Concerned's Blood Test Results Comparison (Before and After PFS)

[Concerned]

As some of you may know, I crashed after quitting a very brief spell of taking finasteride. The crash occurred 11 days ago now. My PFS Log can be found here: Concerned PFS Log

Since the crash I've had a blood test. The GP said the results came back "fine". I've only just checked the results myself today. What I've found is shocking. I'll post the full results below but the most important change is here:

March 2018: Serum testosterone level 11.3 nmol/L

November 2017: Serum testosterone level 18.1 nmol/L

June 2017: Serum testosterone level 17.8 nmol/L

As you can see, the drop in total t levels has been dramatic. I don't know what to do with this information right now. In terms of things to blood test for pfs, what do you guys recommend?

Full Results

March 2018 (Post Crash)

Test result Urea and electrolytes;Bone profile;Serum TSH level;Serum C reactive protein level Report, Normal, No Further Action
Coded entry Serum albumin level 47 g/L [35 - 50]
Coded entry Serum inorganic phosphate level 1.19 mmol/L [0.8 - 1.5]
Coded entry Bone profile
Coded entry Serum calcium level 2.53 mmol/L [2.2 - 2.6]
Coded entry Serum TSH level 1.64 miu/L [0.35 - 5]
Coded entry Serum C reactive protein level < 1 mg/L [< 7]
Coded entry Serum alkaline phosphatase level 65 iu/L [30 - 130]
Coded entry Serum adjusted calcium concentration 2.42 mmol/L [2.2 - 2.6]
Coded entry Urea and electrolytes
Coded entry Serum urea level 5.6 mmol/L [2.5 - 7.8]
Coded entry Serum creatinine level 91 umol/L [80 - 115]
Coded entry GFR calculated abbreviated MDRD 84 mL/min/1.73m*2
Coded entry Serum sodium level 134 mmol/L [133 - 146]
Coded entry Serum potassium level 4.3 mmol/L [3.5 - 5.3]

Test result HORMONE PROFILE Report, Unknown, No Further Action
Coded entry Serum testosterone level 11.3 nmol/L
Coded entry Serum sex hormone binding globulin level 57 nmol/L

Test result Full blood count Report, Normal, No Further Action
Coded entry Mean platelet volume 7.9 fL [6.5 - 20]
Coded entry Neutrophil count 3.8 10^9/L [2 - 7.5]
Coded entry Mean cell haemoglobin concentration 34.9 g/dL [30 - 35.8]
Coded entry Red blood cell distribution width 12.6 % [11 - 14.5]
Coded entry Basophil count 0 10^9/L [0 - 0.1]
Coded entry Eosinophil count - observation 0.1 10^9/L [0 - 0.4]
Coded entry Lymphocyte count 1.9 10^9/L [1.5 - 4]
Coded entry Monocyte count - observation 0.7 10^9/L [0.2 - 0.8]
Coded entry Total white blood count 6.5 10^9/L [4 - 11]
Coded entry Platelet count - observation 254 10^9/L [150 - 400]
Coded entry Haemoglobin concentration 15.9 g/dL [13.5 - 17.5]

Coded entry Full blood count
Coded entry Mean cell volume 87.3 fL [80 - 100]
Coded entry Mean cell haemoglobin level 30.4 pg [27 - 32]
Coded entry Red blood cell count 5.23 10^12/L [4.5 - 6.5]
Coded entry Haematocrit 0.457 [0.38 - 0.52]


November 2017 (Pre Crash)

Test result HORMONE PROFILE Report, Normal, No Further Action (Patient Informed)
Coded entry Serum prolactin level 219 mu/L
Coded entry Serum testosterone level 18.1 nmol/L
Coded entry Serum oestradiol level < 73 pmol/L
Coded entry Serum LH level 3.1 iu/L
Coded entry Serum follicle stimulating hormone level 3.8 iu/L

Test result Full blood count Report, Normal, No Further Action (Patient Informed)
Coded entry Mean platelet volume 7.7 fL [6.5 - 20]
Coded entry Neutrophil count 3 10^9/L [2 - 7.5]
Coded entry Red blood cell distribution width 12.9 % [11 - 14.5]
Coded entry Mean cell haemoglobin level 29.5 pg [27 - 32]
Coded entry Mean cell haemoglobin concentration 33.6 g/dL [30 - 35.8]
Coded entry Lymphocyte count 2.8 10^9/L [1.5 - 4]
Coded entry Eosinophil count - observation 0.2 10^9/L [0 - 0.4]
Coded entry Monocyte count - observation 0.8 10^9/L [0.2 - 0.8]
Coded entry Basophil count 0 10^9/L [0 - 0.1]
Coded entry Mean cell volume 87.7 fL [80 - 100]
Coded entry Full blood count
Coded entry Red blood cell count 4.79 10^12/L [4.5 - 6.5]
Coded entry Haematocrit 0.421 [0.38 - 0.52]
Coded entry Platelet count - observation 250 10^9/L [150 - 400]
Coded entry Haemoglobin concentration 14.1 g/dL [13.5 - 17.5]
Coded entry Total white blood count 6.8 10^9/L [4 - 11]


