Recent content by Cataceous
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Orgasm. But no feeling
Some guys do experience a loss of sensitivity under TRT. I've had that myself and suspect it's from excessive dosing of testosterone and/or disruption of other hormones. If this is the case then the goal should be to restore realistic healthy levels of testosterone and other hormones. Bear in...- Cataceous
- Post #2
- Forum: When TRT Is Not Enough (ED, Libido, & More)
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Primary Hypogonadism: Doctor wants to put me on 25mg of Testosterone enanthate per week
Nebido—testosterone undecanoate—is viable, but it's not ideal when you are still planning to make dose adjustments. Either testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate would be better, although these should be injected at least three times a week or every other day to smooth out levels. Once...- Cataceous
- Post #4
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
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BP issue
Yes, it is fine to do that. Other guys have reported following this protocol. It should lead to very stable levels, for better or worse.- Cataceous
- Post #6
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
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Primary Hypogonadism: Doctor wants to put me on 25mg of Testosterone enanthate per week
You have a wise doctor. It's not common for guys with primary hypogonadism to get such good advice. All I would add is that dividing the dose into 2-3 injections per week is a good idea—if he didn't already suggest that. It is correct that with primary hypogonadism, exogenous testosterone adds...- Cataceous
- Post #2
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
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Lowering trt dose/ increasing frequency of injections question
Some very rough numbers: Twice-weekly injections might give a 50% drop from peak to trough. EOD probably cuts that to 5-10%. Average serum testosterone levels stay about the same at the same dose. For example: suppose with twice weekly injections total testosterone is dropping from a peak of...- Cataceous
- Post #8
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
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Low T
Assuming this is morning testosterone: Your cFTV result of 8 ng/dL is borderline. Some men do have symptoms at this level, even though it is considered to be within the normal range. I would be hesitant to start conventional TRT without more information. If you have access to short-acting...- Cataceous
- Post #2
- Forum: Blood Test Discussion
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Peak vs trough testosterone level
That title is for those who don't provide proper attribution and quoting. It means there are studies demonstrating correlation, which may hint at causality, but are not definitive. I included one of several at the bottom. If you are truly interested then I can provide more of the references...- Cataceous
- Post #16
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
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Peak vs trough testosterone level
There is some evidence for such mental health issues, including anxiety. Per Grok: There is emerging evidence from psychology and related fields supporting the hypothesis that a lack of challenges or adversity—sometimes framed as excessive comfort, overprotection, or "coddling"—can contribute...- Cataceous
- Post #14
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
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Peak vs trough testosterone level
Setting aside strictly biochemical dysfunction, I think in some ways it's the opposite. We evolved to face challenges and overcome them. When everything is handed to you and you can't feel a sense of purpose or accomplishment then you get mental health issues.- Cataceous
- Post #11
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
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About to Start a New Protocol
Don't rely on the so-called direct free testosterone tests. They are useless, and the dose linearity might not be reflected in them. Instead either use equilibrium dialysis or Vermeulen calculated free testosterone. For the latter, measure SHBG and ideally albumin in addition to total...- Cataceous
- Post #60
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
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Peak vs trough testosterone level
It's human nature to strive for better. If we settled for "good enough" then we'd still be cave dwellers.- Cataceous
- Post #9
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
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Peak vs trough testosterone level
You can estimate the peak-trough ratio based on the half-life of the testosterone ester. The estimate I use for weekly injections of testosterone cypionate is 2.5, which stems from a five-day half-life. This would put your peak at over 1,500 ng/dL. However, half-lives vary among individuals, so...- Cataceous
- Post #4
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
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About to Start a New Protocol
The week-long stabilization period is reasonable unless you're converting from a long-lived injected testosterone ester. Then the influence could last a few weeks leading to uncertainty about levels. Waiting a full three months would be good, but maybe not necessary. If you've already been on...- Cataceous
- Post #58
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
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About to Start a New Protocol
If anything it would be about the half-life rather than the SHBG "charge" time. A good rule of thumb is to allow five half-lives for stabilization. Xyosted is somewhat unusual because the lack of excipients extends its half-life to 10 days, about double that of conventional formulations of...- Cataceous
- Post #56
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
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About to Start a New Protocol
Keep in mind that transdermal testosterone is only relatively short-acting—that is, when compared to something like testosterone cypionate injections. However, it is slower than nasal gels or oral formulations. The reason why is that the skin acts as a reservoir, gradually releasing the...- Cataceous
- Post #54
- Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions
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