43 years old on HRT for about 4 weeks- Lives in Taiwan so diet can be an issue

[vetvso]

I moved this over here from the cycle forum Sorry!

I am new to posting here, but thought I would share my experience, and what results/problems have occurred.

First of all I am 43 and have been weight lifting since I was a teenager. However with my travel schedule over the years it became very difficult and downright impossible at times.

While working in Alaska several years ago I started feeling bad and exhausted but needed to continue working anyway. I went to the doctor and asked for testosterone blood test. All I was told was that it was normal. I did my own research and also discovered my D3 was most likely very low as well. The D3 helped but not totally.

Fast forward to this year July here in Taiwan; I did the same blood work up and much more. My test results where 194, and that was very low.

Started first testosterone cycle after very the low blood work and it has been about 4 weeks now. I still feel tired, and have loss some muscle strength/endurance in the Gym. My weight (265pds )is too high now and it is effecting my blood pressure. I believe I have water weight due to increase in estrogen binding to the test but am unsure if I should use a estrogen blocker.

I also would like to raise my HGH up with a peptide stimulator along with Test, estrogen blocker, and maybe a T3 medication.

If some has some helpful information I would appreciate it.


9/17/2012

ACTH 15.30 pg/ml <46
Cortisol 6.80 ug/dL 7-9AM: 4.3-22.4 ug/dL 3-5PM 3.1 - 16.7 ug/dl
Testosterone 192.00 ng/dl M:241-827 F:14-76
PRL(Prolactin) 13.17 ng/mL 2.58-18.12
LH 2.68 mIU/m 1.26 - 10.05
Free T4 1.13 ng/dl 0.71-1.48
TSH 1.0010 uIU/ml 0.35-4.94
FSH 2.51mIU/m M:0.95-11.95

10/16/2012
Testosterone 584.00 ng/dl M:241-827
HGH 0.022 M:0.003-0.971

HRT Looks like
9/17 200mg injection
10/8 200mg injection
10/15 blood test
10/22 200mg injection

9/6/2012
Blood examination
Hb 13.7 13.0-18.0 gm/dL
Ht 39.6 40.0-54.0 %
RBC 4.56 4.50-5.70 X10^6/uL
MCV 87.0 80.0-98.0 fl
MCHC 34.5 32.0-36.0 %
Platetet 306 140-450
WBC 6.10 4.0-10.0
Blood biochemistry
Liver Function
SGOT 23 15-41u/L
SGPT 29 14-40 U/L
Renal function
BUN 8 8-20 mg/dl
Creatinine 0.8 0.4-1.2 mg/dl
Uric Acid 6.8 4.4-7.6 mg/dl
Plasma Glucose
Glucose AC 95 70-99 mg/dl
Lipid
Total Cholesterol 224 130-200 mg/dl
Triglyceride 178 35-150 mg/dl
Serology test
Tumor markers
AFP 2.24 1.09-8.04 ng/ml

OK I have a few Urinaliyis that I will post later. I was working 16-18hr days for months and I think I totaly screwed my body up. I have been resting better for several months but the weight never came off; but some strenth in the gym has returned to early 2011 levels.
What blocker do you reccomend? what do you think about the T4 and HGH levels? I will go train in about an hr and see how it goes.


From the cycle forum Kel & austinite suggested the following:

1. First. Your injection protocol needs to be weekly at a minimum. Test has a half life of app 5-7 days influenced by your metabolism. So, you need to drop your dose to arguably 100mg per week. For even more stable levels of T I'd recommend splitting that 100mg to 50mg every 3.5 days. Less injected = less spike in E = less AI needed. Makes sense, right?

2.You also need to have your E2 tested with a sensitive assay specific to males to find out where you are. E follows T so as your T rises so does your E. Also the higher BF level you have the more T you will turn to E. The aromatase enzyme lives in the skin with a high preponderance in stomach fat.

3.Do you happen to know your IFG-1 Level as well? And like Austin said. Come over to the HRT Forum and hang out. Read all the stickies there. It's really where you should be. The education value there is high.

