[Misty0732]

I don't know if the doctor also checked SHBG, but depending on the lab, free T may be calculated incorrectly. The doctor can calculate free T from SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) and total T. Such low free T would tend to suggest a problem possibly with aromatization of T into E, but not necessarily. Unless the doc also checked estradiol, there isn't a complete picture. Furthermore, it is also important to have the right ratio of T to E. Most doctors seem lost when it comes to all of this.

Really low free T can lead to diabetes, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, weight gain, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, muscle wasting and weakness, fatigue, depression, and probably a few more things I'm forgetting such as memory issues and gynecomastia.

It probably would have helped to know all those numbers before starting PM so you'd know if it is the cause. It would probably be wise to let the doc know about the PM. I'm not sure what other reasons there are for taking PM, other than feminization, but do a little research and find some other reasons, if admitting to gender issues is something you don't want to do.

Thanks, Monika! I'm pretty sure the doctor is going to recommend some additional blood tests, so I will suggest SHBG. They did check estridiol. At 9.5 pg/mL I am in the normal range there.

From what I read today, it is unlikely the PM is the culprit. Free-T has a long half-life and since I was only on PM for two weeks prior to the tests there wasn't time for the levels to be affected in a major way. I do have high cholesterol (I have all my life) but I have none of the other symptoms you list (other than some gynecomastia ). The more likely culprit is the Saw Palmetto (which I have been taking for some 8 months).

SO what do you all think? Should I lay of the SP? Chances are I don't really need it as I have low to none DHT (I have very little body hair and all the hair on my head).

Misty