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Question about androgen levels in blood testsFrom: AH (anonymous@obgyn.net)Sun, 24 Aug 2003 15:59:49 -0500 (CDT)
At my last appointment I got my hands on some blood tests that were done 8 months ago when I was on dianette. Basically my androgens were normal: DHEAS and andro-thingy slap bang in the middle of the reference range, and T was low. In fact, my T looked perfect. EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE BANE OF MY LIFE! All 3 results did! T tested low months ago, and it tested low before I went on any medication. I do not know how my other androgens tested because I was never told, and I have been having great difficulties getting my hands on my test results from my original tests, and my files seem to be all over the place. I have two in the one hospital for some reason. Great! I think andro-whatsit once tested as being slightly elevated, and that was the only one that has ever been elevated. I would assume my free T would not be high either now as I am on the pill. But I don't think it has ever been tested before or during me taking it. However, even my oily skin has not improved much on the pill, and any improvments have been very subtle.Ugh! So any hormonal improvements have not really translated into skin changes, although I think my hair gets greasier in the week off the pill. Oh, last time I was tested in the middle of the artificial cycle, while I was taking pills. I suppose T may have been higher in the week off, and maybe that explains things in part. Basically, is it possible to test as normal or low for androgens and still have elevated androgens? (as I assumed) Or is it that 'androgen sensitivity' really exists? I looked up some stuff on variations of the androgen receptor gene and it seemed to me like it might really exist and I might have it (in addition to other problems of course.) But surely it would not be enough on its own to cause signs of androgen exciess. Ugh I don't know what to think! (Yes I know the pill doesn't treat the actual disease process, and only masks the symptoms. It is not the only thing I am doing as treatment. It's just I don't seem to be getting much in the way of masking and I don't know why! I want some masking right now!:)) Oh, yes I was on finasteride, which lowers DHT, and that has done very little for me too, so that can't be key.
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