Test result Urea and electrolytes;Plasma glucose level;Bone profile;Liver function tests;Serum TSH level;Tumour marker level;Serum lipid levels Report, Normal, No Further Action (Patient Informed)
Coded entry Urea and electrolytes
Coded entry Serum urea level 7.3 mmol/L [2.5 - 7.8]
Coded entry Serum TSH level 1.85 miu/L [0.35 - 5]
Coded entry Tumour marker level
Coded entry Serum alanine aminotransferase level 9 iu/L [10 - 40]
Coded entry Serum total protein level 73 g/L [61 - 79]
Coded entry Serum total bilirubin level 11 umol/L [3 - 20]
Coded entry Prostate-specific antigen level 0.5 ng/ml
Coded entry Serum HDL cholesterol level 1.29 mmol/L [0.75 - 1.85]
Coded entry Total cholesterol:HDL ratio 3.7
Coded entry Serum cholesterol level 4.79 mmol/L
Coded entry Serum vitamin D level 55 nmol/L [30 - 300]

Coded entry Serum lipid levels
Coded entry Liver function tests
Coded entry GFR calculated abbreviated MDRD 87 mL/min/1.73m*2
Coded entry Plasma glucose level 4.8 mmol/L [4 - 6]
Coded entry Serum creatinine level 88 umol/L [80 - 115]
Coded entry Serum sodium level 139 mmol/L [133 - 146]
Coded entry Serum potassium level 4 mmol/L [3.5 - 5.3]

Coded entry Bone profile
Coded entry Serum alkaline phosphatase level 59 iu/L [30 - 130]
Coded entry Serum adjusted calcium concentration 2.26 mmol/L [2.2 - 2.6]
Coded entry Serum inorganic phosphate level 1.04 mmol/L [0.8 - 1.5]
Coded entry Serum calcium level 2.33 mmol/L [2.2 - 2.6]
Coded entry Serum albumin level 44 g/L [35 - 50]

So, any thoughts and opinions on this and what to test for next specifically (if it isn't included here)? As ever, I'm incredibly grateful to any and all who can help me try to make sense of what's happened to me here.

 

[Goose12]

Blood test are not very useful in figuring out what's going on the body. There are many guys with pfs who have perfect hormone on bloods or even testosterone above range that still have symptoms.

Many guys in the past have went on steroids to give themselves perfect hormones and it might improve them somewhat but not completely and it never helps in the long run.

Don't worry about blood test they won't help you. You could get a Dutch test to see if you were your 5 alpha and 5 beta are at. But that's just for curiosity, the most important thing is a hair mineral test with recommendations, and jumping on a protocol. Fasting is the best and most immediate thing you can do right now.

I would like to see you jump on ru because I have a theory that the earlier you do it could snap you out if a lot if this, but ru isn't the only way out. You should do what you feel comfortable with.

 

[bruschi11]

Yup. Comprehensive parasitology testing is good too. Genova Diagnostics Gut immunology.

Common goal though for everyone- fix oxidation to best of abilities, clear pathogens, toxins, heavy metals.

 

[Concerned]

Blood test are not very useful in figuring out what's going on the body. There are many guys with pfs who have perfect hormone on bloods or even testosterone above range that still have symptoms.

Many guys in the past have went on steroids to give themselves perfect hormones and it might improve them somewhat but not completely and it never helps in the long run.

Don't worry about blood test they won't help you. You could get a Dutch test to see if you were your 5 alpha and 5 beta are at. But that's just for curiosity, the most important thing is a hair mineral test with recommendations, and jumping on a protocol. Fasting is the best and most immediate thing you can do right now.

I would like to see you jump on ru because I have a theory that the earlier you do it could snap you out if a lot if this, but ru isn't the only way out. You should do what you feel comfortable with.

I have to be honest, after googling RU I'm a little scared of it. Because this is all so new to me, the thought of putting a female birth control pill (think it was that or ella) in me is frightening. I'm scared of any pill right now after having this happen from four quarter doses of finasteride. My aim is to get as far as I can with a water fast right now (almost 24 hours in) and then do the re-feeding and then the electrolyte protocol and see where I am from there. I won't be too focused on blood tests from here on out but it's very telling and alarming that my blood test less than a week after crashing shows a 37% reduction in total testosterone. That will show my gp that this isn't some psychological phenomenon (he wanted to refer me to cbt counselling on Tuesday when I was in his office telling him I can barely move, eat or sleep and was losing my mind).

Yup. Comprehensive parasitology testing is good too. Genova Diagnostics Gut immunology.

Common goal though for everyone- fix oxidation to best of abilities, clear pathogens, toxins, heavy metals.

