Blood Work / HRT Question

[Mugshot109]

I wonder if someone could provide me with some insight into this.

I had a blood test and my total testosterone was 245 ng/dL. My free testosterone level was 29.7. This blood test was taken first thing in the morning. I am 35 years old and have never used any steroids in my life. From my understanding, and reading other posts on this board, this is quite low. I had a subsequent blood test and only had a testosterone level of 163 ng/dl (taken in afternoon).

I have been working out for over a year and have seen some gains, but nothing major. Assuming that the diet and training routine were correct, how much of an effect would these testosterone levels have towards building muscle? Is it possible to get "big" with this level of testosterone?

The doctor mentioned injections or gels, what should I ask the specialist for? How should I ask? It seems likely that he will presribe something and I want to make sure he gives me the "right" stuff. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[misticat]

what are you trying to accomplish here?

 

[Mugshot109]

what are you trying to accomplish here?

I would like to at least have enough testosterone in my system to allow me to see normal gains from working out. If my low levels of testosterone are holding me back, I would like to correct that.

 

[jhondo]

Out of curiosity, what's your mood/demeanor? Are you anxious? Depressed? Low amount of energy and ambition? How is your sex drive? How do you feel generally? Your total test is very low but your free test isn't bad.

 

[79steeler]

I think that with your levels being in that range, your endo would put you on 100mg/wk test. cypionate. They will check your blood levels again in about 7wks.

They should also set you up with some hcg. every other month or so to keep your balls plump.

My buddy just got put on this and loves it. His levels were identical to yours. I think he gets his injections every two weeks, but I would ask if they can do it once a week to keep you blood levels more stable.

 

[jhondo]

I was on 200mg per week for a solid year with nothing else. Estradial went up only slightly and balls didn't shrink at all. But then, I'm cool like that!

J/K! I'm not very cool but the rest is true.

 

[Mugshot109]

Thanks for the reply. I am depressed, anxious, and have low energy. Sex drive is ok however. Are mood problems a result of low testosterone, or does depression and anxiety cause your testosterone to drop?

 

[NEO1]

Your moods can be the result of low test. My levels were 290's when I started my TRT of 200mg/wk. I had the same symptoms as you. In just 10 short days I feel a ton better and have put on 6lbs with no change in diet or training (intensity). Go with the shot, the gel has too many probs.

 

[jhondo]

Thanks for the reply. I am depressed, anxious, and have low energy. Sex drive is ok however. Are mood problems a result of low testosterone, or does depression and anxiety cause your testosterone to drop?

Those things are classic symptoms. Of course, only you can decide what to do but I haven't heard about a single person that went on HRT and didn't benefit from it. I don't ever want to go back to feeling like I did now that know what it feels like to be normal.

 

[hardrock]

I hear ya bro. I am on 125 mg of cyp/wk and I feel great. Have been on TRT for about 2 1/2 years. Will never go back. My levels were very close to yours.

 

[Mugshot109]

6lbs is a lot in such a short period of time . I will push for the shot. Do you think the doc will allow me to inject myself at home?

 

[Mugshot109]

Those things are classic symptoms. Of course, only you can decide what to do but I haven't heard about a single person that went on HRT and didn't benefit from it. I don't ever want to go back to feeling like I did now that know what it feels like to be normal.

Thanks. Do you think HRT will speed up my hairloss to a great degree? Did you have any hairloss problems?

 

[Mugshot109]

I think that with your levels being in that range, your endo would put you on 100mg/wk test. cypionate. They will check your blood levels again in about 7wks.

They should also set you up with some hcg. every other month or so to keep your balls plump.

My buddy just got put on this and loves it. His levels were identical to yours. I think he gets his injections every two weeks, but I would ask if they can do it once a week to keep you blood levels more stable.

Thanks. Do you know what his Test levels eventually went up to?

 

[NEO1]

Yea, Im kinda mad I didnt go earlier. I always wondered why at 4,000+ calories/day and proper training I couldnt gain weight. Add TRT and its amazing! Not to mention I sleep better and am in a better mood.

I self inject at home. Dr. prescribed pinz and everything.

They are shooting to have my levels at 1100

 

[dopename]

I am on TRT and for almost years I was stuck at benching 225lbs. I always thought it was a mental problem.

My test level was 141!!! No wonder!! I started with the cream but my levels actually went down a little and then I was prescribed Test Cyp. 200mgs a week injecting at home.

I love it and now I am benching 225lbs for reps after just a few months. So yes it will help with workouts and just everyday life.

