Calling VETS, blood work in and confused.

[ANIMAL]

I recently received blood work in my 12th week of my cycle. My main concern was that my test was not doing what it was suppose to because I really didn’t/don't feel strong or have that push in the gym. I also haven’t had a crazy sex drive either. I’m very mellow and not easily irritated. All of these signs had me second guessing my gear. I don’t have crazy energy throughout the day, I do have a hectic schedule but I always get 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

This is my 3rd cycle, my others I felt more like a “beast”.

I’m very prone to gyno sides so I use the nolvadex to prevent flare ups.

Here is my cycle layout:

Test C 500mg/week
HCG 250iu 3x/week
Aromasin 20mg/day
Nolvadex 10mg/day
Cialis 6mg/day

My stats:

28 years old
5'4
180 lbs.
3760 calories/day 500g carbs/260g protein/80g fat

Here are my blood results:

Reticulocytes
Ret He (Retic Hemoglobin Equivalent) 27.8 25-30

Iron, Serum 54 50-212
Iron Binding Capacity, TOT 479 (H) 238-465
Iron % Saturation 11 (L) 13-45
UIBC 425 (H) 155-355
Ferritin 19 (L) 22-322

CBC
WBC 6.3 3.6-11.0
RBC 6.64 (H) 4.40-6.10
Hemoglobin 17.2 13.0-18.0
Hematocrit 53.6 (H) 39-52
MCV 81 75-100
MCH 25.9 (L) 26.0-32.0
MCHC 32.1 32.0-35.0
RDW 16.7 (H) 11.2-14.8
Platelet Count 138 (L) 140-440

Estradiol, Serum 28 0-56

Sex Binding Globulin 13.4 10-57

Prolactin 10.0 2-17

Testosterone 2352 (H) 136-697
Free Testo 87.97 (H) 3.4-16.0

After reading my results, my test and free test is through the roof, my estrogen is within range, my prolactin is within range... Why do I feel the way I feel if everything seems to be ok? My Sex Binding Globulin is on the low end, although I haven't done much research on what that does. Could my Iron be the reason for the way I feel? I can't tell how to read that, do I have an overload or not enough?

[kelkel]

Because your probably anemic to a degree. Your iron is low as is your ferritin, even though your hemo/hema is high with the exception of your MCH.

Basically High TIBC, Low Iron and Low Ferritin = having Iron deficiency anemia.

What exactly is your cycle?
E2 looks good.
TT looks low if it's a 500mg or more cycle.
FT is great. Mostly due to your low (er) shbg.

Consider an elemental iron supplement taken with vit c for better absorption. Read up on it a bit.

And yes, being anemic can make you feel like a turd.

[ANIMAL]

Because your probably anemic to a degree. Your iron is low as is your ferritin, even though your hemo/hema is high with the exception of your MCH.

Basically High TIBC, Low Iron and Low Ferritin = having Iron deficiency anemia.

What exactly is your cycle?
E2 looks good.
TT looks low if it's a 500mg or more cycle.
FT is great. Mostly due to your low (er) shbg.

Consider an elemental iron supplement taken with vit c for better absorption. Read up on it a bit.

And yes, being anemic can make you feel like a turd.

My cycle:
Test C 500mg/week
HCG 250iu 3x/week
Aromasin 20mg/day
Nolvadex 10mg/day
Cialis 6mg/day

What should Total Test be, 2352 isn't high if I'm taking 500mg of test per week?

I left my results at home, but I also did GH and IGF-1. I will post the exact results when I get home, but my GH was at .01 with a range of .01-4 if I remember correctly. I've never taken any GH or insulin before either.

[kelkel]

I would think reasonably 3-4K NG-DL. But no worries. Your FT is kicking.
Testing GH serum is pretty much a waste of time as it's pulsatile in nature. You would need to do an arginine stimulation test to really know your GH level. This test takes hours. Google it.
Look more toward IGF-1 as your marker.

[ANIMAL]

What do you think the explanation of not feeling like a raging 18 year old looking to screw every light socket? I'm just comparing how I've felt in the past on cycles, that feeling when you're ON compared to when you're actually OFF cycle. I feel like I'm OFF. Assumed that those test levels would have me horny.

I'll post up the IGF-1 when I get home.

[kelkel]

High test levels or not, anemia will kick your ass and make you tired. Your weiner's tired too.

[RangerDanger830]

Do you think he should donate/bloodlet to get that hematocrit a little lower Kel?

[kelkel]

Do you think he should donate/bloodlet to get that hematocrit a little lower Kel?

Absolutely. So many "highlights" I missed it! Thanks! That could contribute to a lethargic feeling as well.

[RangerDanger830]

Absolutely. So many "highlights" I missed it! Thanks! That could contribute to a lethargic feeling as well.

Glad I could contribute

[ANIMAL]

Is it possible to go to a blood donation while being on?

IGF1 is in range, towards the mid/high part of the range.

[RangerDanger830]

Is it possible to go to a blood donation while being on?

IGF1 is in range, towards the mid/high part of the range.

I do not know, I am not allowed to give blood because I have been to too many nasty countries recently. I do know that if you aren't allowed to give blood you can blood let, there are some medical videos on youtube somewhere. It took me a minute to find them my first time after weeding through a ton of emo girls cutting their arms.

[kelkel]

Is it possible to go to a blood donation while being on?

IGF1 is in range, towards the mid/high part of the range.

Yes. Obviously you need to fib a little on the questions....
Drink a lot more water too.

[kelkel]

Glad I could contribute

I enjoy your contributions here RD. Always astute and on point. Glad you landed on this forum.

[ANIMAL]

Yes. Obviously you need to fib a little on the questions....
Drink a lot more water too.

Ok, just wasn't sure if they tested it and it could come back to me if any red flags came up.

[kelkel]

They're not looking for it. I donate all the time. On cycle or off, doesn't matter.

[ANIMAL]

I plugged in my food into myfitnesspal for haha's and it says my iron is at 250%. The daily recommended dose per day is like 8mg I read online. Does my body just not absorb iron? I bought an Iron supplement, 25mg per pill taking it with vitamin C.

[kelkel]

Ha ha is correct. Your iron will come up quick and I'd bet you'll feel better. Remember to give blood asap.
Remember, certain OTC meds can effect iron levels as well, such as Prilosec.

[RangerDanger830]

I enjoy your contributions here RD. Always astute and on point. Glad you landed on this forum.

I still have a lot to learn, this forum is by far the best out of all of them though.

[ANIMAL]

Kel, it's been about 2 weeks with 25mg/day iron supp. with no improvement in fatigue. Do you think I should double up to 50mg/day or head to dr for more bloodwork to see if the iron has changed? I donated as well.

Even though my iron is low, my hemoglobin is normal which is good.