Daily Injections Causing Huge RBC Spike? Why?

[Stpfan]

As always I appreciate everyone's posts. I will respond to them as soon as I can. Taking in a lot of info and trying to digest it all. I have to admit I am nervous injecting daily. I'm quite surprised with the outcome of the high RBC etc. It takes a lot to poke yourself every day like that. lol But, if it works... then do it! I'm already in a situation that I don't believe it's possible to donate blood until the iron count gets higher. So, I haven't injected Testosterone in a few days. Not the best way to play it... but what else can I do?

Should I be taking the Ferrous Gluconate 324mg??? I don't know? I never tried it. Might have to do it eventually. How much Iron can you accumulate in 1 month taking it?

My appointment with my Endocrinologist is Friday July 24. I'm sure he's going to love seeing my new labs. Can't wait to see what he recommends. Fun times.

 

[Stpfan]

I was thinking of a few things the last 24 hours. Trying to narrow things down. If anyone has any information to answer these questions I greatly appreciate it.

1. In regards to someone taking in theory 120 mg (weekly) of testosterone cypionate in one injection every 7 days.... Or someone taking 60 mg every 3.5 days. Or someone taking microdosing injections of 17.14mg (daily) for 7 days. Would they all assume similar responses in RBC, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin? From all the info I've heard the last 2-3 years I figured it wouldn't cause a rapid response in RBC growth? So, am I the only odd ball human in this world that has an immense rapid production of RBC because of this daily protocol? Hmmmmm.

I was looking over my injection chart for the last 6 years in reference to CBC labs. As odd as this may sound there was a period when I did inject around 120 mg weekly in one shot every 7 days.... a long time ago. I didn't feel great but the production of RBC, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin wasn't severe. Yes, no question I still had to donate blood at that time. But the numbers were manageable. I guess my point to this is.... am I the unlucky one in which my body won't allow me to do daily injections?

2. Furthermore, in reference to managing Iron and Ferritin in my body. I'm pretty sure after my blood donation on April 13, 2026 and going right to daily injections.... this was the first time ever that my Iron and Ferritin hit rock bottom. The lowest lifetime. Looking over previous injection protocols from every 3 days or every 4 days etc... The Iron still had a chance to recover somewhat. It still gained in production. With daily injections it never had an opportunity to gain. My diet never changed. I always eat the same foods. Same routine. My body is basically saying the hell with you I'm tired of you donating blood.

3. Being on Norditropin HGH is this also causing my body to produce more RBC in the body? I didn't think it would. But... you never know? I figured I'd ask... since a lot of people here study different angles to everything.

A lot of questions. Mystery. Same boat. Yes, the past 24 hours or so I have considered taking daily injections of only 6mg of Testosterone. Yes, that low. I still believe this protocol can work. I had no brain fog whatsoever all those days. That's the key in my book. If you can't think straight 24 hours a day... how can you perform well? But again... there still are a lot of what if's? Side effects. The only reason why I wanted to go to daily injections was to stop donating blood! I didn't have any idea that the brain fog would literally evaporate that quickly or at all? That was a bonus. Again, shocking to see the newest CBC labs.

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! Thanks as always for the information!

 

[Mt8space]

I agree with you. It's mind boggling these daily injections of Test were causing tremendous spikes in RBC etc. I was hoping for a lab error. I will post the other labs you'd like to see.


What is interesting about these Lipid Profiles I was introduced Prednisone for my Cortisol Replacement Therapy and they started to slight increase in Cholesterol score. There was no change in Lipid Profile when introduced to Norditropin (HGH) This was with an IGF-1 Level of 287 ng/mL October 20, 2025.

