Latest Blood Tests - Still have brain fog & fatigue

[galaxy]

Hi All - See below for protocols (previous and current) & latest labwork. As the title posts notes, even though my bloods look fine I'm still pretty tired and have a decent amount of brain fog. I'm in my early 30s and I've had a sleep study done which didn't show anything to be concerned about. Also one thing to note is that when I started on Androgel, moved to injections, and upped my dosage each time for about 5 days I felt great, and then slowly reverted back to being tired. I'm contemplating requesting an increase in my dosage to see if that will help.

Protocols:
Previous - Androgel 1.62% 4 pumps daily + 500 IU HCG MF
Previous - 34mg Test Cyp MWF + 500 IU HCG MF
Current - 50mg Test Cyp MWF + 500 IU HCG MF + 20mg Pregnelone at night

Labs
TT: 800 (264-916)
FT: 24.6 (8.7-25.1)
E2 Sensitive: 40.1 (8.0-35)
Free E2: 1.1 (0.2-1.5)
SHBG: 16.4 (16.5-55.9)
Progesterone: 0.2 (0-0.5)
DHEA-S: 281.5 (138.5-475.2)
PSA: 1.3 (0-4)

Free T4: 1.16 (0.82-1.77)
Free T3: 3.6 (2.0-4.4)

Ferritin: 42 (30-400)
TIBC: 334 (250-450)
UIBC: 218 (111-343)
Iron: 116 (38-169)
Iron Saturation: 35 (15-55)

 

[Systemlord]

You're a low SHBG guy and estrogen is over the top of the range and it's no wonder you are tired and brain fogged, I would be. You need to start an 20-25mg EOD protocol or an 12mg everyday protocol which would lower estrogen even further while keeping Total T about midrange.

You should be going after midrange levels, high Total T will always present with estrogen related problems as you are experiencing now.

Low SHBG guys need estrogen closer to your SHBG score since we know free E2 is expected to be high. You shouldn't be targeting a high Total T, bring Free T down and bring estrogen down along with it.

A higher Total T will also create problems with hematocrit and you don't want to be donating blood with ferritin on the bottom end.

 

[galaxy]

Thanks System for the quick reply. I hear you on the low SHBG high E2 sensitive. What's your thoughts on my Free Estradiol being 1.1 so well within range? Wouldn't the free E2 be the one we are more concerned with given my SHBG?

 

[Systemlord]

You need to try and see how you feel with estrogen around 20 pg/mL, which would be closer to your SHBG score. No one knows what optimal Free E2 levels are, bring down estrogen and you are sure to bring down Free E2.

 

[galaxy]

Thanks and understood. Have my follow up appointment next week will be sure to bring this up.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Hi All - See below for protocols (previous and current) & latest labwork. As the title posts notes, even though my bloods look fine I'm still pretty tired and have a decent amount of brain fog. I'm in my early 30s and I've had a sleep study done which didn't show anything to be concerned about. Also one thing to note is that when I started on Androgel, moved to injections, and upped my dosage each time for about 5 days I felt great, and then slowly reverted back to being tired. I'm contemplating requesting an increase in my dosage to see if that will help.

Protocols:
Previous - Androgel 1.62% 4 pumps daily + 500 IU HCG MF
Previous - 34mg Test Cyp MWF + 500 IU HCG MF
Current - 50mg Test Cyp MWF + 500 IU HCG MF + 20mg Pregnelone at night

Labs
TT: 800 (264-916)
FT: 24.6 (8.7-25.1)
E2 Sensitive: 40.1 (8.0-35)
Free E2: 1.1 (0.2-1.5)
SHBG: 16.4 (16.5-55.9)
Progesterone: 0.2 (0-0.5)
DHEA-S: 281.5 (138.5-475.2)
PSA: 1.3 (0-4)

Free T4: 1.16 (0.82-1.77)
Free T3: 3.6 (2.0-4.4)

Ferritin: 42 (30-400)
TIBC: 334 (250-450)
UIBC: 218 (111-343)
Iron: 116 (38-169)
Iron Saturation: 35 (15-55)

Have you been checked for sleep apnea, depression, or do you have bad sleep habits like going to bed late and exposing your eyes to light from electronics before sleeping?

 

[galaxy]

Hi Nelson - Thanks for checking. I have had an in lab PSG sleep test done which confirmed that I do not have apnea. Additionally, I have met with a mental health specialist for evaluation and was told that I'm all clear. I also meditate whenever possible and regularly attend 10 day silent meditation retreats. I usually get to bed by 10 or 1030 and wear blue blocking goggles at night from 7/8pm onwards.

This process has been extremely frustrating as it's been 4 years of brain fog and fatigue. I've had over 60 lab tests during the time and have met with sleep specialists, functional medicine practitioners, memory and learning specialists, naturopaths, and a host more. All told I've spent in excess of $35k out of pocket the last several years and am still searching for resolution.

I can say that when I started androgel and injections and upped my dosages each time for about 5 days I feel substantially better. However, I revert back to a state of fatigue later.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

I am so sorry to hear. I also suffer from what I call refractory fatigue (it does not improve with treatment), but at least I know I have an immune dysfunction that can explain it.

I am glad that at least you have done all the necessary tests.

I have been taking this supplement (600 mg) and at least it seems to give me clarity of mind until 2 pm. The dose studied is 1200 mg, so taking it at 2 pm also will be my next step. It also has increased my libido.
Has Anyone Used Alpha-GPC ?

Choline and Inositol for Fatty Liver, Cognitive Function and More

 

[galaxy]

I will definitely check that supplement out. Much appreciated Nelson.