Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does Low Testosterone Level While SHBG Is Normal Indicate?
Question: Hi , My total testosterone is 5.9 ng/ml , free testosterone is 18.5 pg/ml and SHBG is 22.3 nmol/L ,estradiol is 5pg/ml .
these results seem contradicting as free testosterone is low while SHBG is normal , could you please help .
Regards
xxxx
these results seem contradicting as free testosterone is low while SHBG is normal , could you please help .
Regards
xxxx
Brief Answer:
no results are normal
Detailed Answer:
Dear xxxx,
Thanks for writing your health query to us.
I have checked your report.
All parameters in reports are fine and within normal limits.
There is inverse relationship between SHBG and free testosterone. When SHBG is high there is low free testosterone and vice-a-versa. However in your report both parameters are normal.
Feel free to ask if you have any doubt yet.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
no results are normal
Detailed Answer:
Dear xxxx,
Thanks for writing your health query to us.
I have checked your report.
All parameters in reports are fine and within normal limits.
There is inverse relationship between SHBG and free testosterone. When SHBG is high there is low free testosterone and vice-a-versa. However in your report both parameters are normal.
Feel free to ask if you have any doubt yet.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Dr.Solanki
so in this case what do you think the cause of my low libido , do you suggest any other tests .
one note according to internet search the value of free testosterone of 18.5 pg/ml is very low , I think there is a mistake in the report reference range , what do you think ?
so in this case what do you think the cause of my low libido , do you suggest any other tests .
one note according to internet search the value of free testosterone of 18.5 pg/ml is very low , I think there is a mistake in the report reference range , what do you think ?
Brief Answer:
it should be ng/dl not pg/ml, provide more information
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for follow up.
First of all I appreciate your observation. Normal free testosterone level ranges from 6-9 to 25-30 ng/dl (60-90 to 250-300 pg/ml). In your report according to reference range unit should be ng/dl not pg/ml. If they confirm that it is pg/ml only then laboratory is not standard I guess as such low level of free testosterone is not normal at all. Clarify the issue with laboratory and let me know.
At this point I would suggest going for repeat report (preferably in some other lab)and give fasting (early morning) sample for proper conclusion.
There can be many reasons for low libido apart from low testosterone. For that provide more information.
- Since when are you suffering from this?
- Is there any problem in erection?
- How is your overall sex life?
- What is frequency of sex before and after the problem?
- When did you do last successful intercourse?
- Do you have any physical problem like diabetes or hypertension?
- Are you taking any medicines currently?
- Is there any stress/depression/anxiety in your life?
- Is there any relationship issue?
- Is there any problem in urinating?
- Is there any history of injury in back or any spine problem?
I will be happy to help further after your response.
Take care.
it should be ng/dl not pg/ml, provide more information
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for follow up.
First of all I appreciate your observation. Normal free testosterone level ranges from 6-9 to 25-30 ng/dl (60-90 to 250-300 pg/ml). In your report according to reference range unit should be ng/dl not pg/ml. If they confirm that it is pg/ml only then laboratory is not standard I guess as such low level of free testosterone is not normal at all. Clarify the issue with laboratory and let me know.
At this point I would suggest going for repeat report (preferably in some other lab)and give fasting (early morning) sample for proper conclusion.
There can be many reasons for low libido apart from low testosterone. For that provide more information.
- Since when are you suffering from this?
- Is there any problem in erection?
- How is your overall sex life?
- What is frequency of sex before and after the problem?
- When did you do last successful intercourse?
- Do you have any physical problem like diabetes or hypertension?
- Are you taking any medicines currently?
- Is there any stress/depression/anxiety in your life?
- Is there any relationship issue?
- Is there any problem in urinating?
- Is there any history of injury in back or any spine problem?
I will be happy to help further after your response.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Dr XXXXXXX
thank you for your reply , I couldn't contact the lab as they are in Islamic holiday these days , but I tried to use the online free testosterone calculator , I entered my total testosterone value and Shbg and the calculated free testosterone came nearly similar to what is in the report but in ng/dl !
so till I can reach them later lets assume they meant in the report ng/dl and free testosterone is normal , what else could be the cause , dopamine ?
back to your questions , I am suffering from low libido since maybe 15 years , no ED problems , sex life is normal , frequency is one per week , last was last week , diabetes is borderline , blood pressure is 140/90 , I have moderate depression moderate anxiety and social anxiety , hypersensitive personality since teenage and I take SSRI Cymbalta since one year , no relation problems , no urination problems , no back injury .
thanks and best regards
xxxx
thank you for your reply , I couldn't contact the lab as they are in Islamic holiday these days , but I tried to use the online free testosterone calculator , I entered my total testosterone value and Shbg and the calculated free testosterone came nearly similar to what is in the report but in ng/dl !
so till I can reach them later lets assume they meant in the report ng/dl and free testosterone is normal , what else could be the cause , dopamine ?
back to your questions , I am suffering from low libido since maybe 15 years , no ED problems , sex life is normal , frequency is one per week , last was last week , diabetes is borderline , blood pressure is 140/90 , I have moderate depression moderate anxiety and social anxiety , hypersensitive personality since teenage and I take SSRI Cymbalta since one year , no relation problems , no urination problems , no back injury .
thanks and best regards
xxxx
Brief Answer:
psychological problems and medicines are likely responsible
Detailed Answer:
Dear xxxx,
Thanks for information.
From your history is almost confirmed that your low libido is likely due to your psychological problems (moderate depression moderate anxiety and social anxiety, hypersensitive personality). You do not have ED means no physical problem is there. This is likely due to dopamine-serotonin disturbance.
Mild BP and diabetes are somewhat adding to situation.
Apart from that cymbalta (duloxetine) causes reduced libido in 2-5% of the patients.
I would recommend shifting to Bupropion for your problem.
You can use medicine cum vitamin supplement containing pyridoxal-5-phosphate, mecobalamin and l-methylfolate (trade name tetrafol plus) which is very helpful in my patients.You may get this medicine over the counter as it is vitamin product. I suggest one tablet of tetrafol plus after meal twice daily for 20 days. If you feel better continue up to one month.
Hope this answer will help.
Feel free to discuss further.
psychological problems and medicines are likely responsible
Detailed Answer:
Dear xxxx,
Thanks for information.
From your history is almost confirmed that your low libido is likely due to your psychological problems (moderate depression moderate anxiety and social anxiety, hypersensitive personality). You do not have ED means no physical problem is there. This is likely due to dopamine-serotonin disturbance.
Mild BP and diabetes are somewhat adding to situation.
Apart from that cymbalta (duloxetine) causes reduced libido in 2-5% of the patients.
I would recommend shifting to Bupropion for your problem.
You can use medicine cum vitamin supplement containing pyridoxal-5-phosphate, mecobalamin and l-methylfolate (trade name tetrafol plus) which is very helpful in my patients.You may get this medicine over the counter as it is vitamin product. I suggest one tablet of tetrafol plus after meal twice daily for 20 days. If you feel better continue up to one month.
Hope this answer will help.
Feel free to discuss further.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
