Lab results - Bad news from doc

[bombguy]

Ok, a little more dramatic title than the situation really dictates but I have new lab results.

These labs are a result of running 200mg/wk. My doc has decided to lower my dose to 100mg/wk, which is kinda depressing but I'm thinking with my e-levels being so high, I may actually feel better when they start coming down. What do you guys think? 1200 Test level is pretty nice though! I tried to talk him into adex to knock down the test, but no go. Also, should I be concerned about the FSH being low?

Panel/Test Value Unit Normal Range
LH < 0.00 mIU/mL 1.5-9.3
FSH 0.30 mIU/mL 1.4-18.1
PROLACTIN 7.3 ng/mL 2.1-17.7
ESTRADIOL 56.6 pg/mL <54
TEST 1201 ng/dL 241-827



TUMOR MARKERS 01/28/2011 07:09 PM
Panel/Test Value Unit Normal Range
PSA, TOTAL 0.44 ng/mL 0-4.0


CBC With Differential/Platelet 01/28/2011 12:00 AM
Panel/Test Value Unit Normal Range
WBC 6.3 x10E3/uL 4.0-10.5
RBC 6.01 x10E6/uL 4.10-5.60
Hemoglobin 18.0 g/dL 12.5-17.0
Hematocrit 54.5 % 36.0-50.0

[zaggahamma]

how long have you been running the 200mg? where were your levels before trt? do you have any older threads in this forum? how has this dose been working for you aside from the numbers?

yes test levels in the thousands when they were low prior will make you fell great, strong, young, etc.

but i like the docs idea to try to get you dialed in with only one compound if/since this is the beginning of your trt....its interesting how i see some starting higher and then go lower but we're here to learn..

btw...now that youre on trt your signaling hormones are going to be low because there not signaling your body(testes) to make this hormone because it is sensing the presence of the test your injecting..

hope this helps

[flatscat]

Ok, a little more dramatic title than the situation really dictates but I have new lab results.

These labs are a result of running 200mg/wk. My doc has decided to lower my dose to 100mg/wk, which is kinda depressing but I'm thinking with my e-levels being so high, I may actually feel better when they start coming down. What do you guys think? 1200 Test level is pretty nice though! I tried to talk him into adex to knock down the test, but no go. Also, should I be concerned about the FSH being low?

Panel/Test Value Unit Normal Range
LH < 0.00 mIU/mL 1.5-9.3
FSH 0.30 mIU/mL 1.4-18.1
PROLACTIN 7.3 ng/mL 2.1-17.7
ESTRADIOL 56.6 pg/mL <54
TEST 1201 ng/dL 241-827



TUMOR MARKERS 01/28/2011 07:09 PM
Panel/Test Value Unit Normal Range
PSA, TOTAL 0.44 ng/mL 0-4.0


CBC With Differential/Platelet 01/28/2011 12:00 AM
Panel/Test Value Unit Normal Range
WBC 6.3 x10E3/uL 4.0-10.5
RBC 6.01 x10E6/uL 4.10-5.60
Hemoglobin 18.0 g/dL 12.5-17.0
Hematocrit 54.5 % 36.0-50.0

in bold = What do you mean by that?

[MACHINE5150]

in bold = What do you mean by that?

i think he meant the estrogen

[bombguy]

Definitely have some older threads in this forum, however, I never have posted my labs before. I have been on TRT for almost 4 years now. I originally started with test levels in the 170-220 range, when I was 32. The usual symptoms of tired, lethargic, no progress in the gym etc. Started off with a doc where I was living before and now have a great doc. My dose history has been the typical 100mg/wk, but my current doc has kept me at 200mg/wk for the past 2 years, but wants to dial it back down due to the elevated estradiol and elevated RBC...I don't think he was too concerned about the high test really.

The dose has been working ok overall. I honestly feel good, but not great like the first year on TRT. Gym progress has been slow as well, with the usual dips and raises in strength and focus.

I'm really interested to see how I will feel at the 100mg dose again after being on 200 for so long. I'm hoping my elevated Estrogen levels are whats causing a bit of a decline in sex drive lately. Any thoughts?

[Black]

I'm very interested to see where you will be at when your run 100mg a week for awhile. I am in a very similar boat. What were your test and estrogen levels before when you ran 100mg a week?

[flatscat]

in bold = What do you mean by that?

again

[zaggahamma]

I'm very interested to see where you will be at when your run 100mg a week for awhile. I am in a very similar boat. What were your test and estrogen levels before when you ran 100mg a week?

ditto

[bombguy]

I'm very interested to see where you will be at when your run 100mg a week for awhile. I am in a very similar boat. What were your test and estrogen levels before when you ran 100mg a week?

