recent bloodwork help

[Ateam2023]

Another strange marker was my tt was 2k and ft was 72 , i didn't do Any testosterone for 10 days prior to bloodwork, because i didn't want my tt to be that high for my dr, but i still did the npp , i would of thought my tt would have dropped significantly after no dose for 10 days, but obviously not?? In Oct 2024 my tt was 2k but my ft was like 600 , also a big drop in ft this round of bloodwork

 

[Sampei]

Another strange marker was my tt was 2k and ft was 72 , i didn't do Any testosterone for 10 days prior to bloodwork, because i didn't want my tt to be that high for my dr, but i still did the npp , i would of thought my tt would have dropped significantly after no dose for 10 days, but obviously not?? In Oct 2024 my tt was 2k but my ft was like 600 , also a big drop in ft this round of bloodwork

Nandrolone shows up as test in blood works xD under total test but not under free test so you have your explanation for both right there

 

[Nidus]

Everything is fine, liver is perfect no worries there. I see nothing bad EXCEPT

Your kidneys man. Those are not looking good. Your cistatin C is high and that's not ok.

How many liters you drink a day? How high the protein?

Only thing i could add to this is the high SHBG. I personally keep mine around 10 for better wellbeing and keep my E2 around 35.

 

[bigMoJo]

Another strange marker was my tt was 2k and ft was 72 , i didn't do Any testosterone for 10 days prior to bloodwork, because i didn't want my tt to be that high for my dr, but i still did the npp , i would of thought my tt would have dropped significantly after no dose for 10 days, but obviously not?? In Oct 2024 my tt was 2k but my ft was like 600 , also a big drop in ft this round of bloodwork

Hey brother,

For the most part, I agree with @Sampei.

Before running down the list of markers, obviously, your Test level is remarkably high for only 335mg/wk of gear. Are you still taking TNE? That will really make that number jump, even with one injection.

Liver values are slightly elevated, that could simply be from training, even with 2 days off. Additionally, GGT is at a good level... so, looks like your liver is doing well. Considering Hep C in the past... ALT, AST, and GGT should regularly be on your lab panels and tested to gauge potential issues. Have you tried Glutathione or Tirzepatide? Those will yield unparalleled liver health.

SHBG is fine.

Low DHEA... my understanding is exogenous testosterone will impact this marker.

Ferretin is slightly low. Sampei asked if you donate blood because ferretin usually takes a hit when you do. Without seeing your CBC panel (RBC, H&H, etc.) you shouldn't go and give blood. Low ferretin is related to iron deficiency. It's possible you need to supplement it. Again, what's your CBC panel look like? Any issues with high RBC, H&H? To check iron levels and defeciency you can test:
- Iron and TIBC (most important);
- Transferrin Saturation (for additional insight).
These two labs provide a set of markers showing how your body is using and storing iron. Run ferretin every time with these labs as well. Your ferretin is just barely low... probably need better quality iron supplement.

Between your two eGFR scores (Creatinine 1.39 - eGFR = 61; Cycstatin C - 1.31 = eGFR 56) those markers show a reduction of kidney function. Creatinine is high because of your high protein intake. When that's the case, Cystatin C is the marker to go off... that's high too. Your kidneys are having difficulty adjusting/equalizing that protein. Now, everyone is going to experience reduction/loss of kidney function with age. Some more than others. But, its going to happen everyone and increase loss over time. Unlike the liver, kidneys don't regenerate any loss. This doesn't mean you can't do anything about easing the burden on your kidneys, and get function—and those markers—to improve.

With a high protein diet, the kidneys are additionally stressed... try switching out some of the animal protein for vegetable. I used to drink whey isolate daily... switched to pea protein isolate. Vegetable protein is milder on the kidneys. Alternatively, you can simply lower protein.

Hydration is vital. You're drinking 1 gallon/day... go to 1.5 or 2. The additional water will help flush out more toxins and ease that process on the kidneys.

Definitely start taking astralagus root powder. Supplement 8000mg/day, split 4 times (2000mg per dose). Astralgus is a potent—almost miraculous—aid to increase blood flow and function to the kidneys.

