Starting my journey...finally

[Lifted1]

Hey guys it's been a while, but I'm back and ready to get my body dialed in!!

It's been about a year and a half since I had bw done which qualified me for trt. According to some of the knowledgeable members here, the protocol was lacking to say the least. I opted to try and maximize my quality of life naturally, which brings me here today.

I just became a member of the lowT network yesterday and had my bw done today. I should have the results Monday and will proceed forward with whatever treatment necessary.

I have been refreshing my memory with all of the great info on this site, but I am sure I'll have some questions. I will update this thread when I receive my lab results to get a better idea of where I stand.

Cheers,
Will

[kelkel]

Outstanding Lifted1! Definitely update this thread with your treatment and protocol as it will help other new members along the way. We all learn from each other here!

Glad you're back!

[64509chvl]

Sounds good buddy! I used the same approach as you did...tried everything possible to improve naturally for about a year once I discovered my Low T. Nothing worked or even helped for that matter, lol. Even had a good diet & training for the previous 2 years. Low T guys are great with excellent service. Good luck with gettin right & keep us updated!

[bass]

congratulation Lifted1, I look forward to seeing your progress.

[Lifted1]

Outstanding Lifted1! Definitely update this thread with your treatment and protocol as it will help other new members along the way. We all learn from each other here!

Glad you're back!

I will definitely post bw and protocol for feedback to ensure it's going to maximize my treatment. Thanks brotha!

Sounds good buddy! I used the same approach as you did...tried everything possible to improve naturally for about a year once I discovered my Low T. Nothing worked or even helped for that matter, lol. Even had a good diet & training for the previous 2 years. Low T guys are great with excellent service. Good luck with gettin right & keep us updated!

I figured it was worth a try to go the easier natural way, but my issues still persist. The only difference I noticed on test boosters was rapid fingernail growth lol. I added a good multi vitamin pack, vitamin d3, bcaa's and bumped protein intake, but I'm still achey and sore every morning I wake up. I know I'm with the best place possible for treatment and I'm excited to get started!!

congratulation Lifted1, I look forward to seeing your progress.

Thanks!

[Lifted1]

I just received my bw...what do you guys think?

Sample was taken at 8:15am, 12 hour fasted and only drank about 20 ounces of water.

My total t went up 100ish from last bw, but I've been taking d3, stinging nettle, daa and squatting everyday.

Cheers,
Will

[Lifted1]

For comparison here's my last bw from labcorp 1.5 years ago!

Glucose, Serum 82 mg/dL 65 − 99 01
BUN 17 mg/dL 6 − 20 01
Creatinine, Serum 1.03 mg/dL 0.76 − 1.27 01
eGFR If NonAfricn Am 96 mL/min/1.73 >59
eGFR If Africn Am 111 mL/min/1.73 >59
BUN/Creatinine Ratio 17 8 − 19
Sodium, Serum 142 mmol/L 134 − 144 01
Potassium, Serum 4.5 mmol/L 3.5 − 5.2 01
Chloride, Serum 102 mmol/L 97 − 108 01
Carbon Dioxide, Total 27 mmol/L 20 − 32 01
Calcium, Serum 9.1 mg/dL 8.7 − 10.2 01
Protein, Total, Serum 7.1 g/dL 6.0 − 8.5 01
Albumin, Serum 4.5 g/dL 3.5 − 5.5 01
Globulin, Total 2.6 g/dL 1.5 − 4.5
A/G Ratio 1.7 1.1 − 2.5
Bilirubin, Total 0.4 mg/dL 0.0 − 1.2 01
Alkaline Phosphatase, S 73 IU/L 25 − 150 01
AST (SGOT) 27 IU/L 0 − 40 01
ALT (SGPT) 30 IU/L 0 − 44 01
. 01
Lipids 01
Cholesterol, Total 181 mg/dL 100 − 199 01
Triglycerides 76 mg/dL 0 − 149 01
HDL Cholesterol 54 mg/dL >39 01
VLDL Cholesterol Cal 15 mg/dL 5 − 40
LDL Cholesterol Calc 112 High mg/dL 0 − 99
C−Reactive Protein, Cardiac 0.37 mg/L 0.00 − 3.00 01
Relative Risk for Future Cardiovascular Event
Low <1.00
Average 1.00 − 3.00
High >3.00
. 01
Thyroid 01
TSH 1.560 uIU/mL 0.450 − 4.500 01
T4,Free(Direct) 1.10 ng/dL 0.82 − 1.77 01
. 01
Immunoassay 01
Prostate Specific Ag, Serum 0.3 ng/mL 0.0 − 4.0 01
Insulin −Like Growth Factor I 291 High ng/mL 71 − 241 02
Testosterone , Serum 464 ng/dL 348 − 1197 01
. 01
CBC, Platelet Ct, and Diff 01
WBC 5.2 x10E3/uL 4.0 − 10.5 01
RBC 4.43 x10E6/uL 4.14 − 5.80 01
Hemoglobin 13.7 g/dL 12.6 − 17.7 01
Hematocrit 40.0 % 37.5 − 51.0 01
MCV 90 fL 79 − 97 01
MCH 30.9 pg 26.6 − 33.0 01
MCHC 34.3 g/dL 31.5 − 35.7 01
RDW 13.7 % 12.3 − 15.4 01
Platelets 281 x10E3/uL 140 − 415 01
Neutrophils 37 Low % 40 − 74 01
Lymphs 51 High % 14 − 46 01
Monocytes 8 % 4 − 13 01
Eos 3 % 0 − 7 01
Basos 1 % 0 − 3 01
Neutrophils (Absolute) 1.9 x10E3/uL 1.8 − 7.8 01
Lymphs (Absolute) 2.7 x10E3/uL 0.7 − 4.5 01
Monocytes(Absolute) 0.4 x10E3/uL 0.1 − 1.0 01
Eos (Absolute) 0.2 x10E3/uL 0.0 − 0.4 01
Baso (Absolute) 0.1 x10E3/uL 0.0 − 0.2 01
Immature Granulocytes 0 % 0 − 2 01
Immature Grans (Abs) 0.0 x10E3/uL 0.0 − 0.1 01

