No libido, Low SHBG levels. Need some serious help..

Anyone here really educated with SHBG? I can't find any answers to this online or anywhere..I need some serious help..

Can SHBG levels affect libido and feeling the effects of testosterone?
My SHBG levels are low (7.3 on a range of 16-55). I blast and cruise but my shbg levels are low whether on a blast or cruise no matter what compounds I am using. (Main compounds I have been using are test and tren if that matters).

Everything else I tested for in my bloods (which includes free and total test, estrogen, prolactin, CBC, CMP, Lipids/Cholesterol, am I missing anything?) are in range. So they aren't the culprits.

I have been having low libido for several months now. I also don't "feel" the effects of testosterone. I never did...I get physical results (more muscle and strength) but I don't get any extra energy, higher libido, focus, or overall good feeling like most people claim they do when on high levels of test. Whether I'm at 5000 total test, or 500 total test, I feel the same exact. In fact I would never be able to tell I had high levels of testosterone unless I took a blood test.

So my question is, are my low levels SHBG responsible for my libido and non-feelings of extra test? If so, what can I do about it?

And should I see a doctor about this? This low libido is really making my life terrible and depressed.. I just want it back.

Appreciate any help guys... Thank you

Problem with low SHBG is fast surges and dip in levels, estrogen will ramp up also and negate the effects of T.

Have you ever used an AI? What protocol(s) have you been on? I doubt your estrogen will be in range while total T is 5000 ng/dl.

Have you considered smaller, dally injections?

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Originally Posted by bizzarro

Problem with low SHBG is fast surges and dip in levels, estrogen will ramp up also and negate the effects of T.

Have you ever used an AI? What protocol(s) have you been on? I doubt your estrogen will be in range while total T is 5000 ng/dl.

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Yes of course I use an AI. .5mg of arimidex twice a week. Keeps my estrogen around 35 with my test levels being around 4000.

So my estrogen is in a pretty good range.

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Originally Posted by kelkel

Have you considered smaller, dally injections?

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I have possibly heard of that but no solid proof that it does anything.

How exactly will that help? And I take Test E 250mg twice a week. So you're saying I should do about 70mg of test e per day?

Would that actually help? Can anyone confirm this?

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Originally Posted by craftspace2345

Yes of course I use an AI. .5mg of arimidex twice a week. Keeps my estrogen around 35 with my test levels being around 4000.

So my estrogen is in a pretty good range.



I have possibly heard of that but no solid proof that it does anything.

How exactly will that help? And I take Test E 250mg twice a week. So you're saying I should do about 70mg of test e per day?

Would that actually help? Can anyone confirm this?

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I can confirm that kel knows what he is talking about. The issue with some of these obscure problems related to hormones and treatment is many - medical science hasn't given a lot of attention to hormonal issues, there just isn't a lot of research out there that offered specific information for every little issue, etc. Therefore much of it comes down to judgment by intelligent people who often know more about AAS, ancillaries, PCT and hormonal issues than doctors and researchers...so I would suggest giving it a try. What can it hurt? It certainly won't make matters worse. Then you can confirm it yourself, yay or nay while you continue to explore the issue...

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Originally Posted by craftspace2345

I have possibly heard of that but no solid proof that it does anything.

How exactly will that help? And I take Test E 250mg twice a week. So you're saying I should do about 70mg of test e per day?

Would that actually help? Can anyone confirm this?

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In theory if you're a hyperexcreter (or close to it) you may be burning through your test far more rapidly than most. Low shbg "can" be somewhat indicative of this as you're simply not storing hormones like normal. Like TR said, it's worth a try to see if it makes any sort of difference for you. I'd be interested in hearing your results.

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Originally Posted by TrailRunAZ

I can confirm that kel knows what he is talking about. The issue with some of these obscure problems related to hormones and treatment is many - medical science hasn't given a lot of attention to hormonal issues, there just isn't a lot of research out there that offered specific information for every little issue, etc. Therefore much of it comes down to judgment by intelligent people who often know more about AAS, ancillaries, PCT and hormonal issues than doctors and researchers...so I would suggest giving it a try. What can it hurt? It certainly won't make matters worse. Then you can confirm it yourself, yay or nay while you continue to explore the issue...