I'm not sure, only because I didn't have access to my test results before

again

Lol...after reading my post about 4 times...I finally figured it out. Estrogen!

[zaggahamma]

I'm not sure, only because I didn't have access to my test results before



Lol...after reading my post about 4 times...I finally figured it out. Estrogen!

dont make him ask twice again...lol..

how have you felt though? numbers aside...

[flatscat]

Thought so - may sound crazy but I really feel "off" when my E2 numbers get around that level too. Really didn't think it made that big a difference until I zero'd in on how I felt vs the only level that was off in my b/w. If you like your doc and don't want to go on a hunt, you may think about treating it yourself. Just a thought.

Flats

[bluepitbull]

4 years of TRT and not a single dose of hCG? 200mg of Testosterone (I am assuming a US physician and 'Cypionate'?) will jack up your test levels no doubt, but what day was your blood drawn in relation to your last Test shot? This can make a huge difference. I am guessing within 48 hours? Your FSH being below lab baseline signifies that your pituitary is not sending sufficient stimulation to your testis - specifically the Sertoli (sperm-making cells) - FYI - you will be infertile at this level.

The LH at a reading of "00" or non-detectable means that your pituitary is sending absolutely zero stimulation to your testis - specifically the Leydig (testosterone-producing cells).

You will probably feel like crap towards the second half of the Test injection schedule on only 100mg after being on 200mg for years now. What is the doc's concern with the aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole or letro)? This is very standard protocol for managing the increased substrate (testosterone) from skyrocketing estrogen - specifically estradiol (E2) levels while titrating balance during the first 2-3 of beginning TRT. Its all about balance and hormone ratios along with 'free' testosterone levels. TRT is not like managing something like cholesterol where less overall meds are generally better. E2 management is required because there is interplay between all the sex hormones as well as the gonadotropes (LH, FSH, etc.)

The 'free' level' of testosterone as you may or may not know is responsible for the hypogonadal symptoms or lack of symptoms (if the level is sufficient). Remember, only the 'free' level of testosterone is 'active'. On your next blood-draw it would be wise to get a 'free' testosterone reading as well as an 'SHBG' measurement - which is the primary enzyme (along with albumen) that binds the free testosterone and contributes to the reading known as 'total' testosterone which is your 1201ng/dl reading.

Make sure your 'free' testosterone level is in the upper half of the range - at minimum. Labs defer very little on their free testosterone reference ranges so this general advice should be enough to help get your hormones and quality of life issues optimized and balanced.

FYI - 150mg/week along with .5mg anastrozole (generic so cheaper) 2x week tends to be optimal (both how they feel as well as great lab results) for most of the male patients with general TRT needs that I have consulted with as a medical researcher in bio-identical hormones with the clinics and docs I have worked with.

[zaggahamma]

4 years of TRT and not a single dose of hCG? 200mg of Testosterone (I am assuming a US physician and 'Cypionate'?) will jack up your test levels no doubt, but what day was your blood drawn in relation to your last Test shot? This can make a huge difference. I am guessing within 48 hours? Your FSH being below lab baseline signifies that your pituitary is not sending sufficient stimulation to your testis - specifically the Sertoli (sperm-making cells) - FYI - you will be infertile at this level.

The LH at a reading of "00" or non-detectable means that your pituitary is sending absolutely zero stimulation to your testis - specifically the Leydig (testosterone-producing cells).

You will probably feel like crap towards the second half of the Test injection schedule on only 100mg after being on 200mg for years now. What is the doc's concern with the aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole or letro)? This is very standard protocol for managing the increased substrate (testosterone) from skyrocketing estrogen - specifically estradiol (E2) levels while titrating balance during the first 2-3 of beginning TRT. Its all about balance and hormone ratios along with 'free' testosterone levels. TRT is not like managing something like cholesterol where less overall meds are generally better. E2 management is required because there is interplay between all the sex hormones as well as the gonadotropes (LH, FSH, etc.)

The 'free' level' of testosterone as you may or may not know is responsible for the hypogonadal symptoms or lack of symptoms (if the level is sufficient). Remember, only the 'free' level of testosterone is 'active'. On your next blood-draw it would be wise to get a 'free' testosterone reading as well as an 'SHBG' measurement - which is the primary enzyme (along with albumen) that binds the free testosterone and contributes to the reading known as 'total' testosterone which is your 1201ng/dl reading.

Make sure your 'free' testosterone level is in the upper half of the range - at minimum. Labs defer very little on their free testosterone reference ranges so this general advice should be enough to help get your hormones and quality of life issues optimized and balanced.

