It was suggested that when I first posted that I had been diagnosed with low testosterone levels, and had the majority of the symptoms, and posted the results of the BW that I had gotten done, that I should post updates to what was happening.
I also asked if others who were on TRT had successfully had their Doctors increase the frequency of their testosterone injections.
So first off, I'll repost part of my original post, which includes the BW results, then the update.
Excerpt from original post to give some background story information:
I was diagnosed with severely low total testosterone (40.3 ng/dl from a range of 241 - 827 ng/dl), so my Dr. prescribed test -cyp injections .
I had my first injection of 150 mg on Feb 23rd, but am not scheduled to receive my next one until March 15th. At the time of my initial injection , I discussed the fact that most TRT recipients, seem to get the best results from weekly, or even 2x, or 3x per week injections to keep a more balanced, and sustained level of testosterone , instead of extreme peaks, and crashes.
My Doctor told me that because I'm using a depo-testosterone , it's a slow release type, so there is no need for a shorter injection criteria. But she did say we could discuss it more on my next visit.
I had follow up BW done a week after that initial injection , and my results were:
Total Testosterone : 11.5 pmol/L from a range of 8.4 - 28.7 pmol/L Which converts to 331.4 ng/dl from a range of 241 - 827 ng/dl. A bit higher than my initial reading, but still significantly low.
Estradiol: 178 pmol/L from a range of < 156 pmol/L OR converted... a result of 48.5 pg/ml from a range of <42 pg/ml.
The lab (B.C. BioMedical Labs) used the Roche - Electrochemiluminescence method of testing. I told them I wanted the sensitive assay for males Estradiol test , but they informed me that the Roche - Electro... was the only test they use.
PSA: 0.38 ug/L from a range of <4.01 ug/L.
So it's clear that my estradiol level is way too high, and I'm going to discuss an A.I. with my Dr. My test level has gone up, but still far too low for my liking. (I still feel like crap, no energy, no motivation, tired, depressed, no strength, etc), but at least my PSA level seems to be fine.
I am 52 years old, a type 2 diabetic, and yes, obese. But my blood sugars are well in control, and I am losing weight. (I've lost 21 lbs. since Jan 6th).
Update:
Well I had my second test-cyp injection on March 15th, but it didn't give me the same level of overall energy, and vigor that the original shot did.
I still wasn't able to convince my Dr., despite informing her on information from Dr. Crisler, to increase my injections to a minimum of once a week, preferably twice weekly, and possibly doing them sub-Q.
However I did manage to convince her to up the frequency at least from the previous 3 weeks between shots, to 2 weeks between injections.
I also asked about an A.I. since my estradiol level is so high, and mentioned the fact that since it is that high, a lot of the testosterone I am injecting, is being converted into estrogen, thus I'm not getting the full benefit of the testosterone, so until my estrogen levels go down, or at the least I can prevent the obvious abundance of aromatase enzyme that I have from converting testosterone to estrogen, and then having that estrogen bind itself to my androgen receptors, I'm basically just throwing whatever money I'm spending on the testosterone-cypionate out the window. But she wouldn't prescribe an A.I.
She did though make me an appointment with an endocrinologist, who happens to also be my diabetes Dr. She discussed the possibility of an A.I. with him, but he said because of my obesity, my E2 levels would go down if I lose weight. DUHHHH!!
But, it would more than likely take me 6 months to a year (if not longer) to lose enough bodyfat...esp around the abdomen, in order for my E2 levels to get down to "proper" levels, and I don't feel like waiting that long for it to do so!
Also, since my E2 levels are so high, and it's still causing me to have low testosterone levels, and still feel like crap, have no energy, no motivation, depression etc, I don't have the energy, or desire to exercise, or work out, which would help lose the weight.
However it's been well documented that when test levels go up, along with keeping E2 at a proper level, this will in fact usually help burn bodyfat.
But for some reason my Dr. can't seem to understand this, and won't help me get my E2 levels down A.S.A.P.
But I do have my first appointment with my Endo on Monday, so I'm going to try and convince him, and explain to him, what I just mentioned above. Why should I have to wait 6 - 12 months, if not longer in order for my bodyfat to get down low enough that it causes my E2 levels to lower, thus allowing me to reap the benefits of the testosterone I'm injecting, when a simple A.I. would more than likely get the job done MUCH FASTER, or at least would prevent the testosterone from being converted to estrogen and thus I would in all probability lose the bodyfat much quicker because I would actually feel like working out, and exercising!
To me it seems like a no brainer.
I'm also going to mention Dr. Crisler to him, and his suggestion of a minimum or weekly injections.
Hopefully at least something positive will come out of all of this.
I apologize for the lengthy post/update, but I wanted to give as much information that I possibly can.
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Originally Posted by killergoalie