Implement all of the above and re-test CMP, Cys C, and another marker called Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) test in 30 days. The uACR is used together with Cys C to provide a better overall view of kidney function (it tests the amount of protein in urine the kidneys are unable to filter). Test every 30 days for 90 days and re-evaluate.

 

[Eddie.]

Sampei wrote all the necessary stuff for your kidneys. Find the root cause, your BP is not alarming high, your protein intake is on the low end (for BB purposes) and your hydration is adequate. Perhaps is some damage that's been done in the past but it's very hard for the kidneys to reverse the damage (IF there's any actual damage).

Also start supplementing with DHEA asap, 50mg in the mornings. You can look up to Natrol from iHerb. I believe you'll start noticing a bump in your well being, cognition and a more perky wiener.

Only thing i could add to this is the high SHBG. I personally keep mine around 10 for better wellbeing and keep my E2 around 35.

I completely disagree. A healthy level is in middle of the ref range, like 25-30 but most of times due to androgens and DHT derivatives it goes way lower. A SHBG of 10 is far from optimal.

@EDIT: Also, your IGF score seems kinda low for 5 IU, right?

 

[Nidus]

Sampei wrote all the necessary stuff for your kidneys. Find the root cause, your BP is not alarming high, your protein intake is on the low end (for BB purposes) and your hydration is adequate. Perhaps is some damage that's been done in the past but it's very hard for the kidneys to reverse the damage (IF there's any actual damage).

Also start supplementing with DHEA asap, 50mg in the mornings. You can look up to Natrol from iHerb. I believe you'll start noticing a bump in your well being, cognition and a more perky wiener.




I completely disagree. A healthy level is in middle of the ref range, like 25-30 but most of times due to androgens and DHT derivatives it goes way lower. A SHBG of 10 is far from optimal.

Could you elaborate more on the SHBG topic? Like why it is beneficial to have it run higher?

 

[Ateam2023]

Hey brother,

For the most part, I agree with @Sampei.

Before running down the list of markers, obviously, your Test level is remarkably high for only 335mg/wk of gear. Are you still taking TNE? That will really make that number jump, even with one injection.

Liver values are slightly elevated, that could simply be from training, even with 2 days off. Additionally, GGT is at a good level... so, looks like your liver is doing well. Considering Hep C in the past... ALT, AST, and GGT should regularly be on your lab panels and tested to gauge potential issues. Have you tried Glutathione or Tirzepatide? Those will yield unparalleled liver health.

SHBG is fine.

Low DHEA... my understanding is exogenous testosterone will impact this marker.

Ferretin is slightly low. Sampei asked if you donate blood because ferretin usually takes a hit when you do. Without seeing your CBC panel (RBC, H&H, etc.) you shouldn't go and give blood. Low ferretin is related to iron deficiency. It's possible you need to supplement it. Again, what's your CBC panel look like? Any issues with high RBC, H&H? To check iron levels and defeciency you can test:
- Iron and TIBC (most important);
- Transferrin Saturation (for additional insight).
These two labs provide a set of markers showing how your body is using and storing iron. Run ferretin every time with these labs as well. Your ferretin is just barely low... probably need better quality iron supplement.

Between your two eGFR scores (Creatinine 1.39 - eGFR = 61; Cycstatin C - 1.31 = eGFR 56) those markers show a reduction of kidney function. Creatinine is high because of your high protein intake. When that's the case, Cystatin C is the marker to go off... that's high too. Your kidneys are having difficulty adjusting/equalizing that protein. Now, everyone is going to experience reduction/loss of kidney function with age. Some more than others. But, its going to happen everyone and increase loss over time. Unlike the liver, kidneys don't regenerate any loss. This doesn't mean you can't do anything about easing the burden on your kidneys, and get function—and those markers—to improve.

With a high protein diet, the kidneys are additionally stressed... try switching out some of the animal protein for vegetable. I used to drink whey isolate daily... switched to pea protein isolate. Vegetable protein is milder on the kidneys. Alternatively, you can simply lower protein.