[bass]

well your total T is not bad, however your free T is in the tank, your IGF1 is in excellent shape based on your last BW. LH FSH low but not trebly low. I didn't see E2 and SHBG test, kind of surprised LowT didn't run these tests. I wonder if that's where you free T is binding.

[Lifted1]

Thanks for the reply bass! The LowT rep said they dont test e2 until the 6 week bw, but I was interested in what it was currently.

If everything else seems fine, I would assume shbc is what's making my free t low.

[bass]

i am assuming this is your initial test, correct? if so i am surprised they didn't test them! I mean your TT is really not bad at all, just need to see why your free T is in the tank. any MRI for pituitary gland, and atrophy/injury of your testis? I am sure LT know more than we do about your condition. looks like a combination of pituitary and testis problem, if that's the case then TRT is the only answer assuming all else is good.

[Lifted1]

Ya this is the initial bw from LT. I'm not sure why they didn't run those tests, but I can only assume it's more cost effective not to unless needed. I was actually surprised that my tt went up that much from my last bw!!

No MRI and never any injuries to testis other than the normal accidental nut shots lol.

Only obvious issues for me lately is always being lazy/tired, waking up feeling like I got hit by a car everyday and never wanting to do anything except sit on the couch.

[bass]

31 with these levels id look more into thyroid, need to see a specialist for this one. either way I wish luck on your journey.

[Lifted1]

So you think it's not low t even though my free is low? What causes free t to be low when total is normal-ish besides sHbg? What helps raise free t?

I read a bit about thyroid problems and some of the symptoms are the same as low t. I just need to get a game plan since I'm supposed to schedule an appt this week with my doc to start trt.

Thanks for the input brotha!
Will

[kelkel]

Low free T can easily cause the symptoms you speak of.
Then again, so could anemia, hypothyroid or type 2 diabetes.

That being said, it's why all means should be exhausted to find the root cause before initiating HRT. Which you are doing.
And yes, shbg and albumin is what binds T. About 60% and app 38% respectively. The little bit left over is our free T.

You are correct, Low T cannot run all tests we would ultimately like. If they did they would not be cost effective.

[pepous]

Low free T can easily cause the symptoms you speak of.
Then again, so could anemia, hypothyroid or type 2 diabetes.

That being said, it's why all means should be exhausted to find the root cause before initiating HRT. Which you are doing.
And yes, shbg and albumin is what binds T. About 60% and app 38% respectively. The little bit left over is our free T.

You are correct, Low T cannot run all tests we would ultimately like. If they did they would not be cost effective.

I have question about this (bold). If one consider due to symptoms of low test jumping to TRT. What should one rule out before starting? As you said similar sympthoms could be caused by many diseases. I know that the easier is to simply do complete blood test. But problem is that many with these sympthoms are oftenly not just bordeline low test but they are also bordeline hypothyroid etc.

So what is to do list to rule everything possible out before jumping to HRT? And if one is bordeline hypothyroids and bordeline hypogonadism than what should one do?