4. Consider an Estrogen blocker

I am wondering what type of blocker should be used, and should I consider raising my HGH levels?

[vetvso]

From my 9/6 health check
Urinalysis results:

Specific Gravity 1.022 1.002-1.030

pH 6.0 5.0-9.0
Urobilinogen 0.2 <1.0
RBC 3 0-3
WBC 0 0-5
Epithelial cell 0 no range
No blood in stool

[vetvso]

I can get any blood test that is available here and so far that is everything. So if someone thinks I should check something please let know.

[vetvso]

Does anyone carry several pds of water since TRT? It seems to raise my blood pressure.

[vetvso]

I have learned allot here and hope to learn more. Due to Spam filter issues I cannot add additional information yet.

Update for week 5: T200every two weeks

Yesterday I was able to rekindle my workout. Best in years, and strength was improved during my Arm's work out day. I have noticed calf strength improvements in power as well.
1. Kept a low carb diet this week with one cheat on my birthday.
2. My weight has increased from 265-267.8
3. My blood pressure is stable but high even with pills
4. Water weight seems to have increased (most likely causes blood pressure issues) I assume my E2 levels are high
5. I think my E2 levels are rising but won’t have another test for 1.5 weeks
6. I hope to have E blocker next week to add to the mix.

[vetvso]

Plan for Week 6: E2 blocker and HGH enhancer

1. No test next week, will add blocker next week when they arrive.
2. I need another protein meal that is not raw tuna. The salt in the soy sauce will not help my blood pressure.
3. Increase my leg workout if the energy and strength is there.

The spam software is limiting my ability to create a proper logg.

[vetvso]

Week 6ay 1 update

My cardio workout is exploding I just cannot stop the wind sprints and ran a 2k extra. Since my body is not ideal I was vey surprised, and I do sweat more than usual when I exercise these days.

I hope my packages come soon

[jamotech]

Subscribed!

[vetvso]

I think it might be the zinc helping block E2 levels, but I am unsure. I should post my supplements I guess.

[vetvso]

Week 6.2

Work out stalled today seems like on an empty stomach I just don’t have it. I have lost two pounds this week so far and am unsure if it is water, fat or both. Still waiting on my AI medication and take the following daily along with Test every two weeks until I have a dose change next week.

When I first went on Test I gained some weight from 263 to 269. Today I was back down to 265.8 I believe I am loosing water weight and some fat since I increased my cardio, but I am unsure.

Zinc 22.5mg – with B1,B2,B6,Folic Acid
Muliple Vitamine with Zinc 15mg
Niacin 500mg with Calcium 56mg
D-3 400IU
B-12 500mcg
Vitamin E 400 IU
Ginkgo Biioba 60mg
Garlic 1000mg
Easy C time release 500mg with Thiamin 0.75mg, Riboflavin 0.85mg, Niacin 10mg, B-6 1mg, Folic acid 200mcg, b-12 3mcg, Biotin 150 mcg, Calcium 50 mg, Zinc 7.5mg
Amino 1000 GNC brand
Chromium Picolinate 200mcg

[austinite]

Be sure to take Vitamin E at the same time as your EFA's.

[vetvso]

EFA = essential fatty acid

So should I seperate my Vitimin E to go with meals of Fish (EFA'S) for example?

[austinite]

Yes. Always with EFA to protect fatty acids.

[vetvso]

Here is a major diet question. I live in Taiwan and have to eat out every day.

So how bad is white rice and noodles, I mean they are everywhere, fish ok not a problem here but pork I am not a fan.

I eat sushi and sushimi alot since I need the protien, but I worry about the white rice.

[vetvso]

Test 200mg every two weeks + Semorelin every day 0.45 CC
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg for E2 blocker

Weight 265pds no change other than coming down little by little since I gained weight from the test.

I rested Thursday and Friday except for my small exploration during those two days here.

