Does my TRT protocol match my blood work?

Airborne Warrior

Active Member
I'm currently administering 50mg test e and 300IU HCG every three days (subq). I notice my FSH and LH are very low and free test is on the low side. What can I do to raise these? Is it beneficial to raise these? Looking at my bloodwork compared to my protocol am I on the right track or would it be beneficial to change? Have been on TRT for around 5 months now and feel much better than pre-TRT though libido is still somewhat lacking and notice my balls are still quite small. Hematocrit is bang on 50 but can't donate blood where I currently live as I lived in the UK when mad cow disease was rife so they won't accept it.

FSH 0.3 (1.50 – 12.40)
LH 0.3 (1.70 – 8.60)
TEST 25.1 (7.60 – 31.40)
FREE TEST 0.458 (0.30 – 1.00)
SHBG 45.7 (19.00 – 83.00)
E2 93.6 (41.00 – 159.00)

Please could the more experienced members please give me some advice as I'd like to get my TRT dialed in as good as I possibly can? Thanks.
 
Your free testosterone is 1.84%. It should be between 2-3 %. I would suggest you increase your HCG to 500iu E3D and increase your Testosterone to 60mg E3D. This may increase your hematocrit but you won't know unless you try it. Then get labs again after 6 weeks and see what the result is.
 
Also you should probably take your HCG the day before your testosterone shot. This is what Dr. Crisler does and he claims it helps keep your E2 in check.
 
You will have to push for a high dosage, your SHBG is grabbing ahold of the majority of your Free T and is the only path forward.

My doctor wasn't concerned with a HCT of 50%, usually action is taken when HCT reaches 54%.

Can you get a therapeutic phlebotomy?
 
Thanks for the replies. I will raise my HCG and test doses and go from there. I could always perform a phlebotomy myself as it doesn't seem too difficult. My iron levels are sky high anyway at 46.8: should be between (10.60 - 28.30) so it will bring it down somewhat.
 
Though whether to control hematocrit and at what level are always points of contention, I think as always, you have to factor in any symptoms or signs. For me a Hematocrit of 52.5 pushed up my blood pressure by over 10 points, I was feeling pounding heart mild shortness of breath, and was abnormally flushed. That ain't healthy and there's no way I am letting ride to 54!

If you do want to donate blood, get ferritin checked first.
 
Ferritin is 242 (30 - 400) so not low at all. Have been taking grapefruit for high hematocrit though whether it works or not I couldn't really say. Never suffered with it in my younger days of competitive bodybuilding 25 years ago and was on much more than 100mg of test a week back then! I can only assume it's an age thing.
 

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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.

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Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL

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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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