Recent labs: Last T injection was 6 days prior to labs. T3 was taken 20 hours before
Total T - 1194.3 (264-916)
Free T - 15.6 (8.7-25.1)
SHBG - 89.6 (16.5-55.9)
TSH - <0.005 (.450-4.5)
Free T4 - 0.66 (0.82-1.77)
Free T3 - 4 (2-4.4)
Reverse T3 - 16.6 (9.2-24.1)
Estradial - 13.5 (8-35)
Carbon Dioxide - 17 (20-29)
Currently taking:
80ml 200ml/mg Test Cypionate + 800IU HCG weekly
2 gains armou thyroid, and 50mcg Lyrothyronine daily.
Questions:
Is a total T that high a concern if my free T is mid range? My SHBG has always been high. I’ve heard with a high SHBG the total T will need to be high for the free T to be decent. One doctor (not my main provider) said high total T like that could be a concern of heart conditions, and low sperm count (I do want another child, and take HCG).
TSH and Free T4 are very low. Is that a concern, given my Free T3 is good? I’ve heard that TSH and t4 will be low is enough is being converted to T3, but two different doctors havesaid something about the TSH and t4 and suggested my thyroid dosing may be too high. I do not have any hyperthyroid symptoms though.
Low carbon dioxide any concern? I’ve been eating a low carb diet, which perhaps is the reason for this? Not sure what this reading may indicate.
The Total T is inert, the Free T is free to interact with target tissues.
This is a problem, estrogen is low because Free T is not high enough. On TRT the only source of estrogen is converted from aromatase (unless on TRT+HCG) and your Free T is directly responsible for the conversion into estrogen.
Part of the problem is you are on thyroid medicine, which increases SHBG, so your TRT protocol needs to adjusted accordingly. You will need a higher Total T than the average person.
My Total T is only 459 (on TRT), Free T 20 because my SHBG is 18, more of my T is free and my estrogen is 62.
Iron deficiency can affect the conversion of T4->T3 hormones.
@galgenstrick I feel good. My SHBG has always been high though. Even before on any medication, my SHBG was 59 (16.5-55.9)
@swoops39 That is what I thought. This recent new provider said high total T could lead to heart problems, and low sperm count. Since these were the numbers after no TRT injections for 6 days, he suggested lowering my dose from 80ml per week to 56ml per week. I’m wondering his experience with TRT. I basically established him as a provider to get TRT prescribed locally, for cost benefit.
@systemlord My estrogen has always been low. Before starting TRT, it was 7.4 (8-35). I’ve heard ideal range for many is mid 20’s? I’m thinking when I’m regularly taking my TRT, it is likely higher up.
As far as thyroid, I’m more just confused on what I should be looking for here. Free T3 is good (4.0), but TSH and Free T4 is really low. I have heard that these might be low if it’s converting to Free T3 well, which is seems to be doing, or the good free t3 is from the 50mcg Cytomel I take. Im not sure which is the case, or if any adjustments should be made?
My iron wasn’t tested here but there have been times when it was low, which is confusing to me, as my diet has always been high in iron. I’m wondering if this suggests something else is going on?
I am a SUPER high total T, SUPER high SHBG guy. The research to date is inconclusive. After doing lots of reading and consulting, my conclusion was to focus on free T and how I feel, and not worry about my total T – at least for now.
I haven’t had issues conceiving. I wouldn’t worry about sperm, especially because you are on HCG.
I can’t speak to heart problems, as I’m only 29 – that’s something that could arise down the road. However, as one mitigation route, I have Galectin-3 tested on my bloods. So far my results have been unconcerning (6.5-8). That’s one thing you could track to have an idea of your heart health. This isn’t foolproof, but it’s something. If my G3 gets considerably worse, I will change course.
That’s not very high TT. Its within range, just not the newly modified range. If you’re in your 40s, time to get to know s cardiologist and begin to track your CV system.
Get a referral from your GP and get to know a cardiologist or two. They can tell you what tests can be done in order to look at the current state of your heart. This should give you a baseline for the next decades.
So are mine, TSH at .45 and Free T4 at the bottom, Free T3 >100 (Free T3 3.8) and T4 9.5, better than mid range indicating I’m producing more than enough raw thyroid hormone. The Free T4 isn’t the active hormone, the Free T3 is the stuff that’s goes into the cells.