So after reading a lot of T-Nation for the past several years and especially the over 35 section, I came to the conclusion that everything was maybe not so right. I’m a big believer in reading more, waiting and asking questions later, which is why I haven’t registered until now. I actually discovered T-Nation about 3 years ago when I saw a picture of Carrot Top looking incredibly scary and googled “Carrot Top Steroids.” My search led me to here and an incredibly insightful and funny discussion of what Carrot Top was actually on. Somehow the posts and articles on here inspired me to start lifting weights. Yes, Carrot Top, thank you very much.
I’m 30, 5’9 and about 160 pounds. My waist is about 33 inches and I have no idea about bodfat levels. I’ve been lifting consistently for the past 2.5 years and have made some slow gains doing a variety of programs, starting strength, doggcrapp (way too early, but they had so many cool articles on it!) and for about the past 9 months or so, the 5/3/1, which I really enjoy. I work in a high stress law enforcement job and have realized that such a lifestyle with overtime and strange shifts can take its toll on the body. So I finally went and had some bloodwork done to see what the hell was wrong. Here are the results.
Estradiol: 32, range 13-54. From my understanding this needs to be around 22.
Testosterone total: 279, range 250-1100
% Free Testosterone: 2.58%, range 1.50-2.20
Testosterone Free: 72, range 35-155
Cortisol: 0.19, range .07-0.93
Vitamin D: 46, range 20-100
Thyroid Panel
Throxin-T4: 9.4, range 4.5-12.5
T3-Uptake: 34%, range 27.8-40.7
CFT4: 3.3, range 1.6-3.7
TSH: 1.73, range .4-4.50
Lipids
Trig: 56
Chol: 175
HDL: 39
LDL: 125, range 0-100
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio: 4.5, ratio 0-5
From what I’ve seen on here, two things are wrong, E2 levels are high and T levels are low. I have a followup appointment on Friday and want to go into the Dr’s office prepared to fix things. From reading the TRT protocol stickie it seems that I should be looking for injectable test, hCG and arimidex. I’ll be honest, the prospect of every other day injections isn’t that appealing and my particular Doctor seems to be pushing the pellets. I would appreciate your input on how to proceed.
Oh and as for the iodized salt, I’ve been using Kosher salt for a while now (thanks stupid Foodnetwork), but have just bought a tub of regular Morton’s iodized salt.