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Home > Archive > Impotence Support > October 2004 > Getting tested
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| Hi, I am going to visit a doctor to have my testosterone levels
checked. I think I have low libido. I am not located anywhere near a
specialist in sexual disfunction and so I was wondering where I can
find a comprehensive list of the kinds of tests I should request. I
suppose there are some things that this doctor will not be familiar
with and may not want to test but I would like to present him with a
full list. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate your post.
| |
| Martin 2004-10-03, 7:16 pm |
| "Will" <larry@asianhome.net> wrote in message
news:9c58d656.0409302254.615d3a7@posting.google.com...
Will,
> where I can
> find a comprehensive list of the kinds of tests I should request.
Try the forum of goldcrossmedical.com. Ignore their sales messages, and read
their message board (forum) only. They have a lot of highly useful
information there. The URL is
http://www.globalandropause.com/forum/disc6_frm.htm .
I hope this helps.
Martin
| |
| Muerta 2004-10-03, 7:16 pm |
| Will, the basics are (1) Testosterone serum (2) Free and weakly bound
testosterone (FWBT) (3) Prolactin (4) Estradiol (E2)
That should get yopu in the ball park.
"Will" <larry@asianhome.net> wrote in message
news:9c58d656.0409302254.615d3a7@posting.google.com...
> Hi, I am going to visit a doctor to have my testosterone levels
> checked. I think I have low libido. I am not located anywhere near a
> specialist in sexual disfunction and so I was wondering where I can
> find a comprehensive list of the kinds of tests I should request. I
> suppose there are some things that this doctor will not be familiar
> with and may not want to test but I would like to present him with a
> full list. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate your post.
| |
| Martin 2004-10-03, 7:16 pm |
| "Muerta" <not@home.com> wrote in message
news:JLo7d.93671$wV.52917@attbi_s54...
Will,
> the basics are (1) Testosterone serum (2) Free and weakly bound
testosterone (FWBT) (3) Prolactin (4) Estradiol (E2). That should get yopu
in the ball park.
YES. To me this FWBT -- or what's commonly known as free testosterone
(FT) -- made the difference. I find it remarkable how, after so much has
been written in popular medical books, many doctors and patients still ask
for "testosterone". But testosterone (T) means total testosterone (TT), not
free testosterone (FT). Here in N-America we should consider ourselves lucky
for we have medical tests that can quantify FT; in Britain many suffer
because of lack of suitable FT tests.
I hope this helps.
Martin
| |
| Muerta 2004-10-03, 7:16 pm |
|
"Martin" <Martin@notmyemail.com> wrote in message
news:bLs7d.26310$MD5.1422541@news20.bellglobal.com...
> "Muerta" <not@home.com> wrote in message
> news:JLo7d.93671$wV.52917@attbi_s54...
>
> Will,
>
> testosterone (FWBT) (3) Prolactin (4) Estradiol (E2). That should get yopu
> in the ball park.
>
> YES. To me this FWBT -- or what's commonly known as free testosterone
> (FT) -- made the difference. I find it remarkable how, after so much has
> been written in popular medical books, many doctors and patients still ask
> for "testosterone". But testosterone (T) means total testosterone (TT),
> not
> free testosterone (FT). Here in N-America we should consider ourselves
> lucky
> for we have medical tests that can quantify FT; in Britain many suffer
> because of lack of suitable FT tests.
>
> I hope this helps.
>
> Martin
>
You're right, Martin, we are lucky. As I recall, FWBT envcompasses free and
that which is bound to Albumin vs SHBG, equating "probable" bioavailable T,
whereas FT is totally bioavailable. A good indicator if compared to TT as to
presence of SHBG activity.
>
| |
| Hardpan 2004-10-03, 7:16 pm |
| On Sat, 2 Oct 2004 03:29:09 -0400, "Martin" <Martin@notmyemail.com>
wrote:
>"Muerta" <not@home.com> wrote in message
>news:JLo7d.93671$wV.52917@attbi_s54...
>
>Will,
>
>testosterone (FWBT) (3) Prolactin (4) Estradiol (E2). That should get yopu
>in the ball park.
>
>YES. To me this FWBT -- or what's commonly known as free testosterone
>(FT) -- made the difference. I find it remarkable how, after so much has
>been written in popular medical books, many doctors and patients still ask
>for "testosterone". But testosterone (T) means total testosterone (TT), not
>free testosterone (FT). Here in N-America we should consider ourselves lucky
>for we have medical tests that can quantify FT; in Britain many suffer
>because of lack of suitable FT tests.
>
>I hope this helps.
>
>Martin
>
Perhaps but when your doctor reads very -low normal and tells you that
you are fine, its the HMO way of life here in the United States.
The docs don't want to give your the actual numbers without a hassle
to get them in written form by law.
| |
|
| Your are the patient so demand a copy of the test results, each and every
test result. One day you may change doctors or go for a consultation so
those records are very important to your health and well-being.
