NDT and Testosterone

[TeamMK]

Hi, as most of us know this is a game of trial and error, coupled with a very steep learning curve. We are still unsure about the link between NDT and testosterone. Am I correct in thinking by taking NDT the body converts this into the testosterone (T4 and T3) it needs, as opposed to taking pure testosterone which the body can just use? Please excuse my ignorance here. I am asking on behalf of a male friend of mine in his very early 50's with seemingly hypothyroid signs and symptoms.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

TeamMK

Testosterone is a sex hormone.

T3 and T4 are thyroid hormones.

NDT is replacement thyroid hormone and provides T4 and T3.

[TeamMK in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you for your input.

[Hashihouseman]

Too much thyroid hormone, particularly t4 and even normal replacement levels of t4 are known to raise SHBG which binds testosterone reducing free testosterone and causes symptoms of low testosterone despite the standard blood tests showing no deficiency. Signs and symptoms of hypothyroid and low testosterone are similar in males and can confound/confuse and/or exacerbate each other! Free thyroid levels need to be checked and there is a testosterone test via medichecks or other online providers which is said to measure free testosterone status whatever SHBG is doing....... testicular dysfunction and fatigue and irritability can therefore be caused or aggravated by t4 imbalances!

[HLAB35 in reply to Hashihouseman]

Could this be due to low zinc? Zinc is needed to convert t4 to t3, so an excess of t4 could deplete zinc which in turn would cause problems with sex hormones?

[Hashihouseman in reply to HLAB35]

Selenium is more limiting for conversion than zinc from all the research I have read. But zinc more necessary for testosterone related activity.

[HLAB35 in reply to Hashihouseman]

I take selenium for that very reason, but zinc is pretty critical as well, especially if you suspect a copper-zinc imbalance or have problems with the adrenals.

healthfulelements.com/blog/...

[Hashihouseman in reply to HLAB35]

Ah.... thanks for that. Yet another piece of the jigsaw 🧩

[TeamMK in reply to HLAB35]

Thank you for your input.

[TeamMK in reply to HLAB35]

Thank you for your input.

[TeamMK in reply to Hashihouseman]

Thank you for your input.

[HLAB35]

The link between thyroid hormone and testosterone is that both are regulated by the release of 'master switch' hormones in the brain (pituitary and hypothalamus). If your friend has a pituitary disorder (hypopituitarism) it is possible that levels of both could be low... but they don't convert into each other! Testosterone does have a link to serotonin though and low testosterone can result in depression in older men. He could have his zinc levels assessed as zinc is needed for testosterone and for thyroid hormones.

[TeamMK in reply to HLAB35]

Thank you for your input.

[BadHare]

As I understand for reading up on this with regard to a male relative, testosterone is essential for converting thyroid hormones to the usable tri-iodothyronine (synthetic T3).

Hypogonadism (low testosterone) has many similar symptoms to hypothyroidism, depression, brain fog, bloating & weight gain etc.

I come from a family with widespread thyroid hormone issues (cancer,

graves, hypos, aside from my little problem). The doctors took a very

long time to diagnose hypogonadism as thyroid & pituitary issues were investigated first. I know another man through my local

Pituitary Foundation support group who had the same hypogonadism symptoms due to a

pituitary adenoma, & had to have a nasty moobectomy.

Thorough blood tests & possibly a pituitary MRI need to be done to confirm what your friend's issue is.

[TeamMK in reply to BadHare]

Thank you for your input.

[TeamMK]

Thank you for your input