protein levels low

My protein levels had gone down a tiny bit since my last labs a month ago. It was 3.9.   The Dr. asked if I had cut back on my protein shakes.  I haven't, in fact I have been drinking more. For awhile I wasn't drinking any.  For the past several months I have been drinking 2 a day.  The only thing we could figure out was that I have been drinking hot protein drinks.  The Dr. thought that the protein was breaking down because I was heating it in the microwave.  Warm ones were OK, but hot ones were not.  Do different brands make a difference in how they break down?  I know I got an email from Unjury today talking about how to make hot drinks. 

What are your thoughts?  I am confused.  I don't want to give up my hot drinks, but I will if I must.  He wasn't that concerned.  It may have to do with using a different lab.

 I stir in the protein powder after I heat my tea, hot chocolate, morning oat meat..whatever.   It ay cool it off a little but it is okay.

I doubt that's the issue. people eat cooked proteins all the time. all it really impacts is the texture of the protein powder.

As long as your protein is not denaturing (curdling) in your hot drink, you should be getting the benefit of the protein you are drinking. Different types of protein are different. Are you drinking 100% Whey protein? That form is said to be absorbed the best after bypass. Are you getting alot of protein from other sources? Maybe you need to up your overall daily protein target to 100g...

Thanks for your reply.  I only drink whey protein.  I have always stuck to the protein first rule and haven't changed anything since my last set of labs. 

 are you drinking isolate?

It is whey isolate.

That makes no sense to me.  Do you normally eat raw meat?  does cooking meat break down the protein?  Do you drink pasteurized milk?  Then it's been cooked.  Does that mean milk has no protein in it unless you get raw milk (illegal to buy in most states)?  I think your doc is wrong.

But your protein level is 3.9?  Or your albumin?  If your protein is 3.9, you're in big trouble.  It should be around 7.0.

That is why I am confused.  it doesn't make sense.

It was albumin.  He wasn't concerned, but he noticed it had gone down a little. 

I'd be ecstatic to have albumin levels of 3.9. Mine are around 2.7 while my protein is 6.9 to 7.0!

Susan