At what point does trt become a test cycle??
Hi guys,
Quick background on me:
I am 32 years old (please excuse me if I am not supposed to post in this thread because of age)
Prescribed trt for naturally low t levels, never did steroids, just had low t apparently
6'2 , 220lbs
have been on trt for about 1 year
I started my therapy at a mens vitality clinc,
The first test before therapy showed a total test level of 200. They started me off at one 200mg test cyp shot per week. My follow up test levels were increasing fairly slowly with blood work every 4 weeks. They steadily increased me to where I am at now at 370mg per week. My last blood work with this clinic showed me at 899 total test.(the test prior to that one showed me at 599 total test on the same dosage) Keep in mind the blood work is taken 7 days after my last shot.
Just this week I switched doctors office because I want to do self injecting shots bi weekly instead of once per week. In hopes that it helps with my back acne and because it is inconvenient to drive to this clinic once per week.
During my visit with my new doctor I took a blood test 3 DAYS after my last shot of 370mg at the old clinic. the new office called me and explained that the blood work showed my total test in the high 1300's. I am awaiting my follow up appointment with this new doctor but I am OBVIOUSLY gonna have to lower my dose.
The clinic that was bringing me up from 200mg - 370mg per week said I the reason my doses were so high was because I am burning through the test because of my active lifestyle. (I wrestle, lift weights, train mixed martial arts almost every day), that everyone responds differently to therapy and the fact that I am a larger person also may have an influence.
My blood tests have been normal from what that clinic was telling me. Periodically I have had slightly high blood pressure readings, probably 4/5 readings are in the normal range. Also had slightly high hemoglobin level which the clinic had me donate blood to help counter.
My questions are these:
Anyone here have a dose nearly as high as mine?
Does it make sense that I am "Burning through the test" with my active lifestyle?
Does donating blood help with high hemoglobin?
What other apparent concerns should I have at this dosage? (I will cut down to probably 340 asap)
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I started TRT 3 years ago at age 46. Used Androgel for 2 1/2 years and while it increased my T it wacked my prostate big time. Androgel at max t replacement dose gives about 80 mgs/week depending on one's absorption. I started test cyp shots 6 monthhs ago at the pharmaceutical dose of 200 mgs every 2 weeks. It brought my T into the high range of normal and so far has worked much better. I do the shots myself 100 mgs every week.
200 / week is double the endocrinology standard, 250/week is considered a low cycle, 370 is definitely a cycle, though most will dose a cycle at 500 to 1000 mgs/week.
Do some research and you'll find your answers pretty quickly, but if you want simple TRT, the standard is around 100mgs/week for 2-3 months and then get your bloods tested. If you are a larger guy then I've heard anecdotally up to 200mgs/week, but that would be above normal 'standards'
I've just started an actual cycle of my own at 600mgs/week and definitely see the oily skin and muscle changes after 6-8 weeks, some water retention, some slight bp affects etc. Did you check your BP before starting TRT, i wonder where you were prior.
i've never heard of someone 'burning through the test'
So my understanding is that if my levels are definitely under the 1000 mark all week from start to finish then technically it is still TRT, correct? Even if my dose is higher than someone else's (my current dose is definitely to high)
Hi bro. My levels were around 400 back in February of this year. Felt like shit, no libido, was likely overtraining, depressed, etc... I live in a major metropolitan area, so I did some diligent research when looking for a low T doc/endocrinologist. I was paranoid my levels wouldn't be low enough for my doc to put me on, so I ran prohormones for a month before having my bloodwork done. I was completely crashed, my levels were like 150ish. Turns out it was all unnecessary, as my doc is an old school gearhead. The first thing he asked was "have you done this before?" I talked for 3-5 minutes, or long enough to let him know that I knew my shit. From there he asked my what my goals were, wrote me for 600/wk cypionate, deca, anavar, aromasin, nolvadex, cialis, caber, HCG, and whatever else I might need until my six month follow up. His official recommendation to me is to run 10 weeks on, 2 weeks off, repeat. I've been at it for six months, I feel great, my bloods are in line, and I'm making ridiculous progress in the gym. My point is, stay away from the cookie cutter low t centers with big screen tvs & hooters girls giving weekly injections. Do your research and find a doc that first of all knows his shit, and second of all is willing to work with you to help you achieve your goals. Remember you are the customer. Do your research, know your shit before you go in, if you know more than the doc, then you need to move on. 600mg/wk of testosterone is the maximum legally prescribed dose, so you know. Find a good doctor, and good luck brother!!!
Dude fuckk!!' He wrote you a script for a straight up cycle , somewhat advanced so cycle to. Can you refer me to this doctor lol?
Not really. 1000 is well above normal. I think you don't understand what TRT is. It's simply to put you in the "normal" range. That can be anywhere between 300-800 at the highest. most doctors like it in the middle. Too high and you get significant side effects over time. Those of us who want to be in the "high" range, are trying to build muscle at the same time. Again, most doctors want you in the middle of the range.
I know you want to be on the high range, but it has significant health risks over time, so don't forget that.
I understand. What are some of the significant health risks of being on the higher end of the range over time?
Prolonged high blood pressure, prostate enlargement and possible prostate cancer, blood clots, sleep apnea, heart attack, etc.
This is why people take precautions, cycle, and when they are on TRT, stay on low doses and keep their levels within normal range.
JHThat seems high but everybody is different and only blood work can tell you what your optimal dosage is. In General, my goal is to have my test level between 600-800 longterm
Here is a study that was presented by International Congress on Abdominal Obesity. I am wondering if they meant that you are just going to be more active on test? not sure if they misinformed but never heard of anybody "burning through the test". Extreme amounts of endurance exercise and working out at the level of elite athletes can lower your testosterone according to some.
"Low testosterone is associated with low energy and low motivation to be active, so the administration of testosterone might have led to increased physical activity, which the study did not control for, said Dr. Saad.
"We hypothesized that these men become more active as their testosterone levels are restored. They have an increase in vitality and energy," Dr. Saad told Medscape Medical News
Yes
Your Estrogen needs to be checked at this dosage. Also should try to get your T level down to TRT 850 max level in my opinion if you are doing this longterm. I would get the free test levels done as well to make sure that you have enough as well.
JH thanks for your input!!!
Also, would anyone know or had experience improving acne outbreaks by lowering dosage and or doing 2x injections per week instead of 1x per week?
Your experience and input is greatly appreciate, thanks guys
Ive never only injected once a week always twice but in theory yes it should help. Less hormonal fluctuation which is a big culprit of acne.
Irongame I really appreciate your help!!
Would you happen to know if having sex while on trt, does it deplete test levels?
I understand naturally it help test levels but I have been wondering if you are shut down for trt does it have an adverse effect.
Thanks again for helping out
Strictly speaking it's no longer trt when it brings you out if normal range. But we all respond differently me and you could both take 200mgs and it could put me at 1500 and you at 1000. So there's no set dose.
TRT is 100mg per week, 300mg+ of test is considered a cycle. A healthy body will produce 28-49mg per week.
Does it produce 28-49mg while on trt? Does the body ever completely shut down its production?
No he's saying naturally that's what the body produces. Once you introduce synthetic hormones your body will shit down natural production.