I’m curious to know how you are using E3 if you don’t mind sharing. I’ve recently started 17 alpha E topical with transcutol. I’ve also been considering a topical E3 skin cream.
I alternate weekends (Fri, Sat, Sun) with rapa/E3 at 3mg each day, so about 18mg of E3 and 18mg of Rapa per month. I’m not sure on the systemic bio-availability of creams and hair tonics. I think the E3 creams directly on the genitals (scrotum) might have high absorption, but given the vast unknowns, that route is something I might only try if other options run out when I’ve very old.
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The addition of transcutol will enhance the transdermal absorption of 17 alpha E, but as you have said, it’s pretty much a guess. I’m applying it to my scalp since I have some male pattern baldness. It is thought to help with male pattern baldenss through it’s 5 alpha reductase effects. 17 alpha E was wildly successful on male mice in the ITP (+19%), so that’s why I’ve gone with it.
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Yes, seems that things that are good for longevity can drive SHBG up and that high SHBG can in many ways be good for longevity
(At the same time is could also be high due to other disease processes)
For some past discussion about this see here and posts around then
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It is not at all clear that one wants high free testosterone is good for longevity
There are quite at lot of discussion on the forum about that
For muscle mTOR high is “good” and IGF-1 high “good” too in the short run at least, but clearly too high of mTOR and IGF-1 are not good for longevity.
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Agreed, and it’s highly dependent on the population, ie hypogonadal vs eugonadal subjects.
This discussion is helpful for me to realize that a high SHBG is not necessarily a bad thing (actually good). My total T of 358, with SHBG of 82 and low free T is in the context of a 68 year old male with excellent metabolic health (A1C 5.0, fasting insulin 1, BMI 21, VO2 max 46). I have started a boron supplement of 3 mg/day. I will continue to monitor the sex hormones.
Keep in mind it’s actually high SHBG throughout life which is protective, not due to aging.
A natural increase in SHBG with aging is not the protective to the same extent.
So an increase in SHBG without any other reason, including age, is protective. I’m not sure how to discern this.
I’m thinking it’s important it has/is increased by other preventative measures, at least you have that to boost the effect and decrease the chance it’s because of something else.
So it’s a bit tricky. Lustgarten has a good idea of having a total net benefit of markers.
E.g if someone is healthy and has a normal SHBG but does traditionally healthy things or improve their markers, it is under this circumstance if these things increased SHBG that it is particularly good. Making sure anything bad that might increase it is not occurring either, so checking biomarkers that increase SHBG are actually in the optimal range.
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Interesting what ChatGPT says about improving SHBG levels!
What reliably raises SHBG (naturally)?
- Improve insulin sensitivity (strongest lever)
High insulin suppresses SHBG production in the liver.
What helps:
• Weight loss if overweight
• Regular exercise (especially aerobic + resistance)
• Avoid frequent blood-sugar spikes
Evidence level: High (epidemiology + mechanistic human data)
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- Eat a lower-glycaemic diet
Diets that reduce insulin secretion tend to increase SHBG.
Helpful patterns:
• Fewer refined carbs and sugars
• More whole foods, vegetables, legumes
• Adequate protein (not excessive)
Evidence level: Moderate–high
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- Increase dietary fibre
Fibre improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic fat.
Sources:
• Oats, legumes, vegetables, berries
• Ground flaxseed
Evidence level: Moderate
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- Moderate alcohol (not excess)
Light–moderate alcohol intake is associated with higher SHBG, likely via liver signalling.
• ~1 standard drink/day (or less)
• Do not start drinking for this reason alone
Evidence level: Observational only (not a recommendation)
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- Maintain good liver health
SHBG is produced in the liver.
Avoid:
• Excess alcohol
• Fatty liver disease
• Chronic over-nutrition
Evidence level: High (physiology)
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As a intermittent binge drinker I would say my SHBG is really high.
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my SHBG is really high too. Twice the higher range if i recall well.