drkinsey
03-13-2010, 07:19 PM
The sensitive E2 test from Lab Corp has a reference range from 3 to 70 pg/ml. Since reference range endpoints are generally calculated using the average +/- 2 standard deviations, we can easily derive the key statistical parameters. Thus, the average is 33.5 with a standard deviation of 15.25.
Now a more meaningful and practical problem is determining the optimal range. Statements in various anti-aging publications often claim that the optimal range for E2 levels in men is between 20 and 30. But publishing an optimal range for a lab test that is highly dependent upon the particular assay used is very misleading.
Does anyone here have any clinical data that can be used to derive an optimal range for Lab Corp’s sensitive E2 test?
E2 does not exist in a vacuum...unfortunately. :mad:
Optimal E2 is largely dependent on the person and other important factors such as SHBG.
Someone with low SHBG will feel optimized at a much lower E2 level than others. Alternatively, those with persistently high SHBG will often experience low E2 symptoms with a relatively "normal" E2.
I think that aiming for 20 or so is a good start. Some men feel better at higher levels and some studies I've read indicate an increased risk of bone loss or fracture at levels below 18.
I felt really good at 25 but have been stuck with low E2 and haven't been able to recover back to that point yet.
chilln
03-14-2010, 08:09 AM
The sensitive E2 test from Lab Corp has a reference range from 3 to 70 pg/ml. Since reference range endpoints are generally calculated using the average +/- 2 standard deviations, we can easily derive the key statistical parameters. Thus, the average is 33.5 with a standard deviation of 15.25.
Now a more meaningful and practical problem is determining the optimal range. Statements in various anti-aging publications often claim that the optimal range for E2 levels in men is between 20 and 30. But publishing an optimal range for a lab test that is highly dependent upon the particular assay used is very misleading.
Does anyone here have any clinical data that can be used to derive an optimal range for Lab Corp’s sensitive E2 test?
It's all about compromise.
My definition of "optimal" in the context of E2, is defined as the value of E2 via any sensitive of ultrasensitive test which corresponds to the levels in a person's serum when the individual is satisfied they cannot afford to improve their hormone modulation therapy any further.
Ie: optimum is primarily determined by a person's contstraints of time and money and comprehension of the problem.
Concepts relating to targeting an optimum number with respect to any E2 lab, are a joke, because of the huge amount of feedback on E2 metabolism from insulin resistance, cortisol levels, testosterone levels, SHBG levels, thyroid hormone levels and growth hormone levels, at a minimum.
If everyone's insulin resistance, cortisol levels, testosterone levels, SHBG levels, thyroid hormone levels and growth hormone levels, were always optimum, then-and-only-then could you specify E2 numbers for everyone, and be close to getting it right.
Obviously as we age, all of us have different levels of dysfunction with respect to our insulin resistance, cortisol levels, testosterone levels, SHBG levels, thyroid hormone levels and growth hormone levels.
Also, as we age, we cannot afford the time and money to achieve the level of comprehension and supplements necessary to optimize our insulin resistance, cortisol levels, testosterone levels, SHBG levels, thyroid hormone levels and growth hormone levels - therefore we all compromise, and allow some of these to remain at less-than-optimum values - hence all iof us have different "optimum" E2 levels, as defined by our own compromises.
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