Brief Answer:

I would recommend to do some additional tests.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

For men, SHBG levels are stable through adulthood until mid to late life when it then increases, at the same time testosterone begins to decrease.

This combination of high SHBG and low testosterone may lead to hypogonadism which can benefit from testosterone replacement therapy (like in your case).

SHBG is the carrier molecule which transports sex-steroids, like testosterone, within in the bloodstream and around the body.

When testosterone is bound to SHBG it is said to be ‘inactive’ meaning it is not ‘free’ or bioavailable to act on targets tissues. There is a delicate and complex balance that occurs within the body between the sex-steroids for these binding sites so when the amount of SHBG alters from the norm various hormonal conditions may arise.

Occasionally when SHBG is high it can hinder the effects of testosterone creams.

In these cases where the total testosterone levels is within normal range and symptoms are still apparent then further investigation as to why SHBG is high may be considered.

(You didn't mention if you have done the Total Testosterone test)

Increased SHBG levels may be suggestive of liver disease, hyperthyroidism eating disorders such as anorexia or smoking.

In these cases, some lifestyle measures may be beneficial to reduce SHBG such as stopping smoking.

Your blood test may also include the Free Androgen Index (FAI). It approximates how much of the testosterone is ‘free’ testosterone.

To resume: If you have used AndroGel exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor and although this, your increased free T level drop suddenly and your symptoms of "low Testosterone" reappear, I would recommend checking the SHBG, the total testosterone and Free Androgen Index.

PS.
In conjunction with blood tests, it is also important to consider how you are responding to testosterone therapy.

If you are feeling a benefit then don’t get too ‘caught up’ in the numbers (unless your doctor is concerned) because as individuals we may respond in different ways.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

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Brief Answer:

I will suggest to switch to injections.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It is true that transdermal Testosterone creates more E2 and DHT and you can have "high estradiol symptoms" like sleepiness, tiredness, water retention and weight gain.

So, Under TRT the estradiol level fluctuate and for this, the estradiol test is not indispensable for the follow-up. (I agree with your doctor)

In my experience, other tests like SHBG, the total testosterone and Free Androgen Index are helpful to understand better the actual situation.

If I patient like you, came to my clinic, I would recommend starting with T shots because, in my opinion, this is more effective.

Sometimes the problem is "absorption" (your body won't absorb the entire amount).

It is rare to see a guy on transdermals get to the levels of guys injecting the same quantity of Testosteron/week.

Some cannot absorb at all and some do then it stops. Inability to absorb can be a symptom of hypothyroidism (have you ever done the thyroid tests?)

Given the costs (and waste) of Androgen, high doses are simply expensive.

For this reason, I don't recommend to try higher Androgel doses.

I suggest switching the T therapy to Testosterone Enanthate or Depo-Testosterone 50 to 400 mg IM injection every 2 to 4 weeks.
The shot can be done at home.

Anyway, my advice is to discuss with your treating doctor about the best form and doses of TRT for a better result.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Elona Xhardo, Endocrinologist

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