Is there a reasonable correlation from Total Test to Free Test?

[DinoTexas]

I am due to get TRT blood work soon so I went and got the female blood panel done, just to ensure I was safe to get blood from the TRT doctor before going in. I didn't realize they didn't give a "free test" result which was high on my TRT blood work last visit (so they will be looking for it to come down). Total test in female panelcame in at 1247 which I know I can bring down by just holding out on taking my shot prior to my visit, but now I'm worried about free test. Is there usually a correlation or can one be way high while the other is in range?

 

[halfwit]

Unfortunately it's going to vary from person to person based on SHBG and how fast you metabolize the hormones. To complicate things even further, your bio-available testosterone fluctuates between free and loosely albumin-bound testosterone.

In short, the only real correlation is that the higher your total testosterone, the more likely you'll have a higher free testosterone. Your doctor should know that TRT patients will often have out of range or top range free test due to how androgens and an AI will impact SHBG.

If they freak out over high free test, you can skip a week and test the morning before your next dose. You'll probably notice the lack of test, but if it keeps you out of hot water, it's worth it imo.

 

[Mprtz]

You could look into a short run of nolvadex to raise SHBG levels.

 

[Megatron28]

You could always let your estrogen float up too high and then blame your high Free T on that. Estrogen competes for SHBG too.

 

[Westshore]

Megatron,

My doc is only testing for Total Testosterone next week. Should I "x" the box for Free Testosterone too? Or since I'm not on any gear is that OK to not test for? Sorry Dino for a mini-partial hyjacking of your original thread, but with my attention deficit it's a challenge! LOL.

 

[Megatron28]

Megatron,

My doc is only testing for Total Testosterone next week. Should I "x" the box for Free Testosterone too? Or since I'm not on any gear is that OK to not test for? Sorry Dino for a mini-partial hyjacking of your original thread, but with my attention deficit it's a challenge! LOL.

It is a nice to have, but not a need to have.

 

[Westshore]

OK, thanks. I'll post my lab work b/f and after.