Help/Advice/Questions about TRT-Doc appt in a week
So not so great news... I did my second real cycle this summer (aside from doing prohormones like an idiot 3 times). 14 week test run started at 60/ed and last 5 weeks went up to 70/ed. I know, why run prop that long? I like prop and don't mind ed pinning. I have 8 sites in my rotation and it was only my second cycle so I wanted to make sure if something went wrong I could stop quickly.
I did everything right (aside from the length which admittedly maybe ran a week or two too long). Kept my estrogen in check, mid cycle bloods looked awesome, worked hard, ate great, got 7-8 hours sleep, took my vitamins, the whole nine. The cycle went great and I got exactly what I wanted out of it. I was very happy.
I ran 250iuHCG 2x a week throughout the second half of the cycle when I noticed a little loss in ball size.
My PCT can be seen here, along with my bloods after PCT https://www.eroids.com/pics/5-weeks-post-cycle-–%C2%A0early-but-not-good
So right after PCT I got tested and my test was in the low 200's. So I ran another PCT for 4 weeks with pharma clomid, toremifene, low dose aro and Fadogia cuz it couldn't hurt. I got bloods after those 4 weeks and T was in the low 600's.
So I figured cool, still 100 shy of my precycle bloods, but I'm recovering....
So another month goes by and I'm training hard and eating well at maintenance, but I keep losing strength, libido still in the shitter, and I'm staying the same weight but gaining fat. So last week (now about 3.5 months after my cycle) I get bloods again to see how I'm doing through this month that I was taking nothing, and my test is at 180.6!!!
So I called my primary doctors office yesterday, which also happens to be a wellness center that does HRT, and tell them everything. I have an appt next Tuesday first thing in the morning and they said not to eat after 12 midnight before (that's gonna blow), cuz they want to do bloods of their own. And help me figure out a solution. They're a very progressive office and I'm confident I'm in good hands, so that part is good.
So I guess I'm just not sure what to do, I was hoping to hold out longer for TRT, at least til my 40's. I really don't care about the pinning or money and I'd like to feel good again, but I guess I just didn't want to need it at 32.
how often do you guys have to see ur doc for bloods? I'm guessing not that often or you couldn't do any blasts? It would suck if I couldn't bump up the test dose every now and then if I did go on TRT.
I'm just disappointed. I did everything the right/smart way and stayed as safe as possible. I feel like less of a man. Any opinions/advice? I've read through this section of the site a lot and know the pros and cons, but still unsure of how often u need to do bloods on TRT or really much else.
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Just thought I'd update this. I'm good to go now. None of the bloods i'd taken where first thing in the morning fasted until the two with my doc. I was feeling better and it showed in my bloods. Looks like I was either taking bloods at the wrong time of the day after eating carbs, and took a little longer to recover than last time, but I'm back in the 700's. I still don't have the highest free t in the world, but I never did, and that's back to it's unfortunately low baseline of 9-10 as well.
I meant to update this a couple weeks ago but I've been crazy busy. Thank you all for your support.
Thank you for the update!
We're all guilty of "letting life get chaotic," and then "skipping the gym for awhile." If possible, make time for the iron. Years fly by regardless of whether you lift or not. They're better if you're lifting, as you know. I know, I know, it's easier said than done. It's simply important, regardless of blasts or not. Cheers DfromPhilly!
Thanks for the inspiration brother. Luckily I haven't fallen off from the gym at all. It's in my basement so that would be pretty week if I was "too busy" to go downstairs lol.
I just meant I've been busy and keep forgetting to come on to update you guys. I'm super relieved that I don't need TRT and I feel kinda dumb for not knowing to get tested fasted first thing in the morning. I probably just needed more time "off".
So kinda good news. Good news being that I don't need TRT... he said there was no point in trying clomid since I did that on my own for 9 weeks and after I stopped it tanked. He thinks I just need more time to recover. I have an appt in a month for bloods to see where I stand then.Bad news is I can't cycle until I'm back to normal. But that was to be assumed. Good news is no TRT. Especially since I've only ever used test, he doesn't think I did enough, enough times for long enough to permanently fuck myself up. Although not impossible that I am damaged, he's hoping in a month my numbers will be up. Fingers crossed!
