Hormonal fluctuations

[lcvl]

Hi everybody,

Just thinking out loud. During the past few months of TRT, the moments I've felt the best (as far as energy, mood and libido goes) have always been transitioning moments, from one protocol to the next, or when I've slightly gone up/down with my weekly dosage. Once stable on the new protocol, it's usually just a matter of a few weeks and I start losing that initial well-being feeling.

On paper my numbers look great (slightly above upper range for both TT and FT, on just 50mg Test E3.5D), but definitely not matching the way I feel most of the time.

Last blood test showed E2 @ 46 pg/mL (range <56, using the standard test. Ultra sensitive test is not available here in Spain). I didn't feel any difference while on a light Anastrozole dose (0.25mg twice per week, at injection time).

I've seen other people mentioning the same thing here and on other forums. It seems that the body MIGHT prefer slight hormonal fluctuations to a perfectly steady levels state.

I'm actually thinking of trying the following protocol: alternating between one week of 2x50mg injections E3.5D and one week of 1x100mg injection E7D, and see how I feel.

Any feedback?

Thanks!

 

[CoastWatcher]

How long do you maintain the protocols you referenced prior to making a change? What else may change during these periods? Stress? Sleep patterns?

 

[Vince]

Since starting TRT, I never felt any fluctuation. I know we're all very different, especially when it comes to TRT. If you think mixing things up a bit would help. I would try it and please let us know how it works, if you decide to try it.

 

[ERO]

It can't hurt to try it for 4-6 weeks and see how you feel, though you are likely to have higher E2 on a once weekly dose of T vs a twice weekly dose. Not that is necessarily bad, just something to keep in mind.

 

[lcvl]

I always mantain the same protocol for at least 6 weeks before drawing blood (and conclusions).

 

[lcvl]

Thanks for the input, guys. If in the end I'll decide to give it a try I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Gene Devine]

Dr. Crisler and I have spoken at length about the variability in serum levels in the healthy youthful male and that it is not linear in any, shape or form.

In fact, if you graphed a 25 year old serum levels you'd see a saw toothed pattern in levels which is part and parcel to youth and would be ideal for someone who could achieve this via TRT.

I know another well known TRT Physician who likes his guys to mix up dosage amounts (while keeping the weekly total the same and as you are proposing) so one dose is larger then the second dose.

For example, for a man on 200 mg a week of Test Cyp; injection one could be 140 mg and injection two would be 60 mg. Same weekly dose but differing dosages per injection so that the serum levels have that natural variability.

It's an interesting concept and it make sense when you think about it.

Try it and report back in this thread how it works for you and I would be very interested as well.

 

[Henry]

Would test prop be optimal in a situation like this? Or more shots of test c or e (but the total still remains the same for the week be better?

i switch up between Androgel and injections all the time and even though I achieve a higher number on injections, I actually feel better on Androgel. I still don't know why. It 's not DHT because they are close for both injections and Androgel. The only thing I can guess is the variability throughout the day with the Androgel versus the injections.

After a a few months on injections, I can see the difference in my body composition. I'm guessing that is due to the higher levels I can achieve with the injections.

 

[CoastWatcher]

Would test prop be optimal in a situation like this? Or more shots of test c or e (but the total still remains the same for the week be better?

i switch up between Androgel and injections all the time and even though I achieve a higher number on injections, I actually feel better on Androgel. I still don't know why. It 's not DHT because they are close for both injections and Androgel. The only thing I can guess is the variability throughout the day with the Androgel versus the injections.

After a a few months on injections, I can see the difference in my body composition. I'm guessing that is due to the higher levels I can achieve with the injections.

Despite higher levels on injections, you feel better on the topical? How much variation in serum levels between the two?

 

[Henry]

Despite higher levels on injections, you feel better on the topical? How much variation in serum levels between the two?

The Androgel was never steady. It was always already 700's. Once I hit a peak of 838 and a low of mid 600's. From what I read about Androgel, it's never a steady level. I would always test around 7:30-8:00AM. I couldn't really play with the dose on Androgel since I was already on 4 pumps.

With the injections, 100mg's would put me around 700-800. I would play around with the dose since my doc prescribed 200mg's a week. I once got to 1440 but I didn't feel any different from 1400's or 700's.

I think my body liked the daily variability of the Androgel versus the steady level of the injections. I had more energy and a stronger libido on Androgel The DHT was always at the top of the range for both in the high 70's.

 

[CoastWatcher]

As Gene noted, if you do adopt this protocol, please keep us updated.

 

[Loki]

The Androgel was never steady. It was always already 700's. Once I hit a peak of 838 and a low of mid 600's. From what I read about Androgel, it's never a steady level. I would always test around 7:30-8:00AM. I couldn't really play with the dose on Androgel since I was already on 4 pumps.

With the injections, 100mg's would put me around 700-800. I would play around with the dose since my doc prescribed 200mg's a week. I once got to 1440 but I didn't feel any different from 1400's or 700's.

I think my body liked the daily variability of the Androgel versus the steady level of the injections. I had more energy and a stronger libido on Androgel The DHT was always at the top of the range for both in the high 70's.

Henry I agree with you on this... My T is MUCH higher on the short but I felt much better on the cream/gel... Consult in 45 mins so I will update if my protocol changes but I think my body liked the daily variability too...

 

[Henry]

I just had another blood test and the total was 1045 (348-1197) and free was 24.6 (6.8-21.5). This was on the same 4 pumps of Androgel.

 

[eli]

Is that why some people like/ feel better with Test Prop ? The fluctuation is higher with Test P