Normal SHBG/Low T Pre-TRT. Now Low SHBG High T

[Dj Screw]

So before I started TRT, I had a SHBG level of 34 and a Total Testosterone of 181. Now I have been on TRT for over a year and my SHBG is 11 and Total T is 1074 and Free T of 32.86. I have never noticed a "night and day" difference from before starting TRT and now and with all my blood work in range (Test/Free Test/Sensative E2/Prolactin) I never put much thought into it and just thought this is the way it's supposed to be with a few subtle changes. I just got my SHBG blood work back for the first time since starting TRT and after doing some research I have found that most men with low SHBG on TRT get basically no benefits whatsoever from Testosterone?!?! What could've caused low SHBG in the past 18 months since starting TRT? Does high testosterone itself cause a drop in SHBG? Is there anything I can do to raise SHBG? This is scary and frustrating to say the least...I've done all the work but may not be getting any benefit? I have still not had that surge of libido or had my ED problem fixed from TRT...although I thought I was feeling better mood wise....but now finding out this info on low SHBG I am starting to wonder if I am just wasting my time and money?!

Is there anyone with low SHBG on TRT that are doing well??

Thanks for any info/replies you guys can give, I appreciate it.

[Dj Screw]

Rant continued:

Should I be getting any benefits in the gym at least?

Is a SHBG of 11 really really low? The range for my test was 10-55

I am very puzzled why it dropped from 34 pre-trt to 11 currently. After months and months of getting all my other levels dialed in (Total T/E2/Prolactin) I now find this SHBG problem out! Hopefully you guys will tell me it's not a big deal and I am over reacting

[Chauffeur]

Use of androgens like testosterone will drive SHBG down. Of course, there's a good bit of individual response in terms of how much it will drop. There's a dose dependent response as well.

It's really just par for the course for many guys, especially those who maintain fairly high levels.

Don't let what you read on the internet dictate how you feel. If you feel good, which it sounds like you do, that's what really matters.

If it concerns you, you could always lower your dose a little bit. Your FT is well above the top of the reference range (how many days after injection?). You've got som wiggle room to go lower if you like.

[Dj Screw]

Use of androgens like testosterone will drive SHBG down. Of course, there's a good bit of individual response in terms of how much it will drop. There's a dose dependent response as well.

It's really just par for the course for many guys, especially those who maintain fairly high levels.

Don't let what you read on the internet dictate how you feel. If you feel good, which it sounds like you do, that's what really matters.

If it concerns you, you could always lower your dose a little bit. Your FT is well above the top of the reference range (how many days after injection?). You've got som wiggle room to go lower if you like.

Thanks for the reply Chauffeur.

You are right, I do feel pretty good. I would like to think I do feel better overall before starting TRT as well. The only problem I still have is the ED/Libido issue which I was wondering if low SHBG could be the culprit considering all my other numbers are in good range.

The blood test was done almost in a trough. I inject 2x weekly. Sunday Night/Thursday AM. The blood was drawn Wednesday afternoon, I wouldve had the done Thurs morning before my injections if I was paying for my own but Wednesday is just when my appointment happened to be and I used insurance to help pay for the appointment/tests.

Does low SHBG have any bad effect on gym performance/muscle gains? Or is it one of those things that vary from person to person?

Thanks again, I do feel more relieved after reading your reply

[kelkel]

Everything Chauffeur said is on-point.

I don't know what you read about low SHBG but it's really not a bad thing at all as long as it's not coupled with other factors that increase cardiac risk - think Metabolic Syndrome. Basically low shbg will allow more free T to be available for use, which goes with what Chauffeur mentioned that lowering your dose is a step you can consider. Remember, that was your trough number for total T. It's higher other times.

[RedBeardedViking]

Are you supplementing with anything else? My libido and ED was really crappy until I asked to add HCG at 250 iu x2 / week. I am now waking up with morning wood everyday and feel fantastic mentally. There are a few other supplements to back back fill the pathways but I haven't tried them yet as my doctor is still trying to dial me in and I don't want to throw off the labs. Look under the HCG sticky up top. I also added vitamin do 5000 iu a day with a heavy meal. Kelkel is really informative on all the TRT and supplements ando I picked it up from his suggestions.

[kelkel]

Are you supplementing with anything else? My libido and ED was really crappy until I asked to add HCG at 250 iu x2 / week.

It can make a big difference for many guys. We have LH receptors throughout our bodies so keeping them optimized is a big plus. Experimenting with different HCG protocols is also worthwhile.

[Dj Screw]

Everything Chauffeur said is on-point.

I don't know what you read about low SHBG but it's really not a bad thing at all as long as it's not coupled with other factors that increase cardiac risk - think Metabolic Syndrome. Basically low shbg will allow more free T to be available for use, which goes with what Chauffeur mentioned that lowering your dose is a step you can consider. Remember, that was your trough number for total T. It's higher other times.

Ok, well that is a relief. There are a few people on another forum that swear to the fact that Low SHBG guys get no benefits from TRT and they haven't been able to cure their ED, build muscle, or lose fat in years of TRT with "good" numbers. I have seen progress in the gym and on my waist line since starting TRT and I do feel better mentally now than I did before I started. I just wish I could conquer this ED problem. E2 and prolactin are in the sweet spots and I use Cialis daily...but I am still not right in that department.

[Dj Screw]

Are you supplementing with anything else? My libido and ED was really crappy until I asked to add HCG at 250 iu x2 / week. I am now waking up with morning wood everyday and feel fantastic mentally. There are a few other supplements to back back fill the pathways but I haven't tried them yet as my doctor is still trying to dial me in and I don't want to throw off the labs. Look under the HCG sticky up top. I also added vitamin do 5000 iu a day with a heavy meal. Kelkel is really informative on all the TRT and supplements ando I picked it up from his suggestions.

Yes, I have been using HCG since the begining.

[kelkel]

Ok, well that is a relief. There are a few people on another forum that swear to the fact that Low SHBG guys get no benefits from TRT and they haven't been able to cure their ED, build muscle, or lose fat in years of TRT with "good" numbers. I have seen progress in the gym and on my waist line since starting TRT and I do feel better mentally now than I did before I started. I just wish I could conquer this ED problem. E2 and prolactin are in the sweet spots and I use Cialis daily...but I am still not right in that department.

Well, they're uninformed to be blunt. Consider dropping your dose back a bit like Chauffeur mentioned. More isn't always better with TRT and you may see a difference. That or possibly try daily low dose HCG at 100 IU's per day. If you don't want every day then adjust your dose and go EOD. See if it helps.