Protocol change? Need advice

T4lee

New Member
I have many of the same issues that I see here everyday, not great energy, low libido but its better than before trt. I've been on injectables for 2 years.

My current weekly protocol is 100mg T, split SubQ twice per week and 500 iu HCG twice a week. I just got my labs back and have a consult next week. Labs were done in the trough.

Testosterone, Serum - 477 Reference Range: 264-916 ng/dL
Free Testosterone(Direct - 5.4 Reference Range: 6.6-18.1 pg/mL
Estradiol, Sensitive 21.9- Reference Range: 8.0-35.0 pg/mL
Dihydrotestosterone - 52 NORMAL
DHEA-Sulfate 172.5 Reference Range: 48.9-344.2 ug/dL
SHBG , Serum 75.1 - Reference Range: 19.3-76.4 nmol/L
No Prolactin numbers this time, I did order and pay for it, but its always been mid range

I'm thinking about dropping the hcg (it worked great for me the first 12 months, better libido, attitude, bigger balls and general sense of well being. But for the 6-12 months its felt like I'm injecting (expensive) water.

I'd like to raise both free T and DHT. Here's what I'm thinking about changing,

Add a daily scrotal application of cream to increase DHT and Total T which should also raise Free T.

I've tried all the home remedies I could find to lower SHBG but, as promised, nothing worked.

Here are my questions,

If I drop the hcg are there supplements I should add? ie dhea, pregnenolone or?
Are any of the compound pharmacies better for high percentage cream?
Is there anything I'm missing and should be asking?

Thanks in advance for any help!
 
I know you started with cream in addition to your current regimen and were having good results. Are you still having good results?
 
I agree with cutting the HCG but the more direct thing I think to do here is that your T dose is just too little. With your SHBG you're going to have to get your trough TT up to ~1000, in order to get the Free T to come up. I'd up the total dose to 125-150mg which is a big change but I think you'll need to take a larger swing at it to get started.
Id leave DHT as is and opt out of the cream at this time.
 

hCG Mixing Calculator

HCG Mixing Protocol Calculator

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

Beyond Testosterone Podcast

Online statistics

Members online
3
Guests online
158
Total visitors
161

Latest posts

Back
Top