Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST]

I'm 23, and I haven't had a period naturally for about four years now. My reproductive organs are totally healthy.
No physical illnesses on my end.
I am currently on antidepressants and an anti-epileptic, but this amenorrhea started way before I ever touched those meds.

Heading to the endocrinologist next week, but I'd love to get some thoughts here if possible before then. Thanks in advance.

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Elizabeth Holmes wanted to build tech that would make blood tests a breeze. She hated needles and aimed to create a way to draw blood that was simpler, cheaper, and more accessible. For over a decade, she worked quietly on technology designed to ditch needles entirely, making the whole unpleasant process painless for people. Holmes developed a method where you just get a tiny, painless prick on your finger to grab a single drop of blood, which then goes into this little tube called a "nanotainer."

"Revolutionary Technology"

A lot of people are so terrified of needles and blood draws that they skip the very tests that could actually save their lives. Elizabeth Holmes's tech wipes out that fear, making the whole experience much more tolerable. She also got rid of the old-school mess where multiple tubes from one person get sent to different labs, which usually leads to long waits and mistakes.

With just one tiny finger prick, her tech delivers incredibly precise data. You can get blood drawn at a local pharmacy instead of trekking to a doctor or a lab, and results pop up in just a few hours. Another huge plus is that one single drop can run a bunch of different tests. It's painless, accurate, cheap, and fast—which is why everyone keeps calling it "revolutionary technology" that’s going to save lives.

The Youngest Female Billionaire

Theranos is currently valued at $9 billion, and Holmes owns 50 percent. Her stake is worth $4.5 billion, which landed her on the latest Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans as the youngest female billionaire and the third youngest billionaire overall. She’s the youngest woman to hit billionaire status through her own business.

Holmes claims she didn't start the company just to get rich; she genuinely wanted to change the world. "We're successful if we change the life of every person we help. Our purpose is to give people the basic right to blood tests whenever they want or need them," says Holmes, who believes an accessible and efficient healthcare system is a fundamental human and civil right.

So now I'm wondering, does she actually use a needle or what? And what is she using for that "painless" prick?

velvetmoose9 said:Hm.
It would be smart to see an infectious disease specialist and a cardiologist as soon as possible (make sure you get an Echocardiogram too).
Streptococcus can be really nasty when it hits the joints, kidneys, or heart (that lack of energy might be a side effect of heart muscle involvement??)

Thanks a lot for the reply.

So, my doctor wanted me to get my testosterone, free testosterone, prolactin, and a few other hormones checked. I just got the results back today, but all I see listed is SHBG at 19.

I'm a bit confused—I thought this was the breakdown for all those different sex hormones. I was hoping to see the specific levels for each one individually. The reference range is 15 - 100. How am I supposed to figure out my testosterone or prolactin levels from this? Also, what does it actually mean if SHBG is high or low?

Thanks

Hi,

35 years old, just had some recent routine blood work

Hgb 133 (>138)
Hct 0.391 (>0.415)

Doctor is ordering follow-ups for Iron, UIBC, TIBC, a parasite screen, and an occult blood test. I don't really have any symptoms, just low blood pressure. Recently, after spending a full day hiking, I got wiped out for the first time ever—didn't pass out, but I definitely had to lie down. In my opinion, it was probably just some alcohol and not enough food. 🙂

The labs were done Tuesday morning, though I was out on my bike until midday Sunday. Could that be the reason? Maybe dehydration?

I don't have the rest of my blood results yet (I asked them to mail them), but I received this specific order in the mail. Any ideas?

boldridge17 said:Hi everyone!
I’m looking for some perspective here..
For the last five years, every time I get bloodwork done, my RDW and MCHC levels fall outside the normal range. My doctor tells me there's no reason to worry at all—that I'm healthy, though my lymphatic system gives me a bit of trouble.
Here is my diagnosis: external lymphostasis, lower right.
Lymphoscintigraphy showed: reduction of the right iliac pelvic lymph node group and reduced structure with lymph retention in the distal part of the right lower leg.
COULD SOMEONE EXPLAIN THIS IN PLAIN ENGLISH? From what they told me, I have clogged lymph nodes—essentially like veins—so my lymph isn't performing its job properly.

