Creatinine Question

[TheSQLGuy]

For years my family doctor said my high creatinine was due to my testosterone replacement (I have a pituitary tumor that causes low T). Then my cardiologist said that I had CKD, which led to an appointment with a Nephrologist. Nephrologist confirmed CKD. I've just been doing some reading on the subject and apparently Testosterone Replacement causes muscle growth, which in turn causes Creatinine levels to go up. After seeing this, I started thinking about the fact that since getting my CKD diagnosis, I started exercising and as I have done more exercising, the exercising has become more vigorous. Which, according to my reading, also causes your creatinine to rise. So, now with all that background, am I causing my Creatinine to go higher by exercising? Does taking testosterone replacement cause kidney damage, or is the high creatinine a false flag? Definitely questions I plan to talk to my Nephrologist about, but I don't have another appointment with him for several months, so I cam here to see what others think.

[Marvin8]

Yes, it's possible that your raised creatinine could be a false flag. So many variables. Your age? Are you more muscular for your height, weight, and age than average? Don't forget that the CKD formulas are based on population averages. I would hit up the nephrologist with a lot more questions after you've done a bit of research on your own. You also might want to request a cystatin-c test. It takes muscle mass out of the equation.

[Pisces101 in reply to Marvin8]

Agree! Cystatin C could be relevant. It apparently costs more, so it’s not standard procedure. But if your BP is fine and you don’t have diabetes or other conditions, then that test would be one way to find out. Good luck!

[Tolmezzo]

In simple word yes. It could be a false flag. If you don't want waiting so long there's simple test that in many cases can clarify if your kidney are damaged or just overloaded. You should ask for urine 24H proteinuria. If this is normal you can relax a bit waiting for appointment.

[Darlenia]

You might be able to order that test yourself at LabCorp or Quest if your doctor brushes you off. They do lots of tests for individuals and doctors. Not very costly.

[Milli77]

I believe strenuous exercise causes creatinine to rise. Many foods, medications, cause high creatinine which leads to CKD. There are many life style changes to reduce creatinine. Such as, not smoking, stay away from processed meats and foods. Red meat, alcohol. My doctor over prescribed blood pressure medication which sent me into acute kidney failure. It took 3 years for my kidney to recover to normal levels. I did do all stated above. Maybe try to see a nutritionist who can help plan your meals according to your blood work. Good Luck