90 day labs - High Total Test

[BigFilly]

I have been with Defy since January and recently had my 90 day labs drawn. I have been on 120mg/wk and inject every 3.5 days. I inject .3ml on Sunday morning and .3ml Wednesday evening. I also take .15 mg of anastrozole with each injection so a total of .30mg per week. I'm not on HCG. So, that's my protocol.

I'm somewhat surprised that my Total T came back at 1498. I have seen other guys with a similar dose as mine and they're coming back around 900 or so...so I only assumed that I would be close to the same level. At a level of 1498, one would assume that you'd feel incredible considering how high that is, but apparently more is not always better. I do feel better since starting TRT, but the things I really hope to improve like brain fog and energy have not improved much, if any. I have gained some muscle mass and libido has been slightly better as well and I'm very happy about that!!

Just to note, I had this blood drawn at 8am Wednesday morning, so I was about 12 hours away from my next injection. I would think this would be close enough to a trough reading, correct?? I have a follow up call with Defy in the next week, but I'd appreciate any insight from you guys before the call. Many thanks!!

**sorry for the crappy quality of the attachment, I had to use an app from my phone**

 

[johndoesmith]

That is quite the response to testosterone!

I think part of the issue may be due to low E2, at least relative to where total testosterone sits. You're definitely going to have a dose reduction, as that is way too high! This will make titrating or eliminating AI a bit challenging.

Other than that, there isn't much else to comment on. You'll get where you need to be!

 

[BigFilly]

Thank JDS, appreciate the reply. Yea, I'm somewhat baffled as to why I have such a high total level relative to my low dose. I guess I'll see what Defy has to say and what we can do to get things on track. I guess part of me was hoping to increase my dose since I still have some symptoms...thinking that more test would fix the remaining symptoms!! I doubt that will be the case given these labs. We shall see...

 

[KSPhD]

I don't think you are going to see any major benefits in the first 90 days. The research that is available, though it has it's limitations, suggests that you will start to see changes in psychological and physiological variables in the first 3 months. But things will continue to improve across 6-18 months. Give it time, adjust as your are told by Defy, Good luck. And please keep us updated on your progress and changes.

 

[BigFilly]

I don't think you are going to see any major benefits in the first 90 days. The research that is available, though it has it's limitations, suggests that you will start to see changes in psychological and physiological variables in the first 3 months. But things will continue to improve across 6-18 months. Give it time, adjust as your are told by Defy, Good luck. And please keep us updated on your progress and changes.

I've read the same thing....i know 90 days is a fleeting glimpse of what long term TRT can yield, so I'm still hopeful things will line out and I'll see some further improvements in my symptoms.

 

[johndoesmith]

Thank JDS, appreciate the reply. Yea, I'm somewhat baffled as to why I have such a high total level relative to my low dose. I guess I'll see what Defy has to say and what we can do to get things on track. I guess part of me was hoping to increase my dose since I still have some symptoms...thinking that more test would fix the remaining symptoms!! I doubt that will be the case given these labs. We shall see...

Well in your OP you mention "but apparently more is not always better" yet now you want to increase your dose, even though you're significantly above range?

Not to be rude, but did you even read my post? I mentioned that your E2 is very low relative to your total testosterone, and that I suspect is preventing you from feeling the benefits of TRT.

If you still want a dose increase after seeing these labs, I don't think testosterone is your problem.

 

[BigFilly]

Sorry, should have been more clear... I meant I was hoping to increase the dose PRIOR to learning what my values were. Before knowing my bloodwork numbers, I was thinking a higher dose may remedy some of the lingering symptoms I had. I certainly don't think that's the case now, hence the reason I'm asking you guys for some insight on these labs. Sorry I didn't explain that very clear after reading my reply to yours.

 

[johndoesmith]

Sorry, should have been more clear... I meant I was hoping to increase the dose PRIOR to learning what my values were. Before knowing my bloodwork numbers, I was thinking a higher dose may remedy some of the lingering symptoms I had. I certainly don't think that's the case now, hence the reason I'm asking you guys for some insight on these labs. Sorry I didn't explain that very clear after reading my reply to yours.

Ahh that's okay. Let E2 increase a bit, I bet you'll feel better.

 

[Vince Carter]

your SHBG @ 36 is why youre holding on to Test for so long, see your Free T is just below lab range but your Total is way OVER...this is SHBG.

-what day/times are you injecting?

-why are you not using HCG?

-E as JDS states could be a little low, esp relative to your TT/FT

 

[johndoesmith]

your SHBG @ 36 is why youre holding on to Test for so long, see your Free T is just below lab range but your Total is way OVER...this is SHBG.

-what day/times are you injecting?

-why are you not using HCG?

-E as JDS states could be a little low, esp relative to your TT/FT

It's still a decent response to testosterone because my SHBG was the same when I started and I started at the same dose but was not at his levels.

 

[BigFilly]

your SHBG @ 36 is why youre holding on to Test for so long, see your Free T is just below lab range but your Total is way OVER...this is SHBG.

-what day/times are you injecting? Sunday @ 7am and Wed @ 7pm

-why are you not using HCG? can't have it legally shipped in Louisiana. Also, have 3 kids and a vasectomy, so no pressing need

-E as JDS states could be a little low, esp relative to your TT/FT

My pre-TRT shbg number was 51, so it's now lower than when I started. I really don't understand the ins and outs of shbg. I also thought the lower, the better because less test would be bound by it