Figured I’d try and consolidate this into one topic.
I’m 280 lbs, 6’5, and 32. Active in the gym, big lifter. Running 160mg test cyp (80mg every 3.5 days) and on week 3 I’m beginning to notice im more tired throughout the day the closer to my injection and I’m not as hard (about 85% erection strength). My labs are as follows:
Total T = 359
Test Free = 67.3 (ref 47-244)
SHBG = 23 (retest was 35, not sure how much this fluctuates three weeks apart)
Prolactin = 9.1
FSH = 2.8
PSA= 28
Estradiol = 17.3
DHEA = 5.5
Are fluctuating symptoms common while your body is adjusting? When should I decide if I need to be injecting more frequently? Also, I’m seeing a doc two weeks from now and want to make sure to ask for the right bloodwork - are these the right parameters to test for? Am I missing any?
Thank you. New here and did a search without seeing this come up recently
Yes, in the beginning you were stacking endogenous T and exogenous T. Some men experience a honeymoon period, some don’t, then as your natural production starts getting shut down, T declines a little and now you’re waiting for the exogenous T to build up in your system.
If you decide to increase the dosage, change the injection frequently, it starts all over again. Not everyone will be as sensitive to changes in protocols, hormones.
If you’re using cypionate, half-life is 5-7 days, so 4-6 weeks to a steady state.
SHBG fluctuates, working out increases it temporarily. So refrain from working out 24 hours before testing it. TRT will suppress SHBG in almost everyone, except for diabetics.
So I wouldn’t be surprised if the next time you test it, you see <20. TRT is a godsend for men with crazy high SHBG.
I figured it was 0.28 total wanted to be sure though, if it is 28 nothing else matters.
By the way, the free PSA is not valid when the total is that low. If you are paying for your labs out of pocket, you do not need the free PSA tested. I guess you don’t need the test if insurance is being billed, but they may deny coverage anyway, as not medically necessary.
Not really, you’ll hear otherwise here. Some are very sensitive to hormones, so this is not unheard of.
I’d wait a while, see what your doctor has to say. Good luck.
Just an update - felt great the past two days (Monday/Friday is injection day) and now on Wednesday I woke up super lethargic and felt weak even though I still managed to bench 285 for a few reps. Really weird. I’m cutting too so maybe my diet is too extreme - doc prescribed me phentermine to take and that shit kills my appetite.