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You don't want to run cream EOD - levels would be terrible on the second day.


Forget about SHBG when the goal is increased free testosterone.  It is a common misconception that SHBG is causing your free T to be lower than it would otherwise be.  You increase free T by increasing your rate of testosterone production if you're natural or by increasing your dose if you're on TRT.  SHBG moving up and down only serves to move your total testosterone up and down.


With regard to the Maximus topical TRT, I can tell you that the default starting dose of 2 clicks (100 mg) once daily puts 9 in 10 men above 1,000 ng/dL total testosterone.  I've seen guys post labs on cream with a free T of 65 ng/dL, 75 ng/dL, 90 ng/dL (not at Maximus; they won't prescribe cream that high).  If you had unlimited access to both topical or injectable TRT, you could produce the same free T with either form.  There are some practical limitations with cream in terms of volume and skin real estate but these only come into play if you're trying to run bodybuilding cycle levels of free T.


Generally, we think of injectable TRT as more anabolic, but that is only because the way it is commonly prescribed produces levels that are higher and an area under the curve that is higher.  If you take sufficient cream to match the free T and AUC of injectable, I see no reason why there would be different outcomes.


You should not be thinking about hybrid protocols at this stage, or any time in the near future.  I think you and I share a tendency to overthink and overcomplicate things.  Dialing in can be tricky enough with a single form of testosterone, let alone multiple.  For the time being, choose one modality and stick with it.


TRT Hormone Predictor Widget

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.

ℹ️ Input Parameters

Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL

Predicted Hormone Levels

Enter your total testosterone value to see predictions

Results will appear here after calculation

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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