I tried enclomphiene for a while before moving to injections in late May. Urologist put me on 100mg, I take 50 mg. Split tues morning and Friday evening. Labs were taken just before Fridays shots(trough)
I came in at 541 total. Free was measured at FTI 47 percent. Range is 34-106. E2 was 34. I feel better than on enclomphiene. And feel better, with more energy, sexual interest etc. I know we are treating symptoms and not numbers. But isn't most peoples ideal to have trough around 650-700? I am taking no HCG. Would moving up to 125mg a week be warranted?
Thank you
What method was used to test your FT as this critical!
The only way to know where your FT level truly sits is to have it tested using an accurate assay.
You need to have your FT tested using what would be considered the most accurate assay which would be the gold standard Equilibrium Dialysis especially in cases of altered SHGB.
If you do not have access to such (live outside the US) then you would need to use/rely upon the linear law-of-mass action cFTV.
What is your SHBG?
Keep in mind one may have high SHBG and with a trough TT just below the mid 500s FT would be shitty!
The only time your dose should be increased 6 weeks in is if your trough FT is still too low which can very well happen for some.
You were started on a standard dose of 100 mg T/week split twice-weekly (50 mg every 3.5 days).
Keep in mind that the majority of men can easily hit a healthy/high trough FT injecting 100-150 mg T/week especially when split into more frequent injections.
Yes there are some outliers who may need the higher end dose 200 mg T/week but it is far from common as in rare!
Always best to start low and slow on a T only protocol as there will always be time to increase the dose if need be let alone it is much easier going up if need be than having to come down.
Trust me on this one!
Ideally every protocol needs to be given a fighting chance 12 weeks before claiming whether it was truly a success or failure.
The first 6 weeks in means nothing when looking at the bigger picture as hormones will be in flux during the weeks leading up until blood levels have stabilized (4-6 weeks TC/TE) and it is common for many to experience ups/downs along the way during the transition as the body is trying to adjust.
Even then once blood levels have stabilized (4-6 weeks TC/TE) it will still take time (a few more months) for the body to adapt o it's new set-point and this is the critical time when one needs to gauge how they truly feel overall regarding relief/improvement of low-t symptoms and overall well-being.
The only time one should deviate from such is if your trough FT was still too low 6 weeks in (highly doubtful) in most cases.
If you happen to be one who is hitting a subpar trough FT 6 weeks in than a dose increase would be justified.