FYI - 150mg/week along with .5mg anastrozole (generic so cheaper) 2x week tends to be optimal (both how they feel as well as great lab results) for most of the male patients with general TRT needs that I have consulted with as a medical researcher in bio-identical hormones with the clinics and docs I have worked with.

welcome to the site...hopefully you'll stick around

in bold...did you mean years?

[flatscat]

4 years of TRT and not a single dose of hCG? 200mg of Testosterone (I am assuming a US physician and 'Cypionate'?) will jack up your test levels no doubt, but what day was your blood drawn in relation to your last Test shot? This can make a huge difference. I am guessing within 48 hours? Your FSH being below lab baseline signifies that your pituitary is not sending sufficient stimulation to your testis - specifically the Sertoli (sperm-making cells) - FYI - you will be infertile at this level.

The LH at a reading of "00" or non-detectable means that your pituitary is sending absolutely zero stimulation to your testis - specifically the Leydig (testosterone-producing cells).

You will probably feel like crap towards the second half of the Test injection schedule on only 100mg after being on 200mg for years now. What is the doc's concern with the aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole or letro)? This is very standard protocol for managing the increased substrate (testosterone) from skyrocketing estrogen - specifically estradiol (E2) levels while titrating balance during the first 2-3 of beginning TRT. Its all about balance and hormone ratios along with 'free' testosterone levels. TRT is not like managing something like cholesterol where less overall meds are generally better. E2 management is required because there is interplay between all the sex hormones as well as the gonadotropes (LH, FSH, etc.)

The 'free' level' of testosterone as you may or may not know is responsible for the hypogonadal symptoms or lack of symptoms (if the level is sufficient). Remember, only the 'free' level of testosterone is 'active'. On your next blood-draw it would be wise to get a 'free' testosterone reading as well as an 'SHBG' measurement - which is the primary enzyme (along with albumen) that binds the free testosterone and contributes to the reading known as 'total' testosterone which is your 1201ng/dl reading.

Make sure your 'free' testosterone level is in the upper half of the range - at minimum. Labs defer very little on their free testosterone reference ranges so this general advice should be enough to help get your hormones and quality of life issues optimized and balanced.

FYI - 150mg/week along with .5mg anastrozole (generic so cheaper) 2x week tends to be optimal (both how they feel as well as great lab results) for most of the male patients with general TRT needs that I have consulted with as a medical researcher in bio-identical hormones with the clinics and docs I have worked with.

Pretty damn nice first post. One ? though;

Did you expect his FHS or LH levels to be higher on this protocol?

[swllce]

Wow,very interesting post,Welcome to the forum.

4 years of TRT and not a single dose of hCG? 200mg of Testosterone (I am assuming a US physician and 'Cypionate'?) will jack up your test levels no doubt, but what day was your blood drawn in relation to your last Test shot? This can make a huge difference. I am guessing within 48 hours? Your FSH being below lab baseline signifies that your pituitary is not sending sufficient stimulation to your testis - specifically the Sertoli (sperm-making cells) - FYI - you will be infertile at this level.

The LH at a reading of "00" or non-detectable means that your pituitary is sending absolutely zero stimulation to your testis - specifically the Leydig (testosterone-producing cells).

You will probably feel like crap towards the second half of the Test injection schedule on only 100mg after being on 200mg for years now. What is the doc's concern with the aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole or letro)? This is very standard protocol for managing the increased substrate (testosterone) from skyrocketing estrogen - specifically estradiol (E2) levels while titrating balance during the first 2-3 of beginning TRT. Its all about balance and hormone ratios along with 'free' testosterone levels. TRT is not like managing something like cholesterol where less overall meds are generally better. E2 management is required because there is interplay between all the sex hormones as well as the gonadotropes (LH, FSH, etc.)

The 'free' level' of testosterone as you may or may not know is responsible for the hypogonadal symptoms or lack of symptoms (if the level is sufficient). Remember, only the 'free' level of testosterone is 'active'. On your next blood-draw it would be wise to get a 'free' testosterone reading as well as an 'SHBG' measurement - which is the primary enzyme (along with albumen) that binds the free testosterone and contributes to the reading known as 'total' testosterone which is your 1201ng/dl reading.

Make sure your 'free' testosterone level is in the upper half of the range - at minimum. Labs defer very little on their free testosterone reference ranges so this general advice should be enough to help get your hormones and quality of life issues optimized and balanced.

FYI - 150mg/week along with .5mg anastrozole (generic so cheaper) 2x week tends to be optimal (both how they feel as well as great lab results) for most of the male patients with general TRT needs that I have consulted with as a medical researcher in bio-identical hormones with the clinics and docs I have worked with.

