Libido feeling shot, going for a blood test, what should I test for?

[bigdane]

35yrs old and I've been feeling many of the side affects of low test: tired all the time, poor sleeps, reduced libido....the list goes on and on.

I'm going to get a blood test done through privatemdlabs.com and I was hoping that someone could tell me exactly what I need to get tested.

I know the basics: free test, total test, estradiol but I hear lots of people getting LH, FSH, SHBG, Progesterone, Weekly Bound testosterone etc...

So what is necessary here?

Obviously getting everything the cost can get quite high.

I had a testosterone test 6 months or so back and because it came back within range (10-33) mine was 13 my doc refused me extra testing under my government health plan. So all these extra tests are now out of my own pocket. I'm wanting to get this further testing done on my own to hopefully show him that I do have an issue that needs to be dealt with.

And before you suggest maximus, unfortunately I live in Canada so this is not an option for me

Any advice is appreciated

 

[Frustrated1]

You can't prove anything to your dr. If he was knowledgeable you wouldn't be asking. Your just going to piss him off.

Not just estrogen but e2 is critical. Tsh fsh lh shbg t free t e1 e2 e3 rbc. Do a search in the forum. The answer is there.

 

[Nordic11]

I had a testosterone test 6 months or so back and because it came back within range (10-33) mine was 13 my doc refused me extra testing under my government health plan.

privatemdlabs' "female hormone panel" is what most people suggest. Although, in your case, you may just be throwing money away. If your T is in range and your doc won't do anything about it, chances are no hormone tests are going to change that.

My advice is to talk with your doc about your symptoms and check out all the other possible causes. A number of medical conditions mirror the symptoms of low T.

What is your height/weight/bodyfat?

 

[bigdane]

Ya it's pretty frustrating to say the least.

I'm just hoping that by bucking up a bit and getting some more detailed testing done it will let him realize that this is a serious issue to me and that I need to get it dealt with. Maybe more detailed testing will demonstrate other levels are out of range and based on this he'll be more receptive?

I'm 6'2" 225lbs and about 15%bf. Used to have no issues keeping the weight off my mid section but the last few years I've definitely been having problems. Cardio usually 5x week 30-40min first thing in the morning and weights 4x week.

I have a relatively healthy diet. Lots of meat and veggies basically. Don't smoke and drink a couple times a month.

I've done a search, yes there's lots of discussion on it but if I get everything done it amounts up to quite a bit of cash. Just trying to determine what would be the important things to test right away?

Maybe the Female Panel, free test, tsh, fsh, lh, shbg. Good start?

 

[Frustrated1]

Yea that's a good start. I hear that a cycle can crash your T. Just sayin.

 

[Nordic11]

Maybe the Female Panel, free test, tsh, fsh, lh, shbg. Good start?

That is normally a good start. However, in your case, which of those would change your doc's mind if it came in out of range?