Considering TRT but Unsure

[flow4]

Hey guys. I am a long time lurker. I thoroughly enjoy the amount of knowledge that I can absorb through this site. That being said, I have a couple issues I would like some opinions on.

Im a 31 year old male. Avid weightlifter and fitness junkie in general.

Dating back to 2013 (age 28) I started feeling run down so to speak. Hard to gain muscle. Easy to gain fat. Low libido. Told my PCP I want my Test levels checked. He did so and my results came back with :

TT: 437 (348-1197)
Free Test: 10.3 (9.3-26.5)
Draw Time: 9:50 AM

He said my levels were good and nothing should be done at this time. Fast forward about a year. Complaints of the same symptoms. Retest:

TT:712 (3.48-1197)
Free Test: 16.0 (9.3-26.5)
Draw Time: 8:14AM

Same response from Doc. He sent me along my way.

Now full disclosure, I decided in 2015 I wanted to try a steroid cycle. I cycled Test only for 10 weeks with a PCT of Nolvadex for 4 weeks(40/40/20/20). However, I did have precycle blood work done prior to starting.

TT: 451 (348-1197)
LH: 5.0 (1.7-8.6)
FSH: 1.9 (1.5-12.4)
Did not test Free Test.
Draw Time: 11:31AM

I realize the risks of doing a cycle. While I do not regret it, it probably isnt the best choice, but over now.

My post cycle blood work (8 weeks after PCT):
TT: 419 (348-1197)
LH:.7 (1.7-8.6)
FSH: 1.1 (1.5-12.4)
Draw Time: 10:30AM

I have a couple other blood tests but theyre right around the same range. I decide to look into a TRT clinic since i wasnt getting anywhere with doctors. Results they ordered came back:

TT:295 (250-1100)
Free Test: 20.0 (46-224)
BioAvail Test: 40.3 (110-575)
SHGB: 68 (10-50)
LH: 2.8 (1.5-9.3)
FSH: 1.0 (1.6-8.0)
Draw Time: 11:22AM

I refrained from making any decision for right now and went to an endo. She did an MRI (Negative for pituitary issue). Bloodwork:

TT: 553 (250-1100)
Free Test: 83.7 (35-155)
LH:2.5 (1.5-9.3)
FSH: 1.7 (1.6-8.0)
Draw Time: 7:55AM

Again, same symptoms but Doc says Im fine.

I have been in contact with defy and am in the process of getting scheduled for a consultation. However, I am unsure whether i am a TRT candidate, and more test will solve my issues. What do you guys think?

Sorry for being long-winded.

 

[Htx52086]

Your most recent test shows your TT at 553 correct? I would NOT seek out TRT. If anything try a Clomid protocol to jump start your natural levels and possibly help your LH/FSH. It should increase your natural levels going this route.

To be blunt, your "8 week steroid cycle" was a terrible idea and not worth it and your PCT should've included clomid. You seem to be extremely worried about your test levels by getting tested frequently and the worst thing you could've done is run a 8 week cycle that suppresses your natural levels...but if your most recent test was 553 you aren't that bad at all.

Testosterone takes about 4-6 weeks to really start kicking in and feeling the full benefits mentally and physically...so you really only got the benefits for about 2 weeks, it was deff not worth it. The bare minimum length someone should run a cycle is 12-16 weeks to at least make it worth while anything less is a waste of time or even counter productive in your case. Any results you achieved during your 8 week testosterone use could've easily been achieved naturally.

Anyways I am sure Defy will send you down the right path and will most likely give you a Clomid protocol and it should help you out.

Good luck, and be responsible. Do more research before you put something in your body that can mess up your hormones

 

[Vince Carter]

Thing I noticed was your TT is up and down all over the place from one time to the next. Now I do know that Defy will treat you based on your Free T, or just your symptoms alone as no one fits in to a box that means they're treatable. Or not.

 

[flow4]

Thanks for the reply. The frequent testing is more so out of different doctors testing and retesting me. Ive only done 2 tests on my own (pre and post cycle). Anyway, thanks for the help!

 

[CoastWatcher]

There's every reason to consider a Clomid protocol. You're young, TRT is typically a lifetime commitment, and - most importantly - you are producing reasonable, if low, testosterone. I would certainly explore Clomid with Defy.

 

[flow4]

Thats what confused me as well. I dont understand how it can fluctuate so much. From my research normal fluctuation is approximately 150 ng/dl. Maybe my research is incorrect.

 

[flow4]

There's every reason to consider a Clomid protocol. You're young, TRT is typically a lifetime commitment, and - most importantly - you are producing reasonable, if low, testosterone. I would certainly explore Clomid with Defy.

