JesusReagan Log

[JesusReagan]

Thought I should start a log, since I'm beginning the journey. I will post my original blood work which was done 5/19/07. Thanks to all of you who contributed input on the thread "JesusReagan Blood Tests". I got the results back for LH and Thyroid Panel, those results are listed below the original test results.

Original Test
Sodium: 141 scale 135-147
Potassium: 4.1 scale 3.5-5.2
Chloride: 106 scale 98-110
CO2: 26 scale 21-29
Anion Gap: 9 scale 5-15
BUN: 27 scale 8-25
Creatine: 1.08 scale >60
Glucose: 104 scale <100
Calcium: 9.9 scale 8.2-10.5
Albumin: 4.5 scale 3.4-4.8
Protein, Total: 7.4 scale 6.7-8.7
Bilirubin, Total: 0.4 scale 0.3-1.0
Alkaline Phosphate: 50 scale 39-117
ALT (SGPT): 19 scale 3-42
AST (SGOT): 19 scale 0-43
Cholesterol: 213 scale <200
Triglycerides: 164 scale <150
HDL Cholesterol: 41 scale >40
LDL Cholesterol: 139 scale <100
VLDL Cholesterol: 33 scale 7-35
PSA Total: 1.02 scale 0-3.50
Complete Blood Count:
WBC: 6.3 scale 4.0-10.0
RBC: 4.77 scale 4.5-6.0
HGB: 43.9 scale 13-17
HCT: 43.9 scale 39-52
MCV: 92.2 scale 80-100
MCH: 32.5 scale 26-34
MCHC: 35.2 scale 32-36
RDW: 12.5 scale 11-15
Platelets: 263 scale 150-450
MPV: 9.4 scale 6.7-10.8
TESTOSTERONE
Total Testosterone: 225 ng/dl scale 250-1100
%Free Testosterone: 1.35 scale 0.9-2.5
Free Testosterone: 30.4 pg/ml scale 35-155

I just got the results back for a second test which the Dr. ordered (Test done on 6/6/07):

Thyroid Reflex Panel
TSH: 3.069 uIU/mL scale: .350-5.500

LH: 1.8 mIU/mL scale: 1.5-9.3
Total Testosterone: 255 ng/dL scale: 241-827

I have an MRI scheduled for 7/3 to check the pituitary.

What do you guys make of the new info? I will ask for Estradiol test next visit.

 

[JesusReagan]

Angrogel started 7/5/07

I found a great doc in my hometown. He's an anti-aging specialist, and seems to know what he's talking about. He echoes much of what I have read here on the MAA board. Anyway, he gave me some Androgel, and a script for compounded test. Plus, he thinks (as has been noted), that I'm borderline hypothyroid, so he is going to see how the test works and in about a month, probably increase the heat to the boilers ;-)

 

[JanSz]

Thought I should start a log, since I'm beginning the journey. I will post my original blood work which was done 5/19/07. Thanks to all of you who contributed input on the thread "JesusReagan Blood Tests". I got the results back for LH and Thyroid Panel, those results are listed below the original test results.

Original Test
Sodium: 141 scale 135-147
Potassium: 4.1 scale 3.5-5.2
Chloride: 106 scale 98-110
CO2: 26 scale 21-29
Anion Gap: 9 scale 5-15
BUN: 27 scale 8-25
Creatine: 1.08 scale >60
Glucose: 104 scale <100
Calcium: 9.9 scale 8.2-10.5
Albumin: 4.5 scale 3.4-4.8
Protein, Total: 7.4 scale 6.7-8.7
Bilirubin, Total: 0.4 scale 0.3-1.0
Alkaline Phosphate: 50 scale 39-117
ALT (SGPT): 19 scale 3-42
AST (SGOT): 19 scale 0-43
Cholesterol: 213 scale <200
Triglycerides: 164 scale <150
HDL Cholesterol: 41 scale >40
LDL Cholesterol: 139 scale <100
VLDL Cholesterol: 33 scale 7-35
PSA Total: 1.02 scale 0-3.50
Complete Blood Count:
WBC: 6.3 scale 4.0-10.0
RBC: 4.77 scale 4.5-6.0
HGB: 43.9 scale 13-17
HCT: 43.9 scale 39-52
MCV: 92.2 scale 80-100
MCH: 32.5 scale 26-34
MCHC: 35.2 scale 32-36
RDW: 12.5 scale 11-15
Platelets: 263 scale 150-450
MPV: 9.4 scale 6.7-10.8
TESTOSTERONE
Total Testosterone: 225 ng/dl scale 250-1100
%Free Testosterone: 1.35 scale 0.9-2.5
Free Testosterone: 30.4 pg/ml scale 35-155

