My Testosterone Numbers: Total good, Free and Bioavailable low; SHBG High - Thoughts?

[tkdnj]

Hello all - Just turned 56, never had my testosterone checked until now

TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL, MS 735; Reference Range: 250-1100 ng/dL
TESTOSTERONE, FREE 64.9; Reference Range: 46.0-224.0 pg/mL
TESTOSTERONE,BIOAVAILABLE 130.7; Reference Range: 110.0-575.0 ng/dL
SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN 57; High, Reference Range: 10-50 nmol/L
ALBUMIN 4.4 Reference Range: 3.6-5.1 g/dl

Did some research and found out that the high SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN is probably causing the low Free and bioavailable numbers (note - they are in range, but very much on the low end). I see my doctor on Friday for my yearly physical, and of course will discuss it with him. Anyone else familiar with this situation?

thanks!

[tmonkey]

I am not sure if we are allowed to talk about it here or not anymore

Dr will have best advice anyway honestly

[tkdnj]

I am not sure if we are allowed to talk about it here or not anymore

Why is that?

[induced_drag]

The "rules" are that you are not allowed to discuss drugs, prescription or OTC on the site.



Stinging nettle is a natural supplement that can lower SHBG and raise "free" test.

Your bio available numbers dont look great. Not terrible, but could be better. Also did you check Vit D?

Saw a study that said Vit D supp can lower SHBG approx. 10. But yours is still too high. Can be a sign of liver trouble, or hyper thyroid.

[brit-iron]

I just had mine done, but I only got a total. So I suppose I'm still in the dark on free test.

I used to take nettle tea, I think it's the root, not the leaf that can unbind SHBG. Good for prostate too I believe.

[tkdnj]

The "rules" are that you are not allowed to discuss drugs, prescription or OTC on the site.
Stinging nettle is a natural supplement that can lower SHBG and raise "free" test.
Your bio available numbers dont look great. Not terrible, but could be better. Also did you check Vit D?
Saw a study that said Vit D supp can lower SHBG approx. 10. But yours is still too high. Can be a sign of liver trouble, or hyper thyroid.

Thanks for the reply... again I'll see my doctor on Friday, but looking at age adjusted levels of free and bioavailable test (from the Mayo Clinic), my numbers are pretty much in range. My liver enzymes look fine on the bloodwork I got with the testosterone bloodwork, but will certainly talk to doc about hyperthyroidism and the high SHBG.

I just turned 56:

TESTOSTERONE, FREE
Males (adult):
50-<55 years: 4.06-15.6 ng/dL
55-<60 years: 3.87-14.7 ng/dL (MINE IS 6.49, not great but not out of normal range)

TESTOSTERONE, BIOAVAILABLE
Males
50-59 years: 50-190 ng/dL (MINE IS 130)

Thanks again!

[induced_drag]

Thanks for the reply... again I'll see my doctor on Friday, but looking at age adjusted levels of free and bioavailable test (from the Mayo Clinic), my numbers are pretty much in range. My liver enzymes look fine on the bloodwork I got with the testosterone bloodwork, but will certainly talk to doc about hyperthyroidism and the high SHBG.

I just turned 56:

TESTOSTERONE, FREE
Males (adult):
50-<55 years: 4.06-15.6 ng/dL
55-<60 years: 3.87-14.7 ng/dL (MINE IS 6.49, not great but not out of normal range)

TESTOSTERONE, BIOAVAILABLE
Males
50-59 years: 50-190 ng/dL (MINE IS 130)

Thanks again!

I would go by how you feel. When I had low-t, I had CRUSHING levels of fatigue. I also started to experience body hair loss...etc. (not that the latter would have been so bad!). But I essentially could never get enough sleep and was always tired.

I never had issues with sex drive or function. Nor did I have any problems with gaining mass or strength. So go by how you feel, not what the numbers tell you.

The COMBINATION of numbers being out of range AND symptoms is when I would advise people to look deeper.

Good luck!

[tkdnj]

I would go by how you feel. When I had low-t, I had CRUSHING levels of fatigue. I also started to experience body hair loss...etc. (not that the latter would have been so bad!). But I essentially could never get enough sleep and was always tired.

I never had issues with sex drive or function. Nor did I have any problems with gaining mass or strength. So go by how you feel, not what the numbers tell you.

The COMBINATION of numbers being out of range AND symptoms is when I would advise people to look deeper.

Good luck!

Good advice. I feel great, especially for 56, I really don't feel much different than 35. Thanks for taking the time!

[xTeTe]

I just had mine done, but I only got a total. So I suppose I'm still in the dark on free test.

I used to take nettle tea, I think it's the root, not the leaf that can unbind SHBG. Good for prostate too I believe.

Buy the saliva kit for free test through Everlywell. I cost's like $40 and they get the results back to you in about ten days. It was a pretty easy process.