Testosterone blood test results

[SettingsO]

I wonder if anyone out there is knowledgeable about Testosterone blood tests?

I started on testosterone about six months ago, and have absolutely loved its affect on my libido and general brain fog! I did not have blood tests before starting it, but I did have them after six months so they could check how I was getting on and check my levels.

Some of the results have come back raised, so apparently I have a raised serum testosterone of 5nmols/l, and the maximum is supposed to be 1.4. and a raised free androgen index of 5.6% with the maximum supposed to be 3.6.

The consultant has suggested that I just decrease my dose slightly and recheck in a few months, which I am happy to do. However she is such a super busy person and it’s almost impossible to get hold of her and I haven’t been able to discuss these results to it with anyone. I have googled extensively, and I mean extensively, and I just can’t really find out what these raised levels mean.

If my serum testosterone is three or four times what it should be, that seems quite massive? Also, does this mean that perhaps my levels weren’t low when I started?

I am terrified that they will try and stop me taking it - I really don’t want to loose the ability to orgasm again!

I'm afraid I can't help you but the forum menopause matters has extremely knowledgeable women there who know all the ins and outs. Hopefully though someone jingling-- -- will be able to here.

I've read of women tailoring to slightly lower doses according to symptoms but it sounds like it's v helpful.

Only question I have is was the blood test taken from an area where you apply it? I read elsewhere that oestrogen blood tests can be skewed badly like this.

Did you have a blood test to check your testosterone levels before going on it? Did you have a blood test shortly after applying it?

Thanks for the replies. I didn’t have a test before I started, so I don’t have anything to compare it with!

This test that I had was about six months in

I have blood tests every 8-10 months with my consultant (private specialist). My T is currently 2.3 which is up from where it usually is around 1.7 - 1.9. She’s ok with it as she uses two labs, one wants a limit of 2 and the other 2.5. I have no problematic symptoms such as thinning hair, facial acne etc so for now I’m sticking with the current dose. Will test again in December.

BTW my HRT is taken sub lingually as a lozenge, not subcutaneously.