My numbers look dialed in, but I'm still not feeling great

[Vettester]

What's your SHBG look like?

If its on the low end I would really think you should try more frequent shots.

Curious on this one. As far as I know, having it (SHBG) on the lower end would reflect in some higher free testosterone values. If free test is the variable with why he isn't feeling "great", I would think it would be because it's too low, which would mean his SHBG is too high. Maybe you meant something else, not sure?

Anyways, 618 on total serum (IMO) is pretty darn good, and if you're holding a 2% to 3% (smack in the middle would be excellent) Free T score, then it would be safe to say (again, IMO) that testosterone isn't the culprit of your issues. E2 looks good, and from what I can of your thyroid panels, they look good as well.

Maybe go a little deeper into other panels, such as DHEA, B-12, Vitamin D-3, & Cortisol. Good chance you would benefit with back filling your pathways upstream with DHEA & Pregnenolone. If you haven't looked at B12 or D3, jump on it! I can't express how much both of these made a difference in my program, especially the B12 a few years ago when I was feeling similar to what you're experiencing. If given a choice, look at the methylcobalamin over the cyancobalamin for B12. A little more pricier, but WELL worth it. Your doc can even prescribe Drisdol for the Vit D, which is a 50,000iu/wk capsule. Great product if you're deficient and needing a boost, and I'll bet GD's Mercedes that you are!

[HRTstudent]

Curious on this one. As far as I know, having it (SHBG) on the lower end would reflect in some higher free testosterone values. If free test is the variable with why he isn't feeling "great", I would think it would be because it's too low, which would mean his SHBG is too high. Maybe you meant something else, not sure?

Well, SHBG interests me and I believe being too low could be a very strong cause to potential roller coasters with HRT. I think we are going to see a lot more talk about SHBG in the future and not simply test numbers. But we are seeing more frequent injection protocols, which is probably good all around, regardless of SHBG status.

Additionally, free test is, well... of debatable value. Sure it is almost heresy to say that, but there are some respected doctors who don't give it much CLINICAL value. I believe Dr Mariano is one of these, and he uses total testosterone (as of a couple years ago he liked that to be >600). So what does that mean to me? Well, you might have good free test, but your total test could be low or "lower" meanwhile your free test is ok or even good.

The thing with SHBG is that its going to bind up our sex hormones and, if it is high, will keep these hormones in the body longer. But if SHBG is too low then your testosterone will probably be peaking high and early and dropping off too soon. Not only is that bad for maintaining a youthful testosterone number, but it is also going to lead to more aromatization. As far as I know, the best solution here is to do a more frequent injection of a smaller quantity.

For what it's worth, when I was on 1 shot per week, my total testosterone was low-normal to normal, but my free T was almost out of range.