Lipid Profile October 20, 2025 - Pre Prednisone. Been on HGH for about 6 months

Cholesterol 141
Triglyceride 94
HDL Cholesterol 37
LDL Cholesterol 86
VLDL 19
Non HDL Cholesterol 104 Desirable


Lipid Profile January 28, 2026 - On Prednisone For 3 Months, On HGH 9 months
Cholesterol 165
Triglyceride 107
HDL Cholesterol 43
LDL Cholesterol 102
VLDL 21
Non HDL Cholesterol 122 Desirable

Lipid Profile April 6, 2026 - On Prednisone For 5 Months, On HGH 11 Months

Cholesterol 182
Triglyceride 142
HDL Cholesterol 46
LDL Cholesterol 111
VLDL 28
Non HDL Cholesterol 136 Above Desirable


Lipid Profile July 15, 2026 - On Prednisone For 9 Months, HGH 15 Months
Cholesterol 174
Triglyceride 117
HDL Cholesterol 39
LDL Cholesterol 114
VLDL 23
Non HDL Cholesterol 135 Above Desirable


You asked for a fasting insulin lab? I was going through my lab work... and the only lab I have is Insulin Serum? I was only tested twice. I hope that's what you needed.


Insulin Serum Lab April 16, 2025 - Pre Prednisone, On HGH 1 Month
Value 4

Insulin Serum Lab July 10, 2025 - Pre Prednisone, On HGH 3 Months
Value 3


One thing I've noticed while being on Prednisone and HGH the time it takes to donate 1 pint of blood is at 10 minutes - 11 minute marker. I've officially donated 26 times since being on TRT lifetime. Typically, it only takes me 6 minutes or 6 minutes 20 seconds to donate 1 pint of blood. I believe being on Prednisone and HGH screws up the flow of blood. The last 2 times I donated the blood simply wouldn't come out with proper and consistent flow. The machine beeped several times. I have nearly fainted both times donating blood. They quickly had to put a cold rag over my head and put several fans surrounding my body. They asked me not to get up. Brought me apple juice and snacks. I don't like being on Prednisone. I don't like taking Cortef (Hydrocortisone). I wake up with a Cortisol level of about 5 (naturally). I end the day with a Cortisol level of about 4 or 5. Somehow the pituitary makes only that amount for me daily. It never goes past 6. I've been tested several times. He said I'm trying to protect you from a cardiac event... you could reach 2 or 1. So yeah... do I ever feel like I'm going to collapse? No. Does taking Prednisone somehow help with the Cortisol? I would say yes. There seems to be somewhat of a better response. I would say I feel better than without. But the Prednisone seems to be screwing everything else up. How on earth can you take this lifetime without GI issues?

Have you been diagnosed with Addison’s Disease or adrenal insufficiency? If not, why are you taking hydrocortisone or prednisone?

 

[FunkOdyssey]

1. In regards to someone taking in theory 120 mg (weekly) of testosterone cypionate in one injection every 7 days.... Or someone taking 60 mg every 3.5 days. Or someone taking microdosing injections of 17.14mg (daily) for 7 days. Would they all assume similar responses in RBC, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin? From all the info I've heard the last 2-3 years I figured it wouldn't cause a rapid response in RBC growth? So, am I the only odd ball human in this world that has an immense rapid production of RBC because of this daily protocol? Hmmmmm.

The theory is that administering the same weekly dose in smaller and more frequent injections should reduce RBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit. That's the theory. It didn't work here, and no one is going to be able to offer you a satisfactory explanation for this counterintuitive outcome.

2. Furthermore, in reference to managing Iron and Ferritin in my body. I'm pretty sure after my blood donation on April 13, 2026 and going right to daily injections.... this was the first time ever that my Iron and Ferritin hit rock bottom. The lowest lifetime. Looking over previous injection protocols from every 3 days or every 4 days etc... The Iron still had a chance to recover somewhat. It still gained in production. With daily injections it never had an opportunity to gain. My diet never changed. I always eat the same foods. Same routine. My body is basically saying the hell with you I'm tired of you donating blood.

You have been absolutely destroying your iron stores with the endless blood donations. These need to stop. Seriously.

