Sex hormones low (testosterone, shbg, Estradiol etc)

[roukounasGK]

Hello everyone! I am writing to ask some questions about the sex hormones. I did a blood test on them but the results are quite weird (I am male):

For example, from what I have read in this forum, the SHBG and testosterone are opposite hormones; if one is high the other is low. Same goes for Estradiol. Problem is that all of these are quite low on me.

They have gotten so low in the last 2 years. Earlier than that I had them all around the Middle of the range. Problem is that even if on the low side, they are all within range so my doctor did not bother (except for the testosterone which is lower than normal).

Is it normal that they are all on the low side? Can these low values be caused by hypothyroidism? Can they be caused by adrenal fatigue of some kind? Or it there anything else that can cause this? Any feedback would be appreciated since I am totally clueless about sex hormones.

Tests:

FSH: 3.81, range: 1.5 - 12.4

LH: 1.74, range: 1.7 - 8.6

Estradiol: 27.6, range: 27.1 - 60.7

Shbg: 18.2, range: 16.5 - 56

Testosterone: 1.98, range: 2.5 - 8.4

[heathermr]

Have you thought about having your pituitary function tested as these hormones are all under the control of the pituitary. Be very careful to consult an Endo specializing in pituitary function as most don't have a clue. You will need to have full evaluations of your thyroid and adrenal systems if your pituitary is not functioning correctly. My pituitary has failed following a head injury over 20 users ago and it's taken me years to find an Endo who has addressed the problem. Good luckHeather

[roukounasGK in reply to heathermr]

Thanks for the tip heather! I did think of it but I am on a new dose of Levo at the time so the next appointment to my endo is in 3 months time. I will be sure to mention it though!

[radd]

routounasGK,

Low testosterone in males with hypothyroidism is common.

Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is the the protein carrier that transports testosterone around the body, (also oestrogen & DHT) & is influenced by many factors but positively correlates with thyroid hormone, ie rises with elevated thyroid hormone and falls in low thyroid hormone.

Your SHBG is low which can indicate either your thyroid hormones levels are low or maybe you are medicating enough but remain hypothyroid on a cellular level (ie, good labs but symptomatic). Low thyroid hormone will negatively effect testosterone production and low SHBG can also be a biomarker of blood sugar issues, also common in hypothyroidism and mentioned by you in previous post.

I would also say your need for salt is trying to top up low adrenal reserves. Adrenal function becomes compromised through years of propping up inadequate thyroid hormone. Corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) is another blood protein carrier that transports cortisol around the body. It's changes are opposite to those of SHBG. ie SHBG decreases, CBG increases. If CBG becomes elevated it not only risks encouraging higher levels of cortisol but also binding too much, leaving too little ‘free’ for utilising.

LH & FSH are pituitary hormones, as are TSH & prolactin with the later two correlating. The production of LH & FSH is reduced when prolactin inflates inline with TSH. Yours are fine.

If you post any recent TFT's complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) members will comment. Also any iron & nutrients test results as levels need to be optimal.

Have you thought of doing a saliva stress test that will detail cortisol/DHEA levels and circadian patterns, allowing you to support with the right things, ie glandulars, adaptogens, etc. No hormone works in isolation and usually optimising thyroid & adrenal hormones reverses low levels of testosterone.

.

regeneruslabs.com/products/...

.

cnslab.co.uk/products/adren...

[roukounasGK in reply to radd]

Really, really thanks for the ton of information!

Indeed, I need a lot of salt! Even though I eat a very large amount of it, I keep getting my sodium on the very low end (although within range) and potassium higher than normal. You think I must continue eating a lot of salt or is there anything more to help my adrenals further?

Regarding the tests, what is TFT? If it stands for thyroid function tests, they are optimum (a bit low on ft4, but other than that TSH and ft3 is good based on the comments of other in here).

Dhea I don't even know what it is. On cortisol I have done some tests (morning blood work though, not 24 hour) and I am constantly a little higher than the range.

Again thanks for the info they are very helpful!

[radd in reply to roukounasGK]

roukounasGK,

Low blood sodium levels is called hyponatremia & common with low adrenal reserves. It is cause by low levels of aldosterone that helps to regulate salt/potassium levels/kidney function. If BP & renal function are fine, you can keep taking extra salt.

However, adrenals will need extra support to improve function & levels of adrenal hormones. Usual support is good diet that stabilises blood glucose sugars, good sleep & lifestyle but also optimal iron, nutrients and thyroid hormone. DHEA is thought to be cortisol's opposing hormone and therefore ratio is all important as the two together are greater than the sum of each part (as Aristotle once said 😁). I have already suggested a saliva cortisol test & reasons why.

Yes, TFT’s means thyroid function tests. It is possible to have good labs & still be symptomatic as thyroid hormones require essential nutrients mentioned above & good adrenal health to work effectively. It's a vicious circle but if you can get thyroid meds working well, other hormones will generally just follow suit.