It looks like they are using Vermeulen calculated free testosterone, which is good. In spite of appearances, your testosterone has improved some, though it is lower than expected for the dose. Are you sure you were taking 80 mg every four days? What is the concentration of that testosterone (mg/mL) and what volume were you taking? Beyond the dose, other explanations for low results at trough include an above-average metabolic clearance rate of testosterone or unusually fast absorption.
Here's how to tell that your testosterone actually improved: First, SHBG did decline some, which had a depressing effect on total testosterone. The decline in SHBG itself is an indicator of higher androgen levels. If SHBG had not declined then your current trough total testosterone would be 438 ng/dL, not far from the baseline values. Second, the baseline values are presumably morning values, targeting natural peaks. Is this correct? If so then after accounting for diurnal variation your average testosterone level could have been 10-20% lower, say 360-410 ng/dL. Third, on TRT you are measuring troughs. If the peak levels are 60% higher than these troughs then the peak and average levels are roughly 620 ng/dL and 510 respectively. The bottom line is that TRT has probably raised your average free testosterone by 25% or so.
To rule out fast absorption you could try every-other-day injections for a month or two. I have seen data from a couple guys who have documented relatively large drops in testosterone even within two days. If you are in this category then you don't want to be pushing troughs higher only to end up with more extreme peaks. More frequent injections can help you avoid this situation.
Very informative reply, ty.
According to the label on my syringes yes, it was 80MG, it was 0.5ML of liquid, with "compound overflow" I dont know what that means, I injected the entire syringe every time without missing a single dose. I watched numerous youtube videos before starting and had a nurse present when I did my first self inject.
On to your other points, you are spot on. My first two tests were early morning, and the third one (on trt) was during a trough. As people here call it.
The clinic im using called me today, and I spoke to a nurse, she said they would up the dose to 90mg every 4 days, and when I asked her why my total T went down, she straight up said "I dont know"
I received my next set of needles in the mail today, its from a different pharmacy and it has no overfill, its only 80mg each so i'd have to go in the clinic and have them fill them up more for me. Im just going to put them in the closet.
I have a vial of 10ml 200/mg ml Test from an Online Clinic (legit prescription) I signed up for that im going to use from now on. I injected 100mg 2/12. I will start every 4 days, and in 6 weeks ill get a new blood test.
(I signed up for this online clinic because ive been planning a move accross country and this local clinic isnt in the new state. I was using them for easy blood test and face to face care until i moved)
Ill give another update when I get those results