Hydration is vital. You're drinking 1 gallon/day... go to 1.5 or 2. The additional water will help flush out more toxins and ease that process on the kidneys.

Definitely start taking astralagus root powder. Supplement 8000mg/day, split 4 times (2000mg per dose). Astralgus is a potent—almost miraculous—aid to increase blood flow and function to the kidneys.

Implement all of the above and re-test CMP, Cys C, and another marker called Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) test in 30 days. The uACR is used together with Cys C to provide a better overall view of kidney function (it tests the amount of protein in urine the kidneys are unable to filter). Test every 30 days for 90 days and re-evaluate.

 

[Dunkirk]

Obviously there's far more experienced people here providing their input than me. My 2 cents, maybe your diet is poor. When I had my calorie deficit that high, which included high protein and low carbs/fat, everything went to shit compared to what it used to be.

May be worth a shot as you try to figure things out

 

[Ateam2023]

Hey brother,

For the most part, I agree with @Sampei.

Before running down the list of markers, obviously, your Test level is remarkably high for only 335mg/wk of gear. Are you still taking TNE? That will really make that number jump, even with one injection.

Liver values are slightly elevated, that could simply be from training, even with 2 days off. Additionally, GGT is at a good level... so, looks like your liver is doing well. Considering Hep C in the past... ALT, AST, and GGT should regularly be on your lab panels and tested to gauge potential issues. Have you tried Glutathione or Tirzepatide? Those will yield unparalleled liver health.

SHBG is fine.

Low DHEA... my understanding is exogenous testosterone will impact this marker.

Ferretin is slightly low. Sampei asked if you donate blood because ferretin usually takes a hit when you do. Without seeing your CBC panel (RBC, H&H, etc.) you shouldn't go and give blood. Low ferretin is related to iron deficiency. It's possible you need to supplement it. Again, what's your CBC panel look like? Any issues with high RBC, H&H? To check iron levels and defeciency you can test:
- Iron and TIBC (most important);
- Transferrin Saturation (for additional insight).
These two labs provide a set of markers showing how your body is using and storing iron. Run ferretin every time with these labs as well. Your ferretin is just barely low... probably need better quality iron supplement.

Between your two eGFR scores (Creatinine 1.39 - eGFR = 61; Cycstatin C - 1.31 = eGFR 56) those markers show a reduction of kidney function. Creatinine is high because of your high protein intake. When that's the case, Cystatin C is the marker to go off... that's high too. Your kidneys are having difficulty adjusting/equalizing that protein. Now, everyone is going to experience reduction/loss of kidney function with age. Some more than others. But, its going to happen everyone and increase loss over time. Unlike the liver, kidneys don't regenerate any loss. This doesn't mean you can't do anything about easing the burden on your kidneys, and get function—and those markers—to improve.

With a high protein diet, the kidneys are additionally stressed... try switching out some of the animal protein for vegetable. I used to drink whey isolate daily... switched to pea protein isolate. Vegetable protein is milder on the kidneys. Alternatively, you can simply lower protein.

Hydration is vital. You're drinking 1 gallon/day... go to 1.5 or 2. The additional water will help flush out more toxins and ease that process on the kidneys.

Definitely start taking astralagus root powder. Supplement 8000mg/day, split 4 times (2000mg per dose). Astralgus is a potent—almost miraculous—aid to increase blood flow and function to the kidneys.

Implement all of the above and re-test CMP, Cys C, and another marker called Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) test in 30 days. The uACR is used together with Cys C to provide a better overall view of kidney function (it tests the amount of protein in urine the kidneys are unable to filter). Test every 30 days for 90 days and re-evaluate.

Sampei wrote all the necessary stuff for your kidneys. Find the root cause, your BP is not alarming high, your protein intake is on the low end (for BB purposes) and your hydration is adequate. Perhaps is some damage that's been done in the past but it's very hard for the kidneys to reverse the damage (IF there's any actual damage).