"Hardpan" <hardpan@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:qn3vl094sbhmcobt0usugmtic6536l060r@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 2 Oct 2004 03:29:09 -0400, "Martin" <Martin@notmyemail.com>
> wrote:
>
yopu[vbcol=seagreen]
ask[vbcol=seagreen]
not[vbcol=seagreen]
lucky[vbcol=seagreen]
>
> Perhaps but when your doctor reads very -low normal and tells you that
> you are fine, its the HMO way of life here in the United States.
>
> The docs don't want to give your the actual numbers without a hassle
> to get them in written form by law.
>
| |
| D Hamilton 2004-10-04, 2:07 am |
| On 30 Sep 2004 23:54:37 -0700, larry@asianhome.net (Will) wrote:
>Hi, I am going to visit a doctor to have my testosterone levels
>checked. I think I have low libido. I am not located anywhere near a
>specialist in sexual disfunction and so I was wondering where I can
>find a comprehensive list of the kinds of tests I should request. I
>suppose there are some things that this doctor will not be familiar
>with and may not want to test but I would like to present him with a
>full list. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate your post.
Based on info collected here (just over 3 years ago), the tests I
asked for are listed below.
I've never had any trouble getting a copy of my bloodwork. I did,
however, have trouble getting my primary care physician to do
bloodwork past the initial measure for Testosterone. I imagine docs
get tired of patients doing self-diagnosis. And, as you suggested
might be the case with your doc, hormone problems weren't his
specialty.
My doc had the tests taken and, based on the data returned, suggested
I see and Endocronologist. (BTW, My endo commented on what a nice job
my PCP did with my bloodwork.)
The bloodwork I asked for:
SHBG
FSH
Testosterone
Estradiol
Prolactin
TSH
LH
Free T
Total Estrogens (MY PCP suggested this was not a valid test. I don't
recall what was done about this)
DHEA
The description for the tests (and some additional commentary), as
clipped from
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=...japetus.ftn.org
****************
Total Testosterone. The amount of T circulating in the blood. The most
common test and the villain in so many cases. Since free T drops with
age faster than total, it's the measurement that makes so many men
miserable, because a "normal" total is meaningless except as a measure
of testicular function. ` A "normal" level is useless. What you want
is the top half of the range. If your not in the top half then
symptoms of low T can mean LOW T!
Free Testosterone *NOT* SHBG only. This is the active ingredient that
does the job. The total can be thru the roof and the free thru the
floor. Insufficient Free T and you have ED. Again - the top half of
the range.
SHBG Sex Hormone Binding Globulin reduces the amount of free
testosterone in the blood. It can be countered and is not the only
binding substance.
LH Leutenizing Hormone - the biggy. No LH means no testosterone. The
drugs used to chemically castrate Prostate cancer patients stops LH
production. High LH and low testosterone means that the pituitary is
working alright and that the problem is elsewhere.
FSH FSH stimulates the follicles that produce sperm. Low FSH means
sterility, but not necessarily ED. High FSH and low LH means a problem
in the pituitary.
DHEA DHEA is the fuel used by the testes to produce androstenedione,
which becomes testosterone. Low DHEA can cause hypogonadism. High
DHEA. High LH and low testosterone is a sign of either testicular
failure or liver problems.
Prolactin High prolactin is a sign of a pituitary malfunction,
possible tumors, low dopamine / libido, etcetera.
Estradiol Too much estradiol will cause negative feedback in the
pituitary and Low LH, also feminization and androgen insensitivity.
Lower half is good.
Zinc Zinc deficiency can cause androgen insensitivity, loss of
testicular response to LH and prostate problems. Also osteoporosis.
Too much calcium leaches out your zinc and can cause osteoporosis! TSH
Hypo/Hyperthyroid can both cause ED.
***********************
Another link I stumbled across while looking for the test
descriptions:
http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/hormonelevels.html
Good luck.
Keep us posted.
| |
| D Hamilton 2004-10-04, 2:07 am |
| On 30 Sep 2004 23:54:37 -0700, larry@asianhome.net (Will) wrote:
>Hi, I am going to visit a doctor to have my testosterone levels
>checked. I think I have low libido. I am not located anywhere near a
>specialist in sexual disfunction and so I was wondering where I can
>find a comprehensive list of the kinds of tests I should request. I
>suppose there are some things that this doctor will not be familiar
>with and may not want to test but I would like to present him with a
>full list. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate your post.
I meant to make another suggestion. If it turns out your T levels are
low, pick up a copy of Dr. Eugene Shippen's "The Testosterone
Syndrome."
Amazon has it. It's full of info and not hard to follow.
| |
| Martin 2004-10-04, 2:07 am |
| "Will" <larry@asianhome.net> wrote in message
news:9c58d656.0409302254.615d3a7@posting.google.com...
Will,
> where I can
> find a comprehensive list of the kinds of tests I should request.
