Free Test too high?

[scottydeisel]

Hey guys,

After experiencing the typical symptoms of low T (ie: depression, low energy, no libido...) I decided to get a basic Total and Free Test level checked. Initial labs showed Total 258 ng/dL and Free 7.4 ng/dL. After seeing these results I decided to start Test Cyp at 37.5 mg EOD.

The change so far has been phenomenal! Libido is through the roof, mood is excellent and overall energy levels has increased substantially. I recently got my labs done again, the results were Total 1304 ng/DL, Free 48.51 ng/dL and Hematocrit 46.3.

My concern is that my levels are too high (especially the Free Test). I have not experienced any side effects whatsoever, but I am wondering if I am reaching superficial levels and should cut back a couple ticks? Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[fifty]

How do you measure out 37.5?

 

[scottydeisel]

My Test-C is 250mg/ml. I use a 27 gauge 1ml insulin syringe that has 100 units. I pin 15 units EOD.

 

[madman]

Hey guys,

After experiencing the typical symptoms of low T (ie: depression, low energy, no libido...) I decided to get a basic Total and Free Test level checked. Initial labs showed Total 258 ng/dL and Free 7.4 ng/dL. After seeing these results I decided to start Test Cyp at 37.5 mg EOD.

The change so far has been phenomenal! Libido is through the roof, mood is excellent and overall energy levels has increased substantially. I recently got my labs done again, the results were Total 1304 ng/DL, Free 48.51 ng/dL and Hematocrit 46.3.

My concern is that my levels are too high (especially the Free Test). I have not experienced any side effects whatsoever, but I am wondering if I am reaching superficial levels and should cut back a couple ticks? Any advice would be much appreciated!

How long have you been on trt?

Where your levels tested at trough and what is your SHBG?

Do you have full labs to post?

If you feel great overall and blood markers are healthy I would leave it be.

Regarding your FT.....to truly know where your FT level sits on such protocol (dose/injection frequency) than you would need to use the most accurate testing method such as the gold standard Equilibrium Dialysis or Ultrafiltration (next best) or use the newer calculated TruT method.

Unfortunately most are using the inaccurate piss poor direct immunoassay or the outdated calculated method such as Vermeulen which is based on a flawed model.

 

[scottydeisel]

I've been on TRT for a little over 5 months. Blood was drawn roughly 30 hours after last injection. I only did the Hematocrit + Total and Free Testosterone panel from Discounted Labs due to limited funds. I will look into the more accurate testing methods that you mentioned.

Thanks!

 

[madman]

I've been on TRT for a little over 5 months. Blood was drawn roughly 30 hours after last injection. I only did the Hematocrit + Total and Free Testosterone panel from Discounted Labs due to limited funds. I will look into the more accurate testing methods that you mentioned.

Thanks!

So if you are injecting EOD than to test at true trough it would be 48 hrs after your injection just before your next injection.

Say if you did your injection Monday morning at 9 am than you would test trough on Wednesday morning just before your 9 am injection.

Seeing as you had blood work done 30 hrs after your injection than your TT/FT levels will be slightly lower at 48 hrs (true trough) than what you posted.

If anything have your SHBG tested and Albumin than use the newer calculated TruT (on par with results obtained by the gold standard Equilibrium Dialysis) available online to the general public.


TruT Free Testosterone Calculator by FPT

 

[madman]

I've been on TRT for a little over 5 months. Blood was drawn roughly 30 hours after last injection. I only did the Hematocrit + Total and Free Testosterone panel from Discounted Labs due to limited funds. I will look into the more accurate testing methods that you mentioned.

Thanks!

 

[CaptianCurious]

I asked the same question myself. What would the optimal Testosterone be? I don't know, but I did find the following interesting.

The most interesting things I have found:

1. from a study I pulled, they had a regression equation, which suggests the average Total T level is 8x the Cyp dose/week. The peak/trough depend on dosing frequency but average 10x at peak and 4x at trough. The turnover likely is faster at higher levels and slower at lowers. Single tests will vary by +/- 150 ng/dl, on the same protocol on the same day, so single tests might not be informative.

2. From several studies of younger males age 20-30, focusing on production rates, the average was 7 mg/day, which is 49 mg/week / 70% free T in Cyp/Enanth = 70 mg/week for cypionate. Notably, the range was pretty wide - from 3 mg to 14 mg/day, which would be 30 to 140 mg/week Cyp/Enanth equivalent. These were small studies, so I don't know how representative they are.

3. An Olympic committee looked at subjects taking 100 mg/week and tested their T/E urine metabolites, which is a measure they use to detect testosterone, and 100 mg/wk was enough to send it over range. The researchers concluded that it's debatable whether 100 mg is a natural dosage.

Basically 100 mg is already a high dose. But Test is a pretty safe compound, so mildly supraphysiological doses don't seem to be very harmful. As long as you don't have high H&H or estrogen symptoms, it might be fine. If you need an AI or blood donations, then it's too high IMO.

I ultimately decided that 100-130 mg/week for me might be the best to try. Feel great with no symptoms currently.

Let me know if you come up with anything different.

 

[Vince Carter]

@scottydeisel
when was your injection and when was your blood draw? times and days.