Apparently low SHBG means we are fucked?

[axl617]

I've only been reading non-peer reviewed anecdotes about how men with low SHBG do not benefit from TRT (in terms of sexual function). I've also heard that a lot of low testosterone issues are caused in part by low SHBG, as this binds with compounds found in modern foods and plastics.

I personally have low SHBG, in fact this is the primary reason no endocrinologists never wanted to work with me as the mantra is low SHBG means more testosterone! Yay right? Well no, apparently it's a pretty serious issue for men. Mine have been as low as 8 (free test 234) and the highest being 23 (free test 167) on a scale of 17-56. I'm on self-TRT now and want to make sure I get the most out of it by learning about this issue.

So far what I have learned is that SHBG rises with age, and that low SHBG is somehow related to insulin resistance. I can't find any answers on how to treat this (some say none are possible). The suggestions have been a low fat, low carb high protein diet (this is no way to live, fat is important and low-carb only works with high-fat diets) and something to do with liver cleanses.

Any thoughts here?

 

[Batmann]

You need a DOC.

 

[Megatron28]

I would encourage you to scour this forum for posts/threads by NewtoHRT. He is on TRT and has very low SHBG as well. Here is one thread for example.

http://www.steroidology.com/forum/t...roid-numbers-anything-else-looks-suspect.html


Ans speaking of this thread, can you post up your Thyroid and all other blood work so we can we what is going on. Thyroid function is linked to SHBG. Here is a study on the topic but there are many more.

The interrelationships between thyroid dysfunction and hypogonadism in men and boys. - PubMed - NCBI

 

[axl617]

Sure, I've had some people say they aren't perfect, but what I've been reading they are actually really good (my thyroids). TSH is low, meaning my brain doesn't need to send out a lot of signal to get a good volume of thyroid hormone

i.imgur.com/rkGrbxo.png

 

[Megatron28]

Here is your image.

 

[Megatron28]

According to your blood work results, you are not in TRT and your labs show that your SHBG is normal at 23.

 

[IMT staff]

There are ways to get it up but yes it is troublesome. This would be a job for our medical director, he was an emergency clinician for 15 years so its right up his alley.

 

[Mprtz]

I believe Nolvadex raises SHBG, but I can't say if this would be helpful in your situation.

 

[Megatron28]

I believe Nolvadex raises SHBG, but I can't say if this would be helpful in your situation.

Here is a study, but it is in men with a working HPTA Feedback Loop. I don't know if this applicable to men on TRT.

Birzniece V, Sata A, Sutanto S, Ho KKY. Neuroendocrine Regulation of Growth Hormone and Androgen Axes by Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators in Healthy Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab:jc.2010-1477. Neuroendocrine Regulation of Growth Hormone and Androgen Axes by Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators in Healthy Men -- Birzniece et al., 10.1210/jc.2010-1477 -- Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

Context: In men, the stimulation of GH and inhibition of LH secretion by testosterone requires aromatization to estradiol. tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), possesses central estrogen antagonistic effect but peripheral hepatic agonist effect, lowering IGF-I. Thus, tamoxifen is likely to perturb the neuroendocrine regulation of GH and gonadal axes. Raloxifene, a SERM, is used for therapy of osteoporosis in both sexes. Its neuroendocrine effects in men are poorly understood.

Objective: The aim was to compare the impact of raloxifene and tamoxifen on GH-IGF-I and gonadal axes in healthy men.

Design: We conducted a randomized, open-label crossover study.

Patients and Intervention: Ten healthy men were randomized to 2-wk sequential treatment with tamoxifen (10 and 20 mg/d) and raloxifene (60 and 120 mg/d), with a 2-wk intervening washout period.

Main Outcome Measures: We measured the GH response to arginine and circulating levels of IGF-I, LH, FSH, testosterone, and SHBG.

Results: Tamoxifen, but not raloxifene, significantly reduced IGF-I levels by 25 {+/-} 6% (P < 0.01) and increased SHBG levels by 20 {+/-} 7% (P < 0.05) at the higher therapeutic dose. There was a nonstatistically significant trend toward a reduction in the GH response to arginine with both SERMs. Both drugs significantly increased LH, FSH, and testosterone concentrations. The mean increase in testosterone (40 vs. 25%; P < 0.05) and LH (70 vs. 30%; P < 0.01) was significantly greater with tamoxifen than with raloxifene treatment.

Conclusions: Tamoxifen, but not raloxifene, reduces IGF-I levels. Both SERMs stimulate the gonadal axis, with tamoxifen imparting a greater effect. We conclude that in therapeutic doses, raloxifene perturbs the GH and gonadal axes to a lesser degree than tamoxifen.

 

[axl617]

According to your blood work results, you are not in TRT and your labs show that your SHBG is normal at 23.

I mentioned 23 in my post, and that it also goes down to 8. I still believe even 23 is somewhat low.

On 100mg of test E as of 2.5 weeks ago, still 0 noticeable effects.

 

[Jimstigator]

2.5 weeks on TRT... Give it a chance.

Don't hyper focus on SHBG. In my experience, it somewhat chases estrogen around. As your testosterone and estrogen level off, I'd bet your SHBG settles at a reasonable level. I used to have under 20 SHBG, and it's since leveled off around 32.

 

[halfwit]

I mentioned 23 in my post, and that it also goes down to 8. I still believe even 23 is somewhat low.

On 100mg of test E as of 2.5 weeks ago, still 0 noticeable effects.

You have a total test of 207ng/dL on your last draw. Feeling like crap is to be expected, and I don't see any correlation at this point between your SHBG and your quality of life. Low testosterone -> low estradiol -> low SHBG.

I'm frankly surprised that your thyroid numbers look so good though. You have a history of low T for some time, and thyroid is one of the systems that usually starts to flounder.

Your spreadsheet looks familiar, you going at this solo for a reason? You're clinically hypogonadal, and treatment should be fairly easy to obtain.

Edit: Nevermind. I found your other thread, you're in Australia. That explains the ridiculous hoops you are jumping through.