Question about SHBG, Nelson's video vs different medical site

chasedat

Member
I was watching the video here,

https://www.excelmale.com/?s=16-Practical-Tips-for-Testosterone-Replacement-Therapy

Where Nelson was talking about SHBG and how it holds on to testosterone and doesn't let the body use it. Makes sense.

Here's where I'm confused. He had mentioned having a higher SHBG caused by obesity, or other reasons would in turn raise the SHBG and cause the protein to hold on to more testosterone to not be used.

on this website,

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/122824-workup

It says the opposite:
Obesity decreases the sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) level and therefore decreases the total testosterone level.

That suggests that with a lower SHBG, more testosterone is being held and not utilized by the body.

Does anyone have some input on which it is? Does higher or lower SHBG hold more testosterone hostage?

Thanks for any info :)
 
The higher SHBG leads to LOWER, Free T...it doesn't effect Total T. A lower SHBG leaves more Free or bioavailable T, which is the T that your body can use. Obesity aside I don't think you're second reference is correct. Free T is (ideally) 2.5-3% (or higher) of the Total, which means the rest, ~97% is bound and unusable in the body.
 
The higher SHBG leads to LOWER, Free T...it doesn't effect Total T. A lower SHBG leaves more Free or bioavailable T, which is the T that your body can use. Obesity aside I don't think you're second reference is correct. Free T is (ideally) 2.5-3% (or higher) of the Total, which means the rest, ~97% is bound and unusable in the body.

From what I understand, higher SHBG will "inflate" total testosterone levels. Basically because it holds more of it. Is this not true?
 

hCG Mixing Calculator

HCG Mixing Protocol Calculator

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

Beyond Testosterone Podcast

Online statistics

Members online
9
Guests online
238
Total visitors
247

Latest posts

Back
Top