Hi guys, just looking to get some insight and opinions into my current dilemma.
I was prescribed TRT a month ago, but have been hesitant to begin, given the current situation with COVID 19.
My concerns are the ability to get blood work done in the following months. Life labs has closed several locations and are limiting hours here in Canada. I would not need to get my first labs for 60 days after starting, so maybe this concern is not warranted.
My second thought is in regards to my immune system. There are many mixed opinions on testosterones’ effect on the immune system, and I’m questioning whether this could have any negative effects to begin with.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!
I have seen studies showing testosterone has an immunosuppressive effect on immune system, I haven’t been sick with the flu since I was 14 (48 now), with that said I did get a lot of chest congestion, mucus in throat and a nazy persistent cough after my first injection which grew weaker with every injection.
I believe a lot of it had to do with my poor state of health at the time I restarted TRT, I adapted very quickly and within a week the cough was all gone. Things happen very quickly for me on TRT, maybe a little too fast.
You’ll probably be fine to start.
How do your recent labs look like (I’m assuming since you’re already prescribed test)? And what protocol are you planning to start?
Thanks for responses!
I have been prescribed 100mg/week Testosterone Enanthate to start, and will re-evaluate after 60 days and some blood work.
My labs:
Thyroid Function
TSH 1.91 Range: 0.32-5.04 mU/L
Pituitary Function
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) 2.6 Range: <9.5 IU/L
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) 2.0 Range: 1.1-8.8 IU/L
Prolactin 8.0 Range: 3.8-20.6 ug/L
Reproductive and Gonada
Estradiol 107 Range <157 pmol/L
Testosterone 12.4 Range 8.4-28.8 nmol/L
Bioavailable Testosterone was cancelled
because MSP criteria for SHBG testing were
not met.
Forgive my ignorance on the topic, but is this 12.4 nmol/L free T? And does a LH level of 2.0 seem low?
Thanks!
The LH is pulsatile, you get small pulses throughout the day. That’s not Free T, it’s Total T. I’ll say one thing, your estrogen is not low, in fact it’s healthy for someone with natural testosterone which means a portion of Free T is converting to estrogen.
So does that indicate that my free T levels will likely be relatively low?
Labs are great but in the end you’re going to adjust dose based on how that dose has you feeling. You’re going to have to wait about 2 months after you start before you get labs anyway so I’d start. Things will start getting back to some semblance if normal within the next 2-4 months anyway.
Yep. You don’t necessarily need labs. They’re important to spot anomalies and form long-term patterns, but worst-case you can assess one variable (testosterone in this case) by going how you feel given enough time (8-12 weeks) without changing dose or injection frequency.
Thanks guys. Appreciate the input.
I would more be concerned about getting refills right now. I’ve got about a 5 month supply, which I’m sure the doctors wouldn’t be thrilled to hear, but then again, I’m sure they don’t know what it feels like to run out.
Drugstores are still filling prescriptions. I assume they already had clean standards for filling scripts to begin with. A shame you cant do testosterone mail order in the US. Maybe this will change things.
1 Like
I was thinking more about getting to the doctor or if something happened to them. I don’t foresee a shortage, but already I’ve been forced to miss appointments. Never know what might happen next, and this is definitely one thing I don’t want to run out of.
I’ve stocked up on everything in all fairness
1 Like
Cant stop medicine man. I think we will be alright.
I was at my MDs office yesterday and reupped, T will be available after this pandemic makes its run. Start now, and stay home working out. When you emerge, you will be a better man.