Blood panel, how's mine look?

[Vince]

That smoking analogy is only meant to highlight that a possible risk factor should not be dismissed just because causality is not yet established.

Testosterone levels are associated with a U-shaped mortality curve in some studies, particularly in men. Research indicates that both low and high serum testosterone levels are linked to increased all-cause mortality, while mid-range levels are associated with lower risk. For example, a 2011 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that men with testosterone levels in the lowest and highest quartiles had higher mortality rates compared to those in the middle quartiles, with low testosterone linked to cardiovascular and metabolic issues, and high levels potentially tied to other risks like prostate issues or behavioral factors. [Grok]​

You are fortunate that basic TRT works well for you. Don't lose sight of the fact that many are not so lucky. You can help the ones who are stuggling by encouraging a low-and-slow approach. There's little to lose and much to gain.

I agree that twice-weekly TC injections appears to be a relatively successful protocol. Interestingly, Xyosted probably offers similar variation in serum testosterone with once-weekly injections due to its half-life being about double that of generic TC.

It turned out to be rather simple. When androgen levels are low, the androgen receptor is encouraged to “go solo” in the cell. In doing so, it activates the pathways that cause cancer cells to grow and spread. However, as androgens rise, the androgen receptors are forced to “hang out as a couple,” creating a form of the receptor that halts tumor growth.

 

[Vince]

AI Overview
When androgen levels are low, androgen receptors act as solo molecules, promoting cancer cell growth and spread. However, as androgen levels rise, the receptors form pairs, creating a form that inhibits tumor growth. This mechanism explains why, paradoxically, high androgen levels can be beneficial in treating certain advanced prostate cancers.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Low Androgen Levels:
  In the absence of sufficient androgens, the androgen receptor functions as a single unit, activating pathways that encourage cancer cells to proliferate.
• High Androgen Levels:
  When androgen levels increase, androgen receptors pair up (dimerize). This dimerization leads to a change in the receptor's activity, shifting its function from promoting cancer cell growth to inhibiting it.
• Bi-Polar Androgen Therapy (BAT):
  This treatment approach leverages this mechanism. By administering high-dose testosterone injections, BAT forces the receptors to dimerize, potentially halting or slowing down tumor growth in advanced prostate cancer.
• Clinical Significance:
  Understanding this paradoxical effect of androgens on prostate cancer is crucial for developing effective therapies. It explains why, in some cases, reducing testosterone (hormone therapy) can initially be beneficial, while in others, increasing testosterone (BAT) can be more effective, according to some studies.

 

[Vince]

Just had this picture taken of me at work.

 

[Cataceous]

I also see that early on I was using Androgel and measured TT ~600 ng/dL and E2 ~20 pg/mL, an even lower rate of aromatization, perhaps due to the DHT.

How did this feel? I would think this, with some daily hCG added to bump the numbers up a little and fill in some gaps, ought to be a decent protocol for you.

The Androgel experience ended up being poor, primarily due to absorption issues. After that decent TT measurement the next one was 160 ng/dL. Even as a trough value that's not viable. Injections were an improvement, yet far from "the answer".

Admittedly one of the few things I've haven't tried is a low daily dose of hCG. This would better mimic normal LH background levels, yet it ignores the LH pulses seen in normal physiology. In any case, I strongly suspect that some of us also need our GnRH signaling, maybe kisspeptin as well, and possibly other things not even on the radar yet.

 

[Guided_by_Voices]

The Androgel experience ended up being poor, primarily due to absorption issues. After that decent TT measurement the next one was 160 ng/dL. Even as a trough value that's not viable. Injections were an improvement, yet far from "the answer".

Admittedly one of the few things I've haven't tried is a low daily dose of hCG. This would better mimic normal LH background levels, yet it ignores the LH pulses seen in normal physiology. In any case, I strongly suspect that some of us also need our GnRH signaling, maybe kisspeptin as well, and possibly other things not even on the radar yet.

If one has both HCG and Kisspeptin on hand, is there a case for alternating them by injecting each once per week? Are they potentially doing similar but slightly different and complimentary/synergistic things?