Keep us posted. I'm still hung up on that e2. If it came up into the 20s I could see the test taking a shit.
Will do. What u think my test will get worse when my e2 goes back to normal?
Your body is always trying to maintain a hormonal balance. When you're estrogen is low, your body ups testosterone production. So if 5 isn't natural for you, as it increases, your LH and FSH fall and in turn so may have your test.
I thought the same. I was shocked I was so low with that low e2, but my doc seams to think both are going to come up over the next month. And he's pretty experienced with AAS, I saw a guy different from my normal doc and this one actually cycles himself. I don't think he was just saying that to relate, I believe it by looking at him and he knew his shit when he was talking about it. Here's hoping he's right.
Because my LH & FSH were still in perfectly normal range, he thinks i'm just still recovering. My e2 is absolutely not natually that low. I over did the aro a little too much evidently. All this time before I got my bloods done I thought there was a chance my sides were high e2 related (and if they weren't they were low test, so lowering my e2 would just help raise my test), so I was taking 12.5 aro eod... evidently my sides were a combo of low test and crashed e2.
well... we'll find out in a month. If my levels aren't on the rise next month I may have to go TRT, but from what he was saying I really think it'll work out. Fingers crossed.
Hoping it turns out well for you.
thanks boss. and to everyone for the support.
Your open and candid share is exactly why this community is the best on the net. We know the risks of AAS, and the more that we can share our failures (as well as our successes) then the better off we all are with making intelligent decisions going forward.
You are not alone, and I'm certainly rooting for you!
As you can tell with this blast, if you blast in the future, your body will surely have more and more difficulty getting back to homeostasis. Consider that before future cycles, cuz it's most likely a life sentence to TRT if that's the case.
For now, rest well, lift hard, eat clean, avoid booze, and do your best not to stress. (Those all seem to be the big killers of natty test. Stress, shitty sleep, bad diet and too much sauce.) Keep us posted too, please! -ZeusM
I absolutely will. I'll post up in a month when I get the results from my follow up to let you's know how i'm doing. Whether it goes well or bad, I'll have some grown up decisions to make afterwards.
I was 34 when I started trt after a heavy deca cycle. Unfortunately it's the chance we take in this game. Sounds like you have a good grip on the situation. For me one positive that came out of it is I got way more dedicated to the life style as I feel now I'm in it for life. No more fkn around. Got to take care of my self. I'm way more conscious of bad sides and long term implications. Good luck to you brother.
I'm on straight TRT, no blast and cruise for me. Bloods are every 6 months, normally a minor set ( Test and thyroid) and a major set (Test, thyroid, PSA, CBC and cholesterol). alternating.
YMMV
With just straight up TRT do you donate blood? or is that more for the blast and cruise guys? If I do end up needing TRT i'm not gonna fuck around until everything's dialed in, but after that I will be throwing in a blast once or twice a year.
With straight TRT, I'm just borderline high on my hemocript (sp) and RBC. I haven't yet,.......but it is an option.
Every 8 weeks like clock work. If that is not enough you can get a script for more if needed. For me every 8 weeks is enough.
Nice. thanks brother. And you end up needing to go even if you don't go over prescribed doses? I guess just like everything everyone is different...
I like to cycle 1 or 2 times per year. The only time I've ever had my rbc and hematocrit really shoot up was with eq. I like donating for therapeutic benefits as well. Like getting my oil changed. I always feel better afterwards.
typically guys donate when their hematocrit gets elevated. it's the easiest and fastest way to lower in and decrease the viscosity of your blood.
yea i just assumed they monitored those numbers through their trt bloods, but that wasn't listed in his detail of what the tests consist of so then I started wondering. And wasn't sure if hematocrit gets elevated if you just stick to the prescribed dose, since in theory it's what your body should be making anyways.
Sounds like you have a really grounded perception of the situation as well as a heathy approach. I'm about your same age and have been on TRT for about a year now. ITs been a rough ride and long road trying to dial in doses.
