Any Advice on How to Boost T/free t? high shbg - labwork included

[mrmagoo2010]

Hi All,

Had bloods done last week, didnt workout for like 2 weeks beforehand, wanted a good base. I see that my shbg is high, my free test is virtually in toilet and my testosterone is only 550, any ways you guys can advise I boost it? I'm 28 years old, 154lbs, not much bodyfat

I'm not on trt, never done any cycles of steroids, period of stress a few years ago though..

FSH 5.3 [1.5-12.4] N
LH 6.4 [1.7-8.6] N
TESTOSTERONE 18.7 [7.6-31.4] N
SHBG 48 [11-52] N
Testosterone/SHBG Ratio 39.0 [24-104] N
Prolactin 343 [86-324] H
17-Beta OESTRADIOL 72 [44-156] N

Thyroglobulin Antibody 13.4 [0-115] N
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies 10.5 [0-34] N
T4 134 [59-154] N
TSH 4.11 [0.27-4.2] N
FREE T4 17.5 [12.0-22.0] N
FREE T3 6.3 [3.1-6.8] N

IRON 10.1 [10.6-28.3] L
T.I.B.C 56 [41-77] N
TRANSFERRIN SATURATION 18 [20-55] L
FERRITIN 75 [30-400] N

25 OH Vitamin D 117 [50-200] N
Active B12 57.6 [25.1-165.0] N

HDL CHOLESTEROL 0.8 [0.9-1.5] L
HDL % of total 18 [20-99] L
LDL CHOLESTEROL 2.7 [0-3.0] N
CHOLESTEROL 4.4 [2.3-4.9] N

[mrmagoo2010]

Ok, bump! I have some caber here, is it worth taking 0.5mg per week to lower prolactin levels at least? My doctor appointment isnt for another 3 weeks, and the uk doctors are shit.. one doctor said " prolactin is a stress hormone, it was probably raised because of blood test " so I want to be counter productive

Prolactin 343 [86-324] H

[kelkel]

I doubt you stressed enough to raise your prolactin that high. High prolactin can/will impact T levels. I'd be curious as to why it's so high. Do you have a history of this on BW? If so, I'd get an MRI. If not I'd at least keep an eye on it at your next BW. Your TSH is up there as well although FT3 & 4 look fine. Know that high TSH can eventually suppress T4. It can also slowly impact (lower) iron levels and vice versa. Talk to your doc about this and consider low dose elemental iron.

Add a little more D3 to your protocol as well. It will help to suppress shbg thus elevating free T.

[mrmagoo2010]

I doubt you stressed enough to raise your prolactin that high. High prolactin can/will impact T levels. I'd be curious as to why it's so high. Do you have a history of this on BW? If so, I'd get an MRI. If not I'd at least keep an eye on it at your next BW. Your TSH is up there as well although FT3 & 4 look fine. Know that high TSH can eventually suppress T4. It can also slowly impact (lower) iron levels and vice versa. Talk to your doc about this and consider low dose elemental iron.

Add a little more D3 to your protocol as well. It will help to suppress shbg thus elevating free T.

Thanks for response. This is the first time I have ever done a prolactin test, so it might of been raised all along. I've never took anything that can directly raise prolactin, although I have been taking herbal supplements to increase dopamine before this test, dopa mucuriens/tyrosine, so perhaps before this test my prolactin might of been higher!

My next step is a 4 point cortisol test and food allergy, liver is fine so no idea what is raising SHBG. anyone had any success using proviron for high shbg?

[kelkel]

Proviron, a DHT, is short term. Work on ways to naturally elevate your endogenous T level which in turn will help to lower your SHBG. Exercise, lifestyle, nutrition, etc. Note: the quickest way to lower shbg is to elevate T.

Danazol is a prescription drug that will lower SHBG but again, it's a temp fix. Look into Vit D3 and maybe stinging nettle root or avenacosides.

Make sure you test again soon for prolactin. If elevated, I'd suggest an MRI.

[mrmagoo2010]

Proviron, a DHT, is short term. Work on ways to naturally elevate your endogenous T level which in turn will help to lower your SHBG. Exercise, lifestyle, nutrition, etc. Note: the quickest way to lower shbg is to elevate T.

Danazol is a prescription drug that will lower SHBG but again, it's a temp fix. Look into Vit D3 and maybe stinging nettle root or avenacosides.

Make sure you test again soon for prolactin. If elevated, I'd suggest an MRI.

Roger that, I had this test a week ago, I will re-test all in one month after iron supplementation. Could lowering my prolactin in theory raise my T? I'm at 550 now I think, which isnt great but isnt enough for T shots.. would a target of 700 be attainable from tweaks do you think?