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Okay I will def give it a try thank you.

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Originally Posted by kelkel

In theory if you're a hyperexcreter (or close to it) you may be burning through your test far more rapidly than most. Low shbg "can" be somewhat indicative of this as you're simply not storing hormones like normal. Like TR said, it's worth a try to see if it makes any sort of difference for you. I'd be interested in hearing your results.

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What exactly is a hyperexcreter? And what are signs of one? Can I still be a considered a hyperexcreter even though my total test levels show nearly 4000 (Confirmed from a recent blood test) at 250mg test e twice per week?

But yes I will give it a try. I will go with daily injections. Will Test E be okay to do this with? Or must it be Test P? If Test E will be okay to do ED, then I should be doing about roughly 70mg Test E ED correct? (If my goal is 500mg test e per week that is)

And you probably don't know but I'm going to ask anyways, how long do you think it will take before I start noticing a difference? Being that it is Test E I will be using. (If it does end up making some sort of difference that is)

And Finally, if this doesn't fix my problem, do you have any other suggestions for me? Should I see a doctor about this? This low libido is really making my life terrible and depressed.. I just want it back.

Thank you for the help guys. I appreciate it.

Hyper-excreters metabolize test at a much more rapid rate than normal. If you're testing at a 4000 TT level (which is quite impressive) then it's probably doubtful that you are.

Lets back track a bit as I think we lost the main point which was your libido if I'm correct. It really doesn't matter that your T level is regarding libido. Just having a higher T level (even an exponentially higher one) doesn't necessarily equate to an improved libido. Initially when guys start cycles, particularly their first few cycles, their dopamine / seratonin levels ramp up and they get more of a euphoric feeling and enhanced libido. Out bodies are unique though and will search for and find homeostatis even at elevated levels. Meaning those feeling calm down and don't remain at a heightened state. I've found over decades of cycles of my own as well as too many discussions with others to count, that the initial euphoric feelings diminish in later cycles or don't appear at all.

For some a cycle throws off their hormonal balance and certain aspects can suffer, even though E2 may be controlled and other BW is in order. We are human. You comment your low libido is "making life terrible." Do things work when needed? As that's the real question. If so then you really have no issue as cycles effect guys differently. You can also try low dose daily cialis to improve blood flow. Cialis is one of the healthiest things a man can take, right up there with Vit D.

In retrospect, if you're otherwise making gains then I would not change your protocol. Find a way to deal with it. Cialis, Viagra (Cialis is better imho) Tri-Mix, etc. Even PT-141 (available peptide) works well as an aphrodisiac.

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Originally Posted by kelkel

Hyper-excreters metabolize test at a much more rapid rate than normal. If you're testing at a 4000 TT level (which is quite impressive) then it's probably doubtful that you are.

Lets back track a bit as I think we lost the main point which was your libido if I'm correct. It really doesn't matter that your T level is regarding libido. Just having a higher T level (even an exponentially higher one) doesn't necessarily equate to an improved libido. Initially when guys start cycles, particularly their first few cycles, their dopamine / seratonin levels ramp up and they get more of a euphoric feeling and enhanced libido. Out bodies are unique though and will search for and find homeostatis even at elevated levels. Meaning those feeling calm down and don't remain at a heightened state. I've found over decades of cycles of my own as well as too many discussions with others to count, that the initial euphoric feelings diminish in later cycles or don't appear at all.

For some a cycle throws off their hormonal balance and certain aspects can suffer, even though E2 may be controlled and other BW is in order. We are human. You comment your low libido is "making life terrible." Do things work when needed? As that's the real question. If so then you really have no issue as cycles effect guys differently. You can also try low dose daily cialis to improve blood flow. Cialis is one of the healthiest things a man can take, right up there with Vit D.

