So why dont guys on HRT go through Thyroid replacement therapy too?

[Youthful55guy]

Many of us do use Thyroid replacement if the labs justify it. Poke around in the forums and you'll see discussion of it. I've posted considerably on the effects of thyroid hormone on elevating SHBG. For me it's a limitation of thyroid therapy.

[hxt]

Many of us do use Thyroid replacement if the labs justify it. Poke around in the forums and you'll see discussion of it. I've posted considerably on the effects of thyroid hormone on elevating SHBG. For me it's a limitation of thyroid therapy.

Is elevated SHBG bad? Ive heard bad things about it being too low

[Youthful55guy]

Is elevated SHBG bad? Ive heard bad things about it being too low

Yes, excessive SHBG binds T and prevents it from crossing the blood-brain barrier where it is needed. The problem is that many docs are stuck in the past and only administer the Total T test, which is predictive ONLY if your SHBG are within normal ranges. This is why we ALWAYS recommend that you get the Free T test and not rely on Total T for decision making. At best, Total T is a screening lab.

Yes, low SHBG is also bad. When SHBG is in the "normal" range, it serves to protect T from metabolism in the liver. When it is low, the T you produce (or inject) is rapidly metabolized and then you have Low T (free and total).