Thank you :-)

[Lifted1]

Low free T can easily cause the symptoms you speak of.
Then again, so could anemia, hypothyroid or type 2 diabetes.

That being said, it's why all means should be exhausted to find the root cause before initiating HRT. Which you are doing.
And yes, shbg and albumin is what binds T. About 60% and app 38% respectively. The little bit left over is our free T.

You are correct, Low T cannot run all tests we would ultimately like. If they did they would not be cost effective.

Thanks for the reply Kel!
I'm not anemic or diabetic so we can rule those ailments out, but I'm not sure about thyroid issues. I would think from the bw that I'm just a low t victim since my free is in fact lower than the lowest range, hence my symptoms.

Would trt treatment mask thyroid issues or would I still experience the same issues I currently have even on a good trt protocol?

[Lifted1]

Just set up an appt for this coming Saturday @ 12 to see my doctor. I'll post up his protocol and get advise on how I can maximize it. I've also decided to go sub q for all test/hcg injections. Thanks for all the advice fellas!

Will

[Lifted1]

I just flew in from so cal after seeing my doctor and have a few questions about my prescribed protocol...

100mg test subQ 1x/week
250iu hcg subQ 2x/week

I asked about splitting the T dose in 2 50mg sub q pins per week, but he said he didn't think it need to be done. Iirc, he said to do hcg shot with test on the same day then 2 days prior to next test shot do other hcg shot.

How does this sound to everyone? How could I modify my injections for maximum benefit and minimal issues? Just want to be sure I get started down the proper path to stress free trt!!

Will

[kelkel]

100mgs is usually to much for SQ, imho. Your Doc suggests the second HCG shot 2 days before your T shot as your test is waning and this gives you a bump. It's an old school way or running HCG honestly. Not saying it's not effective, just old.

Much better off splitting your dose like you suggested. Less injected at one time = less spike in your E2. Win-win for you. Room for your HCG in the same syringe if mixed appropriately.

[Lifted1]

100mgs is usually to much for SQ, imho. Your Doc suggests the second HCG shot 2 days before your T shot as your test is waning and this gives you a bump. It's an old school way or running HCG honestly. Not saying it's not effective, just old.

Much better off splitting your dose like you suggested. Less injected at one time = less spike in your E2. Win-win for you. Room for your HCG in the same syringe if mixed appropriately.

Thanks for the reply kel! I did read that you thought 60mg was about the max for sub q. I've also read plenty of posts suggesting splitting the dose is best for minimal e2 spike which is why I asked him.

So just pull the test in the syringe, then hcg and do only one sub q shot twice weekly would be best in your opinion?

[kelkel]

Load hcg first but yes, that will work for you. Worth a "shot."

[Lifted1]

Load hcg first but yes, that will work for you. Worth a "shot."

Thanks for all the advise!

[Lifted1]

Just received my supplies and I'm waiting for fed ex to drop my overnight shipment of meds!

I just wanna be 100% clear on injection amounts...to achieve 50mg of test from a 200mg/ml vial I need .25ml. To achieve 250 iu's of hcg from a 1000 iu/ml vial I also need .25ml in these 1ml syringes, right?


Also, if anyone feels like taking a quick vid of loading both test and hcg into the same syringe that would be greatly appreciated.

Will

[ppwc1985]

Yes, correct. Are you with lowt.com

[ppwc1985]

If you are, you have plenty of syringes so just do them separately,

[Low Testosterone]

There are a lot of things you could add to testing, numerous, nearly countless and many of them could easily be deemed good things to check. We get calls from people regularly asking about our program who are adamant about a whole host of test that would be impossible to provide for the cost of our programing, i.e. MRI's, a full line of cardiopulmonary testing, EKG's, blood testing once per month, various other meds, on and on the list goes. But the program covers what it covers and we are constantly looking for ways to provide additional things to it where we can and a means for patients to obtain some of these other items at a fair and reduced cost compared to other places. It all simply takes work and time. As many of you know, we do offer numerous other panels on blood testing that can be added to any of your scheduled blood tests at a pretty good rate. We are also looking at a way to make available more diagnostics to those who need it.

[Lifted1]

Yes, correct. Are you with lowt.com

Yes

If you are, you have plenty of syringes so just do them separately,

Ya at the last minute I only did the test as I have zero experience with syringes and it's harder than it looks in the vids lol

[Lifted1]

There are a lot of things you could add to testing, numerous, nearly countless and many of them could easily be deemed good things to check. We get calls from people regularly asking about our program who are adamant about a whole host of test that would be impossible to provide for the cost of our programing, i.e. MRI's, a full line of cardiopulmonary testing, EKG's, blood testing once per month, various other meds, on and on the list goes. But the program covers what it covers and we are constantly looking for ways to provide additional things to it where we can and a means for patients to obtain some of these other items at a fair and reduced cost compared to other places. It all simply takes work and time. As many of you know, we do offer numerous other panels on blood testing that can be added to any of your scheduled blood tests at a pretty good rate. We are also looking at a way to make available more diagnostics to those who need it.