[mrmagoo2010]

Anything I can tweak in order to raise T? 550 isn't too shabby at the moment, 700 would be good!

[phaedo]

Proviron, a DHT, is short term. Work on ways to naturally elevate your endogenous T level which in turn will help to lower your SHBG. Exercise, lifestyle, nutrition, etc. Note: the quickest way to lower shbg is to elevate T.

Danazol is a prescription drug that will lower SHBG but again, it's a temp fix. Look into Vit D3 and maybe stinging nettle root or avenacosides.

Make sure you test again soon for prolactin. If elevated, I'd suggest an MRI.

Agree with kelkel; a good diet and exercise (moderate in frequency... over-training will have disastrous effects on your hormones) are key to naturally high T-levels. Eat healthy, exercise, get good rest, avoid stress, and 8-hours of restful sleep is cliche, but good reason so!

I would supplement with vitamin D3 (dependent on how much sun you get) and Stinging Nettle Root (~300-500 mg every morning would suffice). Also, a quality multi-vitamin and B-complex couldn't hurt.

Your thyroid looks good, which is a huge plus. Do you experience any fatigue or hypoglycemic symptoms during exercise or periods of physical intensity? I ask, as adrenals are largely forgotten and their impact on hormones.

And lastly, I would recommend another prolactin test, as heightened levels are a marker for pituitary tumor(s) or abnormally that needs to be addressed. This may be embarrassing to answer (and ask lol), but do you have gynecomastia ("man boobs" or glandular tissue underneath your nipples) either from puberty or other means? Do you ever experience galactorrhea, or lactating (anything from a clear, watery substance or milky fluid produced from your nipples?)

[mrmagoo2010]

Agree with kelkel; a good diet and exercise (moderate in frequency... over-training will have disastrous effects on your hormones) are key to naturally high T-levels. Eat healthy, exercise, get good rest, avoid stress, and 8-hours of restful sleep is cliche, but good reason so!

I would supplement with vitamin D3 (dependent on how much sun you get) and Stinging Nettle Root (~300-500 mg every morning would suffice). Also, a quality multi-vitamin and B-complex couldn't hurt.

Your thyroid looks good, which is a huge plus. Do you experience any fatigue or hypoglycemic symptoms during exercise or periods of physical intensity? I ask, as adrenals are largely forgotten and their impact on hormones.

And lastly, I would recommend another prolactin test, as heightened levels are a marker for pituitary tumor(s) or abnormally that needs to be addressed. This may be embarrassing to answer (and ask lol), but do you have gynecomastia ("man boobs" or glandular tissue underneath your nipples) either from puberty or other means? Do you ever experience galactorrhea, or lactating (anything from a clear, watery substance or milky fluid produced from your nipples?)

Do you think my Vit-D is low still? Yes I do experience fatigue with excercises, so I will be getting an adrenal test done ( saliva )

Regarding Gyno, no irregularities but I do have some nippes/pecs which sometimes can sore, which radiate towards the armpit

[thisAngelBites]

I'd agree that you T3 and T4 look good, but they look good because your pituitary is really pushing your thyroid to make more. If I were you I would keep an eye on it (if it were me I would check it every six months unless I was feeling absolutely fine, then yearly). Others may disagree with me here, but even though your antibodies are fairly low they are not what I would say is a desirable normal low level. Antibodies tests are not perfect, and also antibodies wax and wane from day to day. When I have seen people with these sorts of values in the past, they have fairly consistently risen over time. They are a sign of an autoimmune reaction and although I wouldn't worry, I would be aware and would also continue to watch these.

Selenium sometimes helps to suppress TPO antibodies and many people are deficient since soils in so many parts of the world are now deficient (including the UK where I see you are from). My levels were low, and I started throwing a couple of brazil nuts in my protein shakes a few times a week and now my levels are great, FYI.

[phaedo]

Do you think my Vit-D is low still? Yes I do experience fatigue with excercises, so I will be getting an adrenal test done ( saliva )

Regarding Gyno, no irregularities but I do have some nippes/pecs which sometimes can sore, which radiate towards the armpit

Vitamin D is trending on the low side. I would try 4,000 IU everyday and re-check in four weeks. And good idea about the diurnal cortisol test. I'd also recommend a cosyntropin stimulation test (ACTH), if your insurance can cover it.

I'm unsure about the radiating chest pain. Gynecomastia is more acute, and akin to an aching or burning sensation.

I'd agree that you T3 and T4 look good, but they look good because your pituitary is really pushing your thyroid to make more. If I were you I would keep an eye on it (if it were me I would check it every six months unless I was feeling absolutely fine, then yearly). Others may disagree with me here, but even though your antibodies are fairly low they are not what I would say is a desirable normal low level. Antibodies tests are not perfect, and also antibodies wax and wane from day to day. When I have seen people with these sorts of values in the past, they have fairly consistently risen over time. They are a sign of an autoimmune reaction and although I wouldn't worry, I would be aware and would also continue to watch these.