Also start supplementing with DHEA asap, 50mg in the mornings. You can look up to Natrol from iHerb. I believe you'll start noticing a bump in your well being, cognition and a more perky wiener.




I completely disagree. A healthy level is in middle of the ref range, like 25-30 but most of times due to androgens and DHT derivatives it goes way lower. A SHBG of 10 is far from optimal.

@EDIT: Also, your IGF score seems kinda low for 5 IU, right?

my igf1 is low i totally agree, the only thing i can think causing this is the fact that i've been in a calorie deficit for a lonng time , just recently eating more towards training times etc , but carbs are always below 200 g daily , with it being closer to 150 g on average daily, Ive been using qsc 15 iu hgh that tested @ 97% with miniscule dimer content, it is the highest its been since ive been using hgh for @2 years, i didn't have a baseline igf1 score , but my numbers are 213ng/ml on 3-11-2024 , 193ng/ml on 10-15-2024, 215ng/ml on 3-11-2025, i am over 50 years old , but i see people with higher scores at my age bracket and its quite discouraging to say the least,,

 

[Ateam2023]

Obviously there's far more experienced people here providing their input than me. My 2 cents, maybe your diet is poor. When I had my calorie deficit that high, which included high protein and low carbs/fat, everything went to shit compared to what it used to be.

May be worth a shot as you try to figure things out

i believe the diet plays a huge role in igf numbers , But i eat good quality food , no canned shit , whole foods , i think the calorie deficit is a HUGE reason why its on the lower side,, So what would you suggest as far as diet changes?? Curious,, tia

 

[Ateam2023]

Hey brother,

For the most part, I agree with @Sampei.

Before running down the list of markers, obviously, your Test level is remarkably high for only 335mg/wk of gear. Are you still taking TNE? That will really make that number jump, even with one injection.

Liver values are slightly elevated, that could simply be from training, even with 2 days off. Additionally, GGT is at a good level... so, looks like your liver is doing well. Considering Hep C in the past... ALT, AST, and GGT should regularly be on your lab panels and tested to gauge potential issues. Have you tried Glutathione or Tirzepatide? Those will yield unparalleled liver health.

SHBG is fine.

Low DHEA... my understanding is exogenous testosterone will impact this marker.

Ferretin is slightly low. Sampei asked if you donate blood because ferretin usually takes a hit when you do. Without seeing your CBC panel (RBC, H&H, etc.) you shouldn't go and give blood. Low ferretin is related to iron deficiency. It's possible you need to supplement it. Again, what's your CBC panel look like? Any issues with high RBC, H&H? To check iron levels and defeciency you can test:
- Iron and TIBC (most important);
- Transferrin Saturation (for additional insight).
These two labs provide a set of markers showing how your body is using and storing iron. Run ferretin every time with these labs as well. Your ferretin is just barely low... probably need better quality iron supplement.

Between your two eGFR scores (Creatinine 1.39 - eGFR = 61; Cycstatin C - 1.31 = eGFR 56) those markers show a reduction of kidney function. Creatinine is high because of your high protein intake. When that's the case, Cystatin C is the marker to go off... that's high too. Your kidneys are having difficulty adjusting/equalizing that protein. Now, everyone is going to experience reduction/loss of kidney function with age. Some more than others. But, its going to happen everyone and increase loss over time. Unlike the liver, kidneys don't regenerate any loss. This doesn't mean you can't do anything about easing the burden on your kidneys, and get function—and those markers—to improve.

With a high protein diet, the kidneys are additionally stressed... try switching out some of the animal protein for vegetable. I used to drink whey isolate daily... switched to pea protein isolate. Vegetable protein is milder on the kidneys. Alternatively, you can simply lower protein.

Hydration is vital. You're drinking 1 gallon/day... go to 1.5 or 2. The additional water will help flush out more toxins and ease that process on the kidneys.

Definitely start taking astralagus root powder. Supplement 8000mg/day, split 4 times (2000mg per dose). Astralgus is a potent—almost miraculous—aid to increase blood flow and function to the kidneys.