I just got the results back for a second test which the Dr. ordered (Test done on 6/6/07):

Thyroid Reflex Panel
TSH: 3.069 uIU/mL scale: .350-5.500

LH: 1.8 mIU/mL scale: 1.5-9.3
Total Testosterone: 255 ng/dL scale: 241-827

I have an MRI scheduled for 7/3 to check the pituitary.

What do you guys make of the new info? I will ask for Estradiol test next visit.

Get at least
SHBG
FreeT3

plus many other that we usually discuss here.

Post ZIP code of your doctor's office

 

[JesusReagan]

Get at least
SHBG
FreeT3

plus many other that we usually discuss here.

Post ZIP code of your doctor's office

Yes, we are going to test SHBG and T3, plus Estradiol, Bioavailable test + others.

The docs zip 93105.

 

[plymouth city]

Yes, we are going to test SHBG and T3, plus Estradiol, Bioavailable test + others.

The docs zip 93105.

Good stuff!

What is his opinion of hcG?

AI of choice?

Sounds like a good guy. Start with compounded cream, I like him already

Transdermals, if your a resonder, are best. :thumbsup:

 

[JesusReagan]

Good stuff!

What is his opinion of hcG?
He's all for it if the patient thinks they want it.

AI of choice?
He wants to see how i respond with just good zinc supplement and other herbal AI's. If that doesn't cut it, he will script Arimidex.

Sounds like a good guy. Start with compounded cream, I like him already

I really like this guy. He's an older gentleman, retired from his post at the local hospital. He has a passion for anti-aging, HRT. Get this, there is a pharmacy right next door to the dr. that is a compounding pharmacy, I guess one of only 3 compounding pharms in our county. So, I go over there after my dr. visit to get the scripts filled. The guy who owns the pharmacy, after seeing the script, comes out and tells me that he has been a patient of my doc's for 14 years. I thought the guy was in his early 40's, turns out he was 54. he came out from behind the counter to tell me how happy I was going to be as a patient of this doc. I picked up a bottle of 25mg DHEA while I was there - the pharm told me to put it back, that my doc would write me a script for a compounded DHEA that would be better than anything on the shelf. Oh, and my appt with the doc was supposed to be an hour long; I was there for 2.5 hours, peppering him with questions, and he peppering me with questions. He was in absolutely no hurry to get rid of me, in fact, he seemed to really enjoy the back-and-forth. Thus far, I feel pretty fortunate to have found him.

 

[JesusReagan]

Day 4 Androgel

Ok, today is day 4 on Androgel. I don't pick up the compounded till Tuesday, but the doc wanted me to get going right away as did I, so he also gave me an Androgel script. Libido definitely on the upswing already, which suprises me so soon. Not sure, but seems like an energy upswing today as well.

 

[JanSz]

Quote:
Originally Posted by JanSz
Get at least
SHBG
FreeT3

plus many other that we usually discuss here.

Post ZIP code of your doctor's office

Yes, we are going to test SHBG and T3, plus Estradiol, Bioavailable test + others.

The docs zip 93105.

Big difference

FreeT3

 

[JesusReagan]

Day 14 on TRT

I used 1 packet of Androgel for the first four days, waiting for my compounded cream to be ready, and have been using .5ml of my 10% compounded cream since. During the first 4-5 days, I was suprised at some of the reactions I had. I became extremely emotional (unlike me) and moody. Lots of hot flashes. Once I switched to the compounded cream, those issues went away within 2 days. Maybe they would have occurred had I started with the cream - who knows?