Selenium sometimes helps to suppress TPO antibodies and many people are deficient since soils in so many parts of the world are now deficient (including the UK where I see you are from). My levels were low, and I started throwing a couple of brazil nuts in my protein shakes a few times a week and now my levels are great, FYI.

^ definitely agree with this advice.

Lastly, if you can get over zealous with blood labs, I'd ask for a RT3 test, since your TSH is high-normal. Most medical professionals find the test a tad hokey - the liver processes the T3 hormone in sporadic, inconsistent levels throughout the day, so it's tough to draw conclusions from a single draw. It's shaky evidence, but nonetheless, it still can contribute to the overall picture of your health.

[mrmagoo2010]

Vitamin D is trending on the low side. I would try 4,000 IU everyday and re-check in four weeks. And good idea about the diurnal cortisol test. I'd also recommend a cosyntropin stimulation test (ACTH), if your insurance can cover it.

I'm unsure about the radiating chest pain. Gynecomastia is more acute, and akin to an aching or burning sensation.



^ definitely agree with this advice.

Lastly, if you can get over zealous with blood labs, I'd ask for a RT3 test, since your TSH is high-normal. Most medical professionals find the test a tad hokey - the liver processes the T3 hormone in sporadic, inconsistent levels throughout the day, so it's tough to draw conclusions from a single draw. It's shaky evidence, but nonetheless, it still can contribute to the overall picture of your health.

I have been taking 5000iu for a year now, so will keep the dose, or can I increase it you think? I don't wanna over do it

I can get the RT3 test , should I get tsh etc done again the same time as rt3, or would a single snapshot of rt3 suffice? any others you'd suggest? I'm thinking maybe DHT, pregnelone, progesterone once the cortisol test comes back

[phaedo]

I have been taking 5000iu for a year now, so will keep the dose, or can I increase it you think? I don't wanna over do it

I can get the RT3 test yes, any others you'd suggest? I'm thinking maybe DHT, pregnelone, progesterone once the cortisol test comes back

Yeah, I think I'd bump up the Vitamin D. It's hard to over do it (but possible!). Try 8000 IU and re-check. Are you taking any DHEA or pregnenolone supplements?

The additional labs you said would be beneficial, and also DHEA, if that hasn't been mentioned already.

Keep us updated!

[mrmagoo2010]

Yeah, I think I'd bump up the Vitamin D. It's hard to over do it (but possible!). Try 8000 IU and re-check. Are you taking any DHEA or pregnenolone supplements?

The additional labs you said would be beneficial, and also DHEA, if that hasn't been mentioned already.

Keep us updated!

No DHEA or pregnelone supps, I think my cortisol test will confirm what I'm thinking, I went through a period of stress few years ago and maybe havent fully recovered. The DHEA test is included with my cortisol test

[asiandudexxx]

I can get the RT3 test , should I get tsh etc done again the same time as rt3, or would a single snapshot of rt3 suffice? any others you'd suggest? I'm thinking maybe DHT, pregnelone, progesterone once the cortisol test comes back

You should try to get TSH, FT4, & FT3 with your RT3 to get a clear picture. These levels all kind of fluctuate, so taking them together is better.

I've heard (never had this substantiated) that FT3 assays can include RT3 as well, so even though your FT3 is high-normal, your RT3 may still be high.

[dreadnok89]

I used exestamane. My estrogen was awful and it was binding to my Test. I started taking exestamane every other day. My last blood test showed my estrogen at 17 my test at 1227 and my free test at 35.5! Now my blood test prior to this one showed my test at 600 my estrogen at 57 and my free test at 2.2. So doing that for a month doubled my total test and skyrocketed my free test and never crashed my estrogen

[The Deadlifting Dog]

Dreadnok,

Estrogen doesn't bind to testosterone.
Testosterone converts to estrogen.
An AI helps reduce the amount of testosterone that the body converts into estrogen.
I would be careful with your estrogen level because 17 is already lower than the normally stated ideal range of mid 20s.
I would definitely get blood work done again in another month.

[mrmagoo2010]

I got the next bloodtest next week, however, I realise I have some caber here, worth taking 0.25/wk just to lower it kind of? That way, when my next test comes, it will show if lowered prolactin helped my T

[ZenFitness]

I would wait. Change one thing at a time (or as few things as possible) and stay on the new regimen for 4 - 6 weeks between bloodworks. You add/change too much in between and you skew your results. It takes patience.

