Recent content by Cataceous
-
C
About to Start a New Protocol
It's actually neither, though the former—the thin, permeable skin—increases absorption efficiency. It's the prevalence of 5-alpha reductase in the scrotal skin that boosts production of DHT. There can also be a fair bit of aromatase, boosting estradiol as well in many cases. The testes don't...- Cataceous
- Post #47
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
-
C
Enclomiphene Pharmacy Options
Defy Medical was using Taylor Made for enclomiphene until they eventually switched to Empower. The product from both of these places seemed to do the job. As I recall, Taylor Made at one time was having some legal issues, but maybe nothing affecting product quality. I'd say Empower is a slightly...- Cataceous
- Post #2
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
-
C
Hypo since 20 y/o - now 30. Thoughts on this bloodwork?
There are pros and cons to either. Enclomiphene blocks the negative feedback from estradiol, which stimulates the HPTA. The higher LH/FSH then lead to increased testosterone, at least if the testicles are functioning well. Enclomiphene has the advantage of stimulating the entire HPTA. Clinical...- Cataceous
- Post #12
- Forum: Blood Test Discussion
-
C
Hypo since 20 y/o - now 30. Thoughts on this bloodwork?
Ok, that confirms the previous number and an unusual pattern. You seem to have bounced back from the first episode in 2016 after dabbling with Clomid and hCG. Possibly you could again. As mentioned above, enclomiphene is usually preferred over Clomid. If you don't get acceptable results with...- Cataceous
- Post #10
- Forum: Blood Test Discussion
-
C
Hypo since 20 y/o - now 30. Thoughts on this bloodwork?
You really needed a testosterone measurement to go with that LH/FSH. With the huge variability in your readings I wouldn't trust that it remained at the 91 ng/dL from August, even if that value was correct. There is still uncertainty. No, this combination points to secondary, where the brain...- Cataceous
- Post #7
- Forum: Blood Test Discussion
-
C
Thoughts / Advice on bloodwork
I was curious what AI would say about cabergoline vs P5P: Effectiveness Cabergoline is generally more effective for lowering prolactin levels, particularly in cases of hyperprolactinemia in men, such as those caused by prolactinomas. Multiple studies show it can normalize prolactin levels and...- Cataceous
- Post #5
- Forum: Blood Test Discussion
-
C
Thinking about TRT and could use some guidance
There are better options than conventional TRT. First, strongly consider switching to topical finasteride. The side effects profile is considerably improved, reducing your risks in the long run. If you still feel as though there's a lot of room for improvement then try a fast-acting testosterone...- Cataceous
- Post #4
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
-
C
Thoughts / Advice on bloodwork
With the caveat that your results are hard to read due to low resolution, it appears that Vermeulen calculated free testosterone is about 11 ng/dL. This is not really into hypogonadal territory. On the other hand, having prolactin near top-of-range can be problematic. If your health and...- Cataceous
- Post #2
- Forum: Blood Test Discussion
-
C
DHT Cream Plus Testosterone Propionate = Major Libido Boost
It's still a small enough molecule that you might have reasonable absorption—but "reasonable" is only about 10%, so it's not very efficient. Possibly better if applied to the scrotum. If there is such a thing then you'd want to think about possible side effects; 5ar does more than convert T to...- Cataceous
- Post #447
- Forum: When TRT Is Not Enough (ED, Libido, & More)
-
C
Hypo since 20 y/o - now 30. Thoughts on this bloodwork?
Your 2016 and 2021 results are contradictory. It seems unusual to move from secondary hypogonadism to the edge of primary and back. Another interpretation is that you've always had borderline testicular insufficiency, but it is masked by secondary hypogonadism. If you're willing, report your new...- Cataceous
- Post #4
- Forum: Blood Test Discussion
-
C
Pharmacokinetic Profile of Testosterone Suspension: A Case Study
A problem with having limited data is that you can come up with various hypotheses that are consistent with the results yet are vastly different. So here's an update on the examination of testosterone suspension: For a period I switched to an aqueous testosterone solution, as described above. I...- Cataceous
- Post #17
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
-
C
Hypo since 20 y/o - now 30. Thoughts on this bloodwork?
I think you have the right idea: Retest testosterone, and also LH and FSH. Make sure it's done not too long after waking. Throw in SHBG if you're not also testing free testosterone via equilibrium dialysis. Estradiol should probably be in there too. Your 2021 results do hint at testicular...- Cataceous
- Post #2
- Forum: Blood Test Discussion
-
C
Inject hCG IM for better results?
The point is that if you open the door to anecdotal evidence then there are examples suggesting faster SC absorption in some cases. However, I have much more confidence in the controlled studies measuring AUCs. No, it takes >40° C to invoke non-negligible degradation. That's not happening...- Cataceous
- Post #30
- Forum: When TRT Is Not Enough (ED, Libido, & More)
-
C
Inject hCG IM for better results?
It may be far-fetched, but less so than some mysterious and unelucidated mechanism of testosterone destruction.- Cataceous
- Post #28
- Forum: When TRT Is Not Enough (ED, Libido, & More)
-
C
Inject hCG IM for better results?
If with both SC and IM you ensured you had no injection site leakage and you measured free testosterone at enough time points in an injection cycle to accurately estimate AUC then you'd have some grounds to claim reduced bioavailability. What I've been saying is that measuring testosterone at...- Cataceous
- Post #25
- Forum: When TRT Is Not Enough (ED, Libido, & More)
Beyond Testosterone Podcast
Share this page
Sponsors
