Help with Low Free Test / High SHBG

[Dim3nsion]

Evening Gents,

First time posting, but have been browsing for a bit. Figured I would reach out and see if I could get some advice.

Brief history, have been working out on and off since 18 or so. Messed around with pro hormones and did a few cycles when I was younger (never followed a PCT correctly, because I was an idiot). 34 now and just been feeling kinda blah for a long time, started because of ED (which they attribute to anxiety and say I should just use viagra or cialis, two different urologists said this. Wanted to find the root cause, but I don't have the best luck finding good doctors who will work with me, they would rather say just take a pill). One urologist I saw was quick prescribe TRT. I've been debating going on that, but I want to be safe and do things the right way. Dad had two heart attacks, with quad bypass on his second one, his dad had heart problems, and his brother my uncle just died of a heart attack last Sunday, so I am a bit afraid to run anything.

Testosterone levels were lower last year, but SHBG didn't seem to be that high either. I noticed this year that my total test seems good, but SHBG is quite high thus free test is low. Which I assume is why total is up so much now. Any ideas? I've tried researching, but I cannot seem to find a ton on it. Figured a lot knowledgeable people were here and maybe someone could help me out. I also considered trying to see an Endo, not sure if they'd be of any help


I've attached labs from last year and then two different sets I had drawn this year. I can provide cholesterol and all of that if needed as well. If that last set of labs isnt readable, please let me know.

Thank you in advance for any info you can provide.

-Brandon

 

[Systemlord]

The majority of the time endo's are all but useless in matters that concern sex hormones, great in thyroid and diabetes which is where their specialty lies.

I understand heart problems runs in your family, low testosterone causes heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Your SHBG seems to be binding up a lot of your testosterone, medications can increase SHBG.

Your liver is to blame for the high SHBG, it's over-producing SHBG and we see a lot of it here.

A lot of members who found this forum looking for an expert in hormones found Defy Medical (telemedicine service) which staffs expert hormone doctors for which I'm a patient since it's almost impossible to locate a knowledgeable doctor inside insurance networks.

 

[Dim3nsion]

Thanks for the response Systemlord.

I do know low T can attribute to heart and cardiovascular issues. Aside from family history, guess my concern was it causing clotting issue and rasing hematocrit too high. Mine is already around 47.8. Then of course trying to balance estradiol and all of that. Currently mine seems to be ok per the estradiol sensitive lab I did. It’s hard as I read a lot of contradicting information on TRT. Also, concerns with it potentially lowering my good cholesterol as I seem to have a tough time keeping that good and high as is. Despite eating healthy and incorporating cardio.

I do recall reading issues with the liver can attritbute to high SHBG. My AST/ALT seem ok and I’m not taking any kind of medication what so ever.

Thanks for the info on Defy, I’ll check into them.

 

[Vince Carter]

SHBG many more times like factors of 10 is a completely benign condition not associated with Liver, Diabetes, or any other of the doom and gloom conditions you read about.

 

[Dim3nsion]

I’d also considering trying maybe a limit or something as my urologist was fine with letting me try that if I wanted. Read a for things where it could potentially help, but may not be worth trying.

Thanks Vinny. Any suggestions for freeing bound up test?

 

[Vince Carter]

Usually, typically, TRT the administration of Testosterone will move SHBG downward, typically one large injection per week, for starters. Would possibly have to run a higher TT, >1000, in order to overcome the SHBG and get Free T up.

 

[Dim3nsion]

Gotcha, thanks for the info Vince.