As I have been doing for the last 5 years or so, since turning 50, I got my GP to do a thorough blood work check, which included my hormone panel (see photo with the markers I wanted testing).
For the last few years I have successfully increased my total testosterone, but have been noticing that my SHBG marker had been steadily rising. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, when too high, basically binds up your available testosterone and renders it useless.
So, I have been making holistic lifestyle changes to try and correct this.
I have improved my sleep patterns by lowering Cortisol, continued to use Intermittent Fasting from Monday to Friday and have recently been adopting a Ketogenic approach to my daily eating.
I have made sure that my daily consumption of essential fats has been high combined with approximately 0.8g-1g of protein per pound of body weight. Daily carbohydrate intake from fibrous sources is less than 50g. Starchy carbs that spike insulin have been removed.
High insulin, high cortisol and high inflammation can impede proper hormone production. Too much protein can cause inflammation, whilst essential fat can regulate insulin and fuel testosterone and cognitive function.
The mistake people make when trialling ‘Keto’ is that they don’t eat enough essential fat, consume way too much protein and end up feeling horrible.
The results of my blood test were encouraging in that my total testosterone was still at the high end of the normal range whilst SHBG almost halved. This in turn meant that my free testosterone increased by over 50%!!
I haven’t been doing Keto for that long, so I will be keen to see how I progress using this approach.
At almost 55 years old, I am certainly not adverse to using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) but I am determined to put off the need to do this for as long as possible.
Until then, I am enjoying experimenting on myself to try and optimise my hormone production naturally.
👍👌💪👊😎
Bodychisel by Craig. 