First blood test results after stopping TRT 3 months ago. I did not take an AI post TRT, only a small amount of hCG.
Test 489 (ref 249-836)
Free test 7.38 (ref 5.7 – 17.8)
Bioavailable test 184 ( ref 125.6 – 412.1
Estradiol 51.3 (ref 25.8 – 60.7)
SHBG 52 (ref 18 - 55)
Albumin 4.58 (ref 3.5 – 5.2)
Prolactin 6.57 ECLIA method ( 4.04 - 15.2)
What does everyone think? SHBG and Estradiol are high, of course. After 3 months, is it time to consider an AI? Or does it look like I’m climbing back towards some version of ‘normal’ and I need to be patient? I know, I know: Everyone’s version of normal is different.
How do I feel? Not particularly great. I’ve had some bad mood swings since stopping but they seem to have died down. Energy/motivation? I don’t have high energy or motivation but I don’t even know what normal energy or motivation feels like. All the years I was obese plus sleep apnea means I don’t even know what I should feel like.
Ability to focus? It’s been subpar for years, so hard to say. It’s not high though.
Morning wood – not often. Horniness /excitability? Declined. Masturbation? Gone down a lot. Quality of erection? Worsened – sometimes its Ok sometimes not.
Recovery? I don’t lift weights (I don’t know why, I can’t get myself to lift consistently- but that’s for another forum) but I do Muay Thai, intensely early Nov- early Feb, sporadically since. Haven’t noticed increased soreness.
One bad sign: I did something stupid and went for a jog 3 weeks ago. I hate jogging, always have. But I was feeling guilty about not going to the gym so I did it. Nothing crazy, basically a few cycles of walking a few minutes followed by 2-3 minutes of running. Result, I strained something in my foot, I imagine the tendons. Anyway, it still hasn’t healed.
My last blood tests before starting TRT (2 years ago) showed Test 507 (ref 249-836), Free test 6.7 (ref 5.7 – 17.8) Estradiol 25.2 (ref 25.8 – 60.7) and SHBG 63.2 (ref18-55)
DHEA-S was expensive that’s why I didn’t have it checked but if there’s something else moderately priced that you think is important please let me know and I can have the lab test it. I didn’t bother with the thyroid because that’s never been an issue plus I ate my Brazil nuts and seaweed these last 3 months lol.
Is there an anti-estrogen supplement I should consider? I tried Source Naturals’ DIM tablets twice, and both times it gave me an allergic reaction. Should I consider another brand or is DIM off-limits for me?
There is a wild card: I have either an infection or high inflammation, based on results of low neutrophil, moderately high lymphocyte and sky-high ESR. I don’t know how much those can interfere with my blood levels. I will have some tests done next week to figure out what the issue is.
Appreciate your input