18 year old male low total T but very high free T (I am abnormal)

**lion12** · 12-12-2012, 04:43 PM

So I went to my endo had my blood tests run and just like the last few times it came back as 200 (last time it was a bit lower. ) But here is the thing my % free was tested as well this time and it came back at the upper part of the range. from a range of 2.0 or 2.2? (idr) to a 3.2 it came back as a 3.2. Here is the interesting part, my SHBG came back lower than the range by a point or two. So according to the endo my T levels are normal but because of my low SHBG, my total t came back so low. I do not know what importance SHBG hold but he thinks the problem is simply genetic, some men are born to not produce much SHBG. Also my trigylcirdes and bad cholesterol came back a lil higher than norm, so I will work on fixing that, I don't know the cause and effect of that with SHBG.

So what do you guys think? Should I do something about it or should I live with my low total T/low shbg?

**kelkel** · 12-12-2012, 06:15 PM

You should find a competent doctor who will investigate the cause of your low T. You should not be that low. If you have complete BW with ranges please post it so we can all take a look.

Your endo is a retard. SHBG does bind testosterone but low shbg means your not binding much at all, hence the higher free T even with lower total T. High shbg would mean you have binding issues. And yes, some people do have inherent lower shbg values. BTW, having the title endo does not mean they know hormones and it really sounds like he's just placating you to cover his ineptitude.

Your issue can be caused by any number of things such as hypothyroid, cortisol, testicular issues, pathologies and the list goes on. Post up your BW with ranges asap. And begin your search for a new, competent doc who will actually investigate this and find the causative factor. Something is not right and it needs to be fixed.

Now, I'm assuming there's no AAS or pro-hormone recent usage, correct?

kel

**Times Roman** · 12-12-2012, 06:45 PM

free t is what is available. if you have high free t, then no need adding more

**kelkel** · 12-12-2012, 08:43 PM

An 18 yr old should be at the top of the chart in total T. Everyone says that free T is the bang for the buck so to speak (I do as well) but there's a lot more to it than just that in reality. In this instance, without more info from the op, having a high free T level and such a low TT level can indicate insulin or thyroid issues. So basically there needs to be a balance with both free and total T otherwise, as in this case, I think there's an underlying issue that needs addressing, IMO.

kel

**lion12** · 12-12-2012, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by kelkel

An 18 yr old should be at the top of the chart in total T. Everyone says that free T is the bang for the buck so to speak (I do as well) but there's a lot more to it than just that in reality. In this instance, without more info from the op, having a high free T level and such a low TT level can indicate insulin or thyroid issues. So basically there needs to be a balance with both free and total T otherwise, as in this case, I think there's an underlying issue that needs addressing, IMO.

kel

I don't know what else I can provide, yeah my bad cholesterol and tryglycerides are a bit over the limit and I could lose a bit of weight (I am not fat) and if I follow a stricter diet with less sugary foods I can probably raise my SHBG. Oh yea I forgot to mention my thyroids all check out. So I am going to go with it might be a genetic issue, the question is, is it bad, ignoring the potential diabities, to have low SHBG?

**steroid.com 1** · 12-13-2012, 01:17 AM

Originally Posted by Times Roman

free t is what is available. if you have high free t, then no need adding more

TR - There's a direct correlation between Total Serum Levels and Percent Free.

In other words, if his total was say 900 and he had the same percent Free that's one thing and normally ideal.

However, in his case, his total androgen levels are very low but his Percent Free appears ok...but one needs to look at the ratio between the two.

If his Testosterone Total Serum level is almost tanked and he presents with a higher Free assay it doesn't mean his Free assay is ok..it's still most likely low but the ratio looks okay...but his free serum level it's not.

**endo518** · 12-13-2012, 03:32 AM

Post up any blood work you've done. Oftentimes you can be "normal" but not optimal. What are your symptoms?

**zaggahamma** · 12-13-2012, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by kelkel

You should find a competent doctor who will investigate the cause of your low T. You should not be that low. If you have complete BW with ranges please post it so we can all take a look.

Your endo is a retard. SHBG does bind testosterone but low shbg means your not binding much at all, hence the higher free T even with lower total T. High shbg would mean you have binding issues. And yes, some people do have inherent lower shbg values. BTW, having the title endo does not mean they know hormones and it really sounds like he's just placating you to cover his ineptitude.

Your issue can be caused by any number of things such as hypothyroid, cortisol, testicular issues, pathologies and the list goes on. Post up your BW with ranges asap. And begin your search for a new, competent doc who will actually investigate this and find the causative factor. Something is not right and it needs to be fixed.

Now, I'm assuming there's no AAS or pro-hormone recent usage, correct?

kel

kel,
when u say this do u mean that a patient cant be born low and need trt?

**kelkel** · 12-13-2012, 10:27 AM

Not at all. There can be abnormalities but that is why he needs an astute doc to figure this out. He's 18 with a lot of time in front of him and I'd hate to see him jump into something prematurely.

**zaggahamma** · 12-13-2012, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by kelkel

Not at all. There can be abnormalities but that is why he needs an astute doc to figure this out. He's 18 with a lot of time in front of him and I'd hate to see him jump into something prematurely.

i agree

i just never really found out that answer whether someone in his age bracket could be JUST born that way...as some of us even ponder (theres a few on the board) that wonder how long we have been low, etc.

**steroid.com 1** · 12-13-2012, 04:33 PM

^^^^Look whose back...good to see you bro!

You look killer in your avi man, glade to see you healthy

BTW, there are many genetic disorders that can cause a man to be primary from birth just won't be see when they don't hit puberty on time and correctly.