I recently heard Rand McClain say sometimes when guys in their 20s need TRT, the cause is a pituitary tumor. I started wondering if this might be my issue - why SHBG was always so high - and if I should get a head MRI.
However, wouldn’t Prolactin be high in that case? My numbers have been normal: 9.5, 3.3, 5.6. Thoughts? @anon18050987
Only if it was a PRL-producing tumor. I’m not super versed on this, but there are prolactinomas that produce the hormone and there are just growths that suppress the pituitary, but don’t release anything. I think
Good to know, thanks brother!
All good, brother! I do have that - from May 18 (started TRT Jan. 19).
LH: 3.8 (Ref 1.7-8.6)
FSH: 3.3 (Ref 1.5-12.5)
Anything stand out?
Not sure what else they’d use to determine primary vs. secondary, but I don’t think he tried to figure it out.
Thank you, brother, as always – so helpful!
I met with my PCP and explained my perspective. He said he’ll file for a head MRI and see if insurance would cover it.
Not sure if anything on my pituitary would show up, but man, that would be quite a plot twist! I’ve been doing so much tinkering over the years, and that could be the root issue.
What was ur total test,shbg,free test when natural and what was your test,shbg,free test after only trt and what amount did work best?. I think I read something about that even gel did work everyday for better sexdrive ?
The answers to your questions are repeated through this log ad nauseam. Search for what you’re looking for.
I’ve been taking 308 mg/week (injected EOD) for 1.5 months now. Overall, I feel much better. Not much has changed with libido (minimal increase), but my energy and overall mental health are considerably better, though I’m not sure if that should be ascribed to the higher T dose or oxandrolone getting out of my system. I’m traveling, so I unfortunately won’t have bloods for another 2 months.
The past few days, I’ve felt discomfort over my left pec – nothing major, a nagging ache. I think it’s just a pec strain, but could the T dose increase be causing physical discomfort from my heart? I’ve debated if I should lower the dose.
U just on test only? No HCG or ai or any other ancillary?
Test only
you dont donate blood?
I did once, when it was necessary.
I really think you should reassess your protocol with regards to long-term health. 308mg/wk of testosterone IS NOT sustainable long term, and I promise you, you will regret that. It’s like the guys on here doing two clicks of t cream to the scrotum twice a day (almost just as bad). Testosterone at those dosages can elevate IGF-1, which can shorten lifespan and lead to the onset of age-related diseases much sooner than would otherwise occur. This isn’t proven; however, there is scientific data to back this up. It’s a balancing act of quality vs. quantity of life, and I feel like someone knowledgeable enough should be telling you this. Nobody “healthy” runs 308mg/wk, and you should not be thinking this is a good thing. If you do, your mind is in the wrong place. Your heart can undergo structural changes as you age (think left ventricular hypertrophy), you will develop atherosclerosis, potential prostate issues, etc. please be careful. You can be on testosterone and be healthy, but you have to be smart about it.
I hear you, man. I’m aware of everything you noted.
I’m on 252 and waiting on blood results. I do monitor IGF-1, but that isn’t nearly as concerning to me as cholesterol. My HDL was 24 last time – really hope it’s higher now.
As you said, it’s a balancing act. I feel great, and I want to live long. I care very little about gains at this point – I’m in this for quality of life and motivation.
Labs!
HGB 16.4 (Ref 13.0-17.7; last time 16.6)
HCT 51.2 (Ref 37.5-51.0; last time 50.6)
Triglycerides 55 (Ref 0-149; last time 60)
HDL 39 (Ref > 39; last time 24)
LDL 90 (Ref 0-99; last time 109)
Estradiol 71.9 (Ref 7.6-42.6; last time 54.4)
Estradiol, Serum 71
Free Estradiol, Serum 1.6
Free E, Percent 2.3
Total T 2996 (Ref 264-916; last time 1291)
Free T 109 (Ref 5.0-21.0; last time 61)
% Free T 3.64 (Ref 1.5-4.2)
SHBG 85.4 (Ref 16.5-55.9; last time 27.8)
Protocol: 252 mg T-cyp, EOD @ 72 mg
Last time I was taking Anavar, 50 mg EOD. IMO labs look better.
I feel great. Libido ain’t roaring but SWB & workout recovery are awesome.
Thoughts?
@anon18050987 @unreal24278 @Gandalf @wanna_be @swoops39 @Gman86 @ncsugrad2002 @alex_uk @bmbrady77
I think… You aren’t on trt
FT from what you’ve posted is 5x ref range.
Cholesterol isn’t bad either. HDL is ever so slightly on the low side, but so is LDL.
Only way to know if your lipids are problematic would be to get subfractions/particulate sizes checked.
Lol, fair enough. I suppose maybe I should lower the dose.
Interesting thing is that I’ve taken higher doses multiple times before and never seen a reading this high. I should note I injected 24 hours before the test so I suppose it wasn’t a real “trough” which would be 48 hours after.
Agreed brother, these labs aren’t great but definitely better than I’ve had before and not overly concerning. Things are trending well. Which also makes the high T numbers interesting.
Glad to see you’re doing well brother!
High T does have a negative impact on lipids. But that impact is negligible relative to the effect synthetic derivitives have.