I am zeroing in on 10 weeks of Test Cyp at 200mg/week. 33 y/o male. Free test prior was 49 pg/mL. Total was 245.9 ng/dL.
My doc who is also a younger male, also taking TRT, gave me a protocol of weekly injection of 200mg testosterone cypionate. No other medications. He’s going to check for estrogen levels at my next appointment and also look at iron levels. He seems legit, though he is only a PCP.
I’m scared of all the normal side effects - gyno in particular absolutely scares me to death.
I have labs in 4 weeks. Should I push for them sooner? Also, does the dosage seem high? Everybody seems to think 200mg is way too high.
I’m 6’1, 250, non-athletic.
Too high a dose to start someone on off the hop.
200 mg T/week is overkill for most.
Easily going to have your peak (8-12 hrs post-injection/during the first few days) TT, FT, and estradiol levels sky-high only to be followed by much lower levels come week's end (trough).
Even then many can still hit a high-end trough on such a dose.
Let alone it is a given that your RBCs/hemoglobin/hematocrit will be driven high.
Looks like you may be heading for that donating blood frequently merry-go-round.
The downfall of injecting once weekly is that there is going to be a significant difference between peak--->trough and blood levels will not be as stable throughout the week which can easily have a negative impact on energy, mood, libido, erectile function, and recovery.
Although some may do well on a once-weekly protocol many tend to inject more frequently (twice weekly, M/W/F, EOD, or daily) which will clip the peak--->trough and blood levels will be more stable throughout the week.
Would be far better of starting low and go slow.
Most men start on 100 mg T/week.
Many would prefer injecting twice-weekly (50 mg T every 3.5 days).
Most can easily achieve a healthy let alone high trough FT level of 100-150 mg/week.
Sure there may be some outliers who need the higher-end dose but it is far from common.
You are 10 weeks in.
Would have been more sensible to have blood work done 6 weeks in as blood levels will have stabilized (4-6 weeks TC/TE).
At least you would have known where your trough TT, FT, and estradiol levels would have sat let alone important blood markers such as RBCs/hemoglobin/hematocrit.
Unfortunately, you have tasted that high-T off the hop and it is going to be a much rougher ride if you need to lower your dose.
Would have rather lowered the dose 6 weeks in than waiting 3 months.
You are easily due for labs.
Regarding cosmetic sides (acne, increased body hair, male pattern baldness, water retention, and gyno).
When it comes to acne, BPH, and gynecomastia genetics will play a big role as some men are more prone to this.
Many can struggle with acne (especially body) or notice accelerated hair loss when using therapeutic doses of T, especially when running too high an FT level, but when it comes to getting gynecomastia it is far from common.