I have a significant increase in libido. I went from basically never wanting it to being good once a day, maybe twice, plus wet dreams and morning wood. :dance: As for energy, I have noticed a slight increase, nothing major. Just a little more alert, a little less brain fog, not completely exhausted by 6pm. In the gym, I have noticed no strength increase as of yet.

 

[SoMdHunter]

Glad to hear the Androgel is working for you. It didn't do crap for me.

 

[JesusReagan]

Glad to hear the Androgel is working for you. It didn't do crap for me.

I had some problems on the Androgel. I only used Androgel for 4 days, then switched to a compounded cream. I haven't had any trouble since on the compounded cream.

 

[JanSz]

I had some problems on the Androgel. I only used Androgel for 4 days, then switched to a compounded cream. I haven't had any trouble since on the compounded cream.

Looks like a lots of variability and personal response.
I newer had a problem with Androgel.
Dry quick, absorbed according to upper range of what is in booklet.

When my grandson was born I had to look for change.
Tcream on calfs did not work for me.
Now I am on SubQ shots.

 

[plymouth city]

Looks like a lots of variability and personal response.
I newer had a problem with Androgel.
Dry quick, absorbed according to upper range of what is in booklet.

When my grandson was born I had to look for change.
Tcream on calfs did not work for me.
Now I am on SubQ shots.

There are basically no androgen receptors on calves which is why it did not work.

Ideally one wants to apply on upper body.

 

[JesusReagan]

There are basically no androgen receptors on calves which is why it did not work.

Ideally one wants to apply on upper body.

I squeeze my tcream from the syringe into my left hand, then rub it in to my right shoulder. Should I alternate shoulders, or vary where I put the cream. Also, I read a post somewhere on here that Androgel shouldn't be rubbed in till dry, but cream should be. Any truth to that?

 

[plymouth city]

I squeeze my tcream from the syringe into my left hand, then rub it in to my right shoulder. Should I alternate shoulders, or vary where I put the cream. Also, I read a post somewhere on here that Androgel shouldn't be rubbed in till dry, but cream should be. Any truth to that?

Squeeze T cream on to forearm, rub forearms together.

Since you must wash hands afterward, no cream is wasted in washing process.

Not only that, I have heard that various compounded creams will eventually wear out color in clothes/stain. Applying to forearms avoids that. Even if you wear a long sleeve, its usually loose enough around that area to not affect clothing. the same cannot be said for shoulders.

:cheers:

 

[JesusReagan]

Squeeze T cream on to forearm, rub forearms together.

Since you must wash hands afterward, no cream is wasted in washing process.

Not only that, I have heard that various compounded creams will eventually wear out color in clothes/stain. Applying to forearms avoids that. Even if you wear a long sleeve, its usually loose enough around that area to not affect clothing. the same cannot be said for shoulders.

:cheers:

Thanks for the info, Plymouth. That's a good idea, don't know why I didn't think of it ;-):think:

 

[plymouth city]

Thanks for the info, Plymouth. That's a good idea, don't know why I didn't think of it ;-):think:

Im not just here for my good looks ya know :thumbsup:

 

[onewaypockets]

Yes, we are going to test SHBG and T3, plus Estradiol, Bioavailable test + others.

The docs zip 93105.

Hi Jesus,

Sounds like a fantastic doc...does he have a web site or name you can share?? Does he work on adrenals, thyroid too? Does he do female HRT (my wife is getting low too....Seven Dwarfs of Menopause: Itchy, *****y, Sweaty, Sleepy, Bloated, Forgetful, and All-Dried Up )?

Neil

 

[JesusReagan]

Hi Jesus,

Sounds like a fantastic doc...does he have a web site or name you can share?? Does he work on adrenals, thyroid too? Does he do female HRT (my wife is getting low too....Seven Dwarfs of Menopause: Itchy, *****y, Sweaty, Sleepy, Bloated, Forgetful, and All-Dried Up )?

Neil

Neil - I'm pretty sure he treats females, my wife wants me to ask as well. Yes, he treats thyroid and adrenals. I'm pretty impressed with the guy. I need to ask him if he cares that I post his contact info, I don't feel comfortable posting it unless he says it's ok. I will pm you his info.

 

[JesusReagan]

Started taking 60mg zinc today.

