Questions before starting finasteride

[a_smith93]

Need to take the jump soon and start finasteride, but want to get blood work done first. Who and how do I ask for these labs done? Do I ask my PCP if they can do it, because I am afraid of finasteride side effects? Or do I order them online?

Also, when I do get them, how do I interpret the results? Should it affect my dosing?

Thanks!

 

[zzzzz]

Call a local medical lab, see if you need a doctor to order it, if you don't tell them what you want yourself and pay yourself. If you need a doctor call your primary care doctor and ask him to write up an order for it.

Your results will come with reference ranges so you can see where your levels fall relative to the normal ranges. On your before finasteride results everything should be in the normal range. On the after range, your DHT should be lower than the normal range and all other levels should still be normal

 

[a_smith93]

Cool, thanks! Hypothetically, if my DHT was low, would it be best for me to take a lower dose?

 

[zzzzz]

Cool, thanks! Hypothetically, if my DHT was low, would it be best for me to take a lower dose?

No, or at least not for that reason

 

[a_smith93]

No, or at least not for that reason

Great. Which tests in particular should I ask for, besides DHT and free/bound T?

 

[californiaoceans911]

Great. Which tests in particular should I ask for, besides DHT and free/bound T?

This is what I have gathered from the forum:

Estrone (E1)
Estriol (E3)
Total Estrogens
LH
FSH
DHEA-s
Cortisol
SHBG
Prolactin
Progesterone
Albumin
ACTH
PSA
Aldosterone
Androstanediol glucuronide (Adiol-G)
Androsterone glucuronide
TSH, Free T3, Free T4
CBC or FBC (Complete Blood Count/Full Blood Count)
LFT (Liver Function Test - AST, ALT, etc.)

At least the following if you can't get everything above:

Total Testosterone
Free Testosterone
Bioavailable Testosterone
DHT
PSA
Progesterone
Estradiol (E2)
LH
FSH
SHBG
Prolactin
TSH
Aldosterone
CBC
LFT

However, when I asked my PCP for all of this he told me I was being too paranoid. He said I could have it all done but it would costs hundreds of dollars, even after my insurance (I have a PPO and pay 20%).

 

[a_smith93]

Thanks! how is finasteride treating you?

Just e-mailed my PCP. She is a cool cat so we will see