New Member First Post: Need Advice!

[godawgs50]

I was just recently diagnosed with Low T and could really use some help! I have been researching on this site for the last month and I have to say the wealth of advice and knowledge here is awesome! A little about me...I am 32 years old, 6'3" 225. My initial blood work came back with extremely low T at (18.4 ngl). FH at .1 and FSH at .2. Estrogen levels were in normal range. PSA came back completely normal. The first doctor put me on 2 pumps of Androgel 1.62 per day (which I have done for a month). After researching here for a month I realized that this doctor was not very knowledgeable so I have since found a new HRT clinic this week and I think I am on the right track. New blood test this week showed that the gel only increased my T levels to 332. The estrogen levels stayed in the normal range. This doctor has recommended the switch to the following routine and I was looking for some ideas/thoughts on the new plan.

Test C: start at 150mg a week injections...blood test after 4 weeks to determine if this needs to be increased or decreased...his goal is to keep me between 750-850 total T year round.

HCG : 250 iu twice a week...once the day before my Test injection and once the day of my Test injection.

Arimidex as needed based on my sensitivity and estrogen reaction. Blood test after 4th injection to determine if needed and how much. Doctor wants to keep it in range...not too low or too high.

Blood tests every 3 months year round to constantly monitor levels.

I already have a MRI scheduled to make sure there are no underlying problems with the low LH/FSH. Doctor thinks this is a VERY low possibility but wants to be safe. More then likely he said I ruined my feedback loop with usage of prohormones a long time ago and two stupid anavar cycles with no PCT.

Questions:

1) Does this seem like a knowledgeable and effective plan? Any advice to make it better?
2) Obviously I realize that TRT is for life but what about the HCG? Is this something I should do year round continuously? Should this be cycled? A little weary of being so young and having to do this for the rest of my life with no real long term studies on its effects.
3) There is a pattern of baldness in my family and I am showing some beginning signs that I fear could worsen quickly now that I am on Test injections. I have filled a prescription for Finasteride (5mg). How much and when should I take this? Is there a minimum amount I can take to slow the hair loss down while mimimizing any negative side effects? Have read so many negative posts about this drug again I am concerned with its usage.

Sorry for the long post! Im an extreme newbie and I just want to make sure I move forward into this stage of my life in the safest and most effective manner possible. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[socalfun64]

Godawgs50,

Welcome to the forum! This is the best place to be for all kinds of health issues relating to TRT. After reading you post, what I would add, and much more knowledgeable people will tell you more, is to us HCG 3x a week. I have been researching just this for a few weeks now and have been using it for a week now. It seems that most people are using it 3x a week, something like Mon, Wed, Friday. It has made me feel so much better than just the Testosterone by itself.
Also, your Dr. seems on the ball to me, and has given you a great program.
Best of luck Bro!

[freshmaker]

I have found that splitting my dose into 75 twice a week makes for a much smoother ride. This will smooth out the levels and keep the estrogen conversion down quite a bit, so I am told. So far my e2 levels are perfect.

I take propecia, which is supposed to counter any hair loss issues. I was already taking it (it works!) so it's not something I did in response to the trt, but will be staying on it. It's good for the prostate as well.

[godawgs50]

Thanks for the heads up! It's much appreciated! The finasteride that I got is 5mg. Any recommendations on dosage?

[kelkel]

Godawgs,

1. Yes it does. Your doc seems to be on top of things. Nice to see one right off the bat that appears knowledgeable. Agree with the MRI to rule in/out pituitary adenomas.
2. Yes, HCG year round. Read the sticky at the top of our forum which explains it in depth so I won't be redundant here.
3. Gel will raise DHT levels more so than injectables will. I've experienced it personally. Your DHT level will drop significantly on injections. Most just don't get a baseline pre TRT DHT level. Mine went from about 140 to 75-80 in a month when I switched. Test turns to DHT everywhere in the body except muscle via the 5 Alpha Reductase Enzyme. 5AR has a high concentration in the scalp. So, if your prone to hair loss adding Test can speed it up. Adding Fina I think is a crap shoot. You've googled it so you're aware.

Don't apologize for the post. It is well written and informative. Posting full BW with ranges is the only thing missing. Yes you are young but imagine if you didn't have access to TRT. That would be much more to worry about.

Welcome to the forum and update this thread with your decisions and progress please.

[keep fightin]

KelKel ^^^ is as always, right on the money. freshmaker is right about splitting the dose up, not all here, but most report a better ride with this protocol, sure made me feel better.

[GFA]

You may wan to try hcg mono therapy since you are young and if you are planning on having kids it will maintain your fertility. There was a recent thread with someone that managed to restart his HTPA using hcg for a few rounds.

After his last round of HCG his total test was 900 after stopping treatment. He too used prohormones.

[steroid.com 1]

Thanks for the heads up! It's much appreciated! The finasteride that I got is 5mg. Any recommendations on dosage?

Before you start Finasteride I seriously urge you to see these series of videos (one from Dr. John Crisler) on the effects of this hormone. This drug can seriously screw you up in a very bad way.

Go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEGCTMtlgoc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nXWVTStnHs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZsgCQ2-ZS8

[doc w]

Before you start Finasteride I seriously urge you to see these series of videos (one from Dr. John Crisler) on the effects of this hormone. This drug can seriously screw you up in a very bad way.

Go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEGCTMtlgoc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nXWVTStnHs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZsgCQ2-ZS8

Strongly agree with above. I took dutasteride for three months which is the stronger version. Lowering dht can cause depression, gynecomastia and impair fat loss and cause loss of libido. I'm still trying to rid myself of chesticles.

[ironbeck]

Nice avatar social

[godawgs50]

Thanks for the advice! I was already weary of using the finasteride and you guys confirmed it for me! Its great to have a forum where someone new to the game can get helpful and useful advice. I am going to shelf the prescription for now and try some other alternatives. I haven't noticed any thinning of the hair yet so maybe I will be the "one" lucky male family member who keeps their hair!

[manonfire]

Goddawg make sure you listen to Kelkel, he is very knowlegeable in this field.. His posts have helped me. Your doc seems to be dialed in, maybe I should have my airhead doctor speak to him.

[zaggahamma]

Nice avatar social

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