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[Bnib]

Hi all, I just stumbled across this site and found a ton of great info. Quick back story on me: I am 39, at 27 became type 1 diabetic. Always been in relatively good shape and probably partied more than I should have in my 20's (alcohol, not drugs). Around 34 or so my T started slipping south of 300. Started TRT. Went great for a while then a few years later my SHBG started rising and staying high. I still struggle with this to this day. So my Free T is sub optimal and I feel like I'm 60. Estrogens are normal but slightly on the higher side. I'm tall, skinny but sort of chubby. I want badly to turn the corner and feel like myself again. I have a kid now so my motivation is higher than ever. Last total T was 500's. Any help anyone can offer, especially regarding free T and lowering SHBG, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[Vettester Chris]

Welcome to EM. If you can post your most recent labs with Ref Ranges, we will be able to provide a more definitive discussion to your thread. "Sub Optimal, normal but slightly on the higher side, started rising staying high"?? This can be interpreted 100 ways.

 

[Vince]

Welcome to Excelmale. Chris gives good advice on posting your labs.

 

[CoastWatcher]

In addition to the labs that Chris and Vince have made note of, what are the details of your TRT protocol, along with a list of any other medications/supplements that you're taking, please.

 

[Bnib]

Well, can't paste my lab here for some reason... I use 600mg compounded cream on my back and shoulder in the morning. 10,000 iu of vitamin D and insulin for type 1 diabetes. I will try to figure it out but here are the highlights of my last lab:
Total: 501
SHBG: 78.6 (ref 16.5-55.9)
Estradiol 24.3 (ref 7.6- 42.6)
I don't know what Neutrophils are but they are low at 1.3 (ref 1.4-7.0)
Free T is not on the test, current doc just does the math and he said 5 (target 9-15).
No thyroid labs or anything else tested like vit D.

Not sure if there is enough here... obviously the SHBG jumps out and it has for the last several years.

Thanks

 

[Vince]

Have you considered weekly injections of testosterone, along with HCG. High shbg guys do better with only once a week injection of T.

 

[Bnib]

We did try weekly injections. Unfortunately the problem was only worse. Estrogens in the 60s and SHBG in the 80-90 range. My total T got to 1500 but my free T never rose above where it is now.
I am tall and skinny but chubby, 20% body fat. I'm working with a personal trainer to try and add muscle and cut fat and hoping that helps. But nothing I read supports that exercise will alter SHBG. Still cutting fat won't be a bad thing...
Does anyone have experience with putting the cream on your scrotum? I was told specifically not to do that, but I wonder if the absorption is better maybe I could use less medicine and possibly see a lower SHBG response in return?