My TRT / HRT Blog

[BigMax88]

The time has finally come!

Monthly Dosages:
Test. Cyp. 200mg x 6
HCG 12,000 IU, comes out to 24 x 500 IU shots with 12ml water. Only using 6 shots 2 days prior to test shots.
Anastrozole 0.5mg, 3x per week (1.5mg / week).

Now, I'm assuming my doc wants me to take 2000 IU of HCG per week. That's considering I get monthly shipments, so all given is used. But, from what i've read, no more than 500 IU per week is useful. So, I'm sticking with the 500 IU per week, two days before my test shot.

Started HCG on saturday, the 24th. Felt my boys were a lot firmer/harder, but not really any difference in size. Took the Test shot today, and my god I have a sudden influx of energy. I feel the need for exercise. Besides that, the shots themselves weren't bad. The HCG in the stomach is a piece of cake, the test shot goes into the muscle so it's different. I'm looking forward to the next shot

I'm a LOT happier knowing that all is well. Knowing, that once everything is fine tuned that i'll be feeling like a million bucks. Knowing, that all this testosterone is pumping through me that wasn't there before.

I've been walking around today feeling much more like a man should.

As of 12/3/2011

Age: 23
Weight: 195 lb
Bf %: approx. 17%

pics attached

[bass]

your test dose is pretty high end, so try to do 1000 iu hCG ew, or 250 eod. remember once you mix hCG its good up to 90 days!

[Brohim]

I think 500 is fine. But I would split the shot into 250iu two days before your test shot. IE if you take your test shot on Monday then shoot 250iu on Sat. and Sun. That is Dr. Crisler's protocol. Most guys on cycle (500mg, twice your amount) take 1000iu.

[Brohim]

Hope your feeling of wellbeing improves man. I think once you get tuned up you will feel great! Get that E2 in range and some bloodwork done and post results!

So you are starting the AI right off the bat? I think that is a smart move.

[Vettester]

your test dose is pretty high end, so try to do 1000 iu hCG ew, or 250 eod. remember once you mix hCG its good up to 90 days!

bass, is your clinic telling you this on the 90 days? The most I've seen stated from a clinic and/or compound pharmacy is 60 days, and truthfully mine starts getting noticeably week after 50 days. After reconstituting, I always date my vial, and a new one is usually in place between day 45 -to- day 50. Just curious, I've never seen it posted with that much shelf life.

[flatscat]

agree - 60 days at most.... that is one problem with a compounding pharmacy that dispenses pre-mixed.

[Signmaker]

Congrats BigMax, it looks like you have a nice protocol, and more importantly a doctor who knows a thing or two. I've been on TRT for exactly one month longer than you so I know exactly how you feel. I too felt an almost immediate response to the Test with a huge increase in libido ,well being and confidence, just try not to get frustrated if you don't always feel like that. As I am learning, it takes time for your body to adjust and get proper amounts dialed in to where you feel the best. Enjoy the benefits cause they only get better!

[APIs]

bass, is your clinic telling you this on the 90 days? The most I've seen stated from a clinic and/or compound pharmacy is 60 days, and truthfully mine starts getting noticeably week after 50 days. After reconstituting, I always date my vial, and a new one is usually in place between day 45 -to- day 50. Just curious, I've never seen it posted with that much shelf life.

My script HCG made by APP Pharma comes with a 60 day shelf life once reconstituted. I imagine it can be stretched to 90 but will likely lose potency as you stated.

[kelkel]

your test dose is pretty high end, so try to do 1000 iu hCG ew, or 250 eod. remember once you mix hCG its good up to 90 days!

Bass I think you've found a new career with that new camera!

[bass]

My script HCG made by APP Pharma comes with a 60 day shelf life once reconstituted. I imagine it can be stretched to 90 but will likely lose potency as you stated.

thats it!

Vette, yes thats what my clinic told me.

[BigMax88]

Ok , I called the clinic today to straighten errthang out. I take 2,000 IU hcg two days before test shot. She also said for me to jump on the A.I.! wtf, I could of sworn she said wait two weeks. So, I popped the A.I. and took a shot of 1,500 IU hcg. I'm highly assuming that wasn't the best idea, but did it anyway.

