How was your journey in the beginning?

[Renman23]

New to the TOT/ TRT life.

I have read several books, including TOT bible. I have just received my first LAB orders from Defy medical and my blood draw is scheduled for tomorrow. I was diagnosed with low T several years ago but wasn’t prepared to commit to the therapy process. I just want a little feedback.

What was your therapy like in the beginning?
How soon did you start feeling any different?

I’m aware that each individual is different and my journey will be different from anyone else’s, but I’m just looking for a little info and feedback.

Thanks!

 

[Sean Mosher]

As you said it's different for each person.
Also, post your labs when you get the chance here and you'll get solid feedback.

For me personally, at around the 3-4 week mark I started noticing a difference, mainly in the gym.
I was bottomed out on Total T, something like 190ng/DL (primary hypogonadal) and by the 6 week mark was at a solid 790 ng/DL.
Have definitely done some tweaking since that initial protocol but it was a night and day difference for me from day 1 to week 6.
Everything else has been refining mostly and optimizing other markers.

 

[Renman23]

As you said it's different for each person.
Also, post your labs when you get the chance here and you'll get solid feedback.

For me personally, at around the 3-4 week mark I started noticing a difference, mainly in the gym.
I was bottomed out on Total T, something like 190ng/DL (primary hypogonadal) and by the 6 week mark was at a solid 790 ng/DL.
Have definitely done some tweaking since that initial protocol but it was a night and day difference for me from day 1 to week 6.
Everything else has been refining mostly and optimizing other markers.

Thanks for the response... Again out of curiosity.. Are you only taking Test Cyp or others?
If you dont mind my asking.

 

[Sean Mosher]

I apologize.
Should have put the protocol in there.
80mg TCyp every 3.5 days
500 IU's hCG every 3.5 days
1Grain Nature Throid twice a day

 

[CoastWatcher]

Once I found a doctor who knew how the game was played, the biggest challenge so many of us face, it was steady improvement. Topical testosterone, a perfectly reasonable approach to TRT, failed me (as it does for a fairly large number of men); this same doctor, an endocrinologist who holds an endowed chair at a local medical school, was clueless when it came to injections; the discredited protocol so many prescribe, 200mg twice monthly...a ticket to hormone hell.

I found a qualified doctor and was happy with her initial prescription of 60mg of enanthate along with 250iu of HCG until my estradiol started climbing. Working to avoid an AI, I've been injecting 16mg of enanthate every morning for over three years. I couldn't be happier. Brain fog - gone; libido - excellent; erectile challenges - resolved; energy and focus - where I'd like them to be.

I do take daily Cialis, 5mg, as many do. Twenty milligram of hydrocortisone in the morning, and 10 at night (primary adrenal insufficiency). Lab results are steady and consistent.

Find the right doctor and that's 80% of the battle.

All the best.

 

[Renman23]

Thank you!

 

[Renman23]

Thanks for the Reply!
Quick question.. What is an AI that everyone is avoiding?

 

[ratbag]

AI= aromatase inhibitor. Google arimidex or anastrozole

 

[Renman23]

AH! Thanks... I shoulda thought of that!

 

[CoastWatcher]

AI= aromatase inhibitor. Google arimidex or anastrozole

Anastrozole is a good, sometimes necessary, drug when managing estradiol. Many doctors prescribe it too freely, and at doses that are surprisingly high.

 

[CoastWatcher]

I hope your blood draw includes a full thyroid panel. Going into TRT with an irregular thyroid means you're fighting an uphill battle.

 

[Renman23]

So my numbers are in.

Serum T 307 ng/dl
Free 9.6 pg/ml
DHEA 128.0
TSH 1.590
LH 5.8
IGF 134 ng/ml
Estradiol 35.3 Yikes,


Are they too high to start?

 

[Vince]

My first trt protocol was 70 mg of testosterone cypionate and 500 IU of HCG twice a week. I felt unbelievably good right from the start, the honeymoon effect was incredible. I've changed my protocol a number of times and now I'm very happy with the one I'm on. Being on trt can be a tough ride, you must be disciplined and follow your protocol diligently.
The thing I dislike the most was having to donate blood regularly because of high HCT. Thankfully my HCT has stabilized and I no longer donate blood.

 

[Systemlord]

So my numbers are in.

Serum T 307 ng/dl
Free 9.6 pg/ml
DHEA 128.0
TSH 1.590
LH 5.8
IGF 134 ng/ml
Estradiol 35.3 Yikes,


Are they too high to start?

Insurance might deny you because you're +7 on Total T score and will tell you you're levels look fine, privately is another story entirely. Insurance companies will always find ways to deny treatment. For the record you have low testosterone.

Your LH numbers and your Total T score is hinting at primary hypogonadism.

 

[Renman23]

Thanks. I'm not using my ins. This is private.... I'm investing in Feeling better!

 

[CoastWatcher]

Estradiol is NOT a waste product. Men need healthy levels for cognition, sexual performance, and other challenges. Was it measured with the sensitive, LC, MS/MS test?

 

[Renman23]

Estradiol is NOT a waste product. Men need healthy levels for cognition, sexual performance, and other challenges. Was it measured with the sensitive, LC, MS/MS test?

Sensitive.

 

[Renman23]

Well, the die is cast! I have an appointment in 2 wks with Dr Calkins!....... I'm excited! LOL

 

[CoastWatcher]

Well, the die is cast! I have an appointment in 2 wks with Dr Calkins!....... I'm excited! LOL

Good for you - keep us posted.

 

[StuD]

As you said it's different for each person.
Also, post your labs when you get the chance here and you'll get solid feedback.

For me personally, at around the 3-4 week mark I started noticing a difference, mainly in the gym.
I was bottomed out on Total T, something like 190ng/DL (primary hypogonadal) and by the 6 week mark was at a solid 790 ng/DL.
Have definitely done some tweaking since that initial protocol but it was a night and day difference for me from day 1 to week 6.
Everything else has been refining mostly and optimizing other markers.

Wow, wish I could say the same re: night and day difference. I just completed my first 10 weeks of 200mg T-cyp per week via two separate injections and honestly can't feel a thing. I'm waiting on test results any day now but I just can't say I've noticed a thing. Doc told me I was a perfect candidate due to lifelong fitness/weight training and still carry a good amount of muscle mass, but I'm really disappointed so far.