Basically, whenever I get blood drawn, my RDW is low. A normal range is 14.6–16.5, but mine sits between 12.5 and 13.1.
My MCHC is always elevated; normal is 320–345, while mine is consistently 346–350.
In my most recent results, my monocytes were high too... normal is 2–12, and mine was 13.4.

Next week, I’m heading in for more tests: CRP, FBG, CK, LD, ESP, and RF.

Thanks in advance.

Hello,

You haven't quite framed the question you want answered.

Regarding the RDW and MCHC parameters, they should always be viewed alongside hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, and MCV.

Among the erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC), MCV carries the most weight. The significance of MCH and MCHC is much lower, and their measurement isn't as reliable. Consequently, we don't assign much clinical importance to isolated minor deviations in MCH or MCHC, provided that the MCV, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin are all within normal limits.

RDW is an important indicator when anemia is present. If the red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and MCV are all normal, then a slightly low RDW value doesn't hold much clinical significance; it simply indicates that the red blood cells are uniform in size and there isn't a major variation among them.

I am assuming your red blood cell count (E), hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), and MCV are normal. If they are, your doctor is right—there is no cause for concern.

Furthermore, the monocyte percentage is of little consequence if we don't know the total white blood cell (WBC) count, so the clinical relevance of that specific result is questionable.

It isn't clear why you are linking lymphedema or lymphatic stasis to RDW and MCHC findings, as there is no connection between the two.

Elizabeth Davis said:I'm 23 years old. I haven't had a period naturally for about four years now. My reproductive organs are healthy.
I don't have any physical illnesses.
I take antidepressants and an anti-epileptic, but the amenorrhea started long before I began taking those medications.

I'm seeing an endocrinologist next week, but I would love to hear some thoughts if possible before then. Thanks in advance.

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Dear Madam,

It is highly probable that you will undergo further hormone testing, including additional markers and perhaps an MRI of the pituitary gland.

Your results show low LH and FSH levels, along with low Estradiol. This specific pattern—combined with what I assume is secondary amenorrhea (where periods were regular but have since stopped)—points toward hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. There are numerous potential causes for this. First, we must determine if you have been using hormonal medications, such as birth control pills, as these can suppress LH and FSH levels. If those aren't in the picture, then hypogonadotropic hypogonadism becomes a primary consideration.

The list of potential triggers for this imbalance is extensive. Very often—though certainly not exclusively—high stress levels, psychological factors, low body weight, or eating disorders can cause these shifts. However, we need a full view of all pituitary hormones before drawing conclusions. The differential diagnosis is quite broad, meaning we have to systematically rule out various conditions and illnesses.

Additionally, your androstenedione is elevated. Interestingly, this isn't accompanied by a rise in DHEA-S, which is typically expected. This suggests that while the pituitary is a focus, we should also look toward the adrenal glands, especially since you mentioned your gynecological exam was normal.

In any case, expect a series of follow-up tests and a consultation with an endocrinologist. (For context, Sister Rosalia Kaslik Medical Center is the specialized referral hub here, though the Chicago University Hospital Center is also excellent).

Justin Garcia7 said:So, my doctor ordered a full panel—testosterone, free testosterone, prolactin, and a handful of other hormones. I finally got the results back today, but the only thing listed is SHBG at 19.

I don't quite get it. This looks like a catch-all label for all those sex hormones. I was actually hoping to see the specific levels for each individual hormone. The reference interval is listed as 15 to 100, but how am I supposed to pull out the testosterone versus the prolactin from that? Also, what’s the deal with high versus low SHBG levels?

Thanks.

To whom it may concern,

You can't infer prolactin levels or any other hormone values from SHBG. SHBG is its own distinct metric, and it's primarily useful for determining free testosterone levels.

