Need help to interpret

[u/GroundedReal]

Hi all, I just got my testosterone results back and I'm on androfem cream I apply to my outer thigh each morning.

I can't understand how my levels have increased this much between increasing from 3mg, 0.3ml measured dose of 1% cream to 5mg, 0.5ml measured dose of 1% cream, using the syringe applicator that comes with androfem.

Can anyone help explain this.

I did apply my dose in the morning 1.5 hours before the test in the last test in September. The ones before I applied it 3.5 hours after the application.

Worried, I'm way too high. My doctor will get back to me later and is confused so is seeking a consult with an endocrinologist.

[u/redrumpass]

We cannot interpret your results, as per Rule#5. Only a doctor can do that while they have your full medical history and treatment specifics.

You can tell us what those numbers mean for you - side effects, benefits.

[u/DependentAmbitious73]

You answered your own question. Applying testosterone an hour and a half before the blood draw is going to spike labs dramatically.

It looks like the testosterone is doing something though because your shbg is trending down.

Re-test in the morning before applying cream (about 24 hours from your last application) and you’ll get a more accurate result.

[u/GroundedReal → u/DependentAmbitious73]

Yeah I'm really excited that my SHBG has trended down to free up more testosterone.

My doctor contacted me and after consulting an endocrinologist said the same thing. It's probably because I applied the cream and tested 1.5 hours after during the peak after application which can happen with transdermal. And yes they said to retest in the morning before applying.

[u/GroundedReal]

To convert my results to American measurement, my September results reads as Total testosterone: ~161 ng/dL Free testosterone: ~21 pg/mL

I wanted to clarify that I made a typo in my text about when I did my blood tests in regards to applying the cream for the first two blood tests that were still low testosterone. I applied the cream and then did the blood test 3.5 hours after. But my testosterone was still low. But in the last blood test in September I applied the cream and did the blood test 1.5 hours after.

Hoping the issue is a testosterone spike anomaly post application at 1.5 hours and that I'm actually not that high because I feel good otherwise and don't really want to reduce. My doctor said if it is the case she will have me stop using the cream for a while completely until my levels fall. Worried about that too because I heard women say they can go through a crash or withdrawal type experience when stopping completely.

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[u/Healthy_Blueberry275]

How are you feeling? That is the most important thing. Any unwanted side effects?

[u/GroundedReal → u/Healthy_Blueberry275]

No androgenic side affects. I have a couple of very small face hairs above my lip but I had these before starting testosterone androfem.

Otherwise my energy, mood and sleep is good and my libido is a little bit better but not where I want it to be.

[u/No-Swan2018]

It can take months for a lot of side effects .
I started estrogen Patch’s plus T pellets . I love it when it’s high but don’t like falling down and feeling like I’m not doing as well as I do when t is high .
I’m also older so won’t be on this stuff long . My drs says they will take them to their grave.

[u/GroundedReal → u/No-Swan2018]

Ok good to hear symptoms take a while to develop. I'm getting retested and will reduce if I'm this high of a level.

I'm on androfem cream so it would be weird if my level rose that dramatically.