I may be IGF-1 decicient

[hypotiredRI]

I was user of propecia for hair loss for about 6 years. I had recently posted here that I thought I might have a thyroid or adrenal problem.

I had recently had my GH level tested and the number did not look good. So, my endo dr had a IGF1 & IGF3 test done. The results are not good. I had read they do this to confirm a possible GH deficiency.

Test Results, March 12th

IGF1 93 (106-277)
IGF3 2.7 (3.4-6.7)

Free T4 1.01 (.61-1.12)
Free T3 2.81 (2.50-3.90)

GH tested March 2nd

.05 (.01-.97)


I also had GH test on March 12th again, but it came back closer to the middle of the range.


I now have a Arginine GH stimulation test set be done next week. My dr said this considered the most reliable test for determining a GH deficiency. I also had a MRI done of pituitary and they found no tumor.

If I test positive for GH deficiency I assume Somatrophin is the only way to treat it. Now what if, GH does not show deficiency what is normally done to restore IGF-1 levels back a normal range?

Also, does anyone know of any natural rememdies that can increase IGF1/3?
I lift weights quite regularly and am now trying to do more cardio.

Inspite of the test showing no tumor on the pituitary, I still feel there is a problem there. Are there any treatment options for the pituitary gland?

 

[Rhyno]

What makes you feel that this is a problem? As having high levels of circulating igf-1 are linked to an increased risk of cancer, having low igf-1 is not something that is necessarily a bad thing.

However, if you really desire to do so and do not want to administer exogenous hGH, I believe 3 daily pulses of a gh secretagogue (GHRP-6, GHRP-6, etc.) along with a nightly dose CJC-1295 might fit the bill.

 

[hypotiredRI]

What makes you feel that this is a problem? As having high levels of circulating igf-1 are linked to an increased risk of cancer, having low igf-1 is not something that is necessarily a bad thing.

However, if you really desire to do so and do not want to administer exogenous hGH, I believe 3 daily pulses of a gh secretagogue (GHRP-6, GHRP-6, etc.) along with a nightly dose CJC-1295 might fit the bill.

Rhyno,

I didn't list my side effects, but the reality is I'm very messed up hormonally.

I have ZERO sex drive; truely nothing. Other sexual related issues. I'm very physically weak and have lost about 20 pounds of muscle in 2 years. I have no energy and memory issues. So that's why I believe there might be something to the low IGF1 & 3. I am doing a Arginine stimulation test to confirm a GH deficiency in two weeks.

I wanted to be prepared for both outcomes with the test results. Thanks for your insight.

 

[Rhyno]

Sorry to here about your situation. I'm not a doc or anything, but I'm glad to give you advice. Have a few questions:

First, what's your age?

Also, what other blood work have you had done? Have you had your testosterone levels checked?

Finally, are you by chance, on a statin like lipitor? Any other meds?

 

[hypotiredRI]

Rhyno,

thanks I understand. I take all opinions with a grain of salt. I am seeing an endo dr, right now. I think the more opinions I can get the better. Let me know what you think. I appreciate your taking the time to comment.



My first test done by my Primary care dr on 6/23/09:

Total T: 751(range 241-827) Free T 9.3( range 12.4-40.0)



2nd test done by 1st Endo Dr on 9/30/09

Total T: 628.02 (241-827) ng/dl

Free T: 11.7 (12.4-40.0) pg/ml

Estadial: 34.92 (0-52) pg/ml

Prolact: 5.4 (2.1-17.7) ng/ml

FSH: 4.8 (1.4-18.1) mIu/ml

LH: 6.6 (1.5-9.3) mIu/ml

DHEA 5.0 (0-10) ng/ml

SHBG 46 (10-60) nmol/L


3rd test done by 2nd Endo Dr on 10/13/09

Total T: 557.69 (241-827)ng dl

ALB: 4.1 (3.4-4.7) gm/dl

SHBG: 43 (10-60.0) nmol/L


THis test done March 5th

IGF1 93 (106-277)
IGF3 2.7 (3.4-6.7)

Free T4 1.01 (.61-1.12)
Free T3 2.81 (2.50-3.90)

Cortisol stimulation

Cortisol Basel 12.6 (8.7-22.4)
Aldosterone 28 (nh/dL <=21


Blood Count

WBC 5.0 (3.5-11.0)
RBC 4.96 (4.30-5.70)
HGB 15.3 (13.3-17.0)
HCT 43.2 (38.0-51.0)
MCV 87.1 (80-100)
MCH 30.8 (27-34)
MCHC 35.4 (32-37)
PLAT 221 (150-450)

Basic Metabolic

PHOS 4.0 (2.7-4.5)
MAG 2.2 (1.7-2.4)

Hormone Results

TSH 1.61 (.35-5.50)
FT4 1.0 (0.9-1.8)
Cortis 10.6 (4.3-22.4)

Anemia
Results

B12 819 (211-911)

Ferritin 88.8 (20-300)

Iron 99 (65-175)
TIBC 252 (250-450)
% Trans 39.3 (20-50)


TESTOS 759 (240-950)
FREE T 19.7 (9.0-30.0)

GH .05 (.01-.97)

I'm not sure what to make of the free T on this one, as I was using the ball zinger prior. It may have falsly skewed the Free T.

I still wonder if my thyroid is screwed up too. My doctor says no, but I I'm not sure.

 

[hypotiredRI]

Opps, I forgot to answer your question. I'm not taking any medications at all right now and I am 38 years old. I didn't take any type of medication after or during using propecia either.

thanks