Blood testing question from newbie

[dogger37]

I am new to the forum and have a few questions for the experts. I currently 29 and would like to get an extensive blood test done for two reasons. Number one is so that I can make sure everything is currently at the levels that it should be. Number two is so that when the day comes that I will need some type of hormone replacement therapy the doc at that time will have a baseline to refer back to. I come from a family of very thin, non muscular individuals and have to work very hard to put on any size. My brothers son also had to have hormone replacement therapy at 12 because he was not growing fast enough. Could you guys provide me with a list of tests that I should ask my doc for? I would like to be tested for everything that may be of relevance or helpful someday. Thanks in advance for your time and expertise!

Sincerely,
Donny

 

[dogger37]

Maybe a better question to ask is whether anyone knows a good HRT doctor in PA? I live about an hour and 45min east of Pittsburgh.

 

[FunFun]

I am new to the forum and have a few questions for the experts. I currently 29 and would like to get an extensive blood test done for two reasons. Number one is so that I can make sure everything is currently at the levels that it should be. Number two is so that when the day comes that I will need some type of hormone replacement therapy the doc at that time will have a baseline to refer back to. I come from a family of very thin, non muscular individuals and have to work very hard to put on any size. My brothers son also had to have hormone replacement therapy at 12 because he was not growing fast enough. Could you guys provide me with a list of tests that I should ask my doc for? I would like to be tested for everything that may be of relevance or helpful someday. Thanks in advance for your time and expertise!

Sincerely,
Donny

That is a fantastic idea. I wish I had some bloodwork baselines to reference as I'm now 50 and have been messing around with HRT for 5 years on my own. I don't have a clue what normal was for me back in the pre-HRT days. I really regret not having bloodwork done.

You could start off with the basics.

1. Total testosterone
2. CBC (complete blood count)
3. Liver function (bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, Albumin, Globulin)
4. Kidney funtion (Uric Acid, BUN, Creatine)
5. Blood lipids (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides etc)
6. HbA1c (very important to see if you're blood sugar metabolism is good or showing signs of abnormality)
7. Fasting Blood Glucose (same reason as HbA1c)
8. Thyroid function (T3 and T4, free T4 and T3, FSH
9. SHBG, LH, FSH

All these are tests I wish I'd had done many years ago. I'm sure some knowledgeable folk will add to the list.

 

[dogger37]

FunFun,
Thanks for your reply. I am just trying to be proactive along with making sure things are ok at 29 years old. If anyone can add to the list as well as recommend a Doc in PA that would be much appreciated.