Best protocol? - young(ish), low T, high SHBG, maintain fertility?

What is the best starting protocol for a 34 y/o with total T between 300-500, high SHBG, and wanting to have kids within the next 1-3yrs?

Background: 34 y/o, 6'3", 203lbs, <10%bf, workout a lot

One doc recommend 50mg Clomid and HCG. After reading here it seems clomid isn't a great choice for someone with high SHBG, and it seems this is a high level to start with.

Is a better starting approach to try 12.5mg Clomid along with an AI or hcg for the next few years until after kids are done and I can start using test?
 
What is the best starting protocol for a 34 y/o with total T between 300-500, high SHBG, and wanting to have kids within the next 1-3yrs?

Background: 34 y/o, 6'3", 203lbs, <10%bf, workout a lot

One doc recommend 50mg Clomid and HCG. After reading here it seems clomid isn't a great choice for someone with high SHBG, and it seems this is a high level to start with.

Is a better starting approach to try 12.5mg Clomid along with an AI or hcg for the next few years until after kids are done and I can start using test?
I’m also high SHBG. Tried a clomid restart with 12.5 mg every other day at one point and it drove my shbg to 90 (15-55) and it was pretty terrible.

After two and a half years of Testosterone cypionate + HCG, my sperm analysis showed top range numbers.

Hcg can be pretty effective for fertility
 
I’m also high SHBG. Tried a clomid restart with 12.5 mg every other day at one point and it drove my shbg to 90 (15-55) and it was pretty terrible.

After two and a half years of Testosterone cypionate + HCG, my sperm analysis showed top range numbers.

Hcg can be pretty effective for fertility

Really appreciate this cigpk. Can you tell more about the dose and frequency of the Test C+ HCG? Did you start with Test C and then add HCG? Do you do any periodic cycling, or adjust when it's time to have kids?
 
Really appreciate this cigpk. Can you tell more about the dose and frequency of the Test C+ HCG? Did you start with Test C and then add HCG? Do you do any periodic cycling, or adjust when it's time to have kids?
I was 24 when I began on testosterone + hcg, sticking with the following twice per week for about two years:

40 mg test-c
600 iu hcg

I then went to (still 2x a week) 40 mg test c and 500 iu Hcg. 6 months later I got a semen analysis done and had very good numbers.

My doc at the time wanted me to try clomid instead so I quit testosterone/hcg and gave it a try and it kinda sucked all in all. My shbg went up crazy high driving down free T/e2. Felt similar to pre trt but a little better I guess.

I eventually got back on testosterone and now I’m on an Every other day schedule.

I currently take the following, rotating every other day.
-20 mg test-c one day, 310 iu hcg the next day.
 
I was 24 when I began on testosterone + hcg, sticking with the following twice per week for about two years:

40 mg test-c
600 iu hcg

I then went to (still 2x a week) 40 mg test c and 500 iu Hcg. 6 months later I got a semen analysis done and had very good numbers.

My doc at the time wanted me to try clomid instead so I quit testosterone/hcg and gave it a try and it kinda sucked all in all. My shbg went up crazy high driving down free T/e2. Felt similar to pre trt but a little better I guess.

I eventually got back on testosterone and now I’m on an Every other day schedule.

I currently take the following, rotating every other day.
-20 mg test-c one day, 310 iu hcg the next day.

Again thanks a lot cigpk. Is it a pain (both literally and figuratively) to inject everyday (seems hcg is only an injectable). Last question: can I ask what this brought your T up to?
 
Again thanks a lot cigpk. Is it a pain (both literally and figuratively) to inject everyday (seems hcg is only an injectable). Last question: can I ask what this brought your T up to?
Not a pain at all. Well worth the ability to feel normal and not like I’m running on fumes every day.

Currently my total T is about 1000, but that was on 80 mg a week dose. I just lowered to 70 mg a week and hoping this drops my total t to about 850-900
 

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HCG Mixing Protocol Calculator

TRT Hormone Predictor Widget

TRT Hormone Predictor

Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.

ℹ️ Input Parameters

Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL

Predicted Hormone Levels

Enter your total testosterone value to see predictions

Results will appear here after calculation

Understanding Your Hormones

Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

Free Testosterone

The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038

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