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Only Quest does the z-score (not LabCorp), but a z-score is simply a statistical calculation giving standard deviations from the mean.

I have prescribed for a couple cases of CIDP (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy) with fairly successful results...so you have reason to be optimistic!

That *may* work for aplastic anemia, but for TRT purposes would be worse than no treatment at all (in my opinion).

Indeed this is a relatively universal truth with any and all treatments/medications.

Indeed and accurate. We/I are not a TRT or steroid mill, though such establishments do exist (and many do reside in Florida).

For reason being that Defy Medical and myself are listed in this thread, I want to make it clearly known that I/we are NOT in this category of Florida TRT clinics (though there are some out there).

Gman is absolutely correct. HCG stimulates the bottom half (the testes), but suppresses the top half (the hypothalamus-pituitary).

Nice to see Pranayama!

This is an example of trying to balance cost vs necessity when it comes to labs. Although I’m not privy to your chart by your screen name, there may be some labs that can be deferred or removed if budget prohibits. With that said, what was the exact lab cost that staff gave you because last time...

I’m most impressed that you read your old post(s) from 2016...great job sticking around!

Great thread!

Timing of labs (regarding timing of taking thyroid meds) and variable absorption are taken into account when considering thyroid dosage changes along with the most important variable...symptoms...the apparent lack of which would lead me to advise you to hold steady for now on thyroid, change T...

Tarnation - don’t have your full chart in front of me, but a reduction would be worthwhile, while monitoring for the occurrence (since you don’t currently have any) of symptoms. Reduce 20% from 0.35ml (70mg) BIW to 0.28ml (56mg) BIW and recheck T/E after at least 6 weeks (and before consult to...

High rT3 in comparison to FT3 (especially if any hypothyroid symptoms: low body temps/cold intolerance, fatigue, easy weight gain or difficulty losing weight with calorie restriction, etc). Some E2 dominance (high E2 relative to progesterone). This can occur naturally during a menstrual cycle...

Agree, keep coming down Vince.

You should not experience any delay in refills, etc for this as you’ve had the core labs done, the labs in question are simply “additional” labs requested by Dr Calkins specific to your case. If your libido/erections are fine you are probably okay to omit the additional testing as long as you’re...

Good for you, Larry!

Yes, that is absolutely worth consideration.

It’s a risk and I have seen elevated levels in some spouses. However, as blackebob notes, there may be some mitigating factors. The risk, however small, is unavoidable except of course by changing to injectable.

Good point...the problem is you don’t REALLY know the estradiol is that low without using the LC-MS/MS. The standard RIA estradiol is often purported to overestimate E2 levels relative to the sensitive assay, but I’ve seen it go both ways many times. Main point being the standard assay is just...

That particle count certainly is quite high. The CAC score is a good (non-invasive) method of getting clues as to potential coronary plaque burden.

Would check levels while still on...then check levels after off for 6-8 weeks to compare/contrast. The subjective difference you mention between HCG/clomid could be due to many variables, the most likely being: different hormone levels (T/E) and also the E receptor interactions of clomid (mixed...

Applying the cream/gel the morning of labs is preferred (gives clues to rate of absorption). However, the key is for the provider to take into context the timing of the lab draw in relation to the timing of application, regardless of the specifics of said timing.

That SHBG is in the stratosphere and, even with the relatively high total testosterone, is possible free testosterone is low or low-normal.

For the vast majority of patients both injecting and taking anastrozole multiple times per week (2+), taking the anastrozole the day of injection or the day after will be of no clinically significant difference. For some that can time out their high E2 symptoms and find them to be cyclical...

Yes, they go by a “standard of care” that we all now realize to be horribly inadequate for effective treatment. What’s worse, some actually prescribe a dosage of 200mg once a month!!! For no other reason than that is a recommended dosage option...for aplastic anemia (lol).

Just to clarify as this may be a misunderstanding based on your response to Vince’s post. There isn’t a naturopath at Defy Medical. We have two medical school/residency trained physicians - myself and Dr Calkins, as well as 3 masters-level trained providers (2 physician assistants, and 1 nurse...

Man I love that response! Great post Rand!

There is truth to this as the “younger/newer” red blood cells produced have not been fully exposed to blood glucose for very long. I wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s pointless to check, but must be taken into context.

Patience ;-) ...or backloading, but more hassle than it’s worth in my opinion.

I would further cut the cyp.