Off TRT 3 months - increased SHBG

**pkp382** · 08-13-2015, 12:43 PM

Hello

I was on TRT off and on for 5 years and thought I would give it a shot being off 1 last time. All was well for the first 10 weeks, but then I noticed the old symptoms coming back. Got my 12 week blood work done, and total test, E2, LH, etc all was good. However, there was a spike in SHBG that brought down my free T significantly.

Is this common when coming off TRT? At 6 weeks, labs were fine, including SHBG, but at 12 it went worse. Any idea why the sudden spike in SHBG? It's giving me low T symptoms even though I have "normal" T.

Even though my 12 week SHBG is still normal, it went up 50% in 6 weeks, and cut my free T by 1/3. I was fairly content with post-TRT until about 10 weeks, and had rebounded nicely with all values, except the SHBG and its effects on free T.

Does anyone have any idea why this occurred now that I have gone natural for 12 weeks? Is it related to TRT at all? Any ideas how to lower it?

While on TRT I averaged about 450 total and 70 free, so the natural values aren't that different.

12 week labs

Bio 101 (110-575)
Free 49.4 (46-224)
Total 414 (250-1100)
Total E 94 (<130)
E2 19 (<40)
Albinum 4.5 (3.6-5.1)
SHBG 37 (10-50)
Fh 4.0 (1.6-8)
LH 5.6 (1.5-9.3)

6 week labs

Free 72 (same)
Total 401 (same)
SHBG 25 (same)

**pkp382** · 08-14-2015, 09:20 AM

Hate to bump town thread, but once again: does anyone know if a significant increase in SHBG is common when transitioning fromTRT (1 tube of testim)? I can't think of any diet or lifestyle changes that may otherwise impact the situation.

Many thanks to anyone who can offer info on if this is a standard body reaction or not.

**The Deadlifting Dog** · 08-14-2015, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by pkp382

Hate to bump town thread, but once again: does anyone know if a significant increase in SHBG is common when transitioning fromTRT (1 tube of testim)? I can't think of any diet or lifestyle changes that may otherwise impact the situation. Many thanks to anyone who can offer info on if this is a standard body reaction or not.

Here is the question...
When you tested your testosterone levels while on testim, did you get get bloodwork done after applying or the next morning?
When you tested your testosterone levels while not on testim, when did you get your bloodwork done?

The reason I ask is that higher levels of testosterone generally decrease SHBG.
You may of actually had much higher levels of testosterone levels while on testim than while not on.
It depends on when you got your bloodwork done.

**pkp382** · 08-14-2015, 10:25 AM

Thank you for the reply. On testim I would get it drawn about 10 am, because I would apply it at about 7, giving it a few hours to settle in.

Not on testim is usually done about 8 am.

Side note, I had values ranging from 400 to 750 while on testim and the SHBG was always 22-26. So even at higher levels it was somewhat constant

**DudeHere** · 08-17-2015, 07:01 PM

Where was your SHBG level before you started TRT? You might just be returning back to your pre-TRT level, which your body should gravitate back towards, without the exogenous testosterone in play.

**kelkel** · 08-17-2015, 07:50 PM

Quickest way to decrease shbg is to add test.
Quickest way to increase shbg is to remove test.
Know that shbg normally rises with age as well.
SHBG and estrogen tend to follow each other, so keep an eye on things.
Slightly elevated SHBG is better than low SHBG overall.
Optimizing your vit D level can help reduce it thus allowing more free testosterone .

**pkp382** · 08-18-2015, 06:55 AM

My SHBG was always in the low to mid 20s, even before TRT. Regardless, I would think it would stay somewhat constant since I am now naturally producing levels comparable (414) to what I had while on TRT. Certainly not a 6 week spike of 50% SHBG while total t level was constant (401). That would make sense I think, if I was used to 700-800 before, but that's not the case.

I had read that about E2 also. I had issues with that in the past, but now it is at an optimal level (19) while the SHBG has shot up. That's what makes this so bizarre. Going off TRT, all values are In line, except free/SHBG.

The only thing I can think of is my ALT (39, range 10-49) has also risen recently. While still in range, maybe an indicator of an emerging issue with the liver affecting SHGB. I'm going to buy an OTC liver cleanser today to address this.

I just want to make sure this isn't an attempt by the body to "regulate" activity, seeing too much "natural" t. Now that I have natural t again, my HPTA axis is working, I'm concerned the increase in SHBG is the way the body is controlling what's available, as opposed to the t levels themselves determining homeostatis, if that makes any sense.

**Low Testosterone** · 08-18-2015, 10:05 AM

What kelkel said is correct.
Another important issue in your case is why do you keep starting and stopping TRT?

**kelkel** · 08-18-2015, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by Low Testosterone

What kelkel said is correct.
Another important issue in your case is why do you keep starting and stopping TRT?

Always appreciate a "back-up" from you LT!

