Updated Results, Low SHBG

[River Rat]

All - I am currently working on getting set up as a new client with Defy. They have all required tests but I have to donate blood to bring HCT down to 48 to 50 % prior to them seeing me as a patient. I am interested in getting opinions on the blood levels posted. My local Endocrinologist who I had convinced to order the tests says everything is OK. Please note that the tests results are while I was off TRT for 7 weeks. I was only on TRT for 1 month.

It looks to me like I have low SHBG at 15. I am curious if you all think I would benefit from TRT.

Again, I am going with Defy to review as well. It is just going to be a month or so before I can see them because of my high HCT.

 

[lowe2sucks]

low shbg guys usually either have no effect from trt or have negatives because of high free e2 and trt lower shbg even further. I wouldnt shut myself down for no reason if I would have very low shbg levels

 

[Vince]

Some low guys shbg can really struggle with feeling good on TRT. Low shbg needs frequent injections of testosterone. Your FT4 is low, I wonder what your FT3 and RT3 looks like.

 

[River Rat]

low shbg guys usually either have no effect from trt or have negatives because of high free e2 and trt lower shbg even further. I wouldnt shut myself down for no reason if I would have very low shbg levels

Thanks for the response. I am not going on TRT for no reason. I have felt terrible for 18 months with typical Low T symptoms. My worst symptom is fatigue, anxiety and no morning wood, etc...

At this point, I will try anything.

 

[River Rat]

Some low guys shbg can really struggle with feeling good on TRT. Low shbg needs frequent injections of testosterone. Your FT4 is low, I wonder what your FT3 and RT3 looks like.

In March I had my FT3 tested and it was 3 with a range of 2.1 to 4

 

[Vince]

In March I had my FT3 tested and it was 3 with a range of 2.1 to 4

Members please correct me if I'm wrong. I was told to feel your best you should have your RT4 and RT3 in the 90% range.​

 

[Vince Carter]

One way to look at low SHBG in this specific instance is how much free T you have....2.8%. That's pretty damn good...the individual numbers themselves TT and FT as abysmal but then if you change how you choose to look at it....you could be doing A LOT worse.

Low SHBG has been beat to death...I suggest you search and spend some time reading.

 

[River Rat]

One way to look at low SHBG in this specific instance is how much free T you have....2.8%. That's pretty damn good...the individual numbers themselves TT and FT as abysmal but then if you change how you choose to look at it....you could be doing A LOT worse.

Low SHBG has been beat to death...I suggest you search and spend some time reading.

Thanks Vince.

 

[River Rat]

One way to look at low SHBG in this specific instance is how much free T you have....2.8%. That's pretty damn good...the individual numbers themselves TT and FT as abysmal but then if you change how you choose to look at it....you could be doing A LOT worse.

Low SHBG has been beat to death...I suggest you search and spend some time reading.

So the million dollar question is whether or not I am considered to have Low T. My free T is within range but low.

 

[lowe2sucks]

^depends how you want to look at it.. you could have more free t if you would be on trt but then another problem arises - high free e2 which can remove the benefits of having higher free t.. if you start trt you may have lower natural T if you decide to quit it and function on your natural testosterone. you need an opinion of experienced doctor and some time to think which option is better long term
low shbg is a bitch when it comes to trt. people think its better to have low shbg because your free hormones will be higher but in reality thats mostly low shbg guys who struggle with feeling good on trt.. if you would have high shbg you just can supress it with higher trt dose but low shbg you cant change it just work around it

 

[Systemlord]

When I scored these numbers I felt like death, my Total T was 225, SHBG low 20's and by the numbers had good Free T within 2-3 percentage. I went on TRT and starting to feel amazing, I think these Free T labs and calculations can't account for everything, it's not an exact science. There's still so many unknowns in androgens and these ranges only confuse matters, the one thing I have learned is everyone is different. Some guys naturally have DHT above ranges, so to assume everyone fits into the same 2-3% free T is short-sighted.

 

[River Rat]

When I scored these numbers I felt like death, my Total T was 225, SHBG low 20's and by the numbers had good Free T within 2-3 percentage. I went on TRT and starting to feel amazing, I think these Free T labs and calculations can't account for everything, it's not an exact science. There's still so many unknowns in androgens and these ranges only confuse matters, the one thing I have learned is everyone is different. Some guys naturally have DHT above ranges, so to assume everyone fits into the same 2-3% free T is short-sighted.

Systemlord - do you mind me asking what your current protocol is?

 

[paralyzer]

As I've said on other posts here, I have low SHBG that never rises (it's usually around 9 or 10). I started injecting 4 to 5 times per week, instead of the two I was doing before. Noticed a massive difference. More frequent injecting (with micro doses) is a great way to get around low SHBG.

 

[S1W]

After looking at your labs and seeing your statement, "I have felt terrible for 18 months with typical Low T symptoms", I say give it a shot. Life is too short. Before starting though, are you ok with daily injections? That might be something you need to do.

 

[Vince]

After looking at your labs and seeing your statement, "I have felt terrible for 18 months with typical Low T symptoms", I say give it a shot. Life is too short. Before starting though, are you ok with daily injections? That might be something you need to do.

I agree I would give daily injections a shot because of your low shbg. I've been doing daily injections for almost 2 years now even though I'm not a low shbg guy. With dailies I have felt by best.

 

[Systemlord]

Systemlord - do you mind me asking what your current protocol is?

It's going to be 20mg EOD, but I'll need AI support before I can attempt it. Last SHBG results 18 mnol/L. 50mg twice weekly I feel mediocre, one thing I notice on my EOD protocol is veins starting showing more, no not so much.

 

[River Rat]

Thanks for the post. Yes, I am fine with daily injections. I was thinking of starting with every other day injections to see how I feel. I am in the process of becoming a patient with Defy. I am hopeful they can set me up with a good protocal.