[mrmagoo2010]

I would wait. Change one thing at a time (or as few things as possible) and stay on the new regimen for 4 - 6 weeks between bloodworks. You add/change too much in between and you skew your results. It takes patience.

at the moment im not changing anything, just waiting on my rt3 bloodtest, so not doing anything at the moment. These tests cost money too

[phaedo]

I got the next bloodtest next week, however, I realise I have some caber here, worth taking 0.25/wk just to lower it kind of? That way, when my next test comes, it will show if lowered prolactin helped my T

No... don't do that lol. You'd be trying to induce a desired outcome instead of finding the actual picture of what's going on. To make an accurate diagnosis, and subsequent treatment, you cannot influence variables and expect a legitimate outcome. It's like trying to find the solution you want and not the solution you need (a phenomenon called confirmation bias).

[mrmagoo2010]

I have my bloodtest on monday for thyroid labs, sex hormone labs again and extras ( rt3, adrenal ) If my shbg comes back high again, well then I'm going to have to take matters into my own hands. I have some proviron here, can anyone tell me what to expect on 50mg day? I'm using it to lower SHBG, it was either that or winstrol.

[xcraider37]

I have my bloodtest on monday for thyroid labs, sex hormone labs again and extras ( rt3, adrenal ) If my shbg comes back high again, well then I'm going to have to take matters into my own hands. I have some proviron here, can anyone tell me what to expect on 50mg day? I'm using it to lower SHBG, it was either that or winstrol.

I may have missed this but what are your symptoms that have you so concerned? I'm a little concerned that you have all these different drugs around the house. What's the real story here?

[mrmagoo2010]

I bought the proviron recently for high SHBG, I had some clomid and got 4 tabs of caber with it, just coincidental that it happened to coincide with high prolactin

symptoms - low libido, no strength, digestion issues, muscle weakness, fatigue at 1pm

[mrmagoo2010]

I have been taking 50mg of proviron a day for 3 weeks to lower shbg, but it has not effected it at all! It has risen, could this indicate androgen insensitivity? I saw a study where they used winstrol to lower it, and when they it didnt lower it, it indicates androgen insensitivity and proviron and winstrol are both classed as shbg lowerers, any ideas? why has my T decreased so much?

here are latest labs
--------------------------
TESTOSTERONE - 15.8 [ 7.6 - 31.4 ]
SHBG - 60 [ 16 - 55 ]
LH - 3.6 [ 1.7 - 8.6 ]
FSH - 4.1 [ 3.1 - 6.8 ]
Prolactin - 17 [ 86 - 324 ]


Here are labs just before xmas ( before proviron + caber )

TSH - 6.33 [ 0.27 - 4.2 ]
FT4 - 19.5 [ 12 - 22 ]
FT3 - 6.2 [ 3.1 - 6.8 ]
PROGESTERONE - 3.1 [ 0.7 - 4.3 ]

TESTOSTERONE - 22.7 [ 7.6 - 31.4 ]
LH - 5.4 [ 1.7 - 8.6 ]
FSH - 4.7 [ 1.5 - 12.4 ]
SHBG - 55 [ 16 - 55 ]
17-Beta OESTRADIOL - 49 [ 44 - 156 ]
PROLACTIN - 384 [ 86 - 324 ]

[qscgugcsq]

Caber did his job and you seem a little bit shutdowned...

I had the same issue(high SHBG) vitamin D3 helped me alot.
10 000UI daily.

I see an endo next week to see where I stand now.

good luck

[kelkel]

You need to look further into your thyroid as the cause for your high shbg.

[MArz123]

I bought the proviron recently for high SHBG, I had some clomid and got 4 tabs of caber with it, just coincidental that it happened to coincide with high prolactin symptoms - low libido, no strength, digestion issues, muscle weakness, fatigue at 1pm

the symptoms you describe are probably a result of have such low estrogen, you said it was at 17...sounds like you have crashed bro!

[mrmagoo2010]

the symptoms you describe are probably a result of have such low estrogen, you said it was at 17...sounds like you have crashed bro!

17-Beta OESTRADIOL - 49 [ 44 - 156 ]

seems okay to me, but that was before proviron, you think proviron can crash E further?

[mrmagoo2010]

You need to look further into your thyroid as the cause for your high shbg.

got rt3/cortisol test coming, should help as ft3/ft4 numbers perfect

[mrmagoo2010]

Caber did his job and you seem a little bit shutdowned...

I had the same issue(high SHBG) vitamin D3 helped me alot.
10 000UI daily.

I see an endo next week to see where I stand now.

good luck

I take 10,000 IU daily

you think proviron shut me down at 50mg a day for 2 weeks? kind of strange