**kelkel** · 08-18-2015, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by pkp382

My SHBG was always in the low to mid 20s, even before TRT. Regardless, I would think it would stay somewhat constant since I am now naturally producing levels comparable (414) to what I had while on TRT. Certainly not a 6 week spike of 50% SHBG while total t level was constant (401). That would make sense I think, if I was used to 700-800 before, but that's not the case.

I had read that about E2 also. I had issues with that in the past, but now it is at an optimal level (19) while the SHBG has shot up. That's what makes this so bizarre. Going off TRT, all values are In line, except free/SHBG.

The only thing I can think of is my ALT (39, range 10-49) has also risen recently. While still in range, maybe an indicator of an emerging issue with the liver affecting SHGB. I'm going to buy an OTC liver cleanser today to address this.

I just want to make sure this isn't an attempt by the body to "regulate" activity, seeing too much "natural" t. Now that I have natural t again, my HPTA axis is working, I'm concerned the increase in SHBG is the way the body is controlling what's available, as opposed to the t levels themselves determining homeostatis, if that makes any sense.

Know that ALT, AST, creatinine can all be elevated simply by working out (muscle breakdown) and can remain elevated for a week or so.
I'd recommend NAC for liver support and overall great supplement.
Also remember that our bodies change over time. What works this year may not next year.

**pkp382** · 08-18-2015, 11:30 AM

Low T,

I stopped because no matter what dosage i was taking, it didn't solve my main issues - erectile difficulties and weight loss. It didn't matter what level of t I had (700 in 2012, or 450-500 in 2013-2015 that my endo recommended). All the treatment did for me, seemingly, was add 25 lbs over 5 years that I can't get rid of. Getting off this was my last shot at normalcy - no matter the dosage, diet, workout, etc - no increased libido, minimal weight loss, minimal morning wood.

**pkp382** · 08-18-2015, 11:37 AM

Thanks kel kel.

I just bought liver x, which contains milk thistle and NAC. I'm also going to 86 the liquids for awhile - need to led the liver breathe.

I'm really hoping it's just a liver-related issue. There just doesn't seem to be any other explanation when t has been constant for over a year (HRT and normal) and e2 is lower than its ever been. And to boot, I felt fine after stopping (no crash), and for the first 10 weeks clean, prior to this.

My sincere thanks to all who respond to this. Please keep the feedback coming if applicable.

**Low Testosterone** · 08-18-2015, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by pkp382

Low T,

I stopped because no matter what dosage i was taking, it didn't solve my main issues - erectile difficulties and weight loss. It didn't matter what level of t I had (700 in 2012, or 450-500 in 2013-2015 that my endo recommended). All the treatment did for me, seemingly, was add 25 lbs over 5 years that I can't get rid of. Getting off this was my last shot at normalcy - no matter the dosage, diet, workout, etc - no increased libido, minimal weight loss, minimal morning wood.

I understand, but keep in mind even if you correct your testosterone levels are perfect you can still have other issues going on inside you. If your test levels were good but you have a blood flow issue, you're going to have ED. If your test levels are good but your E2 is too low, you're going to have ED issues. A lot of men tend to want TRT to fix the issue(s) but the truth is it may be only one of two or three things that need to happen to fix whatever issues you have going on. And for some reason this is very hard for most men to accept, partly because of the way TRT is advertised. Think about it, you go to the doctor and find out you have diabetes and he prescribes you insulin , you also find out you have high BP. Most people will have no issue accepting that they have two different issues going on and will work with treatment to address both issues, but with TRT most want it to be a on stop fix all solution. Just something to keep in mind, TRT isn't that different than a lot of things, it's just one of many things.

The weight issue, TRT can't make you lose weight - big misconception, again due to advertising. But low levels can definitely make fat loss extremely difficult to near impossible.

**kelkel** · 08-18-2015, 11:58 AM

What has been your experience with cialis or viagra?
Do some research on Tri-Mix as well.

**pkp382** · 08-18-2015, 12:14 PM

I take C 5 mg daily, and its effect is marginal. No GF Now, so it's just me and videos (not trying to sound crude here), and I am nowhere near full mass, but able to function, if u want to call it that

When I had the GF awhile back, V 100 was hit and miss.

Incidentally, I had the Doppler done to check out blood flow, and mechanically, all is fine. No psychological issues either - there is no pressure, especially when I'm by myself, but not great results.

For what it's worth, a month ago, I was getting about 80% response, to the point where I figured taking a V 100 would make me whole so to speak. Now, not so much.

As for the weight, the last 5 weeks I've been doing full body workouts at title boxing club, sweating like a hog and have lost a minimal (though some) fat. It's a good, thorough workout, and I can keep up fairly well, but the lack of free t is keeping me from getting the gains I need.

These recent problems started once I got back in the gym, but that's likely a coincidence I'm guessing.