Free t and shbg, can someone explain these

[Beenonvaca]

Hi,
I am rather new to trt and trying to better understand optimal levels on bw results.
My initial t level was 170 before any treatment, this was 14 months ago.
After changing from dosing thru my pcp to a trt clinic 6 months ago now my numbers are
Total t-808, free t- 29. There doesn’t appear to be any reference to shbg levels on my test results.
I have read and been told that the free t is what we are needing for optimal results in reference to muscle growth/strength.
I have also read where some guys are saying their free t is like 500-600.
So my bw shows at 29 free t I am actually considered a bit high at my age 55.
7.2-24 pg/ml is my age range free t.
Can anyone shed some light on these factors, and why isn’t my trt clinic testing shbg? Appreciate it ✌🏻

[Cylon357]

Different scales can account for one person saying "my free T is 500" and another "my free T is 145" and still both are just a bit over range. That is why it is important to list ranges with numbers.

You have to ask your clinic why they aren't testing for SHBG. They will probably say something like "with injected testosterone, high SHBG is typically not a problem", but you should still have the ability to ask for it to be included. You might be the odd case.

SHBG binds up Test and keeps it from being "free". Lowering SHBG allows more test to become free, and thus allow us to feel it more. Note that SHBG binds DHT > Test > Estrogen, so DHT should elevate first when SHBG goes down.

[Beenonvaca]

Thanks
So I my case 7.2-24 pg/ml being the test range for my age group and I’m at 29, what would be an attainable rise in that number to want to achieve. Obviously without any major side effects.
Also I c no dht results on my test either, I will certainly ask for these in the future, however this seems unusual for a clinic specializing in hrt. Or not? ✌��

[Beenonvaca]

Cy,
I’m sure my questions are kind of elementary for someone like ur self with the knowledge that you have, so thanks for the insight.
So with the addition of deca and proviron into my “cycle” being added with out my trt clinic knowing should I just have an outside lab do my bw, I was planning on this anyway in the near future. And can you recommend a lab for this?

[almostgone]

Thanks
So I my case 7.2-24 pg/ml being the test range for my age group and I’m at 29, what would be an attainable rise in that number to want to achieve. Obviously without any major side effects.
Also I c no dht results on my test either, I will certainly ask for these in the future, however this seems unusual for a clinic specializing in hrt. Or not? ✌��

Just be prepared. The DHT panel can be one of the more expensive tests. From my limited experience with clinics, they generally don't test SHBG unless your free T values don't increase.
It is definitely a good panel to have pulled and save. In fact, save copies of all your lab work. It will help you learn more about TRT and how your body reacts over time

[almostgone]

Cy,
I’m sure my questions are kind of elementary for someone like ur self with the knowledge that you have, so thanks for the insight.
So with the addition of deca and proviron into my “cycle” being added with out my trt clinic knowing should I just have an outside lab do my bw, I was planning on this anyway in the near future. And can you recommend a lab for this?

I'm sure Cy will respond with recommendations, but in the meantime, I generally use privatemdlabs. They use LabCorp (the place my Dr. runs my labs through) and Quest. There are quite a few choices available online.

I highly recommend you get labs pulled on your own 4-6 weeks prior to your provider scheduled labs. The last thing you want to do is mess up the relationship with your TRT provider.

[Beenonvaca]

They are a great group of people and have helped me for sure, however they only have 3 locations near this one big city.
And I’m going to be moving to another state soon so I’m either going to have to find another clinic or do things on my own. This is part of my Dilemma, regardless that is good info and I appreciate it✌��

[Beenonvaca]

Side note on the clinic I’ve been seeing-
The only complaint I have is that I’ve never met the dr, I have been there 4 times in just over six months and I always see the nurse practitioner.
Her knowledge seems good but I suppose I would feel better if I had originally at the least met the dr in charge.
Otherwise I have no complaints like I said earlier they are really great to have worked with.

[Cylon357]

I'm sure Cy will respond with recommendations, but in the meantime, I generally use privatemdlabs. They use LabCorp (the place my Dr. runs my labs through) and Quest. There are quite a few choices available online.

I highly recommend you get labs pulled on your own 4-6 weeks prior to your provider scheduled labs. The last thing you want to do is mess up the relationship with your TRT provider.

Ultalabtests is my current go to, but privatemdlabs and jasonhealth are both good, too.

[Cylon357]

Thanks
So I my case 7.2-24 pg/ml being the test range for my age group and I’m at 29, what would be an attainable rise in that number to want to achieve. Obviously without any major side effects.
Also I c no dht results on my test either, I will certainly ask for these in the future, however this seems unusual for a clinic specializing in hrt. Or not? ✌��

No way of knowing for sure what proviron will do for you. We don't know where your shbg is right now. If it is already low, then you likely won't see much benefit from lowering it.

DHT would be nice to have a baseline for, especially at your (our) age. It can drive MPB and BPH, both possible concerns. That said, it's not vital that you have it IF you monitor your PSA levels. I mentioned it originally in the interest of completeness re SHBG and to avoid any surprises on blood work.

[Cylon357]

Cy,
I’m sure my questions are kind of elementary for someone like ur self with the knowledge that you have, so thanks for the insight.
So with the addition of deca and proviron into my “cycle” being added with out my trt clinic knowing should I just have an outside lab do my bw, I was planning on this anyway in the near future. And can you recommend a lab for this?

Proviron generally only shows up on bloodwork as increased DHT and free t, and of course lowered SHBG. None of these are red flags per se. In fact, the response from your clinic when they see elevated free t should simply be "yay!"

Lab test providers have been covered a thousand times elsewhere, but also included in this thread.

[almostgone]

Side note on the clinic I’ve been seeing-
The only complaint I have is that I’ve never met the dr, I have been there 4 times in just over six months and I always see the nurse practitioner.
Her knowledge seems good but I suppose I would feel better if I had originally at the least met the dr in charge.
Otherwise I have no complaints like I said earlier they are really great to have worked with.

Actually, I think most of the NP/CNPs have a better understanding of hormones than many primary care Drs

[Beenonvaca]

10-4
As always you guys know your shit! Lol
Much appreciated thanks

[Beenonvaca]

Cy
Just looked at ulta lab, just curious as to which set of labs you order.

[Cylon357]

Cy
Just looked at ulta lab, just curious as to which set of labs you order.

Ala Carte. We've already covered the ones you need.

[Beenonvaca]

You are correct, this is all so foreign to me I get sideways sometimes. Lol but I have it figured out now. ✌��

[Cylon357]

Not arbitrarily bumping the thread, but these are the tests I normally get from ulta lab tests. I did not include a thyroid panel on this one because I just had it.