MANAGING SHBG
PRODUCTION
Oestrogen
W
hen steroids are used to
effectively build muscle,
elevated oestrogen levels are
always a concern. Anabolic
steroids can result in higher
oestrogen levels in men, which
can lead to water retention,
fat storage, and gynecomastia
or bitch tits. It's therefore vital
to keep oestrogen levels in a
range where muscle growth can
occur while not experiencing
oestrogen-related side effects.
High oestrogen levels come
with another side effect that
can sabotage muscle growth.
As oestrogen levels climb, so
does SHBG. Even if exogenous
steroids are administered, higher
than normal SHBG caused by
high oestrogen levels can have a
negative impact on anabolism.
Tamoxifen
T
amoxifen has been used for
decades to lower oestrogen
levels in men, especially those
who use anabolic steroids. It
is often found in post-cycle
therapy (PCT) protocols, when
attempting to keep oestrogen
levels in check and to stimulate
natural testosterone production.
It is effective in lowering
oestrogen levels, but it also
raises SHBG levels when doing
so. Raising SHBG levels during
PCT can alter the process of
recovering hormones to baseline
levels.
Thyroid
T
here is a strong relationship
between thyroid hormones
and SHBG. Hyperthyroidism
(a condition where too much
thyroid hormone is produced)
causes SHBG to increase. This
can also occur when high levels
of thyroid drugs (T-3, T-4) are
taken.
The other drugs
that increase
SHBG:
• Clomiphene,
• Toremifene,
• Some statins, opioids, beta-
blockers, tranquillisers,
antidepressants, and anti-
fungals.
DECREASING SHBG
Growth Hormone
G
rowth hormone has been
shown to greatly influence
SHBG levels. The increase
in growth hormone during
puberty is what causes the large
drop in SHBG, leading to the
changes that occur during this
important developmental phase.
A decrease in growth hormone
levels seem to run parallel with
the rise in SHBG production
associated with ageing. Taking
exogenous growth hormone
may be the most effective
method for lowering SHBG
levels. While growth hormone
doesn’t play a direct role in
muscle growth, its ability to
lower SHBG influences muscle
growth indirectly.
Letrozole
T
his aromotase inhibitor is the
most effective for inhibiting
oestrogen production. Unlike the
serums tamoxifen and clomiphene,
letrozole does not increase SHBG,
but actually decreases it. Letrozole
is therefore a good choice to
control oestrogen while taking
anabolic steroids as it eliminates
oestrogen and lowers SHBG.
Other drugs that
decrease SHBG:
• Exemestane,
• Anastrozole,
• Proviron,
• Stanozolol,
• Insulin.
S
HBG is a critical component in achieving and maintaining
hormonal balance. Without it the changes that take place
from childhood to adulthood would not happen in the manner
that they should. While this protein does serve a purpose, higher
levels during adulthood can greatly impair muscle growth. A
simple test can be ordered by a physician to check SHBG levels.
*Article by Josh Hodnik first published in Iron Magazine, April 2015.
Republished with permission from author.