Today I was not feeling well but managed a decent work out anyway.

Sleeping better since starting Semorelin.

[Brazensol]

Don't forget to increase your copper when you supplement with zinc. A 25:1 (zinc:copper) is the norm.

[BuzzardMarinePumper]

Delete

[Brohim]

Try 100mg every week instead of 200mg every 2 weeks. IT will help with your E2 level and blood will be more stable.

[BuzzardMarinePumper]

I am a new member and not a pro on anything other than survivle. 53 on TRT with Test level of (78) . One thing that I have always had work for me anytime I was around Test was water saturation and I mean a gal + even 2 gals a day and you will loose 10 lbs of excess fluid in 6 weeks and you will notice fluid loose in your fingers in like 10 days ie. rings are geetting big and it takes the full 6 weeks to start to see a very noticable loose of fluid in your face but keep drinking it will cause you body to dump fluids and that is all a natural effect of you brain / body thinking to much water not dehydrated to much water dump fluids . I have found this to work for me and I can set you clock to the time period of 6 weeks and always a good 10lb loose of fluid FOR ME .

[vetvso]

Test 200mg every two weeks + Semorelin every day 0.45 CC
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg for E2 blocker Just starting again today due to major illness.

Weight 265pds on 11/3 11/10 was 260pds I caught major flu that turned into Bacteria infection in my lungs. So no training since last Monday and resting until I recover. I am starting my suppliments again today.

[vetvso]

Test 200mg every two weeks + Semorelin every day 0.45 CC
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid
Weight 11/12 262pds Bacteria infection in my lungs.

OK added Clomid today and was able to have a very light session today at the Gym. Breathing was painful but better, and I noticed the effects from the Test and Clomid tonight. I think the fever was limiting everything. Next week I will be starting the test every week, and at 100mg.

I notice better sleep with Semorelin for sure, and some extra energy.

[vetvso]

Week 8.4
Test 200mg every two weeks + Semorelin every day 0.45 CC
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid
Weight 11/14 263pds

Clomid seems to be working some however I have not noticed to much change. Although blood pressure is lower theses days.
Starting the test will be every week, and at 100mg.

I notice better sleep with Semorelin for sure, and some extra energy.
Due to lack of proper breathing due to illness my workout has been limited but improving little by little every day.

[vetvso]

Week 9.1
Test 100mg every week + Semorelin every day 0.45 CC
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid 50mg
Weight 11/18 263pds no change

Work outs are getting better, and my sleep has improved greatly. I can tell the clomid is helping some although unsure how much. My blood pressure has been going down slowly, and this has helped. I am considering switching to HGH, but will order and decide later.

[vetvso]

Week 9.3
Test 100mg every week + Semorelin every day 0.45 CC
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid 50mg
Weight 11/18 260pds loss 3pds in 24hrs must have been holding water.

Work outs are great and at this rate I will be back to my 2010 levels in 30 days or less. For me this combination is working very well, and other than cancerns about my metabolism buring to fast now, and retaining all muscle that I have things are great.

Also I am wondering if calf injections can help bring back my loss of muscle tissue there since this area needs more muscle and for years I have not had any success there. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

Also I am considering running a cycle of HGH next month since the Semorelin does work, but I would like a stronger response, and will cycle with a 3 on 1 off with Semorelin. I may also need a copper suppliment from somewhere?

[vetvso]

Week 9.7
Test 100mg every week + Semorelin every day 0.45 CC
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid 50mg
Weight 11/24 260.2pds BF is ?? but going down

Leg Press is rising again now up to 230K best since 2010 so I am seeing improvments in most areas. My calfs seem stronger but now have no large muscle there anymore, and it does impact my incline walking. I have changed my calf workouts from 1 to 3 times per week and lowered my max reps to 6 with heavy weight; I will see how it works out. I may do calf injections once I can for 3 months if this does not work.

There does not seem to be any copper supplement in Taiwan.