In retrospect, if you're otherwise making gains then I would not change your protocol. Find a way to deal with it. Cialis, Viagra (Cialis is better imho) Tri-Mix, etc. Even PT-141 (available peptide) works well as an aphrodisiac.

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Things don't work when I need them to... That's the problem. It sucks when I have a girl who wants to get with me but I have to push her off because I can't get an erection... So yes this is a big problem for me and it really is making me depressed.

Also, viagra and cialis don't do anything for me. I've tried them and all I get is headaches from them.

So should I give daily injectjons a try? Or what else can I do? I'm out of ideas and hope..

I second that low SHBG can cause the issues you stated. I am going through this now, though not to the extreme you are. My lvl is 15 (10-50).
I have a doc appt tomorrow and am going to ask about switching to 2x/wk and take it from there.
I don't believe there is much you can do for low SHBG except supplementing with DHEA but that could also raise DHT and E2.
Actually, did you get DHT tested? If this is low, it could also cause these symptoms.

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Originally Posted by craftspace2345

Things don't work when I need them to... That's the problem. It sucks when I have a girl who wants to get with me but I have to push her off because I can't get an erection... So yes this is a big problem for me and it really is making me depressed.

Also, viagra and cialis don't do anything for me. I've tried them and all I get is headaches from them.

So should I give daily injectjons a try? Or what else can I do? I'm out of ideas and hope..

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Well, if both cialis and viagra don't help then Tri Mix would be your option. If you can handle a small injection in your johnson. It's popular in the adult film industry and normally will bring the dead back to life. Do some research on it.

There are so many things that can effect libido with the number one item being your mind. If you talk yourself into having an issue you will have one. Assuming BW rules out high or low E and elevated prolactin, and you believe low shbg is impacting your libido then I'd stop your current cycle asap. Reason is one of the quickest ways to lower shbg is to add testosterone. So when you go on cycle and consistently inject T you are also suppressing shbg.

I wish there was a way to pinpoint exactly what the causative factor is but with libido it's not always evident.

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Originally Posted by ZoomyR6

I second that low SHBG can cause the issues you stated. I am going through this now, though not to the extreme you are. My lvl is 15 (10-50).
I have a doc appt tomorrow and am going to ask about switching to 2x/wk and take it from there.
I don't believe there is much you can do for low SHBG except supplementing with DHEA but that could also raise DHT and E2.
Actually, did you get DHT tested? If this is low, it could also cause these symptoms.

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Wait, have you been running like TRT at once a week? So you're trying to go for twice a week now for more stable blood levels?

I actually have not gotten my DHT tested or my thyroid. I forgot to get those tested. I will be getting these tested and will come back and post my results on here.

I really hope one of them is out of range... That way I have an explanation for my libido issue.

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Originally Posted by kelkel

Well, if both cialis and viagra don't help then Tri Mix would be your option. If you can handle a small injection in your johnson. It's popular in the adult film industry and normally will bring the dead back to life. Do some research on it.

There are so many things that can effect libido with the number one item being your mind. If you talk yourself into having an issue you will have one. Assuming BW rules out high or low E and elevated prolactin, and you believe low shbg is impacting your libido then I'd stop your current cycle asap. Reason is one of the quickest ways to lower shbg is to add testosterone. So when you go on cycle and consistently inject T you are also suppressing shbg.

I wish there was a way to pinpoint exactly what the causative factor is but with libido it's not always evident.

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Oh god, injecting into my Johnson? Sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen lol. I'll look more info on it but not sure if I'm man enough to do such a thing..

Also, I blast and cruise so I really can't stop. I can go down to TRT levels but that's it.

I want to give my doc a visit but just don't want them to find out I am on AAS.

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Originally Posted by craftspace2345

Wait, have you been running like TRT at once a week? So you're trying to go for twice a week now for more stable blood levels?

I actually have not gotten my DHT tested or my thyroid. I forgot to get those tested. I will be getting these tested and will come back and post my results on here.

I really hope one of them is out of range... That way I have an explanation for my libido issue.

