Swamp Gorilla intro

[Swamp Gorilla]

Hi just introducing myself. Looking forward to learning and sharing what little info I’ve gathered over the years. TRT since 2012. Battling high HCT and Hb on TRT is my main driver for being here at the moment.

 

[Phil Goodman]

Hi just introducing myself. Looking forward to learning and sharing what little info I’ve gathered over the years. TRT since 2012. Battling high HCT and Hb on TRT is my main driver for being here at the moment.

Welcome to the site. It’s always good to hear from long term users as I think the insight provided can be extra valuable.

Has your hematocrit always been elevated since starting?

What is your current protocol and how has it changed over the years (if it has)?

 

[Swamp Gorilla]

Welcome to the site. It’s always good to hear from long term users as I think the insight provided can be extra valuable.

Has your hematocrit always been elevated since starting?

What is your current protocol and how has it changed over the years (if it has)?

When I started, my HCT was in the upper 40s, maybe 47-48 range. I was started on a generic protocol of 140mg Test Cyp IM once per week, 750 IU HcG once per week, and 2mg anastrozole per week. Shocker alert, the anastrozole smashed my estrogen. I backed off to .5mg per week and it was still too much. I have never really got a dosing schedule that worked with anastrozole. It just nukes my e2. I just allow my E2 drift slowly towards being too high and take a .5mg dose or use a little aromasin 6.25mg PRN.

When I initially began therapy, My HCT jumped to 51 within a couple of months so I was backed down to 120mg once per week. So yes I’ve battled high HCT since starting therapy. Interestingly, my cardio is GREAT with a higher HCT so I’m torn as to if it matters so much or not. I refuse to let it run wild though.

I have since switched to a local clinic with a PA friend who manages my care but allows me to experiment with dosing schedules etc. A dose of 140 mg per week in two doses provides me a good result. I don’t use HCG anymore and rarely use a AI. I still have to watch HCT as it will drift north into the low to mid 50s. I usually donate power reds every 4 months to keep in range and keep the peace with my provider.

I would love to experiment more with the Vork protocol to see what I can do with HCT and ferritin management. I tried it one time and brought my ferritin from 7 to 35 so it worked. I have also tried other anecdotal things (Telmisartan, grapefruit daily, etc) with little to no benefit.