[vetvso]

Week 10.4
Test 100mg every week + Semorelin every day 0.45 CC
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid 50mg
Weight 11/24 261.2pds BF is ?? but going down

1. Muscle pump has increased
2. Strength is increasing but some days I just don’t seem to have it.
3. I am considering lowering my Test to 50mg or 1/2cc per week assuming my numbers are higher with AI running now. I will go get my test results soon.
4. BF does seem to be lowering however My weight is holding in the 260-261 range.

Should I still take 30 days on test at 12 weeks as planned?

[vetvso]

Week 11.2
Test 100mg every week + Semorelin every day 0.45 CC + HCG 1/2CC
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid 50mg
Weight 12/03 263pds BF is ?? but going down

1. Muscle pump has increased
2. Strength is stable but some days I just don’t seem to have it.
3. Arm and shoulder BF is lower

Plan on taking off Test after 12weeks for 4 weeks off I will run HCG 1/2 CC every 3-4 days plus HGH 1CC per week + Zinc and suppliments.

[lovbyts]

Any improvement is good. Dont worry about it happening all at once. It's a marathon, not a sprint and a life style, not a fad. I know it seems to take forever but after about 6 months you will start to notice more changes and they will start coming faster and faster, just keep it up.

You might want to add in Micronized DHEA and Pregnenolone. Gdvince has a nice write up on it.

[vetvso]

Any improvement is good. Dont worry about it happening all at once. It's a marathon, not a sprint and a life style, not a fad. I know it seems to take forever but after about 6 months you will start to notice more changes and they will start coming faster and faster, just keep it up.

You might want to add in Micronized DHEA and Pregnenolone. Gdvince has a nice write up on it.

Yes I do take DHEA 25mg but cannot find Pregneolone or copper suppliments, and my mid section has grown some. Over hear some items are difficult to get and have large lead times.

[vetvso]

Week 11.6
HCG 1/2CC+Semorelin 1/2CC 2-3 times per week.
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid 10mg
Weight 12/08 262.8pds BF is ?? but going down

1. Muscle pump has increased
2. Strength is stable but some days I just don’t seem to have it.
3. Arm and shoulder BF is lower
4. Running New Workout "Reload" this week for 8 weeks. Then Deload for 2 weeks, and restart Test again.
5. No test for 2-4 weeks once I recover with HCG.

[vetvso]

Week 13.6
HCG 1/2CC+Semorelin 1/2CC 2-3 times per week.
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid 10mg all out and on orderWeight 12/22 259.0pds
BF is ?? but going down I can notice slight change and others have noticed recently.

1. Muscle pump has increased
2. Strength is lower now but some days I just don’t seem to have it.
3. Arm and shoulder BF is lower
4. Running New Workout "Reload" this week for 8 weeks. Then Deload for 2 weeks, and restart Test again. I have been on this for 2 weeks now. It is a very hard work out style but I have stuck with it so far.
5. No test for 2-4 weeks once I recover with HCG. I started back again today since I have noticed it is dificult to retain muscle again. I hope the HCG can protect me this time since it was very Painful.

[vetvso]

Week 15.1
Test 100mg/Week HCG 1/2CC+Semorelin 1/2CC 2-3 times per week.
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid 10mg 12/30 263.0pds
BF is ?? but going down I can notice slight change and others have noticed recently.

1. Muscle pump has increased
2. Strength is coming back with test again.
3. Arm and shoulder BF is lower, Arms are much bigger, and I am increasing cardio to limit growth and reduce water weight from test.
4. Running New Workout "Reload" this week for 8 weeks. Then Deload for 2 weeks, and restart Test again. I have been on this for 4 weeks now. Very hard workout for me.
5. Funny thing is my weight stays in the same range, but overall I can see positive changes.

[vetvso]

Week 17.1
Test 100mg/Week HCG 1/2CC+Semorelin 1/2CC 2-3 times per week.
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid 10mg

01/13 263.0pds no change

BF is 29?? I dont know for sure and they dont have the equipment. I may need to order something to be sure. I can tell I am toning up but with Test I have great muscle gains so my fat is replaced with muscle and some water gains from the test for sure. I hit 257 once while off test for 2 weeks. I used HCG during that time daily and my pains below went away.