In other words, you're missing the results for the rest of your hormone panel. You need to get in touch with the lab. It’s possible they'll send the remaining data later, or there might have been a clerical error where those specific hormones weren't even tested. Either way, call the lab and find out.

mellowjackal12 said:Hello.

35 years old. Just had my recent physical.

Hgb 133 (target >138).
Hematocrit 0.391 (Target >0.415).

I’m still suggesting we look into iron levels—specifically Ferritin, UIBC, and TIBC—along with a parasite screen and an occult blood test. Honestly, I don't feel like anything is wrong; my only issue is low blood pressure. Not long ago, after a full day of hiking, I completely wiped out for the first time in my life. I didn't pass out or anything, but I had to lie down immediately. In my estimation, the culprit was a combination of a little too much alcohol and not enough food. 🙂

I had my blood work done Tuesday morning. For context, I was out on my bike for most of Sunday. Could that be a factor? Dehydration, perhaps?

I don't have the other blood work results yet—I asked them to send those over—but I received this instruction via mail. Any ideas?

To whom it may concern,

It’s likely just a random outlier in the lab results. A hemoglobin level like this wouldn't typically trigger the classic symptoms you see with anemia—things like a racing heart or dizziness, for instance.

Look, I wasn't searching because this hemoglobin level might cause immediate issues; I was looking for clarity. The goal is to understand exactly why the levels dropped in the first place.

Low values can often stem from blood loss, specifically within the digestive tract. Given your age, the likelihood of this being caused by a malignant gastrointestinal tumor—most commonly colorectal cancer—is statistically low. However, it absolutely warrants investigation to determine if you are losing blood, where it’s coming from, and why. Without more detailed testing, it's impossible to say for certain.

Hey there.
Can someone help me make sense of this: how bad is it when an 11-month-old's eosinophil granulocyte count comes back at 23%?
And could that specific finding alone be linked to a negative shift in their growth curve?
(The baby is atopic, and about six months ago, their total IgE was normal, with only a tiny elevation in one specific IgE for dog hair)

Could someone please take a look at my hormone results?

Estradiol 70 pmol/L 20 - 240
LH 5.0 IU/L 1 - 8
FSH 6.0 IU/L 2 - 10
Prolactin 16.1 μg/L 4 - 18
Total Testosterone 9.8 nmol/L 10 - 28
Free Testosterone 301.4 pmol/L 174 - 729

Free testosterone ratio
3.1 % 1.0 - 2.7

SHBG 19 nmol/L 15 - 100

What might an elevated free testosterone percentage indicate?
I should mention that my libido feels perfectly fine.

Maria Fisher46 said:Hello,

This looks like an incidental finding on your lab work. This specific hemoglobin level shouldn't be causing the typical symptoms you'd see with anemia, like a racing heart or dizziness.

The reason you've been sent for more testing isn't because this level is making you feel sick, but to figure out why your hemoglobin dropped in the first place.

Low levels can often stem from blood loss, particularly within the digestive tract. Given your age, the likelihood of this being caused by a malignant GI tumor (like colorectal cancer) is low, but we still need to investigate where the bleeding might be coming from and why. We can't know for sure without more detailed testing.

Thanks for the response!

Looking back at my labs from the start of the year, my hemoglobin was also borderline at 140, and my hematocrit was 0.148.

I've dealt with intermittent seborrheic dermatitis on my face for years (around the nose, mouth, and chin). There was some suspicion regarding gluten, but my celiac tests have been fine so far:
IgG 14.2 (7 - 16)
IgA 2.29 (0.7 - 4.0)
IgM 0.89 (0.4 - 2.30)

My doctor ordered referrals for iron levels and other blood work, along with a stool sample to check for occult blood and parasites. Is there anything else you'd recommend?

Because of my skin issues, my doctor is also recommending treatment for Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis (I'm seeing someone privately for this since insurance won't cover it).

