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I was using the Empower brand HCG, 300 IU 3x/week. Out of curiosity, why does that make me lucky? Up to this point, I've thought my SHBG was a major hindrance.

Thanks for the feedback — good to hear! Yep, I was on HCG mono with AI for the first two labs (1989 Total T), then HCG + TRT for the most recent numbers. I did find it interesting how similar E was despite the changes.

That is correct. I have no idea how it could drop -- I was curious about that, too. Maybe it is related to the cream. E2 numbers over time: July 2018: 61 - Protocol at the time was AI & HCG Oct. 2018: 51 - Protocol at the time was AI (higher dose), HCG & Ibutamoren Feb. 2019: 50 - Protocol is...

Thank you, @Vince Carter & @Sean Mosher, for all your help. Truly appreciate it.

Will do! I wouldn't say I'm "symptomatic," but I also don't know if I'm "all the way optimized." Libido has gone from 0 to 6. I feel there could still be some room for improvement. I just know I feel way better than I did before the T was introduced.

I will definitely keep you posted on my success with the delivery mechanism. Obviously it's early in my protocol, and I have nothing prior to compare it to, but so far it has been absolutely great. I love the convenience of it, too. Edit: out of curiosity, do you think it would be worth it to...

Yes, I would have taken this right before. I just happened to have 100mg on hand, so that's what I was taking. Maybe 25 mg/EOD would be more appropriate?

That's right. $72 either way, from lowest to highest dose.

That's good to know. Doesn't SHBG usually decrease, though, with the introduction of exogenous testosterone? Should I be hoping it will go down? I've seen some mixed information about that.

I am surprised DHT wasn't included. My Rx called for CMP-14, CBC, Lipid Panel, PSA, SHBG, Testosterone F/T, DHEA-S, TSH, Estradiol Sensitive (ultra), IGF, and HGBA1C. My PSA was 0.4 (Ref < 4.0), which was unchanged.

Thank you for the reply! I am currently taking 100mg 2X/week. Per @Vince Carter's comment, I'm gathering that's way too much. What do you think would be a better dose?

Hi all, I just received updated bloodwork from one month into TRT. My protocol is: 2 clicks T-cream (200 mg/ml) ED applied trans-scrotally, 300 IU hCG 2X/week, and 25 mg Ibutamoren ED. Prior to beginning TRT, I was taking an AI (with the hCG and Ibutamoren), but I am longer doing so. Here are...

Same for me -- 30mL, 200mg, $72 from Empower via Defy.

That's hilarious. People seem so desperate to find evidence of roid rage in themselves, probably based on misleading accounts in the media and entertainment.

Yes. I think more T would often fix problems in the short-term. As far as the AI, that is a point of much debate. My opinion (and the opinion of others) is that high SHBG guys like myself can do fine with very high E numbers. Low SHBG guys tend to feel better when they control E. That's an...

I think it's kind of like comparing apples and oranges. Many of the pros today are taking 1g of T per week, or ~10X what many on TRT are taking. Thus, the bodybuilders will certainly experience more long-term side effects, but they also experience more short-term benefits, and many become...

Whoa. This is a thing? I thought you had to order through Empower? I wonder whether this would be applicable to MA, where you are only able to order up to a 6-week supply of testosterone at one time (causing me to run out before my next shipment arrives).

I have been playing around with intermittent fasting for a while now; eating in a controlled window helps me cut calories. On my non-lifting days, I was going as many as 24 hours without eating. But lately, I was finding it incredibly hard to be satiated. I'm on Ibutamoren, which may be...

Do you have any parameters around what you drink (e.g., a certain number of drinks or type of drink)? I was thinking of telling myself, I'll drink a bit, but only red wine or clear/light liquors (vodka, gin, tequila), and no more than 2-3 per day.

I really appreciate your perspective. My one concern with this approach was: What if I set the tone early in our marriage (e.g., I let my hair down on vacation), and then I don't want to do that forever? I don't want to disappoint her down the road. Normally when I travel, I really enjoy...

I was actually thinking of doing the same thing. Get a quick pump (~30 minutes) and you feel so zen for the rest of the day. Not trying to be a robot, but engaging in some activity and getting the blood flowing is such a boon, making you more present and enjoyable to be around.

Some excellent advice for younger guys here on this thread. This is why I come here. Thanks to all for being willing to share their wisdom!

Thanks for sharing this really cool perspective. One note about the whey protein: have you tried Tera's brand? I've found that is very easy on both the joints and stomach.

I'd like to add to the anecdotal support that Ibutamoren is great for the joints. I had bad, constant knee pain before starting. I've been taking 25mg per night, and it disappeared completely. Recently, I tried cutting back to 25 mg EOD, for purposes of cost (Ibutamoren can get quite pricey...

I thought this may be a good question to crowdsource. I'm 27 and would appreciate wisdom from older men, particularly those in healthy relationships. My diet is always fully dialed, I don't consume alcohol, and I do some form of exercise daily. I also walk 10K steps a day. I love this...

I am also a young (27) high-SHBG guy. If nothing you do ends up working, you can probably find a doctor to help optimize your hormones despite your high TT -- that should never be the determining factor. However, your FT seems quite high. Mine was low-mid range, whereas yours is at the top of...

I've found it borderline impossible to have any idea what I'm consuming without tracking, even with years of tracking experience. Mac and cheese and baked beans are both very high calorie.

Sounds like one delicious day. I would guess you ate about 3200 calories and 200g of protein, just from eye-balling it.

Good thought. I would not want to do that. Just considering what options exist. I have no desire to go underground.

Damn. I didn't know the ruling was that recent. Is it possible for us to have the medication shipped to another area (say, my family's home in another state) and pick it up? Otherwise, the underground route seems like the only option I can think of.

After reading a bunch of accounts, I think I'd like to try a combination of injectable and cream T. I am currently only on cream (applied trans-scrotally), and I work with a telemedicine provider. But MA has some pretty strict restrictions on ordering T. I am only permitted to have 6 weeks'...