Had a check up a year ago and Free T was 189…after my recent checkup (m/36) I found my Free T level at 286…that’s with a year of diet and exercise, loss of 80lbs and an appreciable gain in strength. I’m taking the plunge into TRT with my doc. Looking for thoughts on ideal T level, shots vs. gels and whether anything beyond cypionate is worth it.
My doc is fairly open to prescribing drugs that would enhance lean mass development. I’m fairly strong for my limitation on muscle building (1RM bench 275, Sq 395, DL 456) all these started at less than half what they are now.
Somewhat individual. Will you likely feel good being shy high? Most likely yes. Is it healthy long term? That is individual, and somewhat depends on your risk tolerance.
I would encourage you to go by average levels not trough. Guys can get delusional about how high their actual levels are because they use trough and inject once a week. They say they are in range 7 days later so all is good. Well 6 days ago they were double the top of the range.
I’d say shooting for top of the range for average TT +/- 200 would be okay for my risk tolerance.
I like shots. It isn’t a big deal once you get used to it. The gels is just a lot of smearing it on, having to be careful not to transfer it… Some guys like them though.
Is your limitation low T? I found that TRT hasn’t added tons of muscle or strength. I was pretty strong (B: 335ish, Sq 450ish, DL 500ish) before TRT, but I was fat. For me at least the difference is that I can do those lifts while leaner. I’ve dabbled with some cycles too, and that has me up to 1RMs of 405, 505, and 600. I am not significantly more muscular, but I look like I am because I am leaner. I believe had I not gone on TRT, I’d probably get half the strength gains I have with TRT and a few reasonable cycles (but I’d probably be chubbier).
Also strong lifts too OP! I see that my post may be seen as saying your not strong. Not at all my intention. It took me years to get to the lifts you currently have.
Cypionate injections is the most popular, Jatenzo may be an option, gels can have absorption issues and can transfer to other people.
You shouldn’t be injecting any further out than once weekly. Some guys need more frequently due to not feeling well after 4-5 days and some after 3 days.
I showed no benefit or response to TRT injecting once or twice weekly even with high levels. My thought is guys with metabolic syndrome you need more frequent shots.
Thanks, I took it the right way…the BF% is a good point. I was north of 35% at my heaviest and weakest. I’m now down around 23% with caliper and tape measure methods. Calipers are tough as I have a bit of loose skin, nothing crazy, but definately affects it. The strenght level is important to me on lifts, but not nearly as important as leaning out.
Polycythemia Vera is a type of blood cancer and is rare. TRT causes erythrocytosis and so does living in Denver Colorado at high altitude. Lance Armstrong when he doped up must have had crazy high RBC and look what he accomplished.
He didn’t get fatigued or feel bad, quite the contrary. People that have issues with high RBC has a disease (weak vascular system/Polycythemia Vera). You can have Polycythemia Vera and can clot with HCT @46%, because the disease is the one causing the problems, not the high HCT.
People in Denver Colorado aren’t being phlebotomized or forced to donate frequently by their doctors due to high RBC, unless of course that have a disease where thicker blood causes problems.
Update: In the 3rd week of 200mg/week injections. I’ve noticed a significant elevation in mood, energy and motivation this week. I can feel a bit of a surge, not crazy, but just an extra bit of power. I’ve seen some increases in endurance this week in the gym, especially on heavy sets, 3rd set I’m blasting through the last rep where before I’d be struggling. Hopefully this is related to better recovery. My balls also shrunk, which the doc said was to be expected. My baseline free T was 202 right before my first shot. Can’t wait to see 8 week checkpoint.