Protocol Advice

[boatdriver]

Hey folks. I'd really appreciate your insight. Here's my quick story - Active Duty Military 40yo white male. Very active in the gym. 5'9" 175lbs. Started feeling sluggish and went to the doc. Doc referred me to a urologist after seeing my T levels. Urologist put me on 200mg Test Cypionate every two weeks. I argued, he persisted. I've decided to split that in half anyway so I took my first shot of 100mg last Wednesday. I'm not on any AIs or HCG either.

My question is whether or not I should split it up into 50mg every 3.5 days or leave it be for now. My hematocrit is already a bit high.

Here are my initial levels:

Total T - 268
Free T - 6.46
Bioavailable T - 158.1
SHBG - 21
E2 - 6.2
E1 - 12.2
IGF1 - 147
Hematocrit - 50.2

Thanks for any advice. I have all the other levels too if they're needed.

 

[CoastWatcher]

Hey folks. I'd really appreciate your insight. Here's my quick story - Active Duty Military 40yo white male. Very active in the gym. 5'9" 175lbs. Started feeling sluggish and went to the doc. Doc referred me to a urologist after seeing my T levels. Urologist put me on 200mg Test Cypionate every two weeks. I argued, he persisted. I've decided to split that in half anyway so I took my first shot of 100mg last Wednesday. I'm not on any AIs or HCG either.

My question is whether or not I should split it up into 50mg every 3.5 days or leave it be for now. My hematocrit is already a bit high.

Here are my initial levels:

Total T - 268
Free T - 6.46
Bioavailable T - 158.1
SHBG - 21
E2 - 6.2
E1 - 12.2
IGF1 - 147
Hematocrit - 50.2

Thanks for any advice. I have all the other levels too if they're needed.

With your SHBG being on the low side, I would certainly consider injecting every 3.5 days for six weeks and evaluate how you feel and what the numbers show. During that time you can look into finding a doctor more capable of managing your hormonal challenges. Your research and instincts served you well, 200mg of testosterone every two weeks is a dead certain path to failure.

There is no need for you to be on an AI - your estradiol is in the tank along with your testosterone. Anastrozole is a good drug, but it has no business being part of a protocol until it is required. E2 is not a waste product; it serves a vital role in male health (particularly sexual health). It's quite possible, even likely, that you won't need an AI at all.

HCG is another matter. Was it discussed?

 

[boatdriver]

I asked about HCG and he said he doesn't feel it is ever necessary. He's an arrogant old curmudgeon by all accounts. He also stated he wasn't interested in follow up blood tests because he treats symptoms not levels. I need a new doc.

Here's my predicament. My service doesn't allow me to be on TRT without a waiver. At the end of a 90 day trial my blood levels will be checked and if therapy is working I will apply for a permanent waiver. If they don't like my levels I'll be ordered to cease TRT or else be discharged punitively for a drug incident.

Since I'm not stationed near a military hospital I'm having to use civilian doctors and the nearest urologist that takes Tricare is 1.5 hrs away. I was happy he at least started me on T. My libido is so terrible my 17 yr marriage is at risk.

I need this therapy to work and for my levels to look good at 90 days so I can get the waiver. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Vince Carter]

I'm former Air Force (13yrs) and I'm surprised that they'll even treat you. You bring up the issue of what we used to call "pissing hot"...if you seek treatment elsewhere so I'm just curious, if you've been told, what the cut off is to indicate "abuse" of T? I would surmise it can't be over physiological but not know what lab is being used or the lab ranges (if you have them).

 

[boatdriver]

I'm former Air Force (13yrs) and I'm surprised that they'll even treat you. You bring up the issue of what we used to call "pissing hot"...if you seek treatment elsewhere so I'm just curious, if you've been told, what the cut off is to indicate "abuse" of T? I would surmise it can't be over physiological but not know what lab is being used or the lab ranges (if you have them).

It's funny because my cousin as been on TRT with the Army for 12 years. He gets it right from the clinic on base with nary a question. There's no way, even if I purchased and used it through a private service, that it could be detected through routine urinalysis. The only way you could be found "in violation" of anything is when you don't disclose all medications before providing a sample. The urine test doesn't check for anything but scheduled natcotics. If we have a reason, we can ask for steroid panels but that requires blood and a valid reason. At 23 years of service currently, I'm not in the mood to run afoul so I'm doing everything transparently but it's a total pain in the ass.

I decided to to do the 50mg every 3.5 days so I took the second shot this morning. Didn't figure the extra bit I had in my first shot would matter. This gets me on schedule.