Cycle into TRT??

[quinnbaylor]

Hey Guys!

Quick question, might be a stupid one. Hope not. I'm 33, 6'4, 225, around 10%bf. I've been running cycles of Test on and off for the last 10 years and growing tired of the ups and downs. I'm just wrapping up a small cycle of cyp (400 mg/wk) right now. Took my last shot today and I'm really not looking forward to stopping.

Is it possible wean off this cycle and roll into TRT or is it better to run PCT, get my natural test up and running before looking into TRT? I had BW done before this last cycle and test was on the low side...

Free Test: 11.2 (8.7-25.1)
Total Test: 583 (348-1197)

Thanks, in advance, for any help and advice!

[Back In Black]

IMO do the latter. TRT may seem appealing but it is a lifetime commitment and not to be taken unless you absolutely need it.

How long do you take between cycles?

[quinnbaylor]

3-4 months

[quinnbaylor]

Bump

[kelkel]

What's your free T level. Total T doesn't really mean much.

[bigdil511]

What's your free T level. Total T doesn't really mean much.

Free t is there in the op

[kelkel]

Free t is there in the op

Sure was! Yes, FT is low. Do you mean roll into self-controlled TRT or via a doctor? I ask as doing it on your own is never advisable. Honestly, most guys that cycle over and over really don't monitor BW at all. They feel good so they think they are good which leads to issues down the road.

Like BIB referenced, at your age I would not want to be on TRT for possibly 50 years unless it was absolutely necessary. I'd think doing pct and then getting BW done 2-3 months afterward would be your smartest move. Review results, see if there's areas that you can improve upon such as thyroid, cortisol, vit D, etc and then retest in a few more months. Should all that fail, then I would consider TRT under a doctors care.

[quinnbaylor]

Yes, I'd do it with a doc. But you're right, I need to started doing more BW and paying attention to my levels. Is it worth getting BW now to see where I'm at and then again after PCT? Or is getting BW now a waste of time?

[kelkel]

You should pull some BW on cycle, especially if you never have. It may surprise you. It's how you learn how you're doing on the inside and guides you to make adjustments to stay healthy. CBC, CMP, Total & free test, Sensitive E2 assay, lipids.

[quinnbaylor]

Great! I'll do BW first thing Monday. Thanks again!!

[quinnbaylor]

Finally got my BW back! Attached below... any thoughts?

BW.pdf

[kelkel]

Your creatinine and potassium elevations are "probably" related to exercise and muscle breakdown.
Keep an eye on your thyroid. TSH over 2 and a lower T4 may be indicative of sub-clinical hypothyroidism. Modern range for TSH is .3 - 3.0 btw.
Is your gear UGL? I ask as that's a low reading for 400 mgs per week. Unless you've been off a while...
You're a PSA and IGF-1 superstar.
Great E2 level as well.

[quinnbaylor]

Yes, gear was UGL. I took my last shot on 7/23 and gave blood 7/27. Gear must've been under dosed. Still taking .25 Liquidex ED until PCT which is probably why my E2 is under control.

So I shouldn't be worried about Creat and Pot?

What's the best way to get my thyroid on track?

[Baxter35]

Yes, gear was UGL. I took my last shot on 7/23 and gave blood 7/27. Gear must've been under dosed. Still taking .25 Liquidex ED until PCT which is probably why my E2 is under control.

So I shouldn't be worried about Creat and Pot?

What's the best way to get my thyroid on track?

Your thyroid levels aren't at a point that I would say requires any action yet other than monitoring with future blood work in a few months. If future tests show your TSH getting into the 3's or your free T3/T4 falling out of normal ranges then consult a Dr.

[kelkel]

Yes, gear was UGL. I took my last shot on 7/23 and gave blood 7/27. Gear must've been under dosed. Still taking .25 Liquidex ED until PCT which is probably why my E2 is under control.

So I shouldn't be worried about Creat and Pot?

What's the best way to get my thyroid on track?

No, I would not worry about them. Just track your BW. Hard work outs will elevate those levels along with alt and ast at times.
Re thyroid I said to keep an eye on it. Baxter said the same thing. Just see how it trends. When you come off cycle it may self-correct a bit.

[quinnbaylor]

Great! Thanks guys!!

So I'll start PCT on Monday 8/10 and run for 4 weeks, when should I get BW again? Sept/Oct or wait until right befor I start next cycle in Jan?

[kelkel]

Most will say about 2 months but the longer you can wait the better.

[quinnbaylor]

Got it. Thanks again!! Meeting with an Endo tomorrow just to kick the tires. Will be interesting to hear what he says.

[kelkel]

Report back please. Prepare your questions ahead of time. Write them down, etc. Nothing worse than leaving a doc appt and realizing you forgot to ask an important question.

[quinnbaylor]

UPDATE: Ended up not doing TRT. Endo thinks it's unnecessary. Now that I have a clear head (off the sauce), I do too. Sounds like I'm better off just cycling for the time being.

Will start up a new Test cycle in December, but will get BW done in a few weeks to see where I'm at. Would love to float BW out to the board and get everyone's thoughts once I get results. Especially Kelkel!