Exhausting every option attempting to do a restart is the best route. TRT is never the same as natural production. For me the biggest difference I notice is the inconsistency of; moods, motivation and brain cognition. This can lead to issues professionally/academically as well as relationships. Not trying to worry you but convey the reality of the situation and the importance of trying to function without TRT.
These young kids and even much older members need to realize that TRT is not glamorous by any means and not using steroids the right way will make it inevitable and as you discovered even using them the proper and responsible way doesn't mean you will properly recover.
While TRT is far from ideal is WAY better than living a life with really low test. I tried to avoid it for a long time, perhaps too long. I just reached the point where I accepted the fact that living a life with low test was far worse than having to deal with the ball and chain of TRT for the rest of life.
Good luck with your recovery. I don't have nearly as much experience with TRT as some members on here but feel free to send me a friends request. It can help to talk to others who have been through it.
Thanks boss. I see you on a lot of the threads I'm on and we seem to think extremely alike. Sending FR now and I'll def kee u posted. I appreciate it.
Now we just need that tool album to come the fuck out. Assuming your a fan because of your avatar.
Even when done by the book, every cycle one does there is a risk of permanently damaging your HPTA function. 1st cycle, or 30th. Youre doing the right thing in moving forward with the doctor visits instead of doing it on your own. hopefully they can get you rebooted, but prepare for worst case scenario. Good luck to you.
Thank you. I did think about self prescribing 125/week of the test e I have laying around, but I figured that would be stupid and only make things worse. If there's one thing I believe in, it's being safe. Even when I did my two cycles, my doctor knew about them and helped me with bloodwork. I have to go to them once a month for something else, so I tell him everything while i'm there to help keep me safe/healthy. Thanks brother. I'm hoping for the best, preparing for the worst...
My fiance is not gonna be happy if i end up on TRT, i'm just waiting for the "I told you so, you fucking idiot"... god do I dread the "I told you so"...lol
@DfromPhilly, you're doing the right thing by being open and honest with your health care provider. Good work on that.
Also, your instincts about "not self prescribing TRT" is a good thought. I'm on a permanent cruise (it's only TRT if it's doctor prescribed) and I can tell you, pinning weekly just sucks. I admit, in my case, my quality of life is much better by being on a cruise, but @Makwa is right when he says, having your own natural testosterone is SO MUCH BETTER than exogenous test. (Then again, I'm clinically low T for whatever reasons, but although I feel better, I don't feel as good as I felt in my 20s. So be it.)
Regarding getting married, congrats! Be warned, you've messed with your endocrine system pretty massively, and your body is readjusting as a result. If you ever want to be a dad, seriously consider not doing any more test, or TRT, and especially no t-bol (or any other AAS) runs in the future til you're done having kiddos.
Sure, sure, some people pin themselves with loads of chemicals and are fine. Others do one "safe cycle of test" and are fucked up for life. Welcome to genetics roulette. It aint fair, it's all random, and you're stuck with what you've got.
All that said, this next bit of advice will SUCK, but hear me out. Give up drinking, smoking, and any other stuff (pills, weed, ecstasy, etc) for a year. You already know how to work out and eat clean. If you truly eliminate all of those chemicals from your body, and you continue to lift smart, eat clean, and GET GOOD SLEEP (probably the most important of all), then and only then will you know: you can heal, or you're fucked.
Lastly, brother, thank you for sharing your story. You've got an incredible amount of life to live ahead of you. Don't despair. You have experience now, and you're about to tie the knot. You've got a lot to be thankful for, a lot to be strong for, and you already know, going natty (and dry/clean) for a year aint shit compared to the decades ahead. Plus, you're just a cool cat. You're a man, you've owned up to your own decisions, and you're not complaining. I commend you for your attitude, and personally, it's great to see guys like you on the forums, sharing real world successes and failures. We're all human, we're all just trying to be the best we can be for those whom we love. Keep rocking, brother, and keep us posted. Cheers! -ZeusM
thanks for the advice brother and for the kind words, and about me getting married. I appreciate it and it means a lot.