3. Being on Norditropin HGH is this also causing my body to produce more RBC in the body?

Yes. HGH is causing you to make more RBC than you would without it. It's not as powerful in this regard as testosterone, but it certainly is not helping the situation.

Yes, the past 24 hours or so I have considered taking daily injections of only 6mg of Testosterone. Yes, that low. I still believe this protocol can work. I had no brain fog whatsoever all those days.

From one extreme to the other. Why not something like 12 mg daily? Why go from hero to zero overnight? There's a happy medium here!

Reviewing your lab work, your Triglycerides to HDL ratio is concerning at 3+. You are not in good metabolic health after all, and this is likely a contributing factor to your elevated hematocrit. You mentioned that you obsess over nutrition, so let's go there. What are you eating?

 

[Stpfan]

Have you been diagnosed with Addison’s Disease or adrenal insufficiency? If not, why are you taking hydrocortisone or prednisone?

Adrenal insufficiency due to the fact that somehow my body is able to balance sodium and potassium and everything else according to my doctor. Another mystery I guess? I guess if you have Addison's Disease you have everything I'm experiencing + not being able to balance sodium levels etc. Every time they check a metabolic panel the last 6 years sodium levels are well balanced.

I guess how they check if you have Primary or Secondary insufficiency is when they inject ACTH into your blood. If your Cortisol levels jump every 30 minutes to near maximum normal your adrenals are working normal. A nurse will monitor you for like 1 hour and 30 minutes in a chair. They pull out samples of blood every 30 minutes to see if Cortisol increased. So, if they inject the ACTH into your body and your cortisol doesn't increase it's Primary Adrenal Insufficiency. It means your adrenals are malfunctioning (they received the signal with the ACTH but didn't respond with it.) My issue is the Pituitary won't release ACTH on a normal schedule. It does whatever it wants to do. My adrenals in my body are working perfectly. Somehow the ACTH that the Pituitary makes isn't signaling the adrenals to do their job. So I'm classified as having Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency.

I have lived with this issue since probably the year 2019. I had no idea about cortisol levels and how important they are. Just another thing you have to learn. Met with my new Endocrinologist in 2024 and he advised me that there's definitely an issue. Funny thing is a doctor in 2020 literally gave me the ACTH test and I failed the test... but he did nothing to resolve the issue. (I didn't even know I failed the test because at that particular time I didn't even know how to read the test results and didn't know if a cortisol should be HIGH or LOW?) He said it was "sufficient" enough. My new doctor who I met in 2024 reviewed the data in my medical history from that 2020 test and he basically said that doctor shouldn't even have a medical license. It's just the luck of the draw in life. Everything is about timing.

 

[Mt8space]

Adrenal insufficiency due to the fact that somehow my body is able to balance sodium and potassium and everything else according to my doctor. Another mystery I guess? I guess if you have Addison's Disease you have everything I'm experiencing + not being able to balance sodium levels etc. Every time they check a metabolic panel the last 6 years sodium levels are well balanced.

I guess how they check if you have Primary or Secondary insufficiency is when they inject ACTH into your blood. If your Cortisol levels jump every 30 minutes to near maximum normal your adrenals are working normal. A nurse will monitor you for like 1 hour and 30 minutes in a chair. They pull out samples of blood every 30 minutes to see if Cortisol increased. So, if they inject the ACTH into your body and your cortisol doesn't increase it's Primary Adrenal Insufficiency. It means your adrenals are malfunctioning (they received the signal with the ACTH but didn't respond with it.) My issue is the Pituitary won't release ACTH on a normal schedule. It does whatever it wants to do. My adrenals in my body are working perfectly. Somehow the ACTH that the Pituitary makes isn't signaling the adrenals to do their job. So I'm classified as having Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency.