What's really screwing me up is my routine. I'm told to take test every 6 days, which i'm overthinking. Say I take test on monday, does that monday count as a day? So, 6 days the next shot would be saturday. Or, would tuesday start the 1st day, and 6 days will land on sunday?

[fit2bOld]

Ok , I called the clinic today to straighten errthang out. I take 2,000 IU hcg two days before test shot. She also said for me to jump on the A.I.! wtf, I could of sworn she said wait two weeks. So, I popped the A.I. and took a shot of 1,500 IU hcg. I'm highly assuming that wasn't the best idea, but did it anyway.

What's really screwing me up is my routine. I'm told to take test every 6 days, which i'm overthinking. Say I take test on monday, does that monday count as a day? So, 6 days the next shot would be saturday. Or, would tuesday start the 1st day, and 6 days will land on sunday?

That would get me confused real fast, but as i it says 6 days so if you injected on monday your next injection would be sunday then saturday then friday.
I personally inject 2x a week

[BigMax88]

That would get me confused real fast, but as i it says 6 days so if you injected on monday your next injection would be sunday then saturday then friday.
I personally inject 2x a week

Heh yea no kidding. It's confusing because if I take the shot early Monday, that's a full day. But, if you apply this logic to a calendar, the days start overlapping. That is, if I count Monday as day 1, Saturday is day 6 and I take my test shot. Well, then I would also count Saturday as day 1 and that doesn't make any sense. Plus, starting the count the day after the shot fills up a month better. Another *facepalm* moment.

UPDATE: I'm feeling like a BOSS. I'm much more social, care less about my figure(small fat Kangaroo pouch), damn happy and more energetic. One question for those on TRT, does your facial hair become more dense, like a solid beard? Mine is all scattered about and basically weak. Pisses me off.

[flatscat]

I had a heavy beard to start with. But the hair on my head is obviously tired of being there, and the hair on my chest is fckn having a party - geeze.

[lvs]

i had a heavy beard to start with. But the hair on my head is obviously tired of being there, and the hair on my chest is fckn having a party - geeze.

lmao!

[Brohim]

Heh yea no kidding. It's confusing because if I take the shot early Monday, that's a full day. But, if you apply this logic to a calendar, the days start overlapping. That is, if I count Monday as day 1, Saturday is day 6 and I take my test shot. Well, then I would also count Saturday as day 1 and that doesn't make any sense. Plus, starting the count the day after the shot fills up a month better. Another *facepalm* moment.

UPDATE: I'm feeling like a BOSS. I'm much more social, care less about my figure(small fat Kangaroo pouch), damn happy and more energetic. One question for those on TRT, does your facial hair become more dense, like a solid beard? Mine is all scattered about and basically weak. Pisses me off.

The top dogg in TRT protocol is to inject on Mon then do the HCG on Sat. and Sun. So I would inject 200 on Monday then split the HCG dose (you don't want to take 2,000iu all at once.) Sat. and Sun. 1000iu on Sat and 1000iu on Sun. (If it were me I would only do 1000iu total splitting it up 500iu both days.) Then just take your AI throughout the week splitting that as well. Easy.

I don't' know why she told you every 6 day's. Doesn't make any damn sense. That would be 233mg every week. Maybe she meant to inject every 6th day so inject monday then wait 6 day's and inject again which would be 1 week. LOL Would have been easier to say take it once per week. If she really meant every 6 days then do it that way. Inject on Monday then again on Sunday. HCG on Fri and Sat. 1x per week would be easier though so you would do it every Mon.

[flatscat]

That may be your top dog protocol bro. Many different protocols out there that work great. It is all an individual preference.

[BigMax88]

Today I injected test for the 2nd time. I've been feeling a bit tired lately. Sort of unmotivated and meh. I'm looking forward to finding out my levels once I get follow up blood work. I did run into an issue the other day while injecting hcg . When I injected into my stomach fat, I felt the needle clip/pierce something. I inject the 2,000 IU(2ml) and pull the needle out. A surge of blood comes out and I immediately apply pressure and it stops. Shortly after, I had a large roundish lump underneath my skin. Today, 2 days later, the blood is at the surface and my skin is all black/blue around the area. I did a bit of research and it seems like I hit a blood vessel which can happen from time to time and goes away. That freaked me out.

