28M, active - lift weights and do cardio, 13% body fat, natural
I've been experiencing low libido (lack of sexual thoughts, no morning erections) and a general tiredness where I feel like I can't get enough sleep for a few years now.
I asked my Dr for a testosterone test a few years back and came back in the 800s, so I dismissed the testosterone idea as a cause until recently when I paid out of pocket for a test.
Supplements
Vitamin D 10mcg, magnesium 270mg, zinc 30mg. Prior to the first test I was taking these several times per week, but after I started taking everything but vitamin d daily.
Diet
High protein (chicken, red meat, whey), moderate carb, moderate fat
No drugs, no alcohol
Questions
Do you think the high shbg and potentially low free t could be the issue?
I see people say free t below 10 or under 2% of total is not ideal. But the reference ranges on these tests make me wonder if it's possible to compare the test values.
I got the equilibrium dialysis test from discountedlabs after seeing @Nelson Vergel recommend it. I'm happy to have this new result, but now I am wondering how their range is so much lower than everyone else's.
I will be talking with a Dr in about 10 days from a clinic mentioned on this forum, so I would appreciate any advice or thoughts this group has so I can go in informed.
I've been experiencing low libido (lack of sexual thoughts, no morning erections) and a general tiredness where I feel like I can't get enough sleep for a few years now.
I asked my Dr for a testosterone test a few years back and came back in the 800s, so I dismissed the testosterone idea as a cause until recently when I paid out of pocket for a test.
Supplements
Vitamin D 10mcg, magnesium 270mg, zinc 30mg. Prior to the first test I was taking these several times per week, but after I started taking everything but vitamin d daily.
Diet
High protein (chicken, red meat, whey), moderate carb, moderate fat
No drugs, no alcohol
Test Date | Time | Total Testosterone (ng/dL) | Free Testosterone (ng/dL) | Free T ref range | SHBG (nmol/L) | E2 (sensitive) | Method |
5/24/24 | Afternoon fasted | 813 | 8.8 | 4 - 25 | 88 | not measured | Standard immunoassay |
6/14/24 | Morning fasted | 1188 | 8.1 | 9.3 - 26.5 | 85 | 32 | Standard immunoassay |
6/27/24 | Morning fasted | 921 | 8.9 | 3.5 - 15.5 | not measured | not measured | LC/MS Equilibrium Dialysis |
Questions
Do you think the high shbg and potentially low free t could be the issue?
I see people say free t below 10 or under 2% of total is not ideal. But the reference ranges on these tests make me wonder if it's possible to compare the test values.
I got the equilibrium dialysis test from discountedlabs after seeing @Nelson Vergel recommend it. I'm happy to have this new result, but now I am wondering how their range is so much lower than everyone else's.
I will be talking with a Dr in about 10 days from a clinic mentioned on this forum, so I would appreciate any advice or thoughts this group has so I can go in informed.
