Wow...labs after only a couple injections...

Ubermensch33

New Member
I started with a men's clinic on TRT at the end of June, and want to switch to Defy as I am not too impressed with the men's clinic, so I got labs done pre-TRT (of course), and then just got results from my most recent labs from Defy, which were done fasted in the AM on my injection day (so I'm at a trough - I inject after work in the afternoon). Have not had my consultation with Defy, yet.

So:

Week 1 - 150 mg test cyp & 250iu Hcg
Week 2 - 100 mg test cyp & 250iu Hcg
Week 3 - fasted AM labs; 100mg test cyp & 250iu Hcg in afternoon

32 year old male with most/all non-libido related symptoms.

Total T went from 306 to 863 (Range 264 - 916)
Free T 10.3 to 25.9 (Range 8.7-25.1)
Estradiol 20.5 to 20.8 (Range 7.6 - 42.6)
SHBG 41.1 to 37.1 (Range 16.5 - 55.9)

I did not expect such a jump in such little time, although I am feeling great. So, I'm not complaining, but just wanted to run it by the experts (you guys) as this seems like a pretty big jump.
 
I started with a men's clinic on TRT at the end of June, and want to switch to Defy as I am not too impressed with the men's clinic, so I got labs done pre-TRT (of course), and then just got results from my most recent labs from Defy, which were done fasted in the AM on my injection day (so I'm at a trough - I inject after work in the afternoon). Have not had my consultation with Defy, yet.

So:

Week 1 - 150 mg test cyp & 250iu Hcg
Week 2 - 100 mg test cyp & 250iu Hcg
Week 3 - fasted AM labs; 100mg test cyp & 250iu Hcg in afternoon

32 year old male with most/all non-libido related symptoms.

Total T went from 306 to 863 (Range 264 - 916)
Free T 10.3 to 25.9 (Range 8.7-25.1)
Estradiol 20.5 to 20.8 (Range 7.6 - 42.6)
SHBG 41.1 to 37.1 (Range 16.5 - 55.9)

I did not expect such a jump in such little time, although I am feeling great. So, I'm not complaining, but just wanted to run it by the experts (you guys) as this seems like a pretty big jump.
Defy sent the lab order? That's the incorrect estradiol test. The standard, rather than the sensitive, test was run. The reference range is a dead giveaway.

Very puzzling if if it did come from Defy.
 
I don't they are defy medical labs. Just starting trt you're having the honeymoon effect, the first few weeks of trt you feel awesome because your body still making testosterone. Then it's back to reality and working on getting dialed in.
 
Defy sent the lab order? That's the incorrect estradiol test. The standard, rather than the sensitive, test was run. The reference range is a dead giveaway.

Very puzzling if if it did come from Defy.
Sorry, you're correct. The range I quoted above is the standard, and the sensitive range is 8.0-35.0 as per the Defy results (so I initially got standard test, and Defy ordered sensitive). I meant to include that in my OP but didn't want to over complicate, as mainly I was looking at the Total/Free T results, and the ranges for the other results I quoted are the same on both sets of labs.
 
I don't they are defy medical labs. Just starting trt you're having the honeymoon effect, the first few weeks of trt you feel awesome because your body still making testosterone. Then it's back to reality and working on getting dialed in.

I've seen you guys mention the honeymoon effect quite a bit. Can you elaborate on what exactly is going on (other than simply I feel great because I have higher levels of testosterone, and I'm not "used to it" yet), or share a good link? Sorry if this is stickied, or I missed something!
 
I've seen you guys mention the honeymoon effect quite a bit. Can you elaborate on what exactly is going on (other than simply I feel great because I have higher levels of testosterone, and I'm not "used to it" yet), or share a good link? Sorry if this is stickied, or I missed something!

No we do not have any Sticky's on the subject, but it is common for some men to have the honeymoon effect when starting try and I was one of them. You can search for subject.

https://www.excelmale.com/content.php?148-search
 
I've seen you guys mention the honeymoon effect quite a bit. Can you elaborate on what exactly is going on (other than simply I feel great because I have higher levels of testosterone, and I'm not "used to it" yet), or share a good link? Sorry if this is stickied, or I missed something!

When you start TRT you have what's left of your natural production and the injectable testosterone, in 1-3 weeks your pituitary gland will assume the testicles are again producing testosterone and shut down your Hypothalamus Pituitary Testicular Axis (HPTA). When this happens you will feel a crash and feel quite miserable. Then as stated before its back to reality and protocol tweaking begins, realistically minor tweaks will be needed.

It's reported that some skip feeling this HPTA crash and continue on, it all depends on how fast your body adapts.

These men's clinic tend to be a disaster and keep the real hormone specialists busy.
 
3 weeks of varying treatment doesn't amount to squat. Honest assessment there. Looking in to this is pretty pointless at this point in time. You need to be on a steady (and I see you're doing that now with Defy), treatment protocol for at least 6 weeks before any labs can be drawn and assessed.
 
Some men on initial TRT start-up will get a great sense of well being and increased libido. This is a result of a Dopamine rush in the brain and can make some men feel absolutely incredible.

Unfortunately, it's short lived as the levels subside and the brain gets used to the increase in Dopamine production.

This can be known as the "honeymoon" period as well...
 
When you start TRT you have what's left of your natural production and the injectable testosterone, in 1-3 weeks your pituitary gland will assume the testicles are again producing testosterone and shut down your Hypothalamus Pituitary Testicular Axis (HPTA). When this happens you will feel a crash and feel quite miserable. Then as stated before its back to reality and protocol tweaking begins, realistically minor tweaks will be needed.

It's reported that some skip feeling this HPTA crash and continue on, it all depends on how fast your body adapts.

These men's clinic tend to be a disaster and keep the real hormone specialists busy.

Isn't the HCG supposed to keep your body producing its own testosterone and hopefully avoid such a crash?
 

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
9
Guests online
354
Total visitors
363

Latest posts

Back
Top