I have lived with this issue since probably the year 2019. I had no idea about cortisol levels and how important they are. Just another thing you have to learn. Met with my new Endocrinologist in 2024 and he advised me that there's definitely an issue. Funny thing is a doctor in 2020 literally gave me the ACTH test and I failed the test... but he did nothing to resolve the issue. (I didn't even know I failed the test because at that particular time I didn't even know how to read the test results and didn't know if a cortisol should be HIGH or LOW?) He said it was "sufficient" enough. My new doctor who I met in 2024 reviewed the data in my medical history from that 2020 test and he basically said that doctor shouldn't even have a medical license. It's just the luck of the draw in life. Everything is about timing.

Yes I have primary adrenal insufficiency/Addison’s. Diagnosed 1996.

And my Addison’s is not autoimmune.

Is your pituitary still signaling functionally for your other hormones?

 

[DorianGray]

I was thinking of a few things the last 24 hours. Trying to narrow things down. If anyone has any information to answer these questions I greatly appreciate it.

1. In regards to someone taking in theory 120 mg (weekly) of testosterone cypionate in one injection every 7 days.... Or someone taking 60 mg every 3.5 days. Or someone taking microdosing injections of 17.14mg (daily) for 7 days. Would they all assume similar responses in RBC, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin? From all the info I've heard the last 2-3 years I figured it wouldn't cause a rapid response in RBC growth? So, am I the only odd ball human in this world that has an immense rapid production of RBC because of this daily protocol? Hmmmmm.

I was looking over my injection chart for the last 6 years in reference to CBC labs. As odd as this may sound there was a period when I did inject around 120 mg weekly in one shot every 7 days.... a long time ago. I didn't feel great but the production of RBC, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin wasn't severe. Yes, no question I still had to donate blood at that time. But the numbers were manageable. I guess my point to this is.... am I the unlucky one in which my body won't allow me to do daily injections?

2. Furthermore, in reference to managing Iron and Ferritin in my body. I'm pretty sure after my blood donation on April 13, 2026 and going right to daily injections.... this was the first time ever that my Iron and Ferritin hit rock bottom. The lowest lifetime. Looking over previous injection protocols from every 3 days or every 4 days etc... The Iron still had a chance to recover somewhat. It still gained in production. With daily injections it never had an opportunity to gain. My diet never changed. I always eat the same foods. Same routine. My body is basically saying the hell with you I'm tired of you donating blood.

3. Being on Norditropin HGH is this also causing my body to produce more RBC in the body? I didn't think it would. But... you never know? I figured I'd ask... since a lot of people here study different angles to everything.

A lot of questions. Mystery. Same boat. Yes, the past 24 hours or so I have considered taking daily injections of only 6mg of Testosterone. Yes, that low. I still believe this protocol can work. I had no brain fog whatsoever all those days. That's the key in my book. If you can't think straight 24 hours a day... how can you perform well? But again... there still are a lot of what if's? Side effects. The only reason why I wanted to go to daily injections was to stop donating blood! I didn't have any idea that the brain fog would literally evaporate that quickly or at all? That was a bonus. Again, shocking to see the newest CBC labs.

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! Thanks as always for the information!

Have ever looked at your genetic profile regarding HFe gene? You may have a variant that slightly predisposes you to high HCT, iron and low ferritin. This is a fundamental piece of the puzzle which MDs neglect.

 

[Mastodont]

Obviously with low shbg you should give it a go at 10mg per day, if necessary go even lower.
Aging tends to impact the tendency for exogenous testosterone induced HCT rise...be it due to whatever, i still have not seen a logic for how insulin resistance causes this other than IR lowers shbg and your body is more sensitive to sex hormones...also androgen receptor sensitivity may increase with age.

 

[FunkOdyssey]

i still have not seen a logic for how insulin resistance causes this other than IR lowers shbg and your body is more sensitive to sex hormones...also androgen receptor sensitivity may increase with age.

That is one of several factors. Insulin resistance (via hyperinsulinemia) reduces SHBG, which then contributes to surprisingly high free T when men titrate dosage based on total testosterone.

