Why do some need a higher dose while others need a little?

[ZoomyR6]

Hey guys,

I have noticed since being on this forum the different dosages people use depending on their base levels prior to TRT.
For instance, my base prior was 330 and I need 160mg/wk split 2x to get my levels in the 900's. Then, I see people with base levels much much lower than mine were and need less T to get them around the same T levels as me, say 100mg or 120mg/wk.
Does anyone know the reason for this? I know other meds or supplements will play a role but I can't see it affecting the out come THAT much.

 

[FeelingLost]

I believe most are trying to get their Free T optimized and your SHBG plays a big roll in what your Free T will be.

 

[CoastWatcher]

Feeling Lost is right, SHBG plays a huge role. So does the presence/absence of other comorbidities, body weight/composition (fat is the key to aromatization and estradiol challenges)...and on and on.

 

[Vince]

They also agreed your estradiol levels and shbg, both play a big part optimizing your free testosterone levels.

 

[captain]

Depends on how much T it takes to shut down your natural production of T. Your own production has to be suppressed before your level of T will go up. If you was making no T at all I would expect any T you add will increase your level.

 

[ZoomyR6]

Thanks for the replies.
I think I understand, sort of. However, my free T is through the roof and my shbg is low, 16. Does that sound about right and possibly the reason why I need much more T to achieve optimal levels? Is this what a hypersecreter is? (Correct terminology?)

 

[CoastWatcher]

Thanks for the replies.
I think I understand, sort of. However, my free T is through the roof and my shbg is low, 16. Does that sound about right and possibly the reason why I need much more T to achieve optimal levels? Is this what a hypersecreter is? (Correct terminology?)

Your free testosterone is through the roof because your SHBG is at a bargain-basement level of 16. You achieved success with two weekly injections of a reasonably high dose of testosterone?

 

[ZoomyR6]

I am already at 2x/wk. Unfortunately, I refuse to do any more despite how quick the process is. Before I know it, I'll be carrying around pre-filled syringes to keep injection timing down when I am out all day or away for a few days.

 

[CoastWatcher]

I am already at 2x/wk. Unfortunately, I refuse to do any more despite how quick the process is. Before I know it, I'll be carrying around pre-filled syringes to keep injection timing down when I am out all day or away for a few days.

It's certainly your choice. I'll just say that daily injections add less than five minutes to my morning routine, a few moments just prior to shaving. Low SHBG is the card you (me, a whole lot of us) have been dealt. It can usually be overcome...

 

[ZoomyR6]

Ok ok, I'll be open minded here. Other than the possibility of injecting less T and e2 being under control, which mine already is, what are the other benefits?

 

[ratbag]

For those with high E2 it helps keep it in control and it also helps keep HCT under the threshold.

 

[ZoomyR6]

For those with high E2 it helps keep it in control and it also helps keep HCT under the threshold.

Appreciate the response but as I said, I already have e2 under control.

 

[Vince]

If you're happy with how you feel and your levels are good, there's really no reason to change.

 

[ZoomyR6]

I am asking because people advocate frequent and daily injections, especially with low shbg guys. I wanted to know other possibly using less T and e2 control, what are the benefits of frequent injections? How would a higher shbg make you feel compared to lower?

 

[Vince]

I am asking because people advocate frequent and daily injections, especially with low shbg guys. I wanted to know other possibly using less T and e2 control, what are the benefits of frequent injections? How would a higher shbg make you feel compared to lower?

Many men with low shbg do not feel any better on trt. Some have seen Improvement in how they feel with daily injections of testosterone and others have not. It's just one thing that men can to see if it improves how they feel. I'm not a low shbg guy but I do daily injections to prevent High spiking of testosterone levels.

 

[ZoomyR6]

Does it really help with controlling hematocrit?

 

[Systemlord]

Ok ok, I'll be open minded here. Other than the possibility of injecting less T and e2 being under control, which mine already is, what are the other benefits?

Let me ask you something, do you take vitamins everyday? If you do, then that greats because it's good for us. So to is testosterone probably more so, so why not take it everyday as well? I'm not saying inject T everyday, I'm just making a point.

 

[ZoomyR6]

Let me ask you something, do you take vitamins everyday? If you do, then that greats because it's good for us. So to is testosterone probably more so, so why not take it everyday as well? I'm not saying inject T everyday, I'm just making a point.

I absolutely take vitamins everyday, along with fish oil. It's much easier to store a bunch of pills in a pill case and leave in a car when on the road. It's much easier to open a case and swallow a pill than carry alcohol pads, syringes then disposing the syringe, bottle of T unless you're going to prefill and in that case, something to carry them in.
I just don't want to deal with any of that.

 

[Will Brink]

I absolutely take vitamins everyday, along with fish oil. It's much easier to store a bunch of pills in a pill case and leave in a car when on the road. It's much easier to open a case and swallow a pill than carry alcohol pads, syringes then disposing the syringe, bottle of T unless you're going to prefill and in that case, something to carry them in.
I just don't want to deal with any of that.

There's really no reason to inject more than 2X per week "on paper" and many do fine 1X per week, which is sacrilege to say here, but true regardless. I think for those who are having issues with say E2, or elevated SHBG, smaller more frequent doses are worth a try. Subjectively, some men report feeling better on daily dose, some don't. Personally I'm with you in that I want to poke myself as little as possible, and the every 3.5 day schedule seems to work for the vast majority, and "even" the 1X per week schedule objectively and subjectively. I would be very unhappy if I needed to do it daily personally. Exactly why some need so little and others so much, has not been fully elucidated and some factors are known as others outlined already, some not. Most men, most of the time, seem to get similar responses to similar doses however.

- Will @ www.BrinkZone.com

 

[ZoomyR6]

There's really no reason to inject more than 2X per week "on paper" and many do fine 1X per week, which is sacrilege to say here, but true regardless. I think for those who are having issues with say E2, or elevated SHBG, smaller more frequent doses are worth a try. Subjectively, some men report feeling better on daily dose, some don't. Personally I'm with you in that I want to poke myself as little as possible, and the every 3.5 day schedule seems to work for the vast majority, and "even" the 1X per week schedule objectively and subjectively. I would be very unhappy if I needed to do it daily personally. Exactly why some need so little and others so much, has not been fully elucidated and some factors are known as others outlined already, some not. Most men, most of the time, seem to get similar responses to similar doses however.

- Will @ www.BrinkZone.com

Well said and understood.
Thank you.