Paper: Male PCOS, Low SHBG & their genetic components

[James23]

I never noticed any subjective benefits in my 4 years on metformin. On the contrary, it plus being a statin hyper-responder is why I'm on TRT in the first place (it lowers both IGF-1 and testosterone in a significant number of patients). Its benefits are reflected only in labs. My A1C is at 5.5% and holding instead of the 5.8% at time of the prediabetes diagnosis.

What benefits were you expecting to notice?

I already have low IGF-1 and low testosterone.

The metformin should lower my insulin and allow SHBG to increase. When SHBG increases, so will my total testosterone. It is being kept low by the lack of SHBG.

 

[GirlyMan]

I already have low IGF-1 and low testosterone.

In many people metformin might lower them even more.

The metformin should lower my insulin and allow SHBG to increase.

Metformin's MOA is via disrupting the liver's gluconeogenesis. Not sayin' it don't have no indirect effect on insulin, just sayin' it ain't its primary MOA.

When SHBG increases, so will my total testosterone. It is being kept low by the lack of SHBG.

That I can't comment on, but I'm very interested in what you find.

 

[James23]

I realize about the MOA. I wish there were something that out outright increase insulin sensitivity, rather than messing with glucose.

What should one use for insulin resistance if not metformin, then?!

 

[DragonRider]

I have been using core from othomolecular and there has been a rise with people with low SHBG. Gmerit will verifiy this. Metformin can have side effects. I use this product in women with PCOS and also men with metabolic syndrome.

What is in it? The website doesn't have an ingredients list. What in it would raise SHBG?

Berberine. This looks promising.

I realize about the MOA. I wish there were something that out outright increase insulin sensitivity, rather than messing with glucose.

What should one use for insulin resistance if not metformin, then?!

Berberine, a Natural Plant Product, Activates AMP-Activated Protein Kinase With Beneficial Metabolic Effects in Diabetic and Insulin-Resistant States

Berberine reduced body weight and caused a significant improvement in glucose tolerance without altering food intake in db/db mice. Similarly, berberine reduced body weight and plasma triglycerides and improved insulin action in high-fat–fed Wistar rats.

 

[hardasnails1973]

Berberine. This looks promising.



Berberine, a Natural Plant Product, Activates AMP-Activated Protein Kinase With Beneficial Metabolic Effects in Diabetic and Insulin-Resistant States

Berberine reduced body weight and caused a significant improvement in glucose tolerance without altering food intake in db/db mice. Similarly, berberine reduced body weight and plasma triglycerides and improved insulin action in high-fat–fed Wistar rats.

Yes it has increased a number of men and women shbg i have been working with.out affecting b-12 folate and other serum readings.

 

[CubbieBlue]

I already have low IGF-1 and low testosterone.

The metformin should lower my insulin and allow SHBG to increase. When SHBG increases, so will my total testosterone. It is being kept low by the lack of SHBG.

You want to lower your insulin look at your diet, not metformin. How do you eat?