Starting TRT - Tips , Advice , Experience

Well, Nick, I am no expert, I just do a ton of reading and the guys here are great... IMO, your Free T is too low... yes, your lab says it is within range, but again, IMO, their range is absurd... LabCorp range for Free T is 6.6 to 18.1... but your total T is decent... did they test for SHBG? I would bet it is too high... as is your Albumin... both tie up testosterone, reducing Free T. I think personally, I would first try to raise the Free T naturally... some guys with more experience here could help, Boron? Zinc Picolinate? magnesium? but IMO, you need to seek another doctor... or if you have the bucks, maybe try Defy. I got my nose out of joint with their charges for the meds... I pay around $15 for my monthly test-cypionate, they say $250-300/month for Test, AI and HCG... the last two I'm not sure everyone needs... maybe seek a good endocrinologist near you...
I have tried several SSRI's... they all have different effects... I was on Celexa for a few years... it worked, but turned me into a zero-libido zombie. Lexapro is similar... Prozac has helped many... but your low Free T may be responsible for any depression and/or anxiety you have, low libido/motivation... etc... so avoid SSRIs unless REALLY needed...

thanks for the great info! Unfortunately I didn’t get my SHBG tested. This is all the labs that I have, it is definitely unfortunate the lack of support from the healthcare system.i definitely want to try to get the problem fixed! I feel like I’m in a slug at only 21!

I wonder if defy would honor these labs. I know their startup is out of my budget
 
Well, Nick, I am no expert, I just do a ton of reading and the guys here are great... IMO, your Free T is too low... yes, your lab says it is within range, but again, IMO, their range is absurd... LabCorp range for Free T is 6.6 to 18.1... but your total T is decent... did they test for SHBG? I would bet it is too high... as is your Albumin... both tie up testosterone, reducing Free T. I think personally, I would first try to raise the Free T naturally... some guys with more experience here could help, Boron? Zinc Picolinate? magnesium? but IMO, you need to seek another doctor... or if you have the bucks, maybe try Defy. I got my nose out of joint with their charges for the meds... I pay around $15 for my monthly test-cypionate, they say $250-300/month for Test, AI and HCG... the last two I'm not sure everyone needs... maybe seek a good endocrinologist near you...
I have tried several SSRI's... they all have different effects... I was on Celexa for a few years... it worked, but turned me into a zero-libido zombie. Lexapro is similar... Prozac has helped many... but your low Free T may be responsible for any depression and/or anxiety you have, low libido/motivation... etc... so avoid SSRIs unless REALLY needed...
Who do you go through?
 
thanks for the great info! Unfortunately I didn’t get my SHBG tested. This is all the labs that I have, it is definitely unfortunate the lack of support from the healthcare system.i definitely want to try to get the problem fixed! I feel like I’m in a slug at only 21!

I wonder if defy would honor these labs. I know their startup is out of my budget
At 21 years old... I think I would first, really try to find a competent Doc... Urologist, Endocrine specialist... and maybe you have some TRT specialists nearby... you might ask the guys here about pregnenalone, DHEA and boron... I don't know enough to recommend it... Defy IS expensive... very. We have a TRT specialist here in Tucson, he does tele-medicine... if you have the ability to do that... and he is not nearly so expensive... I didn't use him because he is booked out too far and I can't do tele-appointments...
 
At 21 years old... I think I would first, really try to find a competent Doc... Urologist, Endocrine specialist... and maybe you have some TRT specialists nearby... you might ask the guys here about pregnenalone, DHEA and boron... I don't know enough to recommend it... Defy IS expensive... very. We have a TRT specialist here in Tucson, he does tele-medicine... if you have the ability to do that... and he is not nearly so expensive... I didn't use him because he is booked out too far and I can't do tele-appointments...
This is great information. Thanks a lot for your help! I’m going to see if I can find a doc to look more into my situation. I’m open to telemedicine as well, so I will give your guy a call and see what the process looks like. I’m hoping to find someone cost effective that knows what they’re doing!
 

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

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