Try the forum of goldcrossmedical.com. Ignore their sales messages, and read
their message board (forum) only. They have a lot of highly useful
information there. The URL is
http://www.globalandropause.com/forum/disc6_frm.htm .
I hope this helps.
Martin
| |
| Martin 2004-10-04, 7:06 am |
| > >"Muerta" <not@home.com> wrote in message
> Perhaps but when your doctor reads very -low normal and tells you that
> you are fine, its the HMO way of life here in the United States.
> The docs don't want to give your the actual numbers without a hassle
> to get them in written form by law.
It's also about charging you as much as possible, but giving you as little
as possible.
| |
| Martin 2004-10-04, 7:06 am |
| > "Hardpan" <hardpan@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:qn3vl094sbhmcobt0usugmtic6536l060r@4ax.com...
> Your are the patient so demand a copy of the test results, each and every
> test result. One day you may change doctors or go for a consultation so
> those records are very important to your health and well-being.
You're right! With this pro-consumer attitude, the more power to you! Yes,
in your own interest, you should ask for and insist on getting copies of all
test results!
| |
| D Hamilton 2004-10-10, 7:06 am |
| On 30 Sep 2004 23:54:37 -0700, larry@asianhome.net (Will) wrote:
>Hi, I am going to visit a doctor to have my testosterone levels
>checked. I think I have low libido. I am not located anywhere near a
>specialist in sexual disfunction and so I was wondering where I can
>find a comprehensive list of the kinds of tests I should request. I
>suppose there are some things that this doctor will not be familiar
>with and may not want to test but I would like to present him with a
>full list. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate your post.
Based on info collected here (just over 3 years ago), the tests I
asked for are listed below.
I've never had any trouble getting a copy of my bloodwork. I did,
however, have trouble getting my primary care physician to do
bloodwork past the initial measure for Testosterone. I imagine docs
get tired of patients doing self-diagnosis. And, as you suggested
might be the case with your doc, hormone problems weren't his
specialty.
My doc had the tests taken and, based on the data returned, suggested
I see and Endocronologist. (BTW, My endo commented on what a nice job
my PCP did with my bloodwork.)
The bloodwork I asked for:
SHBG
FSH
Testosterone
Estradiol
Prolactin
TSH
LH
Free T
Total Estrogens (MY PCP suggested this was not a valid test. I don't
recall what was done about this)
DHEA
The description for the tests (and some additional commentary), as
clipped from
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=...japetus.ftn.org
****************
Total Testosterone. The amount of T circulating in the blood. The most
common test and the villain in so many cases. Since free T drops with
age faster than total, it's the measurement that makes so many men
miserable, because a "normal" total is meaningless except as a measure
of testicular function. ` A "normal" level is useless. What you want
is the top half of the range. If your not in the top half then
symptoms of low T can mean LOW T!
Free Testosterone *NOT* SHBG only. This is the active ingredient that
does the job. The total can be thru the roof and the free thru the
floor. Insufficient Free T and you have ED. Again - the top half of
the range.
SHBG Sex Hormone Binding Globulin reduces the amount of free
testosterone in the blood. It can be countered and is not the only
binding substance.
LH Leutenizing Hormone - the biggy. No LH means no testosterone. The
drugs used to chemically castrate Prostate cancer patients stops LH
production. High LH and low testosterone means that the pituitary is
working alright and that the problem is elsewhere.
FSH FSH stimulates the follicles that produce sperm. Low FSH means
sterility, but not necessarily ED. High FSH and low LH means a problem
in the pituitary.
DHEA DHEA is the fuel used by the testes to produce androstenedione,
which becomes testosterone. Low DHEA can cause hypogonadism. High
DHEA. High LH and low testosterone is a sign of either testicular
failure or liver problems.
Prolactin High prolactin is a sign of a pituitary malfunction,
possible tumors, low dopamine / libido, etcetera.
Estradiol Too much estradiol will cause negative feedback in the
pituitary and Low LH, also feminization and androgen insensitivity.
Lower half is good.
Zinc Zinc deficiency can cause androgen insensitivity, loss of
testicular response to LH and prostate problems. Also osteoporosis.
Too much calcium leaches out your zinc and can cause osteoporosis! TSH
Hypo/Hyperthyroid can both cause ED.
***********************
Another link I stumbled across while looking for the test
descriptions:
http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/hormonelevels.html
Good luck.
Keep us posted.
| |
|
| D Hamilton <dhamilton@987vanner987.com> wrote in message news:<4pc1m09kq4siiupp4345amk0m3caromkk5@4ax.com>...
> On 30 Sep 2004 23:54:37 -0700, larry@asianhome.net (Will) wrote:
>
>
> I meant to make another suggestion. If it turns out your T levels are
> low, pick up a copy of Dr. Eugene Shippen's "The Testosterone
> Syndrome."
>
> Amazon has it. It's full of info and not hard to follow.
Hello Everyone and thank you very much. I will head over to the doc's
office with this info.
|
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