Hi all
Been a reader/lurker for some time and starting my own case thread. Hoping to find some insights as have read some quality replies and posts in this forum.
Will try to summarise my journey so far as concisely as possible and convey where I’m at.
I got my T levels checked at a Low T center earlier this year at the suggestion of my trainer, and the total test came in at 157. Needless to say, I knew I wanted to start TRT but didn’t want to pay for weekly visits to this clinic.
2 weeks later, I saw my primary care doc and he agreed if my levels were that low that I would benefit from treatment. He drew a second round of labs, and the results were as follows:
Total T 303.82
Free T 90
SHBG 13.6
Test cypionate was prescribed 100mg per week. Have injected every week in the glute for the past 8 weeks.
I noticed some improvement in symptoms for awhile, morning wood, libido increase, better mood. This seemed to taper around about the 5th-6th week. I figured this was the result of my body adjusting, rebalancing etc (I am still working out if this is the case).
My follow up appointment with my doctor after 8 weeks was 3 days ago. I told him I feel ok, but felt like I had some way to go.
Heres’ what has me concerned - labs were drawn again on this visit (8 weeks after starting treatment) and these were the numbers:
Total T - 300
Free T - 86
SHBG - 14.6
The most surprising thing about these numbers is that not only had my total T levels stayed the same, but also that I injected 100mg the day before the labs and still only drew 300.
I’ve attached both lab results to this thread.
From reading on this and several other forums, my thinking is leading toward:
Low SHBG - I’m clearing the test too quickly for it to be absorbed.
Because of this, I’m going to try breaking up my dosage and injecting 3x a week.
As per KSman’s request here is my background info:
Age 38
Height 5 11
Waist 33
Weight 188 lbs
Body type - due to training am generally athletic, grow facial hair thick and easily. I tend to carry fat around my lower back and hips
My diet is a macro planned diet by my trainer. Carb cycling 3 low days followed by 1 high day then repeating. Days 1-3 are 50f 145c 290p Day 4 30f 300c 190p
I have generally been healthy with no major problems.
Train 4-5 days a week lifting and cardio as per my trainer who is a bodybuilder.
Low libido, mental fog, and general low mood and energy have been my symptoms of low T. I noticed an improvement in these symptoms after 4-5 weeks on TRT, but they seem to have tapered off after 8 weeks.
Thanks in advance for input and insight