High creatinine levels, Cystatin C in normal range

As the post title suggests these two methods of testing/monitoring have been used to detect possible decline in kidney function or chronic kidney disease.

The creatinine test was requested by a doctor, I never saw the results, but was told it was high. The caveat is that almost every single person with active lifestyles, who exercise intensely(99.99% of gym rats) have high creatinine levels. It’s due to a number of reasons, most commonly, higher muscle mass being one of them. After getting the call from the doc telling me that my levels were high and I needed to be careful I naturally jumped on the interwebs and did as much research as I could find, or understand.

I discovered that a test called a Cystatin C test, was a better option to test for CKD or decline in kidney function because of it not being influenced by age, race, gender and muscle mass.

Went to lancet, got the test done and it came back at 0.65mg/L ref range is 0.51 to 0.98.

Has anyone had any similar experience with high creatinine levels and is it reason to be concerned?

Thanks for the tip. I'll also see if I can do the Cystatin test. Never heard of it, but after a recent high creatinine scare I'm all about checking out kidney health.

If I may ask, what did they charge for the Cystatin test?

Are you on gear?

I've noticed the same thing with my creatinine levels - they have always been elevated since I started testing them. Since I do bloodwork every 3 months for trt I added creatinine into my standard test mix and niticed it spiked when I did a German Volume Training block where I nearly died. Training to and past failure and high volume training (in my unique body chemistry) seems to elevate cortisol and creatinine levels.

Not on anything since December, was a test only cycle. Everything else was in check. Started having trouble sleeping, The GP ordered some bloods on thyroid,kidney and iron. And is now convinced my kidney function isn’t where it’s supposed to be.

I did do proper PCT.

vojago wrote: Thanks for the tip.
If I may ask, what did they charge for the Cystatin test?

R333 At Lancet, waited about a week for the results. You can go to Ampath also, not sure if you need Dr referral to go to Ampath though.

You can also try getting some Chitosan, it helps to lower creatinine levels and people on renal dialysis use it.

I would like to add my results to this thread as well.

eGFR calculated from my creatinine is holding steady in the 60's. I can push it into the high 50s again with diet, but as it is now, it remains stable in the low 60's.

My eGFR calculated from Cystatin C is 98.

Some interesting links.

25 Year Old Bodybuilder Diagnosed With Kidney Disease After "Light" Testosterone Cycle

Article referenced in the video above.
Clinical benefits of using inulin clearance and cystatin C for determining glomerular filtration rate in HIV-1-infected individuals treated with dolut