[Spartans09]

Why the drop from 200mg/week to 100mg/week? Why not 150mg/ week? Seems almost drastic slicing it in half.

[BigBlackGuy]

Any idea what your DHT levels are at? I also agree with the above poster, going half seems like a lot more, though I rarely see 200mg prescribed for trt.

[flatscat]

200mg's/week is a more common prescribed dose from clinics than any other dose.

[bombguy]

Thought so - may sound crazy but I really feel "off" when my E2 numbers get around that level too. Really didn't think it made that big a difference until I zero'd in on how I felt vs the only level that was off in my b/w. If you like your doc and don't want to go on a hunt, you may think about treating it yourself. Just a thought.

Flats

I think it is actually contributing to me feeling a bit off lately as well. IDK, we'll see in a month or so

4 years of TRT and not a single dose of hCG? 200mg of Testosterone (I am assuming a US physician and 'Cypionate'?) will jack up your test levels no doubt, but what day was your blood drawn in relation to your last Test shot? This can make a huge difference. I am guessing within 48 hours? Your FSH being below lab baseline signifies that your pituitary is not sending sufficient stimulation to your testis - specifically the Sertoli (sperm-making cells) - FYI - you will be infertile at this level.

The LH at a reading of "00" or non-detectable means that your pituitary is sending absolutely zero stimulation to your testis - specifically the Leydig (testosterone-producing cells).

You will probably feel like crap towards the second half of the Test injection schedule on only 100mg after being on 200mg for years now. What is the doc's concern with the aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole or letro)? This is very standard protocol for managing the increased substrate (testosterone) from skyrocketing estrogen - specifically estradiol (E2) levels while titrating balance during the first 2-3 of beginning TRT. Its all about balance and hormone ratios along with 'free' testosterone levels. TRT is not like managing something like cholesterol where less overall meds are generally better. E2 management is required because there is interplay between all the sex hormones as well as the gonadotropes (LH, FSH, etc.)

The 'free' level' of testosterone as you may or may not know is responsible for the hypogonadal symptoms or lack of symptoms (if the level is sufficient). Remember, only the 'free' level of testosterone is 'active'. On your next blood-draw it would be wise to get a 'free' testosterone reading as well as an 'SHBG' measurement - which is the primary enzyme (along with albumen) that binds the free testosterone and contributes to the reading known as 'total' testosterone which is your 1201ng/dl reading.

Make sure your 'free' testosterone level is in the upper half of the range - at minimum. Labs defer very little on their free testosterone reference ranges so this general advice should be enough to help get your hormones and quality of life issues optimized and balanced.

FYI - 150mg/week along with .5mg anastrozole (generic so cheaper) 2x week tends to be optimal (both how they feel as well as great lab results) for most of the male patients with general TRT needs that I have consulted with as a medical researcher in bio-identical hormones with the clinics and docs I have worked with.

Great post and to address some questions raised. My current doc is great, no doubt about it. The high trt dose was what I wanted and he ended up recommending it. Sadly though, I think he used to glaze over my results and here I am. As far as fertility, I mentioned it was not a concern at this point at my life and he assured me that we would address it later when that time comes. I would assume he would recommend an HCG protocol at that point. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be heartbroken if children weren't in my future. I love my wife and she is aware of the issues. I haven't quite figured out why my current doc is tentative about some sort of Estrogen management. I haven't had any issues necessarily, but he may address it after my next blood draw next month. I am going to press him on this issue, as I don't want to be out of whack too long. I will be sure to ask about the Free test levels as well.

Why the drop from 200mg/week to 100mg/week? Why not 150mg/ week? Seems almost drastic slicing it in half.

Honestly, I think he is just shooting from the hip on this one, to see where this will put me in about a month.

Any idea what your DHT levels are at? I also agree with the above poster, going half seems like a lot more, though I rarely see 200mg prescribed for trt.

And here I was thinking that 200 was normal...lol! I've done the 100mg/wk before, so I don't anticipate any issues.

[flatscat]

200 is more normal on this board than 100, I promise.

If I tell you it's Easter ----------- color your eggs my brother.

[flatscat]

Pretty damn nice first post. One ? though;

Did you expect his FHS or LH levels to be higher on this protocol?

One more time, please I am really interested in your answer.

[The Toad]

200 is more normal on this board than 100, I promise.

If I tell you it's Easter ----------- color your eggs my brother.

You are ON today...

[flatscat]

jus sayin... if I tell you a rooster dips snuff, u better pull it's wing up and find the can...

[JAMIE07652]

flats ! too funny!