1. Muscle pump is stable
2. Strength is back.
3. Arm and shoulder BF is lower, Arms are much bigger ( I do like the BF reductions but would prefer they speed up at my stomache area)
4. Getting bored on Reload 12 reps per set for 4-5 sets. I have stayed with it for a few weeks now. It really does work but now my shoulders are getting bigger than I prefer since my shirts are tight on top now.
5. Weight stays in a range of about 260 - 264
6. My E2 was 24 last November so my vitamins may be all I needed. I will check again soon since I have clomid now.

[vetvso]

Sorry last trip back to the states I picked up Pregnenolone and I now take is daily chewable form.

[testluva]

Week 17.1
Test 100mg/Week HCG 1/2CC+Semorelin 1/2CC 2-3 times per week.
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid 10mg

01/13 263.0pds no change

BF is 29?? I dont know for sure and they dont have the equipment. I may need to order something to be sure. I can tell I am toning up but with Test I have great muscle gains so my fat is replaced with muscle and some water gains from the test for sure. I hit 257 once while off test for 2 weeks. I used HCG during that time daily and my pains below went away.

1. Muscle pump is stable
2. Strength is back.
3. Arm and shoulder BF is lower, Arms are much bigger ( I do like the BF reductions but would prefer they speed up at my stomache area)
4. Getting bored on Reload 12 reps per set for 4-5 sets. I have stayed with it for a few weeks now. It really does work but now my shoulders are getting bigger than I prefer since my shirts are tight on top now.
5. Weight stays in a range of about 260 - 264
6. My E2 was 24 last November so my vitamins may be all I needed. I will check again soon since I have clomid now.

This will help you determine your body fat %

[vetvso]

Week 17.7
Test 100mg/Week HCG 1/2CC+Semorelin 1/2CC 2-3 times per week.
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid 10mg + Pregnenolone 30mg

01/19 265.0pds
BF is 28-32% range estimated based on photos?? I think I was very close to 35% but with more muscle.

Gained 2pds of water due to test and HCG.

1. Muscle pump is stable
2. Strength is back with gains increased @ bench and squats gaining when I check.
3. Need to find a tape measure for accurate recording of stomache area, I think military tape test would be close for BF test.
4. I have 4 weeks of reload then will deload for 2 weeks.

[vetvso]

This will help you determine your body fat %

Thank you this was very helpful!

[vetvso]

OK According to the US Army Tape test my BF is 33% I think this is very close. Now I have a base line to continue to check too.

[vetvso]

Week 18.6
Test 100mg/Week HCG 1/2CC+Semorelin 1/2CC 2-3 times per week.
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid 10mg + Pregnenolone 30mg

01/25 262.7pds
BF is 33% range estimated based on US Army Tape Test and photos.

1. Muscle pump is stable
2. bench and squats are helping build mass quicker.
3. Waist 47inch Neck 18inch
4. Skin looks different on stomache much looser. I suppose I could be burning fat faster than my skin can tighten up.
5. I was able to fit in a few extra workouts this week so managed 5 days with 1 double day.

[vetvso]

Week 21.6
Test 100mg/Week HCG 1/2CC+Semorelin 1/2CC 2-3 times per week.
Multiple Vitamins see above + Zinc 100mg + Clomid 10mg + Pregnenolone 30mg

02/15 258.0pds weight is down but I have been sick and eating less.
BF is 33% range estimated based on US Army Tape Test and photos.

1. Muscle pump is stable
2. bench 230 and squats 240, leg press 440 Cannot go much higher until I get a belt to protect my back and a neck cover cushion.
3. Waist 47inch Neck 18inch no change.
4. I have not seen much of a change in my waist however I have to stare at it.
5. Recovering from flu again so I have had setbacks
6. Dose schedule is off from flu