I'm not having much in the way of e2 related issues. Maybe a little, not much. Doc thought I should be taking 60mg of zinc per day, though.

 

[JesusReagan]

Pituitary is ok

I got the results of my pituitary MRI, shows no pituitary tumor.

 

[JanSz]

Neil - I'm pretty sure he treats females, my wife wants me to ask as well. Yes, he treats thyroid and adrenals. I'm pretty impressed with the guy. I need to ask him if he cares that I post his contact info, I don't feel comfortable posting it unless he says it's ok. I will pm you his info.

This is like free advertising wit personal recomendation.
Wonder why would any doctor, any body who needs customers/patients to stay in practice, anybody who have a bussiness card, why would he protest.

 

[JesusReagan]

This is like free advertising wit personal recomendation.
Wonder why would any doctor, any body who needs customers/patients to stay in practice, anybody who have a bussiness card, why would he protest.

I'm pretty sure he will be fine with it, but I would never post anyone's information on a public board without explicitly asking them first, no matter how beneficial that posting might be to them.

 

[JanSz]

I'm pretty sure he will be fine with it, but I would never post anyone's information on a public board without explicitly asking them first, no matter how beneficial that posting might be to them.

Why;

his information is posted in Yellow Pages
----------
That is just me.

 

[JesusReagan]

Why;

his information is posted in Yellow Pages
----------
That is just me.

Yes, be *he's* the one who put that there. Again, I don't think he will care one bit if I post his contact info, but it's not my decision to make.

 

[JesusReagan]

Referred to Endo, got blood drawn.

Ok, so I'm seeing the anti-aging doc, who is great. However, to keep getting blood tests that are paid by insurance, I need to keep things going with my gp. So, I saw him yesterday. I requested tests for Total T and BioAv T, Estradiol, Free T3, Free T4, SHBG. He ok'd the tests, I got the blood drawn immediately because it was about the same time of day I had my last two test drawn, around 3pm. He did not want to put me on TRT, he thought that an endo should make that call, so he referred me. My blood test is going to come back with much higher T than I had before, so I will have to tell the endo that I am on the 10% compounded cream. I didn't tell the gp. The appt with the endo is Sept 18th.

 

[onewaypockets]

Hi,

Did you ask him if he treats women?

How much is the first visit, and follow up visits?

Thanks,

Neil

 

[JesusReagan]

Hi,

Did you ask him if he treats women?

How much is the first visit, and follow up visits?

Thanks,

Neil

Neil - yes, he treats women. First visit is $150, $50 after that.

 

[JanSz]

Neil - yes, he treats women. First visit is $150, $50 after that.

Wonder how he does it.

I tend to like methods that emphasize testing and going "by the wire" using test results, feelings of patient being secondary and used only as indicator for additional testing. That is why I always have my blood test list as my fall back position. Possibly simplistic and narrow, student's approach.

Any web site that I have seen describes lots of feelings, descriptions of hormone interactions and little of testing. I think of it as hand waving, since those interactions may actually happen or not, or may not even be applicable to the situation at hand.

Possibly it is about a clientele. I think of women as more feelings oriented while men are as mote technical.
No offence to either sex, I respect both.

=============================================
With this in mind, wonder if I took my blood test list, removed PSA, and use it for my wife, use test results to balance her hormones, thyroid and so on, using women's ranges, would that be reasonable approach?
My wife is 61yo, no periods for some time, so the hormones are rather at stable (if undesirable) levels.

In Susan Sommers book she describes old ladies (in 80's, IIRC,) being adjusted in such a way so they start having periods again, that would probably require much more understanding.

 

[JesusReagan]

New Blood test - day 40 on TRT

Total Testosterone: 777 Previous: 221 Range: 250-1100
% Free Test: 2.27 Previous: 1.37 Range: 0.9-2.5
Free Test: 176.2 Previous: 30.4 Range: 35-155
TSH: 3.004 Previous: 3.069 Range: .350 -5.5
Free T4: 1.1 No Previous Range: 0.8-1.7
Free T3: 2.9 No Previous Range: 2.3-4.2
Estradiol: 28 No Previous Range: <52
Prolactin: 6.2 No Previous Range: 2.8-29.9

I'm still waiting on SHBG to come back. Main thing - I feel great. Excellent libido, rigid erections, brain fog all but gone, greatly increased energy, some strength gains. Oh, I have had dry, itchy skin for several years, and that's gone as well.