Looks like I'm on the right track. We don't want kids, so I'm good there no matter how this pans out. I do drink the occasional glass of wine maybe a couple times a month when we go out to eat, but that's it, so that advice doesn't even suck for me lol.
Hopefully I can figure this out without TRT. I trust my doctor so I'll let him know I'm trying to avoid that route and see what happens. I'll keep you guys posted for sure. Fingers crossed!
You know, it's funny how large of a role our mind plays. The 5 days I was waiting to get my results back I didn't feel great, but I didn't think it was that bad. I thought maybe my estrogen rebounded or something trying to get back to homeostasis. After I saw how low my test was I've been even more lethargic, I can't focus on anything, and I'm depressed, and I'm NEVER depressed... Fuckin crazy. I have to get out of my head.
I've also always had very low test for some reason my body just produces the fuck out of SHBG. Even before I messed with anabolics. My first blood test years ago before I did anything showed my free test at 6.4 even though my natrual test was in the low 800's... I'm going to ask my doctor about that too.
Sucks what happened to you but hopefully other people will now realize after what has happened to you that this stuff can mess you up for life no matter how careful you are. Pinning is going to get real old real fast now that you have to do it. Unfortunately you are never going to feel like your old self with trt. You will feel better than you currently do now but there is just something that feels different in the body compared to naturally producing your own test. I would talk to them about what you can do to try and recover your system first instead of jumping into TRT right away. Clomid therapy or something. I have my reservations about these TRT clinics. There first priority seems to be money, money, money. You are going to be getting fairly routine testing for the next year or so therefore cycling is pretty much out of the question for the next year or so. Hopefully everything turns out well for you.
Yea man I was careful as it gets. Hopefully someone will learn a lesson here before it's too late for them. They call themselves a wellness center I think because they have a couple docs that specialize in 2 very serious illnesses, like the most serious. They also do TRT because one of the docs is on it, so now he does it. They're legit though, they're my PCP and I'd go there if I had the flu. I'm hoping they have some ideas about trying to get me naturally up and running too. I tried clomid therapy myself though for 9 weeks, and they know that, and my test went back into the shitter after I stopped, so I'm not sure if that's the answer. but you never know. I'm open to anything. Thanks for the well wishes and support.
And in regards to the frequent tests.... yea... i was afraid of that, that blows. Maybe a couple short t-bol runs over the next year if that does end up being the case? Well, hopefully it doesn't come down to that.
I get bloods from my endo done every 3-4 months. Get my tests done minimum 3 weeks after a blast so T lvls are low and maintain TRT.
Many factors effect your T lvls and seems yours are all over. Sleep, alcohol, diet, stress, ect.. What ever you do dont tell your doc about using any thing your not prescribed. Make sure they do a complete bloods panel may be something more going on than just low Test.
GL
Shadowz
Thank you for wishing me luck, and I appreciate your feedback, but I tell my doctor everything, and I don't think they're going to be able to help me as effectively if they don't know the whole story. Unless you mean don't tell them about anything not prescribed while i'm on the TRT (if I end up on it)? If that's what you meant... yea i wouldn't risk losing it if I was put on it.
I wouldn't admit to using any substances that aren't doctor perscribed. Medical and life Insurance companies check your records and even if you admit to smoking or drinking you may have higher premiums or they may not cover you at all.
Just saying be smart and safe.
shadowz
I dig. Fair enough. I agree I would never admit that to insurance or anything going on my record. Luckily I have a very cool doc that I can be open with "off the record", and health insurance from my company so any higher premium won't effect me. I'm very lucky in that regard. I think too many people take that kind of stuff for granted.
You have a plan so good luck. Only thing I'd want clarification on is the HRT Wellness Center. Are they going to code and bill your insurance or all out of pocket. Blood work every six months or once a year. I dictate what interval at this point with my doctor.
lol no they're also my primary doctor. They're legit as it gets and all thru insurance. They also help people out with some serious illnesses which is why I think they cal themselves a wellness center. I'd go into detail but it would prob be easy to figure out who thy were with a quick Google then