Implement all of the above and re-test CMP, Cys C, and another marker called Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) test in 30 days. The uACR is used together with Cys C to provide a better overall view of kidney function (it tests the amount of protein in urine the kidneys are unable to filter). Test every 30 days for 90 days and re-evaluate.

this is the Astragalus ive been takin,,

 

[Eddie.]

my igf1 is low i totally agree, the only thing i can think causing this is the fact that i've been in a calorie deficit for a lonng time , just recently eating more towards training times etc , but carbs are always below 200 g daily , with it being closer to 150 g on average daily, Ive been using qsc 15 iu hgh that tested @ 97% with miniscule dimer content, it is the highest its been since ive been using hgh for @2 years, i didn't have a baseline igf1 score , but my numbers are 213ng/ml on 3-11-2024 , 193ng/ml on 10-15-2024, 215ng/ml on 3-11-2025, i am over 50 years old , but i see people with higher scores at my age bracket and its quite discouraging to say the least,,

I think i've told you already you were in calorie deficit for too long and that's perhaps 5-6 months ago? So, are you still in deficit now? You must be dieting 15-18 months?

If so, i wonder why your insulin sensitivity is still not that good considering you're eating only 200gr carbs. A HbA1c of 5,4 while taking berberine and being in a calorie deficit for almost 1,5 year doesn't look right. Maybe your body is trying to tell you something, don't ask me what since i'm curious too and just speculating here but something doesn't fit IMO.

 

[Nidus]

I think i've told you already you were in calorie deficit for too long and that's perhaps 5-6 months ago? So, are you still in deficit now? You must be dieting 15-18 months?

If so, i wonder why your insulin sensitivity is still not that good considering you're eating only 200gr carbs. A HbA1c of 5,4 while taking berberine and being in a calorie deficit for almost 1,5 year doesn't look right. Maybe your body is trying to tell you something, don't ask me what since i'm curious too and just speculating here but something doesn't fit IMO.

At that point he would have achieved a Hba1c with that regiment of 5.0 and lower. Would look into things such as NAFD as well or any genetic disorders. Also check your Homa-Index and perhaps wear a glucose monitor.

 

[bigMoJo]

this is the Astragalus ive been takin,,

When I was writing my previous post—due to interruptions throughout the day—it took me half a day reading and then writing. Then, I was half asleep trying to finish that post to get the info to you. Thus, I misunderstood this part... where you ARE taking astralagus.

I think astralagus extract—what you have—should be fine. Extracts are just concentrated forms processed from the "raw." However, not all supplement companies deliver a quality product, and IDK for kidney purposes if it makes a difference. Without going into a whole other topic, either bump up the dosage (i.e. take 2 capsules for a total of 10,000mg), or consider switching to see if results change with another brand.

Attached, is the brand I've been taking. There may be other more quality brands someone could recommend, but this one works well. Its the "raw" form, and I like spacing out my dosage throughout the day.

 

[Eddie.]

When I was writing my previous post—due to interruptions throughout the day—it took me half a day reading and then writing. Then, I was half asleep trying to finish that post to get the info to you. Thus, I misunderstood this part... where you ARE taking astralagus.

I think astralagus extract—what you have—should be fine. Extracts are just concentrated forms processed from the "raw." However, not all supplement companies deliver a quality product, and IDK for kidney purposes if it makes a difference. Without going into a whole other topic, either bump up the dosage (i.e. take 2 capsules for a total of 10,000mg), or consider switching to see if results change with another brand.

Attached, is the brand I've been taking. There may be other more quality brands someone could recommend, but this one works well. Its the "raw" form, and I like spacing out my dosage throughout the day.

View attachment 322328View attachment 322329

That's the one i'm using too. The previous batch tasted like crap but this one is actually enjoyable. In couple months my creatinine levels went down to 0,94 from 1,15 with just 4gr 5-6 days a week.

From an anecdotal report coming from an iron bro, astragalus root does a better job than astragalus extract. I think they're quite different.

At that point he would have achieved a Hba1c with that regiment of 5.0 and lower. Would look into things such as NAFD as well or any genetic disorders. Also check your Homa-Index and perhaps wear a glucose monitor.