Ya that's what if assumed LT. I just thought it might be a good idea to see where my shbg and estrogen are pre trt, then post treatment. I guess it probably doesn't really matter until post treatment, but it's just an idea.

There will always be people who want something for nothing...just gotta wean them out lol.

[Lifted1]

So i did my first injection!!
I was nervous/anxious/excited all at the same time and had a hard time pulling the oil thru the 27 gauge needle. Then I had an air bubble I couldn't get out until I realized I needed to pull all the oil in the tube, flick it and slowly push it back to the tip. I wasted one needle messing with the vial (had to go in three times) and a few drops that came out in my quest to get the damn air bubble out. Other than that, it went pretty ok for my first time giving myself a shot. It did seem to slightly burn and I felt a bit of pressure where the fluid was being injected. 15-20 mins later it was totally fine, no redness, bumps or anything.

[kelkel]

Nice work. Be sure to let the alcohol dry before you inject. That can cause a stinging sensation.

[Lifted1]

Nice work. Be sure to let the alcohol dry before you inject. That can cause a stinging sensation.

Got it. I'll have more practice tomorrow doing hcg lol

[kelkel]

A little trick is to simply touch the tip of the pin (for SQ) to the skin. Doing this will let you know whether it's a sensitive point or not. If it is, move it slightly and so on....

[Lifted1]

Cool thanks for the tip kel!

So I did my hcg today and it was easy once the syringe was loaded. Reconstituting it was a pita...I followed the video and it didn't show him injecting air into the hcg vial before the water (all though the directions said to) and the second injection 5ml of water was very heard to inject! I thought the metal lid was going to pop off if that explains how hard it was.

When I put the needle into the the hcg vial to draw, it instantly shot the plunger back to .3 and started filling. Idk if I need to bleed the air from the vial or if I should let it stay as is and it will eventually equalize.

After the injection there wasn't any stinging or bump, but I had a quarter sized red circle at the injection site that went away soon after. Is that normal?

[Lifted1]

Has anyone noticed that they smell different after starting trt when sweating at the gym? I noticed it the day after my test and morning hcg shot...kinda hard to pinpoint the exact smell (musty chemical?), but it was noticeable.

[Lifted1]

Just did my second test shot and it didn't go as well as the first.

Went on the opposite side of my stomach, but when I drew back on the plunger it had blood in it so I pulled out. Fwiw blood that came out of my pierced skin was very dark. Went in on the other side, no blood, started injecting, then got light headed all of a sudden and my heart started racing (standing in the kitchen). Tried to suck it up, but I caved half way thru and had to stop as I thought I was going down. Wife came in and finished for me and I was totally fine after.

#newb problems

[Lifted1]

As of now my shots have been getting easier! Hcg is very simple and painless, but it seems like 27g needs a bit more finesse. I tried an insulin needle for today's test shot and it loaded easy, but it took forever to inject. It also kinda stung/hurt in the stomach area so I did half, then put the other half in my upper glute.

I don't have any negative sides, no bloating, no water retention, no sensitive nips and no weight gain, but I haven't noticed much difference yet...hope I do soon!

[Metalject]

I didn't notice much of anything from my TRT for the first few months. Obviously everyone's different but the stories you hear about guys rapidly improving in a few weeks is placebo IMO.

[spacemon]

Yup, took me about 2-3 months to notice any real effects

[Lifted1]

I didn't notice much of anything from my TRT for the first few months. Obviously everyone's different but the stories you hear about guys rapidly improving in a few weeks is placebo IMO.

i started "looking" for differences and almost thought i felt a bit more happy, but idk its probably placebo lol

Yup, took me about 2-3 months to notice any real effects

im hoping ill get rolling sooner than later! it seems that based on body fat % and starting blood levels, some might respond sooner.

[Metalject]

If you look at the available data it takes upwards of a year for the full effects of TRT to take hold. If that's the case, then that simply means it's a slow process. Also, and I could be wrong but I don't think starting blood levels matter. Once you administer exogenous testosterone what you naturally produce no longer matters. Anyway, I'm not trying to be a giant party pooper here, it's simply a good thing to have realistic expectations. Personally, I think a lot of guys do themselves a disservice otherwise...they end up driving themselves crazy, jumping all over the place with doses and ideas and making things worse.