I'm starting to take my training seriously. I'm starting to run again, and plan on swimming daily. Considering my trt is like a light cycle, how hard/easy will it be for me to lean up? I'm used to counting calories and tracking everything. I'm around 17%bf right now.

[Brohim]

You injected 2,000iu all at once?

[bass]

Today I injected test for the 2nd time. I've been feeling a bit tired lately. Sort of unmotivated and meh. I'm looking forward to finding out my levels once I get follow up blood work. I did run into an issue the other day while injecting hcg . When I injected into my stomach fat, I felt the needle clip/pierce something. I inject the 2,000 IU(2ml) and pull the needle out. A surge of blood comes out and I immediately apply pressure and it stops. Shortly after, I had a large roundish lump underneath my skin. Today, 2 days later, the blood is at the surface and my skin is all black/blue around the area. I did a bit of research and it seems like I hit a blood vessel which can happen from time to time and goes away. That freaked me out.

I'm starting to take my training seriously. I'm starting to run again, and plan on swimming daily. Considering my trt is like a light cycle, how hard/easy will it be for me to lean up? I'm used to counting calories and tracking everything. I'm around 17%bf right now.

how close were you to your belly button? just in case you were a little too close, the rule is at least 2" away from the BB.

[Brohim]

correct, away from bb and pinch the fat then inject. Shouldn't hit any bv

[BigMax88]

Yes, 2000 all at once. That's what the doc ordered. I injected about 2" from my belly button and pinched the skin. The needle felt like it struck a guitar string when I stuck it in. It's my knowledge that the blood vessel will repair itself within 2-3 weeks.

By the way, why am I being prescribed such a high dose of hcg ? Any more than 500IU/wk is bad for the pituitary gland right?

[Brohim]

Honestly they probably want you to "use" more since it's a clinic. Probably a money thing. Most guys on TRT only use 500 per week.

Guys that do cycles and take 500mg test per week only use 1000 iu split into 500iu shot's. So I wouldn't recommend taking 2000iu in one shot! I would split it for sure.

I don't think the body can process that much at one time.

If it were me I would only take 1,000iu and split it two day's before test shot. 500iu on Sat and 500iu on Sunday if shot is on Monday.

[BigMax88]

Yup I'll mention it to the doc next appt. I would've split it up but I was only sent limited syringes.

Feeling good! Perhaps my endurance is better due to the test? I up and ran 2 miles yesterday after being cardio stagnant for months. Normally, I'd be dead at 1 mile.

I uploaded my pics in the original post and check out that bruise! what bf% do I look?

[bass]

Yup I'll mention it to the doc next appt. I would've split it up but I was only sent limited syringes.

Feeling good! Perhaps my endurance is better due to the test? I up and ran 2 miles yesterday after being cardio stagnant for months. Normally, I'd be dead at 1 mile.

I uploaded my pics in the original post

thanks for the update BogMax, i was on 500 iu twice a week and right before my test shot, i switched to 300 iu 3 times a week and it have made a huge difference in my boys and how i feel. twice a week was okay but not as effective as 3 times a week.

[BigMax88]

thanks for the update BogMax, i was on 500 iu twice a week and right before my test shot, i switched to 300 iu 3 times a week and it have made a huge difference in my boys and how i feel. twice a week was okay but not as effective as 3 times a week.

:-O that's crazy. I just imagined injecting my stomach 3x a week and didn't like the thought. Hell, that's 4 injections a week(inc. test)! Gotta do what you gotta do I suppose.

[bass]

for me its 5 injection a week, and thanks God its not IM injections!

[fit2bOld]

Yup I'll mention it to the doc next appt. I would've split it up but I was only sent limited syringes.

Feeling good! Perhaps my endurance is better due to the test? I up and ran 2 miles yesterday after being cardio stagnant for months. Normally, I'd be dead at 1 mile.

I uploaded my pics in the original post and check out that bruise! what bf% do I look?

You can buy all the syringes you want online no questions asked Big Max.

