Switched to 2x/Week, When to Draw Labs?

Pharma / TRT Testosterone Replacement
1

Hey guys,

I have been on TRT for the past 9 months or so, specifically 100mg of testosterone cypionate injected subcutaneously, once a week. Upon doing some research and learning of the benefits of splitting the dose into two shots per week, I decided to make the switch. Therefore my current regimen consists of 50mg test cypionate Saturday morning (subQ), followed by 50 mg test cypionate (subQ) on Tuesday evening, so approximately 3.5 days apart.

Now that I have gotten to thinking about this, I’m not sure what is the proper amount of time after injecting to draw labs to get a peak and a valley reading. Since testosterone cypionate has around an 8 day half-life (peaking around the 3rd day), it makes sense while on 1x/week to draw labs about 3 days after the shot to get peak levels, and just before the next shot is due for the low-end levels…but how does this work on a twice per week regimen? Obviously the more frequent dosing will not impact the onset of action of the testosterone or affect the half life, so I suppose I can still get a “peak” reading by drawing blood around 3 days following and injection, but the thing is, that point in time is also the point just before the next injection…does this make sense? So it would seem as if the peak and the trough would occur at the same time. Can anyone offer some insight here as to how I can go about getting my labwork done to find peak and valley Testosterone and Estradiol readings so I can get my protocol fine tuned?

Also, a side question if anyone can assist. Does anyone know right off hand which lab tests are the appropriate/accurate ones to measure free and total testosterone? A Quest or LabCorp link would be fine and much appreciated. I’ve been thoroughly confused by the variety of different lab orders available for the same test/measurement.

Thank you so much in advance for your assistance.

2

If you are in stasis - have been on your protocol for more than 6-8 weeks - the peak will be around 36 hours after a shot.

Doesn’t matter what you have done previously to that shot because the T enters your body, begins peaking, and then declines. (I believe it does have another smaller “rise” after that but that’s irrelevant to your question and anyway I’m not certain)

I do 2x. My personal peak is 41 hours after a shot. The trough would be right before your next shot.

3

So essentially, both “peaks” will be the same, just occuring twice a week? so it wouldn’t matter if I draw labs after the first or second shot of the week? I suppose that makes sense, I’m just a bit overwhelmed trying to figure all this out. So I will have my labs drawn 36 hours after my shot to get my peak readings. How would I go about getting my trough readings? You say it will be right before my next shot, but that’s the thing…“right before my next shot” coincides with the peak of the previous shot…

4

How? Your shots are 84’ish hours apart and peak is 36-48 hours after. So right before the next shot should be past your peak and back down as low as you’re going to be. I doubt it will be much of a drop off.

5

If you are injecting the same amount, and spaced evenly apart (as you are), you will get two peaks each week which are roughly the same.

As far as your trough goes, 36 hours is 1.5 days. You say you are injecting every 3.5 days, two days after you peak.