Natural lifter here, started hitting a plateau with strength and muscle gains a couple months back and felt like I was always overtraining. Used to be fairly overweight and fat loss had been plateauing as well around 18-20% BF (205lbs, 5’10").
Decided to see if hormones were an issue and was surprised at the results.
Attached the full lab test, unfortunately no free test levels checked. Libido and strength has been slowly declining, balls have remained smaller than usual, and muscle mass has stayed since the bloodwork.
Not sure if I should start KSMan’s HCG protocol or the Nolva/Clomid protocol. I also ordered the same lab panel again with free testosterone instead of cortisol to check after a restart protocol. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Total testosterone without free testosterone and SHBG is of little value other than a reading that is low. News flash, you’re Roche ECLIA E2 testing is for females, men require the LC/MS/MS method and is more accurate since men have much lower estrogen vs women.
Young men in their early 20’s should see their highest testosterone levels typically 800-1200 ng/dL and then begin a steady and slow decline as you age gracefully where you should be seeing 300-400 ranges by the time you’re 80 years old. President Trump is scoring in the middle 400 range in his 70’s.
Sadly these testosterone ranges do not account for age. I would say the slightly smaller testicles are a huge clue testosterone is low for you. Successful restarts are rare.
Thanks. So from your recommendation should I even bother to do a proper E2, free test, and SHBG bloodwork and try a restart? I wasn’t planning on TRT but if the situation calls for it.
you are 24 years old man there is lots you can do to get your TT back on track. You are right TRT should not be an option this early.
Go find a good doctor. No more blood test until he.she orders them.
Thanks again for the feedback guys. I’m in school and inbetween health insurance plans now, I’ll try to get a PCP who will work with me. My old doc said I was just fine, even with these readings. The idea of TRT so young is a little overwhelming, I’ll update with my next bloods and hold on to hope for now.
