how do my levels look? (mtf)

[QuestioningEverything]

    Sex Hormone Binding Globulin   147.3
   Testosterone, Total   206
   Testosterone, Free   1.2

I did just increase my Spiro a bit so it should keep going down just not really sure how to interpret these levels. are they ok? I didn't bother testing my E since I'm happy with the changes and felt it was unnecessary to take.

[KayXo]

If you are happy with the changes, then that's all that counts. But, in the end, your doctor will decide.

SHBG is high because you probably take estrogen orally. Free testosterone which really is the one that counts is above female range but close to high for young females. Of this free testosterone, do keep in mind that spironolactone also blocks some of it and a blood test can't tell you how much but certain things like oiliness of skin, libido changes, hair growth/loss, aggressiveness, underarm odor, morning erections, ejaculate, degree of feminization, etc.

[Ms Grace]

To be honest I don't know what it means. My endocrinologist tells me my numbers every visit but they pretty much go over my head. As long as he seems happy then I am happy, he's very experienced so I trust that he knows what's what. I'd suggest talking to your doctor but a couple of things you said give the impression you might be self medding (?). With HRT more does not necessarily equal better, more Spiro may not give you any better results and if not properly monitored could cause some significant health risks. Anyway, self medding or not, you should talk to your doctor about the results.

[QuestioningEverything]

I'm not self medicating but I got my lab results online and I'm supposed to be getting a letter from my doctor explaining what the results mean but its been like 2 weeks and haven't gotten anything in the mail yet so just wondering what others think, may have to call them next week.

What does Binding Globulin mean and is it bad for it to be high? I am taking oral E should I switch?

[KayXo]

Sex hormone binding globulin binds/attaches to sex hormones like testosterone and estradiol, making them unavailable to tissues. It binds DHT and testosterone the strongest, then estradiol so the more SHBG you have, the less testosterone and DHT can have effect on tissues.

[iKate]

T seems pretty high. My T was lower than that pre HRT. If you're getting results though that's all that matters.

[QuestioningEverything]

My last lab test was around 500 for total T and that was after 6 months of a low dose. I guess I just had a lot of T in me. Not sure why I never really had many masculine features. Whatever as long as it keeps going down and I don't loose my hair I'm happy.

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[KayXo]

My last lab test was around 500 for total T and that was after 6 months of a low dose. I guess I just had a lot of T in me. Not sure why I never really had many masculine features. Whatever as long as it keeps going down and I don't loose my hair I'm happy.

This just goes to show you that individuals VARY in their sensitivity to hormone levels. Some may masculinize alot in response to those levels while you only mildly do. This is why I think focusing on levels isn't really useful and focusing instead on well-being as well as physical results is more relevant. Doctors cherish numbers but sometimes it just doesn't make sense to do so. One needs to be flexible enough to know when they are meaningful and when they aren't.