graffy's picture
graffy
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+ 1 Ways to lower SHBG to increase free T? Proviron? (full bloodwork included)

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Heya

I am looking for ways to lower my SHBG with the goal to raise my free T (I think my total test is fine). I'd like to know if there are good alternatives besides going on test/trt. I am lifetime natty and like to know if there are other steroids/ped I could try before going for exogenous testosterone. I don't plan on competing or anything like that, I would like to increase my free T to improve my wellbeing and body composition.

Infos about me:
- 35yrs old
- male
- 188cm
- 89kg
- about 17%bf
- eating maintenance
- supplementing with d3, zinc, magnesium, omega3, ashwaganda, other over the counter supps
- weight training 4-5x a week
- cardio about 180mins a week besides doing at least 10k steps daily
- 8hrs of sleep

bloodwork (full bloodwork attached)
- E2 234 pmol/L
- FSH 2.31 IU/L
- LH 6.66 IU/L
- Prolactin 17.8 ug/L
- Testosterone 28 nmol/L
- Free testosterone 423 pmol/L
- SHBG 57.8 nmol/L
(sorry if the units are a bit weird)

I think based on my lifestyle my free T should be higher (I know that lifestyle is only one aspect of it, but I don't think there is much improvement left to do in that aspect).

I read that proviron could be something worth testing to lower SHBG and therefore raise free T. Do you guys have opinions on proviron or other suggestions?

I don't need to stay natty but would like to know/explore other (less drastic?) options before pulling the trigger on testosterone.

Thanks for your insights
Cheers

Makwa's picture
graffy's picture

thank you, very valuable! the only things on that list I am not currently doing is boron (already ordered some) and DHEA. I think I will give them a try but sceptical that those two supplements alone can lower my SHBG in a meaningful way when all the other stuff is already in place. Lets see!

press1's picture

That looks like a really good company to use for a blood test - All sorts of things being checked there!! Insulin, Vitamin B12, Cystatin C/ Cystatin C eGFR, HOMA (No Homo)

graffy's picture

yes, its a lab where you basically can pick and choose which markers you want to get tested. There is a price point for each marker Smile

press1's picture

See just look at the difference there in your Kidney Function between the basic eGFR test and the more accurate Cystatin C based eGFR Test more suited to bodybuilders carrying more muscle mass!! Top result being 73 doesn't look that great, where as the Cystatin C one gives 93 which is a great result.

How much extra do they charge you in the blood test for that particular version out of interest bud?

graffy's picture

below are the prices per marker in CHF (about the same in EUR and a bit more in USD). Total cost was about 400, which made me cry a little

25-OH-Vitamin D 47.70
ALAT 2.30
Albumin 2.30
Alkalische Phosphatase 2.30
Bilirubin gesamt 2.90
Cortisol 17.40
Cystatin C 18.90
DHEAS 21.60
Eisen 2.50
Estradiol (E2) 17.40
Ferritin 7.10
FSH 15.40
GGT 2.30
Hämatogramm V 13.10
HbA1c 16.00
HOMA-Index 21.20
Kreatinin 2.30
LH 13.30
Lipidstatus 11.30
Progesteron 17.40
Prolaktin 13.30

Protein gesamt 2.30
SHBG 27.00
T3 frei (fT3) 9.40
T4 frei (fT4) 8.10
Testosteron 17.40
Triglyceride 2.50
TSH 8.10
Vitamin B12 22.50

press1's picture

Oh O.K so they literally charge for each result! Lol The way they do it over here is you have basic tests covering all the base markers then you tend to add on the more exotic things as you need them. I prefer your way though and then you have exactly what you are after Smile B12 is an expensive one eh & Vit D?! To make you feel better a basic Cystatin C test over here is about £100 on its own, so you got a good deal there.

graffy's picture

yeah, at least now I know that my 5$ per 160 vitamin D caps are actually working lol

KonstantViktory's picture

Your bloodwork looks normal to me. Estrogen and prolactin a little high but could be a wave. Wait for more bloodwork to see consistency. You could also get proviron if you really wanted it.

Are you part of a wellness club? Try consulting with others inside of the wellness club and see if there is a local registry of approved agents for supplemental support. Expensive, well hidden, and hard to find, but very much worth the benefit.

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graffy's picture

Yeah, I dont know why my estrogen is that high to be honest. I read a study that prolactin can be higher for people who weight train regularly, so it might be just that.
No, unfortunately I am not part of a wellness club

KonstantViktory's picture

Prolactin levels can be increased as a feedback response to the amygdala activation that happens during intense and shocking exercise as a response to adrenaline release. Completely normal. It happens in patterns. I know L-Dopa from quality Velvet Bean Extract works great in lowing prolactin and increasing GH and quality of sleep.

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scoobydoo's picture

Why is your estrogen so high? Your prolactin is high too.
Your 28 nmol/L is equal to 800 ng/dL. You definitely don't need TRT.

graffy's picture

Yes, I am pretty happy with my total 800 testosterone but the free testosterone could be optimized/higher..
And I have no idea why my estrogen is so high? Don't know if the total T has an impact on that.

scoobydoo's picture

I wouldn't worry about your free testosterone right now. I'd figure out what's going on with your estrogen.

graffy's picture

any guidance on where to start?

scoobydoo's picture

I really would talk to your doctor. I wouldn't just start throwing pills at the problem. I have no idea, but possibly an underlying condition?
Your estrogen level is getting to the "can't maintain a hard on" level. And titties. But who knows, could be normal for you.

KonstantViktory's picture

I didn't even look at the value markers... I thought they called it something different... Lol..

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scoobydoo's picture

Yeah. His free test is the 428 number.