Insulin and IGF-1 promote increased RBC production by acting as co-mitogens on erythroid progenitors (the immature stem cells in bone marrow that will become RBCs). So you have insulin acting directly here, and then indirectly by elevating IGF-1. Most people with insulin resistance will also have hyperleptinemia - leptin is also a co-mitogen stimulating RBC production.

In terms of what real world difference this can make, I have long followed a keto / very low carb diet (mostly carnivore), minimizing both insulin and IGF-1 levels (IGF-1 around 125 ng/mL). I have never seen a hematocrit higher than 48% on TRT, even when dosing at 175 mg weekly for extended periods. At the 120 mg weekly level we're discussing here, I am typically around 45%.

 

[Mastodont]

That is one of several factors. Insulin resistance (via hyperinsulinemia) reduces SHBG, which then contributes to surprisingly high free T when men titrate dosage based on total testosterone.

Insulin and IGF-1 promote increased RBC production by acting as co-mitogens on erythroid progenitors (the immature stem cells in bone marrow that will become RBCs). So you have insulin acting directly here, and then indirectly by elevating IGF-1. Most people with insulin resistance will also have hyperleptinemia - leptin is also a co-mitogen stimulating RBC production.

In terms of what real world difference this can make, I have long followed a keto / very low carb diet (mostly carnivore), minimizing both insulin and IGF-1 levels (IGF-1 around 125 ng/mL). I have never seen a hematocrit higher than 48% on TRT, even when dosing at 175 mg weekly for extended periods. At the 120 mg weekly level we're discussing here, I am typically around 45%.

That's fascinating, do you have comparable data on same doses with a mixed diet?
Slightly on the topic, just got new labs today...a little over a month ago my HCT was 53% on through when i was on 75mg undecanoate once weekly. I switched to 25mg e3d, a whopping average daily dose of 5.26mg test without ester. In such a short time HCT went to 50...through free testosterone is 403 pmol/l(155-800) SHBG 15 so total T 20 nmol/l(575ish ng/dl). Ferritin also went 40->50. So sometimes even small drops can yield results, in my case more significant was probably the change in frequency that significantly reduced the time under levels that result in RBC boost mode.

 

[FunkOdyssey]

That's fascinating, do you have comparable data on same doses with a mixed diet?

No, I can't function on a mixed diet. Destroys me with GERD, IBS-C, depression, arthritic joint pain, etc.

 

[Stpfan]

Yes I have primary adrenal insufficiency/Addison’s. Diagnosed 1996.

And my Addison’s is not autoimmune.

Is your pituitary still signaling functionally for your other hormones?

I'm very sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with Addison's. I didn't even know I had a title to my condition? Literally, found that out last Wednesday looking over my doctor's notes. My condition is called Panhypopituitarism.

My endocrinologist noticed a drop off in IGF-1 labs from 2022 to 2024. And said it's time to go to HGH. The IGF-1 was normal and stayed perfectly the same from 2020 to 2021. Stayed at 169 for both years. But it dropped to 139 in 2024. He said there's no telling where this is going to go and I'm not going to wait around to find out. I'm going to see if your insurance will cover Norditropin.

I'm on synthroid, cortisol replacement, TRT, HGH. Somehow I'm lucky enough to balance sodium potassium etc on my own. To answer your question I think everything else is ok? Never had issues with Prolactin. When I had low T symptoms my regular doctor back in 2019 never requested an FSH or LH panel. I don't really know if that was functioning properly or not? Probably wasn't. Blood pressure has been pretty much stable around 120/78. I had a few episodes prior to being on Prednisone or Cortsiol Replacement Therapy in which blood pressure was around 102 103. But since being on Prednisone my blood pressure at the lowest point was 118. Highest point was 138.