So, I’ve got this 50-year-old lady here with a WBC count of 17 and some nasty pain under the rib cage. An Abdominal Ultrasound showed fatty liver and maybe a kidney stone too. Honestly, I’m such a total panic attack waiting to happen—my mind immediately jumps to the absolute worst-case scenario. She’s seeing her doctor tomorrow, but if anyone has any insight, please help a girl out! 🙂

Maria Fisher46 said:.
Hey there,

It’s looking pretty likely they’ll want to run more hormone panels, maybe some extra tests, and potentially an MRI of the pituitary gland.

Looking at the results, your LH and FSH levels are low, and your Estradiol is low too. When you see this combination—especially if you’ve been dealing with secondary amenorrhea (meaning your period used to be regular but then just stopped)—it points toward hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. There are tons of reasons why this happens. First thing is, we have to rule out whether you’ve been on any hormonal meds, like birth control, because those can definitely tank your LH and FSH levels. If you haven't been taking anything like that, then hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is definitely on the table.

There are way too many causes for this to list them all here. A huge factor—though certainly not the only one—is high stress, mental health stuff, being underweight, or eating disorders. But honestly, they need to check all the other pituitary hormones before making any real calls, because the differential diagnosis is massive. There’s a whole laundry list of conditions and illnesses that need to be ruled out first.

Also, your androstenedione is running high, which is interesting because it isn't paired with a rise in DHEA-S, which usually happens. This suggests that besides looking at the pituitary, we should probably keep an eye on the adrenal glands, especially since you mentioned the gynecological exam came back normal.

Bottom line: get ready for a marathon of tests and a visit to an endocrinologist. (Just a heads-up, Sister Rosalia Kaslik Medical Center is the main referral hub for this, though Chicago University Hospital Center is also top-tier).

Thanks so much. I forgot to mention I have ovarian cysts, but my doctor said it's nowhere near PCOS territory.

@Brandon Lopez6, looking at what Nicholas Myers laid out, I should probably mention that sometimes the physical look of the ovaries on an Abdominal Ultrasound just doesn't line up with the clinical picture or the endocrine lab work. Like, the ultrasound might not look "bad" enough to fit that textbook definition of PCOS if you're going by the old-school standards.

To be honest, I'm really not sure if we can rule that diagnosis out for certain just yet.🤷

Hey there, I have a quick question regarding stool analysis for parasites.

What specific types of parasites does that test actually cover?

restlessangler said:Search: Axillary lymph node biopsy
Diagnosis: DLE, SCLE (lupus) + suspected SLE or Sjögren's (due to high SS-A and SS-B levels, though I don't have clinical symptoms yet—Abdominal Ultrasound, EKG, chest X-ray, etc., were all normal)

Results: (Waiting on cytology results)

- Left axilla ultrasound shows no obvious tumorous enlargement of the lymph nodes.
On the right side, there are several lymph nodes measuring up to 12 mm that are hyperechoic, with hypoechoic borders.
A cytological puncture was performed under ultrasound guidance.

The reason I went through this is because over two years ago, I ended up in the infectious disease ward with a really high fever. My labs indicated some kind of undefined inflammation, my lymph nodes were swollen, and the diagnosis was something along the lines of chronic lymph node inflammation. The antibiotics cleared the fever, but ever since then, I've had palpable lymph nodes under my armpit and on my neck (just below the ear)... they seem to swell up whenever my lupus flares... which, honestly, feels like it happens all the time.

I was wondering if someone could explain those two bolded terms in plain English.
My follow-up with the immunologist is in a month, and the cytology will probably be ready by then, so I'll ask the doctor—but I'm curious, what exactly is a hyperechoic node with hypoechoic borders?

Thanks so much for any info...

Updating my previous post:

Cytology results from the puncture smear show numerous lymphocytes, follicle center cells, a few histiocytes, and some small clusters of glandular epithelial cells from skin appendages (maybe sweat glands?). Impression: lymphocytic proliferation.

