Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi, guys.  I hope someone can help.  I just got my bloodwork back and my GP is concerned because my creatnine level is too high.  He's worried about what's going on with my kidneys/catabolism.  Has anyone had this kind of issue?  I have only been on T for 3 months.  Thanks, guys.

I have not had this issue but my doctor does monitor my kidneys along with my liver and cholesterol.

I haven't heard of this. Could this be due to something besides T?

Thanks for the replies, Nygeel and ameline.  I'm slightly annoyed looking at my lab results as the pathologist has presented my results in comparison to FEMALE reference ranges even when they are supposed to be using male ranges.  From what I'm reading, my serum creatinine level is high for a female, but normal for a male!  I'm going to bring this up next time.

Quote from: Kreuzfidel on April 23, 2012, 07:54:33 PM
Thanks for the replies, Nygeel and ameline.  I'm slightly annoyed looking at my lab results as the pathologist has presented my results in comparison to FEMALE reference ranges even when they are supposed to be using male ranges.  From what I'm reading, my serum creatinine level is high for a female, but normal for a male!  I'm going to bring this up next time.

Um, don't take this the wrong way, but simply changing one hormone in your body doesn't also change the rest of the whole body you were born with. I think the doctors might just be being cautious with the levels, not doing it to humiliate you with female ranges or anything. The fact remains that none of us were actually born with male physiology so no matter what hormones we take it won't change that. I think it's safer to be cautious. Get the outward appearance results you want while being safe with your own body. That's just the way I look at it.

Thanks, insideontheoutside.  I know they're being cautious, but the physiology is supposed to evolve to male range - the T changes a great deal more of the chemistry than just cholesterol.  The only reason they're still using female ranges, they themselves told me, is because that's what my Medicare card says.  When I change that, they'll use male ranges.  But now, the levels I'm getting for various things are being flagged because they've moved into the male range.

Quote from: Kreuzfidel on April 24, 2012, 09:16:29 PM
Thanks, insideontheoutside.  I know they're being cautious, but the physiology is supposed to evolve to male range - the T changes a great deal more of the chemistry than just cholesterol.  The only reason they're still using female ranges, they themselves told me, is because that's what my Medicare card says.  When I change that, they'll use male ranges.  But now, the levels I'm getting for various things are being flagged because they've moved into the male range.

Cool. From what I understand, most people don't experience problems unless there might be something wonky to start with. I'm just one of those uber cautious people (and unfortunately someone who had problems!). If something shows up that they can often fix by adjusting dose before it becomes some sort of problem then that's a good thing.

Out of curiosity, what form of T are you on Kreuz? I have heard reports of oral T affecting kidney/liver function, and my doctor only had me on oral tablets for a short while to avoid such problems. That said, I really don't know all that much about it.

As you said yourself though, it's good to keep in mind that certain levels will rise a lot with the introduction of T, and every body will respond differently. Maybe ask around, or call some doctors with more trans experience, and find out if this is just a regular part of the change?

From what I can gather from ten minutes of google research, creatinine is a waste product produced by the muscles. Because of this men usually have a higher creatinine level than women, and by this point on T I should think that your muscles -and all related levels- are definitely parts of you which should be tested against the male range. It's also worth noting that it's normal for young to middle-aged men to have higher than average creatinine levels, especially if they eat a lot of meat or fish.

While this may be a kidney related problem, don't forget that something as simple as what you ate that day, or whether or not you're dehydrated, can raise your creatinine levels a lot. This really does require further looking into; I would save your worry until your doctor has had a chance to look into it properly. :)

I've had kindey failure and liver problems in the past...

Would this be an issue if i went on T?    O___O

Keep us updated?

Quote from: Kyyn on April 25, 2012, 06:30:07 AM
I've had kindey failure and liver problems in the past...

Would this be an issue if i went on T?    O___O

Yeah, probably.
You might need to use a cream or a gel because of that.

Quote from: JasonRX on April 25, 2012, 01:02:51 PM
Yeah, probably.
You might need to use a cream or a gel because of that.

I had no idea that T came in any form besides injection. :O I would much rather go w/ a cream or gel than a needle or a pill

Quote from: landon_marius on April 26, 2012, 12:19:33 AM
I had no idea that T came in any form besides injection. :O I would much rather go w/ a cream or gel than a needle or a pill

Usually, the cream/gel causes changes to occur a lot slower than testosterone injections do though.
If you're looking to change as quickly as possible, keep that in mind.
Also, if you have an intimate partner, it's possible that you could transfer some of your testosterone to them by accident from your application site.

Quote from: JasonRX on April 26, 2012, 12:31:52 AM
Usually, the cream/gel causes changes to occur a lot slower than testosterone injections do though.
If you're looking to change as quickly as possible, keep that in mind.
Also, if you have an intimate partner, it's possible that you could transfer some of your testosterone to them by accident from your application site.

You know, I'm not sure if that's really true or if it's become some kind of trans urban myth. Seems like every time T cream is mentioned, it's immediately followed up with "but it doesn't work that fast" or "it's really expensive." You do have to get your T levels checked to make sure your skin is absorbing the cream, but once you're in the correct male range, the changes should happen just as fast as they would with the injections. I've been following the posts of some other guys here who started T around the same time I did, and it looks like I'm right in line with the changes they're getting.

It's also the gel that's really expensive, not the compounded cream. It's only about $40/month at Strohecker's (with no insurance). And somebody would have to rub up on you right after applying the cream for you to transfer any T to them. It dries really quickly, just like regular hand lotion.

Quote from: Kyyn on April 25, 2012, 06:30:07 AM
I've had kindey failure and liver problems in the past...
Would this be an issue if i went on T?    O___O

The answer is "depends".  It really boils down to what problems you had in the past and why.  That will all be checked prior anyway so don't worry about it till the time comes. =)