High SHBG and appropriate dose/schedule

Hi


The NHS put me on TRT since 20-June-2017 after being diagnosed with low T, as can be seen from the below testosterone results dated 19-Apr-2017 and 15-May-2017.
Initially was put on 1 ml shot Sustanon 250 every 3 weeks but I argued my case and got it to every 2 weeks. While it did alleviate most of my issues(concentration, moodiness, not libibo, etc)they would always be fluctuating - good first week or so then back to feeling low again.


I've since gone private from 20-Nov-2017. My current dosage and schedule is Testosterone Enanthate 250mg/ml, 125mg PW, split into 2 shots 62.5mg / 0.25ml every 3.5 days and HCG 450iu every 3.5 days.


I do feel much more consistent with this schedule, the lows are almost non-existent. However, almost
zero libido and bad ED even using 20mg Cialis.


I keep reading about low and high SHBG. In particular guys with high SHBG like me seem to do
better in larger less frequent dosing.


I've been on this schedule now for at least 14 weeks and while most things are good some are not. I really want my libido to be a little better and get rid of the ED as much as possible.


Not running any AI. I recently added but since dropped Boron 3mg and Calcium Glucarate in order to drop my E2 a little. However, think it done the job too well. See 13-Mar-2018 results.


Any advice on schedule/dose changes, AI would be very much appreciated.


Thanks,
deBooza


Initial investigation:
19 Apr 2017
Serum T level 11.9 nmol/L 343.2198 ng/dL
SHBG 57 nmol/L
DERIVED FREE TESTOSTERONE 217.00 pmol/L [230.0 - 1000.0] 59.1 pg/mL


15 May 2017
LH 4.9 iu/L
FSH 12.5 iu/L
Prolactin 113 mIU/L
Serum T level 12.2 nmol/L 351 ng/dL
SHBG 59 nmol/L
DERIVED FREE TESTOSTERONE 218.00 pmol/L [230.0 - 1000.0] 59.4 pg/mL


TT E2
nmol/L - ng/dl pmol/L - pg/ml



20-Nov-2017
LH <0.1* iu/l (1.0 - 10.0)
FSH 0.2* iu/l (1.0 - 12.0)
Oestrodiol 186 pmol/l (95 - 223)
Testosterone 40.9 nmo/l (12.0 - 29.0)
PSA 0.6 ug/l (<2.5)
Full Blood Count
Haemoglobin (Hb) 150 g/l (130 - 170)
Haematocrit (HCT) 0.487 (0.400 - 0.540)
White Cell Count (WCC) 6.3 10*9/l (4.0 - 11.0)
Platelets (Plt) 198 10*9/l (150 - 400)









27-Feb-2018
Thyroid Function
FREE T3 5.01 pmol/L 3.10 - 6.80
FREE THYROXINE 15 pmol/L 12.00 - 22.00
THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE 2.49 mIU/L 0.27 - 4.20
Hormones
TESTOSTERONE *42.8 nmol/L 7.60 - 31.40
FREE-TESTOSTERONE(CALCULATED) 0.583 nmol/L 0.30 - 1.00
17-BETA OESTRADIOL 125 pmol/L 0.00 - 191.99
SHBG 78.5 nmol/L 19.00 - 83.00
PROLACTIN 208 mIU/L 86.00 - 324.00
Prostate Screen
PROSTATE SPECIFIC AG(TOTAL) 0 .697 ug/L 0.00 - 3.10


13-Mar-2018 37.4 nmol/L - 1078.6908 ng/dl 34.6 pmol/L - 9.4

How consistent are you with your testing schedule? Always right before your next injection? I ask because you're number flux quite a bit from Dec/Jan/Feb '18. I believe that for you the 17 Beta Oestradiol is the best test you can get though others will correct me if I'm wrong. It's either that or Oestradiol.

Hi Vince
The blood draw was either same day or before injection but always before the injection.

I did puzzle over the fluctuations too. The only thing I can put it down to was I switched from IM to SubQ injections when I went from NHS to private. Plus the additional HCG, added by the private Doctor, 'may' have played a part in that too.

Thanks for the prompt reply,

deBooza.

The only real time that I've heard Cialis (or Viagra, et al..,) not working at all is when E is too low. THough you need to know that contrary to what the drug manufactures tell us many guys have to take Cialis many hours before sex for it to be effective. For instance if I use Cialis I pop that pill in the morning for sex that night. Taking it an hour or so before and it does nothing for me.

My E is low at the moment and so is libido etc. I've dropped the Boron and Glucarate and I'll stick with my schedule and dose for the next 4 weeks to see how things level out. If the free T doesn't increase I'll go back to the drawing board and likely try once a week schedule at an increased dose. As far as I've read it seems to favour high SHBG guys.

Through experience I have learned that about Cialis too. The following day, 10 hours or so, my reaction to the drug is far better - I am 'more up to the task'

Thanks,

deBooza