question from a user
How bad is it to have naturally low SHBG when it comes to TRT treatment, is it more difficult to dial in and manage when you have low or high SHBG, and which would you say is more favorable to have? As someone with low SHBG, I just want to to know if by limiting my peaks by injecting more frequently, that TRT will work just as as effectively as as someone who has normal levels.
AlphaMD's Answer
SHBG irreversibly binds to sex hormones (estrogen, DHT, androstenedione, and testosterone). On any given dose of TRT, the higher your SHBG, the less your free testosterone will be. The lower your SHBG, the higher your free testosterone will be on TRT.Technically, there is no medical risk to having low or high SHBG as it has no receptors in your body. SHBG has developed a bad name, though only because certain medical conditions that are bad for your overall health can cause low SHBG.To specifically answer your question, it is actually easier to dial in your free testosterone when you have low SHBG because you can use a lower dose to achieve the same therapeutic effect.More frequent injections will prevent higher peaks in total T, meaning your liver won’t be triggered to produce more SHBG to counteract higher peaks of sex hormones.
As someone with low SHBG, your TRT will likely be more effective than someone with normal or high SHBG. The main risk you have with low SHBG is that you run the risk of having unopposed E2 or DHT.
Ready to get answers?
Ask your own question today.
Get $30 off your first month’s order
Enter your email address now to receive $30 off your first month’s cost, other discounts, and additional information about TRT.
Legal Disclaimer
This website is a repository of publicly available information and is not intended to form a physician-patient relationship with any individual. The content of this website is for informational purposes only. The information presented on this website is not intended to take the place of your personal physician's advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Discuss this information with your own physician or healthcare provider to determine what is right for you. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information contained herein is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge. The information should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a visit, phone or telemedicine call, consultation or advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. Only a qualified physician in your state can determine if you qualify for and should undertake treatment.