I am 60yo and have been strength training for years. I'm 5ft 6in, 140 pounds and probably about 15% BF. Thats a rough guess but a year ago DEXA said 12.9% but I have been out of the gym for some of 2025 due to some surgeries. So I lost a little muscle and gained a little fat in that time.
I have been on TRT for years, and I recently have tried some "TRT Plus" to see if I can add a little muscle. At 280 mg/week my E2 was at 100 pg/ml and my hematocrit was high. Free test was 238.3pg/mL and total was 797ng/dL. So it seems a lot of side effects for not much total test, although the free test was okay. I do not have acne or hair loss. Oh, I also use HCG to keep my testicles from shrinking. I'm not concerned about fertility. I also use Reta to keep my appetite under control, eating maintenance calories on training days and a 400 calorie deficit on rest days. I eat 150g protein daily.
When I saw the lab work a few weeks ago I was particularly concerned about the E2 and hematocrit so I reduced the test cyp to 200 mg / weekly and added some primo (100 mg / week) in an effort to maintain the growth potential and lower the E2. I'll get blood work at the end of January.
As far as hematocrit, Red Cross won't take my blood and there is nowhere else near me to donate.
So it seems to get hematocrit and E2 down I need to reduce test as I have. I prefer not to use an AI since those could crash my E2 down to very little, and I am aware that I need some for a few reasons.
My question is, am I on the right track by lowering the test and adding some primo? The goal is to add some muscle and drop some fat with minimal side effects. I'm not trying to look like Arnold, just have reasonable strength for my sports (I'm very active) and a descent looking body. I know everyone is different, but in general whats the best strategy?
I have been on TRT for years, and I recently have tried some "TRT Plus" to see if I can add a little muscle. At 280 mg/week my E2 was at 100 pg/ml and my hematocrit was high. Free test was 238.3pg/mL and total was 797ng/dL. So it seems a lot of side effects for not much total test, although the free test was okay. I do not have acne or hair loss. Oh, I also use HCG to keep my testicles from shrinking. I'm not concerned about fertility. I also use Reta to keep my appetite under control, eating maintenance calories on training days and a 400 calorie deficit on rest days. I eat 150g protein daily.
When I saw the lab work a few weeks ago I was particularly concerned about the E2 and hematocrit so I reduced the test cyp to 200 mg / weekly and added some primo (100 mg / week) in an effort to maintain the growth potential and lower the E2. I'll get blood work at the end of January.
As far as hematocrit, Red Cross won't take my blood and there is nowhere else near me to donate.
So it seems to get hematocrit and E2 down I need to reduce test as I have. I prefer not to use an AI since those could crash my E2 down to very little, and I am aware that I need some for a few reasons.
My question is, am I on the right track by lowering the test and adding some primo? The goal is to add some muscle and drop some fat with minimal side effects. I'm not trying to look like Arnold, just have reasonable strength for my sports (I'm very active) and a descent looking body. I know everyone is different, but in general whats the best strategy?
