I’ve been struggling with symtoms reminiscent of low t for about a decade now. Was always diagnosed as either depression or anxiety, for which i have tried many different medications with no results. About a year and a half ago i started lifting weights using a pull/push/legs routine approx 5 days a week. Also I’m very meticulous following my diet macros.
Didn’t really understand what to test for, but got blood work done in April with these results:
Looks like your total T is decent. Not great but decently in the middle of the road. Bioavailable is in the tank and SHBG is high. My very limited understanding would be that you have a problem with the total T being bound up by the high SHBG, therefore leaving not a lot left for useable functions. Before you start thinking about TRT, I would suggest taking a zinc and magnesium supplement for a few weeks before your next tests and see if that brings you closer in line, or at least starts bringing the numbers in the right direction, and frees up more of your testosterone.
Tip, get the supplements individually. All of the combined ones I’ve seen so far are also combined with calcium. Definitely don’t want to supplement calcium unless absolutely necessary. That’s a recipe for kidney stones.
If you can’t bring it in line with supplementation, you may have to start considering TRT to get your total levels high enough so that you have more Free Test to level you out. I’d try the other route first though.
Edit…I re read and saw you’re already taking zinc. Do you get a test ran for zinc levels to see if you’re in line? You may need to up the dose on that.
Your TSH looks suspect and further investigation is warranted. I would at least check Free T3, Reverse T3 and antibodies. You may need to push the doctor to get these tests.
Free T3 is the hormone that speeds up every cell in the body and when the pituitary senses more Free T3 is needed, it increases TSH to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more, if that doesn’t happen TSH will again increase.
SHBG (made in liver) is likely binding up testosterone decreasing Free T, no way is that SHBG score not effecting Free T levels in a negative way.
I was taking both magnesium and zinc supplements at the time of the second test for maybe 2 months. Dont believe i had taken any before the first test.
The current testosterone booster i am using has b6, zinc, fenugreek and magnesium and it is almost gone. I will look at getting a standalone zinc and magnesium tablets individually. Do you have a recommended daily amount to take of each?
I will get ft4, ft3, rt3 and antibodies checked on my next test, my doctor is pretty open minded so hopefully won’t be a problem.