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Yes, 100mg/wk. More frequent injections help raise SHBG. ED is ideal but thats my last resort. I will probably start 2x/wk next week.
Low DHT is also known to cause your issues. I have that as well. Frequent injections help raise SHBG and in turn, DHT. Try and get your DHT tested if it isn't an inconvenience before changing anything.
Have you had any issues with hair loss, oily skin, acne, etc?

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Originally Posted by craftspace2345

Oh god, injecting into my Johnson? Sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen lol. I'll look more info on it but not sure if I'm man enough to do such a thing..

Also, I blast and cruise so I really can't stop. I can go down to TRT levels but that's it.

I want to give my doc a visit but just don't want them to find out I am on AAS.

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It's painless. Blasting and cruising could have caused this problem. Your body needs time to fine homeostasis. Particularly your CNS. You may be your own worst enemy here. And no, you don't want your doc finding out. Another reason to come off, pct and after a period of time see your doc for BW. Maybe it's time for TRT anyway at this point. You'll survive being off a while. Unless your making money from this somehow you'll live with a little less size for a while.

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Originally Posted by ZoomyR6

Yes, 100mg/wk. More frequent injections help raise SHBG. ED is ideal but thats my last resort. I will probably start 2x/wk next week.
Low DHT is also known to cause your issues. I have that as well. Frequent injections help raise SHBG and in turn, DHT. Try and get your DHT tested if it isn't an inconvenience before changing anything.
Have you had any issues with hair loss, oily skin, acne, etc?

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I've seen that theory go both ways, from top docs in the industry. Some say one larger shot is preferable as it gives your shbg more time to rise as opposed to being more frqeuently suppressed, others agree with you. Until I see an actual study or repetitive BW from someone I'm on the fence.

You won't believe it kel but I've just upped the Test to 50mg EOD and I'm noticing a surge in libido as well as other signs of androgen activity like increased sebum and oily scalp only on the day after pin, and virtually none of such on pin day. I'm wondering if I should try going ED until I get get my hands on TU, shouldn't be more annoying than EOD.

I've started implementing the liquid arimidex thing and 0.05mg EOD seems to work best with EOD protocol, just 0.025 more and I'd feel run down, not sure if I'm being over responsive to the molecule or just extra sensitive myself, hopefully I should pull bloods next month but you know it's going to be standard E2 assay.

No wonder I never did good with standard dosing of AI.

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Originally Posted by ZoomyR6

Yes, 100mg/wk. More frequent injections help raise SHBG. ED is ideal but thats my last resort. I will probably start 2x/wk next week.
Low DHT is also known to cause your issues. I have that as well. Frequent injections help raise SHBG and in turn, DHT. Try and get your DHT tested if it isn't an inconvenience before changing anything.
Have you had any issues with hair loss, oily skin, acne, etc?

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There's a problem there, higher SHBG will indeed ensure higher DHT levels but it's going to be useless as it bounds thigh to the protein.

Only work around low SHBG (I have that, but it's AAS-induced) is more frequent injections than average.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ZoomyR6

Yes, 100mg/wk. More frequent injections help raise SHBG. ED is ideal but thats my last resort. I will probably start 2x/wk next week.
Low DHT is also known to cause your issues. I have that as well. Frequent injections help raise SHBG and in turn, DHT. Try and get your DHT tested if it isn't an inconvenience before changing anything.
Have you had any issues with hair loss, oily skin, acne, etc?

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Yeah I am getting my DHT as well as my thyroid tested this weekend so I will post results up when I get them.

And no issues with hair skin or acne.

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Originally Posted by kelkel

It's painless. Blasting and cruising could have caused this problem. Your body needs time to fine homeostasis. Particularly your CNS. You may be your own worst enemy here. And no, you don't want your doc finding out. Another reason to come off, pct and after a period of time see your doc for BW. Maybe it's time for TRT anyway at this point. You'll survive being off a while. Unless your making money from this somehow you'll live with a little less size for a while.

