High SHBG Low Free T

RobK

New Member
Hey guys, I'm new to excel and I'm glad to be here. I've been feeling like crap(no energy or sex drive) for 6 months now. My GP tested my testosterone and it came back at 774 but my free testosterone came back low. My Urologist tested my SHBG and it was 150. I saw an Endo and we tried clomid for a month and my total raised to 1010 but my free was still low.
My question is does anyone know what could cause my SHBG to be so high? According to my Urologist I'm not on any medications that are known to increase SHBG. Side note-I was on pain management for back pain at the time and opiates are known to suppress testosterone but not known to raise SHBG. The Endo has since started me on 100mg of test a week but I don't feel much better. I'm lost because I'm producing plenty of testosterone but evidently most of it is bound. Does anyone have any advice on whether or not I should be on TRT. I'm considering trying specialist such as Defy but wanted to get input from you guys first. Thanks!
 
Welcome to Excelmale. Can you provide a bit more information? What was your SHBG following Clomid therapy? What medications are you on? You mentioned your doctor believed none of what you're taking are known to raise SHBG, but a list, including supplements, would be helpful. How old are you? Finally, what other lab values do you have? DHEA by any chance?
 
The SHBG of 150 was post clomid. It didn't get measured prior to clomid. I'm 41. I take Concerta, Soma, and occasionally Hydrocodone.
Supplements are Juice plus, vitamin D, ZMA, GABA, and theanine. I was taking Kratom at the time to combat the low energy I had.
T3 2.5
T4 1.13
TSH 2.0

My testosterone numbers from the year before at my physical was 550 and free was 13.5%. My Free prior to clomid was 6.8% and 7.5%post clomid.

I also use Flonase nasal spray and Afrin nasal spray. Thanks
 
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TRT Hormone Predictor Widget

TRT Hormone Predictor

Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.

ℹ️ Input Parameters

Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL

Predicted Hormone Levels

Enter your total testosterone value to see predictions

Results will appear here after calculation

Understanding Your Hormones

Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

Free Testosterone

The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038

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