Thanks Brusch

 

[Goose12]

I have to be honest, after googling RU I'm a little scared of it. Because this is all so new to me, the thought of putting a female birth control pill (think it was that or ella) in me is frightening. I'm scared of any pill right now after having this happen from four quarter doses of finasteride. My aim is to get as far as I can with a water fast right now (almost 24 hours in) and then do the re-feeding and then the electrolyte protocol and see where I am from there. I won't be too focused on blood tests from here on out but it's very telling and alarming that my blood test less than a week after crashing shows a 37% reduction in total testosterone. That will show my gp that this isn't some psychological phenomenon (he wanted to refer me to cbt counselling on Tuesday when I was in his office telling him I can barely move, eat or sleep and was losing my mind).



Thanks Brusch

I completely understand that you are nervous about trying an abortion pill and don't do it if you don't want to.

Sounds like you have a good plan in motion with fasting and electrolyte protocol.

 

[mattyb]

Borderline low sodium - pretty in line with the diarrhea you had earlier. When you do electrolyte protocol, make sure to add in sufficient amounts of NaCl as well. Maybe 1/2 tbsp throughout the day on top of your regular diet.

 

[noprop]

I had a fast decreasing level of testosterone as well. On fin in the middle/higher range. On pfs, first above levels, then going down to the lower end.
I think it is not the level indicating pfs, it is the changing within a short time.

ASK THE DOC WHAT CAUSED THIS big CHANGE? Don't mention fin of course. I guess he will have no answer.

 

[Concerned]

I had a fast decreasing level of testosterone as well. On fin in the middle/higher range. On pfs, first above levels, then going down to the lower end.
I think it is not the level indicating pfs, it is the changing within a short time.

ASK THE DOC WHAT CAUSED THIS big CHANGE? Don't mention fin of course. I guess he will have no answer.

That's definitely it. I have numerous hormone tests over the last few years and they're all mid to late teens of total test nmol/L. Six days after the crash it's plummeted to 11.3? Crazy.


I see that TRT isn't recommended for treating pfs. Am I to assume that by following the protocols, that my total test number will rise again as I try to heal? Has anyone else here seen their test numbers crash then recover over time?

 

[noprop]

There is the theory of the AR.
On solvepfs I explained why a shutdown could happen.
If there is a AR (you can test for it), then decreasing test and with it dht makes sense in order not to destroy even more the receptors, I guess. Or the body reacts cause there is no reception, so why producing?
There are two ways of decreasing dht (as this us more powerful): decreasing testo when 5ar is running.
Or: shutting down 5ar and keeping the same level of testo.
Just an idea. That's why comprehensive testing is so important.
But it seems that Gbold has other ideas why it could be so and those ideas are very interesting.
I followed a prog protocol, got much better.

Best

 

[Concerned]

That's why comprehensive testing is so important.
But it seems that Gbold has other ideas why it could be so and those ideas are very interesting.
I followed a prog protocol, got much better.

Best

Every post I see with this sentiment gives me hope. And I really need that hope.

When you say comprehensive testing, what do you mean by that?

 

[noprop]

I posted already what I would test comprehensively in another thread. I think you can find it, I wrote a lot. Also about the general steps to go. It is a comprehensive way to get better including the tests, the possible coexistent diseases, their treatment as well the Ru/Prog and mineral protocols. It is like a guideline, a help to orientate.
Bruschi has not done all possible tests, but he has good experience of different protocols - and that is very worth to check.
If you cannot find my steps, tell me please.

 

[Concerned]

I posted already what I would test comprehensively in another thread. I think you can find it, I wrote a lot. Also about the general steps to go. It is a comprehensive way to get better including the tests, the possible coexistent diseases, their treatment as well the Ru/Prog and mineral protocols. It is like a guideline, a help to orientate.
Bruschi has not done all possible tests, but he has good experience of different protocols - and that is very worth to check.
If you cannot find my steps, tell me please.

Thank you, I'll have a look a bit later.

 

[Concerned]

I know blood tests aren't valued much in terms of their usefulness in dealing with pfs but I do think they prove interesting in telling us more about what this drug does to the endocrine balance.

I had another blood test last week. I'll post last December's first (pre-crash) then last week's

December 2017:



April 2018:



Points of interest:

- SHBG was already on the border of being too high pre crash and is now 17 points past the upper limit of the range.

- E2 was very low pre crash (would account for the dim libido). Now is 150 pmol/L. Strangely, I think my libido is higher now during my re-feed than before the crash. My erections have also come back.

- Total T is lower than pre crash but that's to be expected as I've been on the couch the majority of the time and eating below maintenance calories.

- Free T is at the low end on the NHS test and below range on the private blood test from December. The 250 pmol/L translates to 0.25 nmol/L (range 0.3 - 1.0). High E2 and low free T possibly account for the brain fog? I'm not sure.

 

[MNK99]

I didn't get all of those tested, but when I did get SHBG - it was the highest range, Test was mid, Free Test mid, Estradiol low as well, LH or FSH may have been high or low... Similar results for several things.