Just started testosterone and have a few questions

[pakman]

copied from ******** group as Nelson suggested

Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone. I have been on this forum for a couple of weeks now and got a couple of questions


First, a bit about me. I have suffered from low T for a couple of years, however did not know/understand what is going on. I thought it was due to the fact I was obese, so decided to lose weight. It took some time, dedication, however I have managed to become a rather fit person with 7-8% body fat - but guess what, with best intentions, hard work, trainers, I did not build much muscle I felt better, however still not right, not right at all... Then it turned out in my blood test, that my T was at 11.2/323 (not good with units yet) - that was November last year. I've done some research, found Nelson Vergel, bought his book, etc... In the mean time, had another test, different lab, pretty much same results...
As I live in UK, went to see my GP, described symptoms, he's seen my blood work... and got me to do another one. Everything within norm, apart from T levels. I really had to convince him to get me a visit with endocrinologist, he'd rather give me some "happy pills" for my mood... Well, my appointment with endo is in May and from what I read it might not be a fruitful one. People with much lower T were denied treatment on NHS and I feel really sorry for them.
Now, as I knew what is wrong with me, I decided to start TRT on my own. I only got one life, NHS might not help me, so did not have much choice. I went abroad, luckily for me my school mate is a doctor (not endo) and can prescribe T. I explained to him everything, and got 15 shots of testosterone enanthate 1cc/100ml. Decided to take one shot every 4 days. Little things started to happen after second shot (like spontaneous erection in the morning), but I started to feel good on 16th day. I mean wow, where is this energy coming from, I can have a conversation with strangers, not be afraid, do things, go out and see people, places and find women attractive
OK, let me ask some questions

1. On 14th of April I am planning to have my first (since start of TRT) blood test done. Apart from T levels, what else I should have look for?

2. After my fourth shot I started to get a funny sensation in my chest. It did not want to go away and I freak out a bit (is it gyno knocking on my door?). I got myself tamoxifen citrate 10mg pills (let's just say it ain't from the local pharmacy as I had no choice). Took 2 pills (1 a day) and it is somehow better sensation-wise (less of it). Now I flex my pecs, look for lumps and can't feel nothing. My nipples are not sore or sensitive? it's just that sensation (a bit like soreness next day after workout). Should I be worried? Leave it for a few days? What do you guys think?

3. Which is the best place to post questions? Here? Excelmale?

4. What do you think of my dosing? 100ml every 4 days?

 

[GettingAnswers]

I will let others post more in depth but that dose may be a little high for TRT. Works out to about 200mg a week. Most start at 100. On 75mg my levels are just over the top end of the range so I am at 60mg/week. I would recommend starting low (around 100/week) and move up if need be. More is not always better and could certainly be causing estradiol issues. Certainl;y some folks need 200mg per week but if you don't then why take it and increase your risk of estradiol issues, elevated hematocrit/hemoglobin, etc?? I have also noticed I feel better at a lower dose versus high dose. Good luck

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Pakman

Welcome to ExcelMale.com !

I will attempt to answer your questions:

1. On 14th of April I am planning to have my first (since start of TRT) blood test done. Apart from T levels, what else I should have look for?

After ensuring PSA is under 4, then these tests can be performed before starting testosterone

OPTIMUM REQUIRED LAB WORK

1 ------- CAH Panel 6B (Comprehensive Screen) (10299X)
2 ------- Estradiol [4021X](13- 54 pg/mL) (ultrasensitive)
3 ------- Testosterone, Free, Bio/Total (LC/MS/MS) Code: 14966X
4 ------- DHEAs
5 ------- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel w/EGFR
6 ------- CBC w/ diff/PLT
7 ------- Lipid profile
8------- T3, Free
9------- T4, Free
10------- Ultrasensitive TSH


https://www.excelmale.com/forum/thr...ne-Tests-and-How-to-Interpret-and-Manage-Them


2. After my fourth shot I started to get a funny sensation in my chest. It did not want to go away and I freak out a bit (is it gyno knocking on my door?). I got myself tamoxifen citrate 10mg pills (let's just say it ain't from the local pharmacy as I had no choice). Took 2 pills (1 a day) and it is somehow better sensation-wise (less of it). Now I flex my pecs, look for lumps and can't feel nothing. My nipples are not sore or sensitive? it's just that sensation (a bit like soreness next day after workout). Should I be worried? Leave it for a few days? What do you guys think?

