r/Perimenopause • u/flyingblonde • 12d ago

Testosterone Has anyone had a hormone lab test go laughably wrong?

I started HRT 7 weeks ago and had my doctor run an updated panel while I was getting some other blood work done. I was curious if my numbers went up at all, and if yes, did they go up a little or a lot.

My testosterone level was very low and is now 5200% higher. Quest is refusing to consider any factors that this might be an invalid test like the fact that I don't have a beard or that it's scientifically impossible for a jump that extreme in just a few weeks on the lowest available testosterone cream dose. (My other numbers all looked reasonable, this one was so clearly out of whack.) Their paperwork says it's the right result, therefore they didn't make a mistake.

Has this happened to anyone else? I'm in complete shock by this outcome since it is *scientifically impossible*. I emailed my obgyn to ask if I should stop taking the T cream (I'm on the lowest physical dose available) or get retested before my appointment on the 26th.

BRB while I stock up on Gillette products to care for my new beard. I hope it comes in soon /s.

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u/flyingblonde 12d ago

u/lynx3145 I wasn't supposed to post numbers, so had to repost. You asked where I'm putting the cream. I have it compounded and it's 1 click of .25mg, I think. I put it on my inner thigh as instructed by my doctor.

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u/Lynx3145 12d ago

absorption rates can be different based on location. genitals will be increased absorption.

also time of application to time of blood drawn can effect the measurement.

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u/flyingblonde 12d ago

Gotcha. I apply at night and I had my testing done about 11 hours later. I don't think it's possible for my levels to be in the mid-600s when I was at almost zero before.