27 y/o TRT Regiment

cigpk

New member
Hey all, new to the forum and looking forward to getting some informative answers from you all. I started TRT when I was just about to turn 26. I got sober from heroin and alcohol about 2.5 years ago and became more aware of my low energy levels, insomnia, zero libido, ED, depression, anxiety, etc. Not sure if the drug and alcohol abuse had any long term effect on hormone levels, but I definitely had low libido and all the above symptoms starting around 18 years old, I just didn’t care at the time.
I got my T levels tested and immediately began T injections, HCG and arimidex (can’t remember if this was added later but I’m on it now)

Here are my initial levels (I don’t have the full labs) about 2 years ago, prior to starting TRT:
Testosterone, Serum: 159 mg/dL Low (348 - 1197)
Free Testosterone: 4.0 pg/mL Low (9.3 - 26.5)
DHEA-Sulfate: 420.5 ug/dL (164.3 - 530.5)
Estradiol: 10.7 pg/mL (7.6 - 42.6)

I wish I had more for you all but I just got a hormone panel done last Thursday (see below) so I’m hoping to have that information in the next few days and I’ll update this post.

After starting TRT, I noticed an improvement pretty quickly. Got my levels tested every 3 months and then just every 6 months the past year.

About 4 months ago, I began having some symptoms of ED, insomnia and low energy (which I believe may be linked to my E2 being off - low or high, I’m not sure and of course, I may be wrong because I’m not too knowledgeable on TRT in general). My T levels have been pretty solid and a little high at one point so we lowered the T dose, but my E2 was fluctuating a little - It was a little high the first year but I was having no symptoms to complain about.

My current protocol:
Test injection 50mg twice weekly

HCG: I think it’s 600 iu twice weekly - here is what is says on the 5ML vial: HCG/B12 1,000IU/.5mg/mL; inject .6mL subq twice weekly

Arimidex .25 mg twice weekly

My next post will include updated labs where we tested:
CBC, CMP, DHEA-S, E2 (sensitive), FSH, Hgb A1C, LH, SHGB, Test free and total, TSH, T3 reverse, total and free, T4 total and free, aand Vit D3

She mentioned that she wants to add Clomid to my current protocol… EVERYTHING I have been reading is saying Clomid OR HCG with T injections, not both. I have also been seeing more mention of HCG being used instead of Clomid.

I know it’s hard to provide any input without updated labs but they will be here soon! Any thoughts on the clomid situation though?

Also - best time to dose AI? I have read some differing opinions, some leaning towards 24 hours post injection and others saying at the same time as injection. I have been doing all at the same time in the morning 2x weekly but was considering trying my AI 24 hours post-injection to see if I notice any difference. I have noticed I feel kind of flat on the day of my injections but that may just be in my head.

Thanks all and I’m glad to be here.
 
I would like to know what your levels have been, since trt...
1/2 ml a week seems pretty low. Im 40 and they started me at 1ml/week and 2 arimidex. Sounds like you are with a regular dr?
I was also given hcg, but it doesn't make since to me so i dont use it

Its a pretty typical problem being underdosed but i have a friend that feels just fine on the same amount. Being that we both take take the same amount of ai, I'd look close at your e2 levels

Adding more ai sounds like a bad idea unless your e2 is way up. Anyway, of your test level isnt close to 1000 i would certainly ask the dr why you aren't being put at a normal level for your age.
 
I would have suggested a clomid challenge before starting TRT to the doctor.
As well as focused on making lifestyle and dietary changed, find out what nutrients where depleted from past drug use then work from there.
I preached to doctors you need a strong foundational or your patient health is going to crumble
 
I've tried to reply multiple times to this thread and edit my message but I keep getting an error/forbidden messages or URLs (which it contains neither of both - very frustrating)
 
cigpk said:
Hey all, new to the forum and looking forward to getting some informative answers from you all. I started TRT when I was just about to turn 26. I got sober from heroin and alcohol about 2.5 years ago and became more aware of my low energy levels, insomnia, zero libido, ED, depression, anxiety, etc. Not sure if the drug and alcohol abuse had any long term effect on hormone levels, but I definitely had low libido and all the above symptoms starting around 18 years old, I just didn’t care at the time.
I got my T levels tested and immediately began T injections, HCG and arimidex (can’t remember if this was added later but I’m on it now)

Here are my initial levels (I don’t have the full labs) about 2 years ago, prior to starting TRT:
Testosterone, Serum: 159 mg/dL Low (348 - 1197)
Free Testosterone: 4.0 pg/mL Low (9.3 - 26.5)
DHEA-Sulfate: 420.5 ug/dL (164.3 - 530.5)
Estradiol: 10.7 pg/mL (7.6 - 42.6)

I wish I had more for you all but I just got a hormone panel done last Thursday (see below) so I’m hoping to have that information in the next few days and I’ll update this post.