 

[yankees5677]

HRT is the way to go. These were my before numbers:
Total test 86
Free test 2.1
IGF 173
Probably due to the effect of past cycles.

Anyway the doc put me on
200mg/wk test cyp
HCG
T3/T4
Dhea
Omega's

Now my levels are as of the last blood test
Total test 1349
Free test 38.9
IGF 424
And I feel awesome all the time. Its much easier to put muscle and and get stronger. The T3/T4 is the lowest prescribe dose but it helps to keep me lean and my energy way up. Sex is GREAT!!! You stay hard and can go 3-4 times a night easily.
PM me if you have any other questions.

 

[Mugshot109]

HRT is the way to go. These were my before numbers:
Total test 86
Free test 2.1
IGF 173
Probably due to the effect of past cycles.

Anyway the doc put me on
200mg/wk test cyp
HCG
T3/T4
Dhea
Omega's

Now my levels are as of the last blood test
Total test 1349
Free test 38.9
IGF 424
And I feel awesome all the time. Its much easier to put muscle and and get stronger. The T3/T4 is the lowest prescribe dose but it helps to keep me lean and my energy way up. Sex is GREAT!!! You stay hard and can go 3-4 times a night easily.
PM me if you have any other questions.

Thanks. I appreciate the help from everybody. I have an appointment with the doc tomorrow. I will post the outcome.

 

[jhondo]

Thanks. Do you think HRT will speed up my hairloss to a great degree? Did you have any hairloss problems?

Depends on how genetically predisposed you are. HRT is not a very high dose but if you are balding anyway, it probably won't help. I am not predisposed to balding and I've had no hair loss from it. I've also had no testicular shrinkage, no beginnings of gyno, no nothing. The only thing I've experienced that could be considered a side effect is a small amount of acne on my back. It isn't enough to concern me and is taken care of with a little time in the sun. To me, that everything else is a positive more than makes up for it.

 

[jhondo]

Anyway the doc put me on
200mg/wk test cyp
HCG
T3/T4
Dhea
Omega's

Now my levels are as of the last blood test
Total test 1349
Free test 38.9
IGF 424
And I feel awesome all the time. Its much easier to put muscle and and get stronger. The T3/T4 is the lowest prescribe dose but it helps to keep me lean and my energy way up. Sex is GREAT!!! You stay hard and can go 3-4 times a night easily.
PM me if you have any other questions.

That's about what mine were but my free test was a bit higher at 48 and total was a bit lower at 12-something. Neither outrageously above the 300-1100 and 10-40 ranges. Same test cyp dosage as you are taking. But my doc said that was too high and wants to go to 150mg/wk instead and see what happens. Pisses me right off since all my other numbers were perfect. Let's take something that works well and fuck with it, why don't we.

 

[Nelson Montana]

Congrats on going on HRT. Now don't forget the UNLEASHED to make the most of your Free T levels.

 

[yankees5677]

Congrats on going on HRT. Now don't forget the UNLEASHED to make the most of your Free T levels.

I am using Unleashed. I forgot to mention that. My doc wants my total test down a little. But he said we would wait till the next blood test to decide. In the meantime Im almost done with my Test/Tren/Dbol cycle. Well the dbol been done. Once Im done with the cycle Ill wait for 4 weeks for everything to level back to HRT levels and give blood.
Hopefully it didnt mess me up to bad.

 

[Mugshot109]

I went to the doctor yesterday and he wants me to wait 6 weeks and take new blood tests. Forget that, I am going to another doctor. I don't know how it is in the rest of the country but in NY it takes weeks to months to get an appointment with an endocrinologist. I will make some calls today.

HRT is the way to go. These were my before numbers:
Total test 86
Free test 2.1
IGF 173
Probably due to the effect of past cycles.

Anyway the doc put me on
200mg/wk test cyp
HCG
T3/T4
Dhea
Omega's

Now my levels are as of the last blood test
Total test 1349
Free test 38.9
IGF 424
And I feel awesome all the time. Its much easier to put muscle and and get stronger. The T3/T4 is the lowest prescribe dose but it helps to keep me lean and my energy way up. Sex is GREAT!!! You stay hard and can go 3-4 times a night easily.
PM me if you have any other questions.

 

[yankees5677]

I went to the doctor yesterday and he wants me to wait 6 weeks and take new blood tests. Forget that, I am going to another doctor. I don't know how it is in the rest of the country but in NY it takes weeks to months to get an appointment with an endocrinologist. I will make some calls today.

You have to find a hormone replacement doc or a wellness doc.