Makes sense. I appreciate the help!

 

[Htx52086]

Thanks for the reply. The frequent testing is more so out of different doctors testing and retesting me. Ive only done 2 tests on my own (pre and post cycle). Anyway, thanks for the help!

Wasn't trying to give you a hard time regarding getting your hormones tested, there is nothing wrong with that at all. I just know that at normal physical Dr's visit they usually don't test Testosterone at your age every few months unless you request it or you make the appointment for the reason of looking into your hormones specifically.

 

[flow4]

Wasn't trying to give you a hard time regarding getting your hormones tested, there is nothing wrong with that at all. I just know that at normal physical Dr's visit they usually don't test Testosterone at your age every few months unless you request it or you make the appointment for the reason of looking into your hormones specifically.

I understand. No offense taken. The PCP wanted tests done, then the clinic, then the endo. Just added up to a lot of blood tests so i figured I might as well present all the information as best as I could.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Flow4

What are your height, weight, waist size?
How is your sleep quality?
Did you get your T tested under fasted morning conditions?


If I was a physician, I would not treat someone with over 500 ng/dL TT until I explored reasons for any quality of life complaints.

 

[flow4]

Flow4

What are your height, weight, waist size?
How is your sleep quality?

If I was a physician, I would not treat someone with over 500 ng/dL TT until I explored reasons for any quality of life complaints.

Height: 5'8"
Weight: 170
Waist size: roughly 32"
I will update my original post with times of draw for each test!
Sleep quality isnt bad. Never feel like i get enough except weekends. I dont snore, or wake frequently. My biggest complaint was low libido (I realize other factors are involved other than test), fatigue, and difficulty shedding fat despite eating in a deficit and doing cardio.

I also thought maybe when I was younger my test levels were higher and 500s do not make me feel good. Im just exploring any and all avenues to figure it out. Thanks for the help!

 

[flow4]

I have an appointment with Defy in mid June. I will keep this thread updated for anyone who might be reading.

 

[CoastWatcher]

I have an appointment with Defy in mid June. I will keep this thread updated for anyone who might be reading.

Good luck!

 

[PAUL-E]

Honesty is appreciated gives a better picture so you can get the help you need. My advise would also be a restart it sucks having to depend on something just to feel normal. good luck!

 

[flow4]

Would you guys turn all blood work over to defy, or wait until the consult to bring up other blood tests? Right now the set of blood results they have are the TT of 295. There are other labs in that set as well.

 

[PAUL-E]

I would turn it in ahead of time so the DR has time to look over it and has it on hand for your consult I would think the more information they have will only help them help you.

 

[Vince Carter]

Thats what confused me as well. I dont understand how it can fluctuate so much. From my research normal fluctuation is approximately 150 ng/dl. Maybe my research is incorrect.

Though to really eliminate those variables you have to use the same lab, at the same time, conditions of the test (Fasting, etc) I wouldn't doubt at all those tests at different times and days and Drs brought in too many variables. And Dr's muck this stuff up all the time...just had some bloods (CBC/CMP) that should have been fasting, Nurse wanted them anyway (she surprised me with blood work), and oh low and behold I had a few abnormal readings. She just gave me a blank stare when I told her the conditions of the test created a flawed result.

 

[flow4]

Though to really eliminate those variables you have to use the same lab, at the same time, conditions of the test (Fasting, etc) I wouldn't doubt at all those tests at different times and days and Drs brought in too many variables. And Dr's muck this stuff up all the time...just had some bloods (CBC/CMP) that should have been fasting, Nurse wanted them anyway (she surprised me with blood work), and oh low and behold I had a few abnormal readings. She just gave me a blank stare when I told her the conditions of the test created a flawed result.

I understand. All tests were done fasting and before noon. Im not lobbying for TRT, but would there be any advantage not having those drops into the 300s and 400s later in the day? Say a trough of 700 instead of peak? Thanks for the help!

 

[flow4]

For anyone still reading: I had my consult today with Dr. Saya at Defy. He has recommended HCG with anastrozole to keep estrogen in check. Clomid therapy wasn't an option due to high SHGB. If HCG fails to improve my symptoms, we will then discuss TRT.

 

[PAUL-E]

For anyone still reading: I had my consult today with Dr. Saya at Defy. He has recommended HCG with anastrozole to keep estrogen in check. Clomid therapy wasn't an option due to high SHGB. If HCG fails to improve my symptoms, we will then discuss TRT.

sorry clomid wasn't a option but I believe you are in good hands. What will your protocol be?
good luck and keep us updated