[BigMax88]

I prefer IM versus stomach fat. I can just ask for more syringes from the doc. I see her tomorrow, will update! btw, just got back from beasting my chest workout. Never in my life have I felt so good and recover so fast.

[BigMax88]

Went to the clinic today and I'm a little disappointed. We went over my initial bloodwork and talked a bit about hcg . My vitamin D level was great. Cortisol levels were low. Thyroid level was low. Something along the lines of 3.3 (T4 - T3 or something like that). Said it should be higher but didn't want to give me thyroid meds because I'd become "skin and bones." I'll wait and see how the TRT affects my thyroid. Also, she didn't want to do 2 week follow up blood work. She said as long as I don't have any symptoms, that we'll do bloodwork 4 months from now in March. That kind of pissed me off because I want to know for sure how my test and estrogen levels are. I figured, since my ins. covers all lab tests, that I'll call her tomorrow and request a follow-up bw and get it done. My erections are weak and I'm concerned my e2 levels aren't right... not really sure if estrogen is the culprit.

Oh, and about the 2,000 IU hcg shots. She said "there's no statistical evidence/studies that show lesser/split dosage is better." What do you guys make of that? Is Crisler's protocol the best? I really would like to optimize my hormone levels.

[bass]

Went to the clinic today and I'm a little disappointed. We went over my initial bloodwork and talked a bit about hcg . My vitamin D level was great. Cortisol levels were low. Thyroid level was low. Something along the lines of 3.3 (T4 - T3 or something like that). Said it should be higher but didn't want to give me thyroid meds because I'd become "skin and bones." I'll wait and see how the TRT affects my thyroid. Also, she didn't want to do 2 week follow up blood work. She said as long as I don't have any symptoms, that we'll do bloodwork 4 months from now in March. That kind of pissed me off because I want to know for sure how my test and estrogen levels are. I figured, since my ins. covers all lab tests, that I'll call her tomorrow and request a follow-up bw and get it done. My erections are weak and I'm concerned my e2 levels aren't right... not really sure if estrogen is the culprit.

Oh, and about the 2,000 IU hcg shots. She said "there's no statistical evidence/studies that show lesser/split dosage is better." What do you guys make of that? Is Crisler's protocol the best? I really would like to optimize my hormone levels.

well i am a living proof! i went from 500 iu twice a week to 300 iu three times a week and made a huge difference! sorry about the rest of your appointment situation. yes DEMAND specific tests, don't let them tell you what you need or don't need, if you have good enough reason to check for something then its your right to ask for it.

[Brohim]

I'm with BASS. All of the research Ive read say's to split dose. And only inject over 1,000IU (at one time) if your trying to restimulate the testicles. You aren't doing that just getting them to not atrophy. I would do 300 EOD, 2,000 seems excessive.

And 4 month's seems like a long time in between blood work if your just starting trt. 4 week's sounds better. You need to monitor e2 at least. If not you can bump it up to 2mg per week if you feel you are holding water.

[BigMax88]

Ok guys, not too much to update on. I had the flu all of the sudden one day, and 3 days later I'm back to normal. That was the quickest recovery I've ever had. Not saying I can attribute that to anything. I've been feeling pre-TRT lately(only my 3rd week lol, kinda silly to say). Kinda unmotivated, meh feeling. Rather lay in bed than hit the gym lol. My erections are great, ejaculation is much more difficult(low E2??). I don't know the symptoms of high or low estrogen. I don't mind the prolonged ejaculation, but how does high/low e2 affect mood and energy? I need to figure out if I need more A.I. or less. I'm leaving town for a month, so maybe I can ask the doc for a bit more A.I. to try. Any suggestions?

Sigh... time to go and do squats. Not expecting to feel so lethargic. I know it's a matter of time to tune my hormones right.

Also, I'm going to try and slip in a follow up bw test this tuesday.

[bass]

Ok guys, not too much to update on. I had the flu all of the sudden one day, and 3 days later I'm back to normal. That was the quickest recovery I've ever had. Not saying I can attribute that to anything. I've been feeling pre-TRT lately(only my 3rd week lol, kinda silly to say). Kinda unmotivated, meh feeling. Rather lay in bed than hit the gym lol. My erections are great, ejaculation is much more difficult(low E2??). I don't know the symptoms of high or low estrogen. I don't mind the prolonged ejaculation, but how does high/low e2 affect mood and energy? I need to figure out if I need more A.I. or less. I'm leaving town for a month, so maybe I can ask the doc for a bit more A.I. to try. Any suggestions?

