a solid figure. ~2.25 months in and I have tons of blonde face fuzz, so that has to bode well, right?

Beth Andrea · March 12, 2015, 12:34:57 PM

OMG...there's just too much testosterone in this thread!

(I heard that so often when a woman would come into a room when guys were talking "guy stuff"...LOL!)

Enjoy it, guys!

FTMax · March 12, 2015, 02:13:51 PM

Quote from: AndrewB on March 12, 2015, 12:32:44 PM
I just got bloodwork done for the T levels at the end of my shot cycle, and am going in Tuesday to discuss results with my endo, so I'll be sure to ask for the specific number when I go in (if my endo doesn't give me it anyway) for you! I guess I'm mostly just posting here so I'll remember to return with a solid figure. ~2.25 months in and I have tons of blonde face fuzz, so that has to bode well, right?

Yay! Come back and share! Mine has an online portal where I can see things, which is probably not good given my propensity to google medical jargon and come to the conclusion that I'm dying. I'll drop back in tomorrow and give everyone the rundown of my doctor's analysis on my results.

AndrewB · March 12, 2015, 02:58:19 PM

Quote from: ftmax on March 12, 2015, 02:13:51 PM
Yay! Come back and share! Mine has an online portal where I can see things, which is probably not good given my propensity to google medical jargon and come to the conclusion that I'm dying. I'll drop back in tomorrow and give everyone the rundown of my doctor's analysis on my results.

Okay! So just as a matter of coincidence, the bloodwork for my T finally showed online (I just figured it was one of the exceptions in the online portal where "not all test results will be available." But I just got it back, so here's my number: 191 ng/dL. Granted, this is at the end of a cycle, but I feel like that's kind of (read: really) low. Guess I'll see what the endo thinks, though!

Proton · March 12, 2015, 03:27:59 PM

I'm at 703 ng/dl at the end of a cycle. I also found my second blood test and I was at 537 back then.

And yet, no real facial hair to speak of. Gotta love genetics...

AndrewB · March 12, 2015, 04:56:21 PM

Quote from: Proton on March 12, 2015, 03:27:59 PM
I'm at 703 ng/dl at the end of a cycle. I also found my second blood test and I was at 537 back then.

And yet, no real facial hair to speak of. Gotta love genetics...

I've always had pretty low estrogen levels so maybe that plays a role in it, too? Genetics probably play a good portion of it, though, I agree -- I've been sprouting up little blonde hairs everywhere (not to mention a 'dirty' upper lip), so I can only imagine what a normal range's effects might hold. Now I'm excited! Lol

Proton · March 12, 2015, 05:27:51 PM

Quote from: AndrewB on March 12, 2015, 04:56:21 PM
I've always had pretty low estrogen levels so maybe that plays a role in it, too? Genetics probably play a good portion of it, though, I agree -- I've been sprouting up little blonde hairs everywhere (not to mention a 'dirty' upper lip), so I can only imagine what a normal range's effects might hold. Now I'm excited! Lol

My estrogen levels are also on the normal male range, which leads me to believe it's all about genetics in my case :\

Dee Marshall · March 12, 2015, 06:21:37 PM

Quote from: AndrewB on March 12, 2015, 02:58:19 PM
Okay! So just as a matter of coincidence, the bloodwork for my T finally showed online (I just figured it was one of the exceptions in the online portal where "not all test results will be available." But I just got it back, so here's my number: 191 ng/dL. Granted, this is at the end of a cycle, but I feel like that's kind of (read: really) low. Guess I'll see what the endo thinks, though!

I was at 203 on my pre-HRT baseline(M2F). That's about 100 units above female maximum for T and 100 below male minimum. My endo also has an online portal.

HeyTrace19 · March 12, 2015, 07:59:23 PM

I have had my T levels all over the place over the past four years...ranging from 200s to 1500s. It was difficult to find a stable dose that would maintain a safe range for me. For a while I was even DECREASING my dose and my T level INCREASED!!! Things are much better after having the ovaries (and a giant benign tumor) removed, and I am trying to maintain something around 500-700 because I feel best at that level. I have had to donate blood with regularity to reduce red cells, and I also have to take blood pressure medication. For accurate comparisons, be sure you are always mid-injection cycle when having your blood drawn. Your doc may want to do peak and trough levels as well, though. Just a note to consider: not everyone is able to lower T dose after oophorectomy...some may actually need an increase...(if you are a person who has that surgery in your future!)

AndrewB · March 12, 2015, 08:02:54 PM

I'm not sure what my endo will want to see in the future, but for my first test as least, she specified that I was to test at the end of my cycle, likely so she knew just how low it could get, I suppose.

SWNID · March 12, 2015, 09:46:24 PM

For pre-op level, my peak of the cycle was around 500~600, and now my peak is around 300-400.

Bimmer Guy · March 12, 2015, 10:19:07 PM

Hey, guys. In general when someone says that their level was 680, are they talking mid cycle (the peak level) or trough? I just want to know where in the cycle people are usually referencing when it is not specifically desiginated.

My trough was 900 and my doc wasn't concerned about it, but that seems high to me?

aleon515 · March 13, 2015, 12:30:18 AM

Mine should be similar most of the time, since I'm on topical.

--Jay

Quote from: Brett on March 12, 2015, 10:19:07 PM
Hey, guys. In general when someone says that their level was 680, are they talking mid cycle (the peak level) or trough? I just want to know where in the cycle people are usually referencing when it is not specifically desiginated.

My trough was 900 and my doc wasn't concerned about it, but that seems high to me?

News:

Let's talk levels!

DragonBeer