Wanted to know if free testosterone level of 643.0 pg/mL is good

[kisaj]

not really and im taking from experience.

ditto. I hit 1200-1300 and sex drive is useless. A couple days later when it would drop to 900-1000- booooiiinng. lol. Now I do everything I can to keep it 1000 or lower.

[lexmuscle]

ditto. I hit 1200-1300 and sex drive is useless. A couple days later when it would drop to 900-1000- booooiiinng. lol. Now I do everything I can to keep it 1000 or lower.

Same exact experience here

[hawaiijedi]

Wow that's great now I can see why my numbers of 1908 for total and 643 are real high. I'm surprised that I don't feel stronger than I normally am even with those high numbers.

[hawaiijedi]

I think it strange that those high levels of free and total test would cause a strength increase during training. I don't feel stronger yet. Does anyone have any theories?

[napalm]

I think it strange that those high levels of free and total test would cause a strength increase during training. I don't feel stronger yet. Does anyone have any theories?

It's all directly related to the effort you put in your training.

[kisaj]

Agreed. I think people expect high test to make them ultra strong all of a sudden. It allows you the capacity to build strength and grow bigger, but you still need to do the basics through muscle tension and a routine to build that strength. You don't get a boost in test and automatically put 75lbs on your squat.

One of the main differences you will notice is that by doing the same routines you have been doing, your body composition will change. I've always been muscular, but about 3 months on TRT, I was visibly larger and cut. Bigger quads/hams, shoulders wider, neck a little thicker, I can barely put on my wedding ring, etc.

[alpinecoach]

Agreed. I think people expect high test to make them ultra strong all of a sudden. It allows you the capacity to build strength and grow bigger, but you still need to do the basics through muscle tension and a routine to build that strength. You don't get a boost in test and automatically put 75lbs on your squat.

One of the main differences you will notice is that by doing the same routines you have been doing, your body composition will change. I've always been muscular, but about 3 months on TRT, I was visibly larger and cut. Bigger quads/hams, shoulders wider, neck a little thicker, I can barely put on my wedding ring, etc.

This statement is spot on. One thing missed, is the fact that your recovery period is reduced. My body comp after three months is dramaticaly different, I was in pretty good shape to start with. All of the sudden I have abs again.

[hawaiijedi]

I train real hard in the gym and I didn't expect huge strength gains I have gotten larger but strength is the same. Oh well thanks for all your help guys.

[hawaiijedi]

Sorry one more question, I take 1mg of arimadex 3 times a week. Should I cut it to. 5mg 3 times a week? My estrogen was at 12 when last checked.

[napalm]

Sorry one more question, I take 1mg of arimadex 3 times a week. Should I cut it to. 5mg 3 times a week? My estrogen was at 12 when last checked.

if it were me, i'd want to know what my labs were w/o it as a baseline.

[hawaiijedi]

Napalm, so you think that I should stop taking it for a few weeks then run labs?

[napalm]

Napalm, so you think that I should stop taking it for a few weeks then run labs?

what are you planning on dropping your dose to?

[hawaiijedi]

. 5mg 3 times a week cause I have the 1mg tabs.

[vassille]

I think it strange that those high levels of free and total test would cause a strength increase during training. I don't feel stronger yet. Does anyone have any theories?

type of diet matter as well.

[napalm]

. 5mg 3 times a week cause I have the 1mg tabs.

no, i mean the test...

[vassille]

. 5mg 3 times a week cause I have the 1mg tabs.

cut it back to .5mg 2x a week. If lab shows E2 low again, then .25mg 2x a week. On of these doses will hit the spot.

[hawaiijedi]

The test is 200mg every week, I know that's high ill talk to my doc tomorrow about dropping it to 100 a week.

[kisaj]

200 seems to be the default spot that doctors just learning about TRT are going with. My doctor started me on that a year and a half ago and it made me nuts- no other way to put it. I was an emotional train wreck. Going in to see him now that he has such a better understanding of it (I was one of his first that he allowed to self inject), he is a full advocate of 100 a week or 50 twice a week. He won't even discuss 200 a week anymore. He started seeing the elevated BP and cholesterol along with the mood changes that were happening, and started diving into a better understanding.

[vassille]

The test is 200mg every week, I know that's high ill talk to my doc tomorrow about dropping it to 100 a week.

The range of how much test to take varies from 50-200mg a week. The only way to find out what works for you is to do bloodwork and taylor the dosage to your specific needs.

[vassille]

200 seems to be the default spot that doctors just learning about TRT are going with. My doctor started me on that a year and a half ago and it made me nuts- no other way to put it. I was an emotional train wreck. Going in to see him now that he has such a better understanding of it (I was one of his first that he allowed to self inject), he is a full advocate of 100 a week or 50 twice a week. He won't even discuss 200 a week anymore. He started seeing the elevated BP and cholesterol along with the mood changes that were happening, and started diving into a better understanding.

I understand your point ....
Bloodwork though is a powerful tool in adjusting dosage and also everybody is different where their body is at a happy balance. Your doctor should treat everybody on individual bases rather than than saying 100mg works for everyone.
Not everyone is the same by a long shot but I do agree 100mg is a good starting point for HRT.