After starting TRT, I noticed an improvement pretty quickly. Got my levels tested every 3 months and then just every 6 months the past year.

About 4 months ago, I began having some symptoms of ED, insomnia and low energy (which I believe may be linked to my E2 being off - low or high, I’m not sure and of course, I may be wrong because I’m not too knowledgeable on TRT in general). My T levels have been pretty solid and a little high at one point so we lowered the T dose, but my E2 was fluctuating a little - It was a little high the first year but I was having no symptoms to complain about.

My current protocol:
Test injection 50mg twice weekly

HCG: I think it’s 600 iu twice weekly - here is what is says on the 5ML vial: HCG/B12 1,000IU/.5mg/mL; inject .6mL subq twice weekly

Arimidex .25 mg twice weekly

My next post will include updated labs where we tested:
CBC, CMP, DHEA-S, E2 (sensitive), FSH, Hgb A1C, LH, SHGB, Test free and total, TSH, T3 reverse, total and free, T4 total and free, aand Vit D3

She mentioned that she wants to add Clomid to my current protocol… EVERYTHING I have been reading is saying Clomid OR HCG with T injections, not both. I have also been seeing more mention of HCG being used instead of Clomid.

I know it’s hard to provide any input without updated labs but they will be here soon! Any thoughts on the clomid situation though?

Also - best time to dose AI? I have read some differing opinions, some leaning towards 24 hours post injection and others saying at the same time as injection. I have been doing all at the same time in the morning 2x weekly but was considering trying my AI 24 hours post-injection to see if I notice any difference. I have noticed I feel kind of flat on the day of my injections but that may just be in my head.

Thanks all and I’m glad to be here.
Click to expand...

I don't think clomid is going to do anything for you now.... there is some research that indicates that it can mitigate HPTA suppression if used initially when taking testosterone. however, that's a really short study, and is not really applicable if you already have HPTA suppression, which you do at this point.

I agree that your E2 might be low.... A-dex dosing seems to vary a lot with people, but 100 mg/wk of testosterone hardly seems like you would need much, if any, E2 control. however, the HCG might increase aromatization, as several of us have had issues with that....

I take my A-dex with my HCG and cyp, but that's partially because I'm afraid of forgetting it altogether. however, E2 levels don't rise that fast from cyp or HCG, and you could easily take it at night. some people get drowsiness from AIs/SERMs anyway, so that could be optimal anyway.

anyway, right now it's kind of hard to interpret and you're gonna have results soon enough anyway. once you get that info we can certainly make better recommendations....
 
FINALLY got my lab results. Please see below
I discussed results over the phone and the following are main points of concern:
Test too high
DHEA too high
Estradiol too high
LH and FSH too low
SHBG too high

She wants me to do the following:
-Drop back test dosage from 50mg 2x weekly to 40mg 2x weekly
-Keep HCG same
-Continue with .25 mg anastrazole 2x weekly
-Start on Clomid 25 mg every day

I have no idea what to think about the clomid - I’ve been reading some mixed reviews on in. Also, how am I supposed to get my E2 down if I’m keeping my AI dosage the same?

Also, I’m chancing my doc in January and I was wondering if I should be seeking out an HRT specialist, endocrinologist, urologist, or what?

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cigpk said:
FINALLY got my lab results. Please see below
I discussed results over the phone and the following are main points of concern:
Test too high
DHEA too high
Estradiol too high
LH and FSH too low
SHBG too high

She wants me to do the following:
-Drop back test dosage from 50mg 2x weekly to 40mg 2x weekly
-Keep HCG same
-Continue with .25 mg anastrazole 2x weekly
-Start on Clomid 25 mg every day

I have no idea what to think about the clomid - I’ve been reading some mixed reviews on in. Also, how am I supposed to get my E2 down if I’m keeping my AI dosage the same?

Also, I’m chancing my doc in January and I was wondering if I should be seeking out an HRT specialist, endocrinologist, urologist, or what?

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Click to expand...
Something isn't right here... There's no way 100 mg/week puts you >1500ng. I just don't see that being possible
 
Yeah I'm not sure honestly.. My last test about 6 months ago was a little over 1200 ng with that same T dosage. Different doctor tested it as well.
 
I’m seeing higher numbers recently and only change is switching to a ketogenic diet. I’m getting 1100 at 40mg x2/wk.
In regards to timing when are you getting your blood test?
 
This is interesting, what is your body weight and estimated fat percent? 100mg a week and 500iu of HCG put me over 1000 but nowhere near 1500 lol....
 
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