So why dont guys on HRT go through Thyroid replacement therapy too?

**hxt** · 12-13-2017, 04:05 PM

many state that supplementing testosterone , managing aromatization, and supplementing HGH in adequate levels that can be achieved naturally by someone in their 20s improves the quality of life, health, and sense of well being and happiness in older men. but why isnt thyroid replacement therapy commonly talked about? thyroid production decreases as we age as well and can cause weight gain, depression, and fatigue even in men with high testosterone .

**hammerheart** · 12-14-2017, 01:30 AM

Originally Posted by hxt

thyroid production decreases as we age

Source?

**Youthful55guy** · 12-14-2017, 09:30 AM

Many of us do use Thyroid replacement if the labs justify it. Poke around in the forums and you'll see discussion of it. I've posted considerably on the effects of thyroid hormone on elevating SHBG. For me it's a limitation of thyroid therapy.

**kelkel** · 12-14-2017, 11:39 AM

Only if it's needed, just like TRT.

**hxt** · 12-14-2017, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by Youthful55guy

Many of us do use Thyroid replacement if the labs justify it. Poke around in the forums and you'll see discussion of it. I've posted considerably on the effects of thyroid hormone on elevating SHBG. For me it's a limitation of thyroid therapy.

Is elevated SHBG bad? Ive heard bad things about it being too low

**kelkel** · 12-14-2017, 08:53 PM

It binds to much T thus reducing the amount of free T available for use. So yes, it can be bad. To low can be bad as well, specifically if coupled with symptoms of metabolic syndrome. If no symptoms of MS are present then lower shbg isn't really a big issue.

**Youthful55guy** · 12-15-2017, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by hxt

Is elevated SHBG bad? Ive heard bad things about it being too low

Yes, excessive SHBG binds T and prevents it from crossing the blood-brain barrier where it is needed. The problem is that many docs are stuck in the past and only administer the Total T test, which is predictive ONLY if your SHBG are within normal ranges. This is why we ALWAYS recommend that you get the Free T test and not rely on Total T for decision making. At best, Total T is a screening lab.

Yes, low SHBG is also bad. When SHBG is in the "normal" range, it serves to protect T from metabolism in the liver. When it is low, the T you produce (or inject) is rapidly metabolized and then you have Low T (free and total).