I was on Cortef at first and I didn't like how my stomach felt and I didn't like the energy level at all. I felt even more tired on it. They had me on 15mg at first 10 morning and 5 later on. I asked my doctor if he could switch me to Prednisone. He didn't like the idea at first. I talked him into it. lol I guess 5mg of Prednisone is like the equivalent to Cortef at 20mg? I read that from a doctor in the UK. Then I was stalling out midday... and I take 2.5 mg Prednisone later on in the day. Total of 7.5 mg. Which could be the equivalent of Cortef at 30mg. I honestly love the feeling of Prednisone over Cortef. Prednisone sort of kicks in immediately and stays in your system longer... you don't feel the quick drop off like Cortef has.

I'm unfortunately starting to get some blood while having bowel movements. Probably from the Prednisone long term? But they don't know why. They did a quick scope and found no hemorrhoids present anywhere but inflammation in the rectum. I'm scheduled for a colonoscopy and EGD in the near future. Fun times. lol

 

[Stpfan]

Have ever looked at your genetic profile regarding HFe gene? You may have a variant that slightly predisposes you to high HCT, iron and low ferritin. This is a fundamental piece of the puzzle which MDs neglect.

Thank you for the response and question. I was referred to a Hematologist back in 2020. Here is the labs he requested. I don't know anything about this. Just posting the results. =) I apologize if this wasn't helpful.

Erythropoietin 8.3 Range 2.6 - 18.5

Reticulocyte Count 1.1 Range 0.5 - 2.5

Hereditary Hemochromatosis NEGATIVE - DNA testing indicates this individual is negative for the C282Y and H63D mutations in the HFE gene. This negative result significantly reduces the likelihood of hereditary hemochromatosis in this individual. However, it does not rule out the presence of other mutations within the HFE gene or a diagnosis of HH.

Jak2 (V617F) Qt Mutation NOT DETECTED Value Less than 0.1%

 

[FunkOdyssey]

My endocrinologist noticed a drop off in IGF-1 labs from 2022 to 2024. And said it's time to go to HGH. The IGF-1 was normal and stayed perfectly the same from 2020 to 2021. Stayed at 169 for both years. But it dropped to 139 in 2024

How old are you? These IGF-1 levels are really not that low, unless you are in your 20s. Did your doctor discuss with you the inverse relationship between GH/IGF-1 signaling and longevity? You may have a long-lived phenotype that he's trashing right now.

 

[Stpfan]

How old are you? These IGF-1 levels are really not that low, unless you are in your 20s. Did your doctor discuss with you the inverse relationship between GH/IGF-1 signaling and longevity? You may have a long-lived phenotype that he's trashing right now.

A lot of "what if's" right? Story of life.

Age 45 - 169
Age 46 - 139

Currently 48. Almost 49.

Endocrinologist didn't like the drop off. That's his decision. Furthermore, I was checked for Growth Hormone Stimulation Test because the insurance company requested it. Miserably Failed.

The do's and dont's about HGH. Well, I had chronic upper back shoulder tightness periodically that simply wouldn't go away for about 3 years. This severe muscle tension or whatever you'd like to call it was producing the most intense headaches ever. Headaches, at one point 5 out of 7 days. I thought possibly there was a slipped disc or something causing this tension near the base of the skull. Oddly enough the doctor who performed my back surgery back in 1999 was the doctor selected for the MRI review in 2024 of the base of the skull. He laughed and said I remember you from 25 years ago. I noticed your bald now. lol We had a laughing moment. Real nice surgeon... down to earth... someone you can actually trust. Point being... he said I want you to take a real good look at your MRI scan of the upper back and base of the skull. You'll see that the discs are perfectly centered. But, you have enormous muscle fatigue that is present on the scan. And the muscles in my opinion are deteriorating from fatigue. I said but doctor I use my neck muscles like any human would. I don't do anything out of the ordinary that would cause this. He said well... all I can say is physical therapy would help. I said but I already workout at the gym. I do shoulder training etc. He said the good news is no surgery... discs are fine. But I am concerned with your muscle fatigue... that's not something I see everyday.