 

[hardasnails1973]

Total Testosterone: 777 Previous: 221 Range: 250-1100
% Free Test: 2.27 Previous: 1.37 Range: 0.9-2.5
Free Test: 176.2 Previous: 30.4 Range: 35-155
TSH: 3.004 Previous: 3.069 Range: .350 -5.5
Free T4: 1.1 No Previous Range: 0.8-1.7
Free T3: 2.9 No Previous Range: 2.3-4.2
Estradiol: 28 No Previous Range: <52
Prolactin: 6.2 No Previous Range: 2.8-29.9

I'm still waiting on SHBG to come back. Main thing - I feel great. Excellent libido, rigid erections, brain fog all but gone, greatly increased energy, some strength gains. Oh, I have had dry, itchy skin for several years, and that's gone as well.

Your labs are dead on !! As long as you are feeling good and improving thats all that matters, If your shbg is around 20-25 you should be very happy with the results. mya be after 4-5 weeks on stable test add in the hcg 250 ius every 3 rd day will fill in the gaps and complete the TRT. and then after 4 weeks retest and see where e2 is. Your lucky that you can absorb the cream alot of people can not !! As cells regenerated and turn over in 3-4 months your thyroid may pick up a bit as well just so you know !!

 

[JanSz]

Total Testosterone: 777 Previous: 221 Range: 250-1100
% Free Test: 2.27 Previous: 1.37 Range: 0.9-2.5
Free Test: 176.2 Previous: 30.4 Range: 35-155
TSH: 3.004 Previous: 3.069 Range: .350 -5.5
Free T4: 1.1 No Previous Range: 0.8-1.7
Free T3: 2.9 No Previous Range: 2.3-4.2
Estradiol: 28 No Previous Range: <52
Prolactin: 6.2 No Previous Range: 2.8-29.9

I'm still waiting on SHBG to come back. Main thing - I feel great. Excellent libido, rigid erections, brain fog all but gone, greatly increased energy, some strength gains. Oh, I have had dry, itchy skin for several years, and that's gone as well.

You have a room for about three grains of Armour thyroid.

Glad to hear that you feel great.

 

[hardasnails1973]

You have a room for about three grains of Armour thyroid.

Glad to hear that you feel great.

Good point ~~
Also raising thyroid will lower e2 as well because it aids in metablism of it from the liver ..

 

[JanSz]

Good point ~~
Also raising thyroid will lower e2 as well because it aids in metablism of it from the liver ..

He have:
Estradiol: 28 No Previous Range: <52
------------------------------------

I must say I feel just right on my
Estradiol, Ultra-sensitive=27 (10-50)pg/mL
and felt worst when one time in the past I was trying to make it lower.

 

[wondering]

If he feels great and is in range, why add another med to the routine?

You have a room for about three grains of Armour thyroid.

Glad to hear that you feel great.

 

[hardasnails1973]

If he feels great and is in range, why add another med to the routine?

TRue,,but it may even make him feel better if he is in mid range that should be optimal for average person..

 

[plymouth city]

Your lucky that you can absorb the cream alot of people can not !!

In actuality, most DO absorb the cream perfectly well, you just don't hear about them much as in these types of BB's represent a fraction of the people on HRT.

Glad to see you stick it out. It takes time. :clap2:

 

[plymouth city]

If he feels great and is in range, why add another med to the routine?

2nd that. :clap2:

 

[JesusReagan]

Your labs are dead on !! As long as you are feeling good and improving thats all that matters, If your shbg is around 20-25 you should be very happy with the results. mya be after 4-5 weeks on stable test add in the hcg 250 ius every 3 rd day will fill in the gaps and complete the TRT. and then after 4 weeks retest and see where e2 is. Your lucky that you can absorb the cream alot of people can not !! As cells regenerated and turn over in 3-4 months your thyroid may pick up a bit as well just so you know !!

Thanks, Nails. I'm happy with the numbers thus far. Doc put me on Cytomax 100 mcg ed for the thyroid.

