Some questions about Testosterone v HCG

I would like to raise my T from 3.28 ng/ml to a more ideal value like 7-8, so it seems I will need some kind of HRT.

I have read the FAQs but I am still unclear about some things:

1) Taking T directly has been said to shut down the body's own T production, and also to affect fertility (both of which I would like to avoid). Is this true for the amount I would need to take? I am not a body builder and not trying to achieve T levels which are beyond a normal range.

2) Should I be considering HCG instead? Why does anyone take T directly if HCG is safer?

Yes, exogenous test will eventually shut your HPTA down. Which is why HCG is run along with it to keep you somewhat functioning.
You can surely try HCG but long term the subjective benefits of Bio-Identical Test is more effective.

What are your stats? Age, BF%, etc. and do you know why you are low? Many things can cause low T and are correctable.

My stats:

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Age: 42
BF: 12-15%
Testosterone : 3.28 (normal range is 2.6-11)
T free: 9.66 (normal range for my age 8-36)
LH: 2.94 (normal range 1.9-9.4)
Estradiol : 41 (normal range 15-47)
IGF-1: 141 (normal range 160-318)
FT4: 10.98 (normal range 10-22)
PSA free/PSA total ratio: 25.3% (normal range 15-20%)

The following were all normal: T4, FT3, TSH, FSH, Prolactin

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As you can see, my LH is quite low and my E2 is quite high, so perhaps that explains my T level.

Is there a guide as to how to dose T along with HCG? I don't have access to English-speaking doctors here so i am trying to work it all out myself. At least I have access to a decent lab to give me feedback.

Yes, LH is low. Has a cause been diagnosed or is it just age related? Also is that E test a sensitive assay? There is no guide other than to start low and titrate up based on frequent BW. Any clue why psa is a bit high? Ejaculation prior to the BW can temporarily spike that level, btw. IGF-1 level is also low.

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Originally Posted by kelkel

Yes, LH is low. Has a cause been diagnosed or is it just age related?

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I am unable to see a doctor about this, so there is no diagnosis yet.

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Originally Posted by kelkel

Also is that E test a sensitive assay?

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I don't know - they don't speak English at the lab but fortunately they use English names for all the tests so that part is easy.

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Originally Posted by kelkel

There is no guide other than to start low and titrate up based on frequent BW.

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I assume you are talking about T? What would you recommend as a starting dose? I have a preference for transdermal patches, if possible, not I'm not sure that's available. Test Propionate is available locally.

Thanks for your help so far, by the way!

many people use hcg without therapy. some have said it's not as good as test, but i'd say it's worth a shot first. im starting hcg on the 5th of the month, but im only running it for 6 weeks.

I'd start at no more than 100mg and go from there. No to prop. It's a short ester and you don't need/want eod injections.

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Originally Posted by kelkel

I'd start at no more than 100mg and go from there. No to prop. It's a short ester and you don't need/want eod injections.

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dr c says prop stings.