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Home > Archive > Impotence Support > May 2005 > Blood Test and Impotence
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Blood Test and Impotence
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| limp biscuit 2005-05-07, 11:48 am |
| Prolactin: 5.1
Testosterone 387
SHBG: 53... the test shows this as high
normal 7-50
What does this translate to??? Should I be worried?????
Thank you.....
Limp Biscuit
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| Joe D. 2005-05-07, 10:47 pm |
| You didn't state the reference range for total testosterone, but typical
numbers are
about 250-850 or 350-1200 -- it varies from lab to lab.
However even without knowing the ref range, or your age, your total T is
probably
somewhat low for your age, albeit probably within the ref range.
Your free T is probably proportionally lower in the ref range (maybe even
below
ref range) because your SHBG is high. High SHBG usually means low free T.
Free T is the bioavailable fraction that does something.
Your prolactin looks normal.
If you have any sexual function problems and have excluded the normal
sources: certain prescription drugs, antidepressants, diabetes, etc. it
makes sense to follow up with more hormone testing.
I don't know what causes high SHBG, but that's one thing to pursue.
Don't just take testosterone without discussing with a competent
endocrinologist. If your have secondary (pituitary) insufficiency,
taking hCG is sometimes a better option than testosterone.
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| limp biscuit 2005-05-07, 10:47 pm |
| Thank you Joe D.
The reference ranges are:
Prolactin 5.1 0-20
Testosterone 387 260-1080
SHBG 53H 7-50 which reflected the SBGH as
being abnormal.
The Lab used was Quest Diagnostics/Nichols Institure, San Juan
Capistran, CA.
And yes I have been expierencing erection problems and am 61 years old.
Again thank you for your kind post.
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| Joe D. 2005-05-08, 8:49 am |
| Total T of 387 is 15% of the reference range of 260-1080.
While slightly within the ref range, that's very low.
Years ago it was considered normal for older men to have
major age-related decreases in testosterone.
However the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
says this is no longer considered normal and should be
investigated or treated.
Here's an AACE clinical practice guideline discussing this
(Acrobat article):
http://www.aace.com/clin/guidelines/sexdysguid.pdf
Another problem is your SHBG is high which makes your
free T even lower than your total T.
It's easily possible your low free T is causing sexual problems,
lack of energy, etc.
Your best bet is following up with a competent endocrinologist.
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| Joe D. 2005-05-12, 12:15 pm |
| Total T of 387 is 15% of the reference range of 260-1080.
While slightly within the ref range, that's very low.
Years ago it was considered normal for older men to have
major age-related decreases in testosterone.
However the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
says this is no longer considered normal and should be
investigated or treated.
Here's an AACE clinical practice guideline discussing this
(Acrobat article):
http://www.aace.com/clin/guidelines/sexdysguid.pdf
Another problem is your SHBG is high which makes your
free T even lower than your total T.
It's easily possible your low free T is causing sexual problems,
lack of energy, etc.
Your best bet is following up with a competent endocrinologist.
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