Nipple sensitivity unrelated to gynecomastia is common during the first weeks of TRT. I would not worry too much unless you start noticing a pea shape growth under your nipples. Gynecomastia is not common unless you have history of it when you were young. The ultrasensitive estradiol test will also guide you in preventing any gyno issues ahead of time if you are one of those men who has propensity to this side effect. Anastrozole or tamoxifen are used for managing high estradiol (over 50 pg/mL)

3. Which is the best place to post questions? Here? Excelmale?

You got it. ******** is only for those who don't care to educate themselves more deeply. Posting on ExcelMale can help hundreds since everything is archived nicely. FB does not offer that option.

4. What do you think of my dosing? 100ml every 4 days?

If your total T is over 1100 ng/dL and your hematocrit is going up too fast (or you experience some side effects related to high T: https://www.excelmale.com/forum/threads/420-Testosterone-Side-Effect-Management-Table ) you need to lower the dose. Most would do OK with 75 mg every 4 days.

 

[pakman]

Thank you for replying guys, much appreciated.

Nipple sensitivity unrelated to gynecomastia is common during the first weeks of TRT. I would not worry too much unless you start noticing a pea shape growth under your nipples. Gynecomastia is not common unless you have history of it when you were young. The ultrasensitive estradiol test will also guide you in preventing any gyno issues ahead of time if you are one of those men who has propensity to this side effect. Anastrozole or tamoxifen are used for managing high estradiol (over 50 pg/mL)


ok, so leave it for the moment, at least till my blood work comes back (in 2 weeks time). I got no history of gyno, my nipples are not sensitive and I can not feel anything forming behind them or round the area. Just this strange sensation that just does not want to go away.






4. What do you think of my dosing? 100ml every 4 days?

If your total T is over 1100 ng/dL and your hematocrit is going up too fast (or you experience some side effects related to high T: https://www.excelmale.com/forum/threads/420-Testosterone-Side-Effect-Management-Table ) you need to lower the dose. Most would do OK with 75 mg every 4 days.

My test comes in 1cc vials, the ones you snap the top off, so once it is opened I have to draw it all. So I guess I'd have to take this every 5-6 days? I'll post my results in proper section and then make a decision what to do.

Best regards,
pakman

 

[Gene Devine]

At 1 cc per injection you'd be better served doing it once every 7 days.

Better yet, do .5 cc twice a week like Monday morning and Thursday night. This will provide for consistent serum levels and less chance of elevated estrogen levels.

Just take two syringes and load both with .5 cc take a shot and place the other pre-loaded syringe in a dark room temp place and use it when the next injection is scheduled Pre-loading a syringe is no big deal as long as you put the cap over the needle.

Also, make sure to get estrogen tested...this is very very important.

 

[pakman]

thanks for the advice Gene! let's wait for my blood tests, I'll post them here and wait for your input. I take 100ml every 4 days, so .5cc Monday-Thursday would be almost halving it?

and regarding my gyno worries, my nipples are not sensitive, can not feel any lumps or anything strange, no gyno in the past, just that burning sensation in my chest. If no other symptoms appear, should I leave it till my blood test (2 weeks time)?

 

[Gene Devine]

thanks for the advice Gene! let's wait for my blood tests, I'll post them here and wait for your input. I take 100ml every 4 days, so .5cc Monday-Thursday would be almost halving it?

and regarding my gyno worries, my nipples are not sensitive, can not feel any lumps or anything strange, no gyno in the past, just that burning sensation in my chest. If no other symptoms appear, should I leave it till my blood test (2 weeks time)?

Just take your every four day dosage and cut it in half and inject it Monday morning and Thursday night. Same dose you are doing every four days but now every seven days split it two...does this make sense to you?

Get E2 tested regarding gyno.

 

[pakman]

https://www.excelmale.com/forum/threads/1955-My-first-blood-test-share-your-thoughts-please-)

my blood work. please post reply there as the results are where they should be


ESTRADIOL E2 220.3 pmol/l (28-156 pmol/l) - obviously high? do you guys think it might be a reason for my not so great mood? (it was much better like 3 weeks into the therapy, then it sort of wore off?)

burning sensation in my chest is gone almost completely (very rarely just feel "something"), no gyno or anything like that.

I am still taking 1cc every 4 days.