Sigh... time to go and do squats. Not expecting to feel so lethargic. I know it's a matter of time to tune my hormones right.

Also, I'm going to try and slip in a follow up bw test this tuesday.

regarding ejaculation, i too been experiencing prolonged ejaculation, all the other symptoms are great, just takes longer. before i used to work hard to prolong ejaculation, now i work hard to get there, but the feeling is still the same at the end. i just wonder what is causing it and what can be done about it?!

[dfwo]

regarding ejaculation, i too been experiencing prolonged ejaculation, all the other symptoms are great, just takes longer. before i used to work hard to prolong ejaculation, now i work hard to get there, but the feeling is still the same at the end. i just wonder what is causing it and what can be done about it?!

I've noticed this same thing. except for sometimes not getting there at all, which is frustrating.

[--->>405<<---]

i've noticed this same thing. Except for sometimes not getting there at all, which is frustrating.

that would really suck.. Used to be for me the only time that happened i was too drunk to care

[BigMax88]

Ok here are some updates and concerns:

Updates

• Increased A.I. dose. Previous routine was every other day, take 0.5mg. That's 1.5mg total in the span(6 days) for each test shot. Now, I still do every other day, but the first and last of those days I double my dose. So, my total dose per 6 days is 2.5mg.
• I haven't been the strictest with weight training lately. I peaked with my lifts around 2008 and have lost a bit since then. All of the sudden, I'm lifting more than I was during my peak. I feel physically stronger and look forward to beasting squats.

Concerns

• What do you think of the new A.I. schedule? I automatically though of taking 0.5mg everyday, but don't know how that works with the general balance of things.
• I'm not feeling much better and this worries me. I'm still exhausted by the end of the day. I have to fight hard to muster the will power to get my ass to the gym. At the gym, I feel blahhh and don't want to do a good workout. Wtf?

So, how long does the new A.I. dosage take to kick in? It's only been two days so far and no change.

From past experience of seeing others on TRT, where do you expect my levels to be at right now? That's 200mg every 6 days(NOT every week. That would be every 7 days! That means I can sneak in that extra shot during the month), 2,000IU HCG 2 days before test shot(working on getting those extra needles to split dose) and 2.5mg A.I.??

Overall, the only thing that has changed is my strength and that could be attributed to the massive amount of junk food I've been consuming lately(stopping that malarkey). I'm very disappointed but I know it's only been a month.

Also, with the holidays upon us, how much does having a few beers affect my levels? Is it temporary, e.g. my estrogen rises that night but gets back to normal the next day or two?

Happy holidays and New Year!

[Brohim]

Your bloods will peak at 4 weeks. Might have to work on finding the right AI amount.

[Brohim]

Any update Mr. Max?

[BigMax88]

Hello!!! Long time no post haha. Sorry! Anyways, I started TRT on 12/3/2011 and it's 3/15/2012 today. Thus, I've been on TRT for roughly 3 months. Here's where I'm at right now, and I think it's impressive.

-- My strength increases quite easily even when cutting. My lifts have gone up a lot.
Currently: Bench 305 lb x 1, Squat 245 lb x 5, DB shoulder press 90 x 5, deadlift 275 x 6, DB curl 55 x 5

-- I've quit smoking cigarettes and pot. Quit drinking alcohol this past 2 weeks (and the future). I've been cutting for a month, and most results came within the past 2 weeks. I use livestrong.com/myplate to count calories exactly (i weigh everything!).

-- Follow up blood test is on 3/30/2012. It's coming up. Erections aren't rock hard so I'm very interested in my levels. That's my primary concern lol.

-- I think my facial hair is increasing it's follicles. Somewhat noticeable.

Weight: 190lb (5 lb loss)
BF %: ?? help me out here

Here are before and after pictures. Tell me whatcha think! Thanks

Oh, and by the way I'm just getting started feels so good to be in shape!