Once I was prescribed HGH the muscle fatigue and soreness vanished in 3 months. Gone. Was I prescribed HGH for the muscle soreness? No. I was prescribed it because the IGF-1 levels were low in my Endocrinologist's eyes. Did I have any clue that this would cure my headaches? No. Not at all. Now, I'm not saying it's magical in all aspects. But, since being placed on HGH I don't have monster headaches anymore. I don't have that pinched nerve feeling in my neck or upper back area. Coincidence? Anyone can be the judge. Sure, I was on Testosterone for 5 years prior... but that didn't resolve this muscle fatigue.

The negative aspect of HGH would probably be water retention. Now, since I'm on a combination of Prednisone and HGH which in all aspects they both cause water retention to some extent.... it's hard to distinguish the severity of which one does more damage. I had a separate incident not too long ago in which they took an MRI because of the possibility of DVT. Because the MRI of the lower legs came up inconclusive the doctor ordered an ultrasound of the legs. The vascular surgeon who reviewed the MRI and Ultrasound told me yes there is mild water retention in the veins of the legs. There is no DVT present anywhere. But because you are fit and blood pressure is normal... I don't see anything wrong with this mild water retention at this time. But, I'm here to grade you as of today's date... I'm not a fortune teller and I can't tell what will happen to you 5 years from now.

I'm not here to be a spokesperson for HGH or Norditropin. Personally, I don't want to take any kind of drug. Kind of sick of all this crap. Since being on Norditropin I've had several dosages to find any type of sweet spot. IGF-1 level of 339. IGF-1 level of 299. IGF-1 level of 224. IGF-1 level of 263. In my opinion my muscle fatigued and headaches went away when my IGF-1 level was around 224 or so. So again, you be the judge. Did I feel any stronger or energetic at 339? No noticeable difference. Probably more side effects than positive effects.

I believe the low levels of cortisol have severely impacted my life. I always thought it was just the Testosterone level. Sure they go hand in hand. But, you simply can't live life without the correct balance of cortisol in the system.

 

[Mastodont]

The do's and dont's about HGH. Well, I had chronic upper back shoulder tightness periodically that simply wouldn't go away for about 3 years. This severe muscle tension or whatever you'd like to call it was producing the most intense headaches ever. Headaches, at one point 5 out of 7 days. I thought possibly there was a slipped disc or something causing this tension near the base of the skull. Oddly enough the doctor who performed my back surgery back in 1999 was the doctor selected for the MRI review in 2024 of the base of the skull. He laughed and said I remember you from 25 years ago. I noticed your bald now. lol We had a laughing moment. Real nice surgeon... down to earth... someone you can actually trust. Point being... he said I want you to take a real good look at your MRI scan of the upper back and base of the skull. You'll see that the discs are perfectly centered. But, you have enormous muscle fatigue that is present on the scan. And the muscles in my opinion are deteriorating from fatigue. I said but doctor I use my neck muscles like any human would. I don't do anything out of the ordinary that would cause this. He said well... all I can say is physical therapy would help. I said but I already workout at the gym. I do shoulder training etc. He said the good news is no surgery... discs are fine. But I am concerned with your muscle fatigue... that's not something I see everyday.

Sounds too familiar, although my IGF-1 was never low enough to even get a GH stress test, morning numbers were always zero. They don't really test adults for GH deficiency here if IGF1 is on the scale.
Been wondering many times if GH deficit is actually what should be treated generally...then again i would have probably tried it non-legally if i wasn't already suffering from mild insulin resistance.
Did you get any sides from HGH?
Seems that larger doses of testosterone also drive GH stimulation, but generally also result in elevated hematocrit. A small physiological dose of T on the other hand results in poor body composition, waist fat, similar pains and strains...getting the hematocrit right comes at a cost.

 

[Mt8space]

Have ever looked at your genetic profile regarding HFe gene? You may have a variant that slightly predisposes you to high HCT, iron and low ferritin. This is a fundamental piece of the puzzle which MDs neglect.

I have H63D/H63D variant Hereditary Hemochromotosis but cannot find where this is an issue. Any thoughts?