 

[JesusReagan]

2nd that. :clap2:

Yep, feeling good is the main thing. I like the lab numbers, but mainly I just care that I feel better. Doc put my on 100 mcg of Cytomax for the thyroid, he said just to bump it a little. He also said I could move my test cream up to 1.25 ml instead of the 1 ml I am now rubbing in.

 

[JanSz]

Thanks, Nails. I'm happy with the numbers thus far. Doc put me on Cytomax 100 mcg ed for the thyroid.

Do you have a link to Cytomax?

I am coming up with energy drinks when googling.

Such as this:

Bodybuilding.com - CytoSport Cytomax Pre-Formance - Meal Replacement! On sale now!

CytoSport Presents:
Cytomax Pre-Formance
Meal Replacement!

 

[JesusReagan]

Do you have a link to Cytomax?

I am coming up with energy drinks when googling.

Such as this:

Bodybuilding.com - CytoSport Cytomax Pre-Formance - Meal Replacement! On sale now!

CytoSport Presents:
Cytomax Pre-Formance
Meal Replacement!

I might have the name wrong, Jan. I will check when I get home this evening an re-post.

 

[JanSz]

I might have the name wrong, Jan. I will check when I get home this evening an re-post.

Probably it is

Cytomel
----------------------------------
Try to change to
Armour Thyroid

it is even better.


http://www.mesomorphosis.com/steroid-profiles/cytomel.htm

Cytomel is not an anabolic/androgenic steroid but a thyroid hor*mone. As a substance it contains synthetically manufactured liothyronine sodium which resembles the natural thyroid hormone tricodide-thyronine (L-T3).

 

[JesusReagan]

JanSz;960328]Probably it is Cytomel

Yep, that was it.

 

[hardasnails1973]

Yep, that was it.

Your dr needs to goto armour not t-3 your going to drive t-4 in the ground and make things worse ..

 

[JesusReagan]

Your dr needs to goto armour not t-3 your going to drive t-4 in the ground and make things worse ..

I will talk to him about it, for sure. What is the difference between the two? Why would Cytomel drive the T4 into the ground?

 

[hardasnails1973]

I will talk to him about it, for sure. What is the difference between the two? Why would Cytomel drive the T4 into the ground?

When dealing with ratios that t4 and t3 are equal armour would be choice when dealing with wilson syndrome then t-3 works well to drive rt3 down..increasing t3 lowers t-4 if not provided..

 

[JanSz]

Your dr needs to goto armour not t-3 your going to drive t-4 in the ground and make things worse ..

Generic Name: Liothyronine

Manufactured by: Jones Pharma

Cytomel is a brand name of liothyronine, a synthetic form of the T3 hormone.
Cytomel -- Thyroid Drug Information Database -- Thyroid Drugs & Manufacturers
----------------------------------------------------------

My simplistic dealing with Thyroid.
I am sure I have missed a lot.
Corrections are welcome.
Actally I would not mind if somebody writes
half page summary
and
"Thyroid decission points for dummies".

To make it work one want to have
FreeT3
and
FreeT4
at the top of their range.
FreeT3 being more important.
Somebody who was low and is supplying thyroid hormones externally, when getting close to the top of range, probably within 25%, dose adjustments should be made gingerly.
Primary checks, body temperature and blood pressure.
Adrenas have to be monitored and supported with Cortef up to 30mg/day in divided doses.

Many people are able to convert their existing or externally supplied T4 into T3.
For them the further distincion is meaningless.
They are getting script from doctor for T4 and are happy with it.

Hovewer there is portion of population where the T4 to T3 conversion is not happening.
They will not be happy with T4 supplementation, they need T3 directly supplied.
If those people are able to get their doctors to prescribe (syntetic) T3, they are way ahead. Eventually they will (hopefully) also get (synthetic) T4 that they will need.

But,
those people could still make their situation better by using Armour Thyroid.

Armour Thyroid is natural tyroid hormone from pigs.
It contains T1, T2, T3, T4.
So there is additional help from T1 & T2.
Pigs have smaller %% of T4 so eventually some people may need to add small amount of T4 on top of Armour.