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It's too late for me to PCT as this point. I blast and cruise. So why can't I just go on a cruise (aka TRT levels of test) and then go see my doc for bloodwork?

Just because I blast and cruise doesn't mean my libido should be gone though should it? I mean there's got to be something else to it. Otherwise, everyone that blasts and cruises would have no libido.

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Originally Posted by bizzarro

You won't believe it kel but I've just upped the Test to 50mg EOD and I'm noticing a surge in libido as well as other signs of androgen activity like increased sebum and oily scalp only on the day after pin, and virtually none of such on pin day. I'm wondering if I should try going ED until I get get my hands on TU, shouldn't be more annoying than EOD.

I've started implementing the liquid arimidex thing and 0.05mg EOD seems to work best with EOD protocol, just 0.025 more and I'd feel run down, not sure if I'm being over responsive to the molecule or just extra sensitive myself, hopefully I should pull bloods next month but you know it's going to be standard E2 assay.

No wonder I never did good with standard dosing of AI.

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Wait so are you using Test E? Will this work if I do ED injections of Test E? or must it be Test P?

And what was your injection plan like before? Every 3.5 days I'm assuming?

How long did it take for you to notice a change in your libido after switching to EOD?

And what was your standard dosing of AI before this?

Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bizzarro

There's a problem there, higher SHBG will indeed ensure higher DHT levels but it's going to be useless as it bounds thigh to the protein.

Only work around low SHBG (I have that, but it's AAS-induced) is more frequent injections than average.

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So you recommend I do more frequent injections as well correct?

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Originally Posted by craftspace2345

Wait so are you using Test E? Will this work if I do ED injections of Test E? or must it be Test P?

And what was your injection plan like before? Every 3.5 days I'm assuming?

How long did it take for you to notice a change in your libido after switching to EOD?

And what was your standard dosing of AI before this?

Thanks

So you recommend I do more frequent injections as well correct?

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I'm talking Test E, never used P and never will. In fact, I plan to switch to Test-U (nebido/aveed) though on a smaller injection timeframe than advertised, that would be 10-14 weeks that I've already done as directed by endo in the past with very poor results.

Yes I've been doing 2x weekly for quite a while. Had actually high SHBG in the start and that prevented many of the benefits, especially libido. Being unresponsive to anything else I went with oral winstrol (5mg/die ) to dial it down, but it crushed to < 10 nmol/l. That changed the way I responded to Test-E, even 2x weekly pins would set me through palpable peak and valleys in levels, but at least I was feeling something from TRT.

In a attempt to make sides more bearable and AI unrequired, I switched to EOD. Then in order to keep estro at bay I just dialed dosage too down (25 mg or less EOD) and eventually suffered loss of libido, upped to 50mg and it feels back at moments, it required less than a week actually but it's still scanty. As for AI I used .25mg 2x weekly or up to EOD when blasting on 400mg Test, very poor experience I don't intend to repeat.

Still need to dial this new AI protocol properly, daily micro-dosing is kind of an unexplored area and quite state-of-art TRT.

Of course you should give it a try, but that was in the regard of TRT and not blasting/cycling.

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Originally Posted by bizzarro

You won't believe it kel but I've just upped the Test to 50mg EOD and I'm noticing a surge in libido as well as other signs of androgen activity like increased sebum and oily scalp only on the day after pin, and virtually none of such on pin day. I'm wondering if I should try going ED until I get get my hands on TU, shouldn't be more annoying than EOD.

I've started implementing the liquid arimidex thing and 0.05mg EOD seems to work best with EOD protocol, just 0.025 more and I'd feel run down, not sure if I'm being over responsive to the molecule or just extra sensitive myself, hopefully I should pull bloods next month but you know it's going to be standard E2 assay.

No wonder I never did good with standard dosing of AI.

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Sound like you've found that you actually do peak 24 hrs after injection.

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Originally Posted by craftspace2345

Keeps my estrogen around 35 with my test levels being around 4000.

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wtf!! Are you The Hulk bro? lol.