A Cautionary Tale...

[madman]

@madman thank you. so, in your opinion, my symptoms are not related to my hormones?

@aloetard do you agree?

@Systemlord thank you. i'm going reach out to him.

​

The point being stressed here is based of the go to cFTV your FT is not low even with highish/high SHBG as you are hitting a high enough TT.

Seeing as it has already been validated twice, 1st time was done using TT/SHBG assays no longer available and eventually re-validated using current state-of-the-art Equilibrium Dialysis (higher order reference method) let alone more recently against CDCs standardized Equilibrium Dialysis assay.

Yes it tends to overestimated slightly when compared to the gold standard Equilibrium Dialysis but it is nothing to fret over.

If anything retest your FT through Quest using the gold standard ED assay so you can see where it truly sits.

Testosterone, Free (Equilibrium Dialysis) and Total, MS - Most Affordable and Accurate Test

Get an affordable and accurate testosterone test results with our Total Testosterone, M and Free (Equilibrium Dialysis) test. Visit DiscountedLabs.com for more information.

www.discountedlabs.com

Still doubtful it will come back low.

If it does end up coming back borderline low than you can decide on your next move.

All that matters here is finding out where your current FT level truly sits before jumping to any conclusions.

Even then I would tread lightly when it comes to libido let alone erectile function as they are both multifactorial and it is much more complex than simply having healthy FT levels.

Any dysfunction thyroid/adrenal scan easily mimic low-T symptoms.




This thread is gold!

Truth About Testosterone and Your Libido

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/truth-testosterone-libido-185000725.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw&tsrc=twtr As an expert on andrology and sexual dysfunctions, urologist Andrew Y. Sun, M.D., sees plenty of patients who’re struggling with low libido. And most are pretty sure they already...

www.excelmale.com

The male sexual response cycle is complex and the exact role of testosterone in mediating libido, arousal, erection, ejaculation, and orgasm is multifactorial

*This hormone isn’t the only biological factor with clear, substantial power over our libidos

Everything is perfect except low libido

Started test 6 weeks ago. I feel great. Good sleep, good training, feeling good and so on. Was at 140 mg test and 500 iu hcg every week (EOD shots). I started to feel some pain in the chest and did a fast blood test to only check test and estradiol. Came back at 48nmol/l and 0.17 nmol/l (Do I...

www.excelmale.com

*Again having a healthy FT is only one piece of the puzzle as libido let alone ED are multifactorial.

*Getting quality sleep, minimizing stress (physical/mental), following a healthy diet, exercising/staying active, improving overall vascular health will have a far bigger impact than jacking up your trough FT!
*Have realistic expectations especially when it comes to libido and erectile function!

Testosterone and Sexual Function (ED)

You have been duped by the misinformed polluting those so called men's health forums! Again running those absurdly high trough/steady-state FT levels is not going to cure your ED let alone give you titanium erections! Having healthy hormones and maintaining vascular health is where it's at...

www.excelmale.com

* ED only occurs with very low testosterone levels

What to Do About Erectile Dysfunction

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/27/well/live/advice-erectile-dysfunction-treatment.html Sooner or later, most men will experience a problem achieving or maintaining an erection. But today, there are more treatments than ever. Erectile dysfunction is more common than one might think. More...

www.excelmale.com

Testosterone Replacement Therapy​

Low testosterone levels can decrease sex drive and lead to weak erections, though this is rarely the sole cause of erectile dysfunction. Over time, the hormone deficiency can cause penile tissues to atrophy, making erections even more difficult. The condition is easily treatable with testosterone replacement therapy, which can also improve the effectiveness of oral medications. But it’s important to work alongside a doctor to monitor the condition.

 

[madman]

My libido is generally through the roof. Your SHBG and estradiol levels on the Quest labs are what I typically see on my labs. The 53 estradiol would not lower my libido but would likely reduce penis sensitivity and make it harder to reach orgasm. Typically my estradiol is around 20-30. My SHBG is usually in the 40’s.

I have adjusted my testosterone cypionate dose up and down and my total testosterone has fallen in the same range as your Quest labs. However, my free testosterone has been in the 175-250 range.

I can’t explain why your numbers all look like mine except the free testosterone which is much lower.

After reading other comments I will add that my libido has been directly linked to my testosterone level. I fly level is high my libido is high. I have lowered my testosterone dose simply because when my testosterone level gets above a certain point my sex drive becomes almost uncontrollable.

I will also add that I don’t believe there is any problem with taking supplements. I take a lot of supplements.

I have never taken statins so I have no idea how that might affect libido

This means nothing unless you had your FT tested using the same method/assay.

Even then if your were hitting a similar TT/SHBG, (Albumin will not have a big impact) as the OP your cFTV level would be similar.

In order for one to truly compare labs you would need to use the same lab/same assay or cFT method.