Should I take TRT?

Pharma
1

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :folded_hands:

So for two months now I’ve been avoiding TRT. I have high SHBG that makes my free T lower. I also have family with MTHFR gene mutation and take methylated vitamins for that, not sure if that matters here. Should I take TRT?

When I took these results (results below), I felt like I had every symptom like ED, brain fog, low energy, lack motivation, zero drive, etc.

I was referred to urology and they basically said I was fine, even though I was miserable. They asked if I was stressed and well, I’ve been stressed for 10 years. I have four kids and two are special needs so I don’t really get a break let alone I work really hard. I asked if there is a way to lower SHBG which they replied no. This was a nurse practitioner by the way.

Went back to my primary care and he referred me to endocrinologist, but then my insurance changed where now each appointment will be extremely expensive. So I’m considering a clinic Peter MD.

I’ve been experiencing ED for over a year and it wasn’t till recently these past few months I’ve been getting bad. Like I’m more anxious, no motivation, usually optimistic but not anymore, not motivated at work when usually top performer, and just anything feels like effort. Also for the past two years I haven’t felt like myself when I just don’t feel manly anymore if that makes sense. So I feel like this was progressing and then these past few months it’s just got really bad. I just want to feel better so I can take care of my family and be able to push myself to provide for them like I used to. I feel like an old man and only 38 years old. Not overweight and normal blood pressure, but not extremely lean. Can see maybe a four pack lol.

Here are my results:

Collected on Oct 01, 2025 8:08 AM

ALBUMIN: 4.7 g/dL

SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN: 76 nmol/L

TESTOSTERONE TOTAL: 613 ng/dL

TESTOSTERONE, FREE: 39.5 pg/mL

TESTOSTERONE, BIOAVAILABLE: 84.7 ng/dL

HOMOCYSTEINE, TOTAL: 8.9 umol/L

VITAMIN D, 25-OH, TOTAL

TSH (HIGH SENSITIVITY) RFLX: 0.8 mIU/L

FOLLICLE STIM. HORMONE: 4.8 mIU/mL

LUTEINIZING HORMONE (LH): 3 mIU/mL

ESTRADIOL (E2): <30 pg/mL

PSA: 0.51

CHOLESTEROL, TOTAL: 168 mg/dL

CHOLESTEROL, HDL: 49 mg/dL

TRIGLYCERIDES: 79 mg/dL

LDL CHOLESTEROL (CALCULATED): 102 mg/dL

CHOLESTEROL/HDL RATIO: 3.4 value

LDL/HDL RATIO: 2.1

NON HDL CHOLESTEROL: 119 mg/dL

HEMOGLOBIN A1C: 5.1

GLUCOSE, RANDOM: 87 mg/dL

(For the results below, there was a point where some some stats changed after creatine but everything else was similar or same)

CREATININE, SERUM: 1.19 mg/dL (was .93 before taking creatine)

EGFR: 81 value (was 108 before I took creatine)

SODIUM, SERUM: 139

POTASSIUM, SERUM: 4.3

PROTEIN, TOTAL: 7.4 g/dL

CHLORIDE, SERUM: 103 mmol/L

CO2 (Bicarbonate): 32 mmol/L (28 before taking creatine)

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2

Why?

These mean nothing without the lab ranges

3

What do you mean by “ranges”? I’ve been just hesitant because it’s a big commitment and not sure if it’s possible to get off after.

4

You lab numbers should have upper and lower ranges.

5

I was in same exact situation with high SHGB. Now, 2 years later and feel amazing. Was 100% worth it for me. I started when I was 33, so fairly young. I have zero concerns with coming off, because, I would never want to feel terrible again.

1 Like
6

He means lab posts have results and reference ranges. We need to know your reference ranges as they are different and unique for each lab method

7

I uploaded photos of the results. :+1:

1 Like
8

That’s good to hear. Did you go through the health system or a clinic? I was trying to get it through my insurance but now that I can barely even get an appointment with my crappy insurance, I’m considering this Peter MD clinic.

9

Uploaded screenshots of results. :+1:

10

Get E2 sensitive next time. You’re a TRT candidate for sure. My preferred provider is Defy Medical. They do telemedicine.

3 Likes
11

Started at a clinic then moved to Defy. I could go to my primary now, as he said he would gladly write a script, but I pay ~$30 a month at Defy.

1 Like
12

Agree with @blshaw here. You should def be looking at a TRT protocol.
Do yourself a favor though and use Defy or Marek Health. Both reputable telemedicine clinics.

1 Like
13

Sounds good. Looks like someone else recommended Defy as well. :+1: Was the beginning process starting difficult or did you already feel positives in the beginning?

14

How much was Defy? That’s awesome your primary took over. How did that work? Like did they force you to stop taking your TRT to see base levels or he just gladly took over?

15

Thank you. Never heard of Defy but heard of Merek. They seem sort of expensive. I’m sort of on a strict budget. Is Defy expensive? There are soo many clinics, is price related to quality of testosterone or quality of service?

16

There are many and the y are out to make money soothe pricing will all over the place. Not sure on defy pricing. Maybe @blshaw can help.

1 Like
17

You misunderstood, I pay roughly $30/month at Defy and don’t care to switch to my primary.

it’s $128 for 14 weeks. You pay for twice a year blood test and consultation. My blood tests are free through insurance and consultation is like $100.

My doctor said he’d just take over what I’m currently doing. I just don’t really want to go through hassle of canceling and starting somewhere new.

1 Like
18

That’s sound better than my $90 a month!

So $30 for testosterone and what is the $128 for 14 weeks for? Is that consultation or membership?

Sorry having a hard time understanding that part. one of my symptoms is brain fog and my thinking/thought process is crap compared to what it used to be. :person_facepalming:

19

Sorry, you pay for the medicine up front. It just comes out to around $30/month based on my dose. I just take testosterone, no ai or hcg. Regardless, you’ll be way less than $90.

20

613 total at 38? Man. That’s not bad . I was 400 at 36 yrs old and docs said mine was high and wouldn’t have me take trt. It’s a joke . Trt changed my life . My opinion is trt is for the best . Be driven . Have goals . Work out hard and be healthy