Do you think this means I have cirrhosis?

[pugwas]

Hi, so I managed to persuade the nurse at my surgery to give me an estrogen blood test on top of a full LFT and a full blood count test. I wanted the estrogen test cos I had a breakout of broken capillaries on my face among other high estrogen symptoms. The nurse ticked the wrong box and the test was for Sex Hormone Binding Globulin. My LFT came back normal my full blood count showing anemia (which I have had for years) and me sex hormone test came back high 84. It should be between 10 and 57 for a man. I’m devastated. I am presuming that I have now got cirrhosis as that test does reflect high estrogen. My DR is now going to do a test for Testosterone and Estrogen but he doesn’t really understand the relationship/relevance in high estrogen in men and Cirrhosis. My question is do you think this means that I have definitely got cirrhosis or do you think I’m jumping the gun?

Thank you.

[AyrshireK]

It doesn't definitely say you have cirrhosis but you definitely need further follow up to try and find out why you have a high result in this test. Reading about the test on line it reveals:-

"What does the test result mean?

A high SHBG level means that it is likely that less free testosterone is available to your tissues than is indicated by the total testosterone test. A low SHBG level means that more of the total testosterone is bioavailable and not bound to SHBG. This information may be important in your overall evaluation when you have signs and symptoms of a condition related to excess or deficient sex hormone production.

Increased SHBG levels may be seen in:

- Liver disease

-Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

-Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa)

-Estrogen use (hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives)

- Decreased sex hormone production in men (hypogonadism)

- Pregnancy"

As a male we can obviously rule out some of those unless something very peculiar is going on but as you can see liver disease isn't the only cause. Maybe they do need to do a scan of your liver.

Katie

[pugwas in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you for your reply, it was very helpful.

[Hidden]

Hi Pugwas,

In order to diagnose cirrhosis, a clinician would look at liver blood tests, imaging scans, sometimes a liver biopsy and other specific diagnostic tests.

We would suggest to discuss this with your doctor if you are concerned about cirrhosis, and also more interpretation of your blood test result.

Best wishes

Trust1

[pugwas in reply to Hidden]

Do you have the phone number of the nurse I can call please?

[AyrshireK in reply to pugwas]

If you mean the British Liver Trust helpline - details here.

The British Liver Trust Helpline is a lifeline for anyone affected by a liver condition. Call 0800 652 7330 between 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) or email [e-mail] (emails can be sent at any time and are answered during helpline hours).

Katie

[Hidden in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie

[pugwas in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you for your help the nurse I spoke to was very helpful and informative.

[Hidden in reply to pugwas]

Katie has shared below. We are open 10am to 3pm.