I doubt he's having a NAFLD with ALT and AST below 50 and a pretty solid γ-GT, but some extra searching won't do any harm.

 

[Nidus]

That's the one i'm using too. The previous batch tasted like crap but this one is actually enjoyable. In couple months my creatinine levels went down to 0,94 from 1,15 with just 4gr 5-6 days a week.

From an anecdotal report coming from an iron bro, astragalus root does a better job than astragalus extract. I think they're quite different.



I doubt he's having a NAFLD with ALT and AST below 50 and a pretty solid γ-GT, but some extra searching won't do any harm.

NAFD can be genetically, my father has it despite GGT of 10, AST of 23 and ALT of 30 his liver is significantly enlarged. It can be quite hard to detect without having a ultra sound done. Just saying it can be a pain in the ass!

Also, the liver markers are not that low after all given the bloodwork.

My first guess that its more or less genetic blood sugar issue and given his regimen something doesnt add up as you said.

I would look at getting Ultrasound done for the Liver and think about introducing Jardiance at 10mg to see if that changes the Hba1c over a 3 months period.

 

[Sampei]

That's the one i'm using too. The previous batch tasted like crap but this one is actually enjoyable. In couple months my creatinine levels went down to 0,94 from 1,15 with just 4gr 5-6 days a week.

From an anecdotal report coming from an iron bro, astragalus root does a better job than astragalus extract. I think they're quite different.



I doubt he's having a NAFLD with ALT and AST below 50 and a pretty solid γ-GT, but some extra searching won't do any harm.

Shit I specifically bought astragalus extract because I thought it was better than the root. Taking 20mg concentrated extract everyday. I'll look into the root

 

[bigMoJo]

That's the one i'm using too. The previous batch tasted like crap but this one is actually enjoyable. In couple months my creatinine levels went down to 0,94 from 1,15 with just 4gr 5-6 days a week.

From an anecdotal report coming from an iron bro, astragalus root does a better job than astragalus extract. I think they're quite different.

When I was researching astralagus months ago, I also read where "raw" may be better than extract, but can't remember or find that data. It's worth trying because it's inexpensive.

By the way, it IS an "acquired taste." You wanna talk "crap" taste..? Try pea protein.

I doubt he's having a NAFLD with ALT and AST below 50 and a pretty solid γ-GT, but some extra searching won't do any harm

Agree. Also, liver enzymes could show normal range even WITH NAFLD. There you go, as I'm typing @Nidus basically says the same.

 

[Nidus]

Not sure if i missed it, how does your blood lipids look like? HDL, LDL, Cholesterol and Triglycerides could be beneficial diagnosing the issue as well here.

 

[bigMoJo]

NAFD can be genetically, my father has it despite GGT of 10, AST of 23 and ALT of 30 his liver is significantly enlarged. It can be quite hard to detect without having a ultra sound done. Just saying it can be a pain in the ass!

My first guess that its more or less genetic blood sugar issue and given his regimen something doesnt add up as you said.

I would look at getting Ultrasound done for the Liver and think about introducing Jardiance at 10mg to see if that changes the Hba1c over a 3 months period.

I think @Eddie. is looking at other factors lowering IGF1. You think his blood sugar and/or insulin could impact that? Maybe because blood sugar is processed by the liver? Insulin is made in the pancreas though.

Actually, I think its an interesting set of points. This leads back to @Sampei suggesting imaging of the kidneys. Maybe add liver to that too... it's a good idea.

@Ateam2023
I recently had ultrasound done on all my organs except the heart. If you havn't done the liver, maybe add that too. By the way, if the doctor doesn't order those through insurance, there are places that will do it for about $100. My mother was having pain urinating. Her medicare PCP was talking like 3 weeks for an appointment. Couldn't wait, I just found this one guy's office near me—$100 ultrasound for kidneys, liver, etc—and he gave his "unofficial" opinion on the spot... "kidney stone," several of them. That $100 included the ultrasound report interpreted by a doctor, and interpreted report sent directly to her PCP in one day.