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Are There Direct Interactions Between Thyroid And TRT Levels?
Question: While on TRT i discontinued using Crestor. It seems I am hyper excreting my TRT dosage that I have to increase now to stay at a therapeutic level do I have hyperthyroidism or how do we treat this problem
Brief Answer:
TRT
Detailed Answer:
Hyperthyroidism tends to increase SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) and sometimes raises the estradiol level. Estradiol is the female hormone that is normally present in small amounts in men too.
The result of increased SHBG is higher total testosterone levels in the blood but lower free testosterone concentrations.
Now, there are no extensive studies reporting direct interactions between thyroid and TRT.
The only practical implications are that when you measure total testosterone levels you may see higher levels owing to the increased SHBG. This can be misleading. That is why it would be helpful to measure free testosterone levels and that too by a reliable method called Equilibrium dialysis. Alternatively one could indirectly estimate free testosterone using Albumin, SHBG and Total testosterone levels. Online tools are available to determine this using the Vermuelen equation.
I have noted you stopped using your Crestor. To the best of my knowledge of published medical literature there is no known major interaction between statins ( i.e. the family of medications including crestor) and TRT.
So when I see someone like you in my practice I have them increase their TRT dose to achieve and maintain steady levels of Free Testosterone in the blood. The dose required is typically not of concern as long as it keeps the testosterone levels in the target range without any side effects. Typical doses of the injection for example are 150 to 200 mg every 2 weeks
TRT
Detailed Answer:
Hyperthyroidism tends to increase SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) and sometimes raises the estradiol level. Estradiol is the female hormone that is normally present in small amounts in men too.
The result of increased SHBG is higher total testosterone levels in the blood but lower free testosterone concentrations.
Now, there are no extensive studies reporting direct interactions between thyroid and TRT.
The only practical implications are that when you measure total testosterone levels you may see higher levels owing to the increased SHBG. This can be misleading. That is why it would be helpful to measure free testosterone levels and that too by a reliable method called Equilibrium dialysis. Alternatively one could indirectly estimate free testosterone using Albumin, SHBG and Total testosterone levels. Online tools are available to determine this using the Vermuelen equation.
I have noted you stopped using your Crestor. To the best of my knowledge of published medical literature there is no known major interaction between statins ( i.e. the family of medications including crestor) and TRT.
So when I see someone like you in my practice I have them increase their TRT dose to achieve and maintain steady levels of Free Testosterone in the blood. The dose required is typically not of concern as long as it keeps the testosterone levels in the target range without any side effects. Typical doses of the injection for example are 150 to 200 mg every 2 weeks
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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