and have several dosage changes, but am currently on 160mg Testosterone Cypionate per week taken in two 80mg doses. My last blood test shows a total testosterone of 1225 (it was in the 600s when I was on 120mg in July), but my free testosterone is only at 9.1 (low side of normal). In July my estradiol levels were in the mid 80s so I was prescribed an AI to take once a week. At that time my clinic told me they were increasing my dosage and that I could try splitting the shots to try to minimize the increase in estradiol instead of taking the AI. Splitting the dosage did help with some of the water retention, but I have muscle aches all over and my lower back seizes up and is sore most of the time (back pumps?).
Also, I don’t feel like I recover from workouts very well and my strength isn’t really increasing. Just kind of sore no matter what even up to two weeks after workouts. Has anyone had similar experience and got it straightened out? Maybe it’s the estradiol causing me inflammation and making me feel sore all the time? Could be SHBG, but they didn’t test that. I am 46 years old.
Other than TRT and Anastrozole I’m taking Creatine, ZMA, Boron, DIM, EAAs, BCAAs, Taurine, Multivitamin, and prescription medications. Getting about 150 to 200 grams of protein a day as well.
Edit, just re-read. They need to test SHGB and Albumin to see those levels. I had similarly low free testosterone, with a total test of mid 700s, which was caused by out of range high SHBG.
I took boron at Doc’s suggestion and don’t think it did anything for me. I had to settle into my protocol for a few months before SHBG finally dropped.
Thanks for the comment. I really don’t think any of the extra supplements are doing much of anything to help me. I have another blood test at the end of the month. Hopefully they’ll test everything. It’d be great if I just naturally lower shbg over time. I’m overweight and think that is causing some problems. Hopefully losing some fat will help me better balance everything out.
If you’ve been in a calorie restriction or drink alcohol regularly, it can increase SHBG. Also, as you mention, improving overall health will make a significant difference on all of your levels.
Many experts (e.g., Todd Lee) advise that estradiol elevation is related to visceral fat stores, so losing weight will help. The same experts also advise that regular smaller dosing reduces the aromatization levels. I do daily injections. 3 times a week is apparently frequent enough to reduce the worst effects.
I hope so. Fat loss seems to be more difficult right now. My appetite is higher than ever right now. I’ve read that the estradiol can increase hunger and fat retention. After my next labs I may split my dose into 3 per week to see if it helps.
