4 months on TRT, got lab work back, results don't make sense

I went to the doctor to get tested for low T in March. I'm pretty healthy, 6'2 190 pounds 30 years old, work out 4-5 times a week with weights and/or cardio. Body is in decent shape, but I do have to work hard to keep it that way. I've had a fairly low libido for the past several years, including no morning wood most days, so I figured I'd get tested for low T. Blood work from test in March showed:

Free Testosterone 9.9 (4.8-25.7)
Sex Horm Bind Globulin 31 (16.5-55.9)
Testosterone 459 (300-1080)

So these numbers were in the range of normal, but on the low side, so the doctor (nurse practitioner really) said I could take injections if I want and see how they make me feel. I asked about side effects and she said no, you don't have to worry about anything and can stop whenever you want. I said sure what the hell, why not? And started getting 200mg injected at the clinic once every 14-17 days or so depending on my schedule. This is at a general practitioner's office, not an endocrinologist.

It's been 4 months now. It took a while to notice anything, but I do feel like I have more energy and a more positive go-getter attitude. Libido seems a little higher but not too noticeably so and morning wood is a little more frequent. Balls are smaller which actually doesn't sit well with me and I don't like. Also, I've been reading here and online and it seems like TRT is not as harmless as the nurse said, and that if I stop, I'll lose my natural T production.

So anyway I went to get bloodwork done as I'm supposed to after 4 months, and I figured I'd have much higher T. I took these at the same exact time of day as the originals (9:45 am), and about 8 days after my last shot as recommended. The results were very surprising to say the least:

Free Testosterone 4.9 (4.8-25.7)
Sex horm bind globulin 27 (16.5-55.9)
Testosterone 227 (300-1080)

These don't make sense at all to me..after starting treatment, they are actually lower? Could the lab be bogus, or is there another reason why this may be? I took them on a Tuesday after a physically and mentally draining Vegas weekend but I don't see how that would affect the levels.

Furthermore, when the doctor's office called back with the bloodwork, they said the numbers are "good" and everything is fine. Then I went over there physically to pick them up, and looked at them and saw that the numbers were low and the doctor is obviously full of shit. I scheduled an appointment with him, but I think I may just need to go to an endocrinologist instead of a general practitioner.

Anyway thanks for reading. Just not sure what to think about this. I may just stop entirely since it's still early on in the therapy, and I don't like some things I've read about it. It's been 17 days since my last shot and I actually feel fine, not fatigued or anything. But I'm due for my next one tomorrow.

Your T won't be "up" on this assinine protocol that you're on, 200mg every 14-17 days is outrageously antiquated. This isn't doing you any favors at all, while it might feel good for ~5 days (give or take) you obviously go right back to a low T status by the time your next injection rolls up, the reason that this time interval just doesn't work. PLus it pays no mind to the half-life of Cypionate which is about 5 days.
No side-effects...like shutting down your testes and having them shrivel up isn't a side-effect. Endo's are no better in most every instance.

You should leave this "clinic" and find a specialist that can treat you effectively. Like Defy Medical, or PrimeBody...those are two very very good clinics that know how to treat Low Test.

Getting injected every 14-17 is absolutely brutal!
That, in all honesty, is a cruel way to treat someone with low T.
The injections are probably making you feel good in the beginning all the while shutting down your natural production.
I believe the half life is around 7 days, so by the time your getting your next injection at 14-17 days it's almost if not all completely out of your system.
So you are going on a crazy hormonal roller coaster ride.

In all honestly, it's probably time for you to seek different care because you are not at all getting the care you need/deserve as it relates to TRT.
If you want to continue on TRT therapy, I would suggest you talk to 1 of the 2 TRT specialists endorsed by this site.
I personally trust my care to PrimeBody and have received excellent treatment and customer service.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me and by all means continue to browse this board and ask questions!

As said above - the clinic approach favors only the clinic, not the patient. They just want a steady stream of patients coming in so they can collect their injection fees per visit.

I was suckered in before I learned better. I started with Weekly injections. That worked pretty well. I would feel great for days 1-5, but then not so great the last day or two of the week. Then my insurance changed and no longer covered office visits, so due to budget issues, I moved to every 2 weeks, like you. this was TERRIBLE. I felt okay the first week. I felt terrible the second week. Major roller coaster. Major estrogen spiking issues, etc, etc.

Started doing research to find a better way - and found this site. I'm now with Defy Medical (tele-medicine model) where I can inject myself and I do it every 3.5 days. It's WORLD's better. I feel awesome.

Would definitely recommend Defy if you don't mind the tele-medicine model, or see if PrimeBody has a clinic near you if you prefer face to face. Both are top notch.

OR.....at minimum - go into your clinic WEEKLY for now. Your body will thank you.

Welcome to Excelmale. First of all, congratulations on realizing that you were being mistreated, in an absolute sense, by the medical practice providing your care. The guys who have already commented have covered the issues pretty well, I want to urge you to continue being your own advocate in matters related to health. With androgen replacement that is crucial, but it applies to your health in general. PrimeBody, Defy, or - if you are fortunate - a doctor in your community who understands contemporary TRT. It isn't a matter of what they specialize in, there are more uninformed endocrinologists than you can imagine. Good luck and keep us posted.