Can anyone translate this? 😬

velvetmoose9 said:@Brandon Lopez6, looking at what Nicholas Myers laid out, I have to point out that sometimes the physical look of the ovaries—you know, from an Abdominal Ultrasound—just doesn't match the clinical picture or the endocrine labs. Like, the ultrasound might not look "bad" enough to fit the textbook definition of PCOS if we're going by the old-school standards.

Basically, I'm not sure if you can ever fully rule out that diagnosis either. 🤷

I get it.
Nothing about my situation follows the textbook, honestly. I haven't even been sent for hormone testing yet. My regular OB-GYN told me I don't even hit the "big three" PCOS symptoms—acne, oily skin/hair, or weight gain issues—my ovaries just show up as multicystic on scans. It’s been a struggle just getting her to finally order this specific test.

Thanks to both of you, and fingers crossed that we figure out the root cause without having to go through a million more tests. 😁.

My gynecologist sent me in for some blood work because I’ve been on birth control pills. I'm in my late twenties.
The following values came back elevated:
MPV 11.1 H /6.8-10.4/normal range
Neutrophil granulocytes 35.9 L /44-72/normal range
Lymphocytes 51.0 H rel /20-46/normal range
Lymphocytes 3.42 H /1.19-3.35/normal range
Everything else fell within the normal range.

Could someone please explain what this actually means? Thanks.

So, here’s the situation: Hypothyroidism + Hashimoto's, currently on 50mg of Euthyrox...

Results from the lab at Dubrava Hospital from yesterday:

TSH 4.98 (Normal range: 0.4-4)
T4 80 (Normal range: 58-161)
Anti-TPO 387 (Should be under 34)

Total Testosterone 1.3 (Normal range: 0.4-1.7)
SHBG 53 (Normal range: 32-128)
DHEAS 4.38 (Normal range: 4.02-11)

Prolactin 735 (Normal range: 102-496)
Morning Cortisol 329 (Normal range: 171-536)
Afternoon Cortisol 293 (Normal range: 64-327)
ACTH 3.2 (Normal range: 1.6-13.9)

Still waiting on my 24-hour urine tests, OGTT, and a few other things to come back...

Any thoughts on this part of the labs?...

I was wondering what it actually means when an HLA typing report shows 35 ND under the HLA-B section?

Emily Ortiz27 said:Hello.
Can someone interpret this? How concerning is an eosinophil granulocyte count of 23% in an 11-month-old baby?
Could this single finding be linked to a negative shift in the growth curve?
The child has atopic dermatitis. About six months ago, the total IgE levels were normal, with only a negligible elevation in one specific IgE—the one triggered by dog dander.

What's the white blood cell count?

Isolated eosinophils won't stunt growth, but elevated levels can be a symptom of various underlying conditions that might impact development.

Atopy might show up through an increase in eosinophils. Of course, you also have to consider parasitic infections, among other possibilities.

Justin Garcia7 said:Could someone please take a look at my hormone panel and give me their thoughts?

Estradiol 70 pmol/L (Reference range: 20 - 240 pmol/L)
LH 5.0 IU/L (Reference range: 1 - 8)
FSH 6.0 IU/L (Reference range: 2 - 10)
Prolactin: 16.1 μg/L (Reference range: 4 - 18)
Total Testosterone: 9.8 nmol/L (Reference range: 10 - 28)
Free Testosterone: 301.4 pmol/L (Reference range: 174 - 729 pmol/L)

Free spirit.
Testosterone: 3.1% (Reference range: 1.0 - 2.7)

SHBG: 19 nmol/L (Reference range: 15 - 100)

What could an elevated free testosterone level actually indicate?
I should mention that my libido is perfectly fine.

Why was the hormone panel ordered?

mellowjackal12 said:I've been asked for referrals for iron studies, a full blood panel, and stool samples to check for occult blood and parasites. Any other suggestions?

That should be sufficient for now. Everything else depends on what those results show.