TRT and bloodwork timing

[nutshell]

Hi,

TRT, self-administered due to doctors refusing to consider it in the past despite low T-levels. I'm feeling I'm due for my next "checkup", but I just want to double check with you all. I pin 125 mg every Monday. With that in mind when would be the best day of the week in your opinion to have my blood drawn to get the most representative and useful results?

I'm also trying to find that thread with all the recommended blood markers to have checked alongside T/E2, would anyone happen to have a link?


Many thanks

[Cylon357]

Hi,

TRT, self-administered due to doctors refusing to consider it in the past despite low T-levels. I'm feeling I'm due for my next "checkup", but I just want to double check with you all. I pin 125 mg every Monday. With that in mind when would be the best day of the week in your opinion to have my blood drawn to get the most representative and useful results?

I'm also trying to find that thread with all the recommended blood markers to have checked alongside T/E2, would anyone happen to have a link?


Many thanks

The morning before your injection, in general.

But which ester are you using? Do you have HCG in the mix? What were your "low T-levels"?

There is a very recent thread asking for blood markers and there is a sticky in this sub with some information as well. In general, though:

Testosterone Free and Total
Estradiol sensitive
LH and FSH (though this one will show that you are likely self admistering)
CBC
Lipids
CMP
PSA and DHT
TSH

Those are the ones that come right to mind, but search for those links and threads, there is likely more information.

[nutshell]

The morning before your injection, in general.

But which ester are you using? Do you have HCG in the mix? What were your "low T-levels"?

There is a very recent thread asking for blood markers and there is a sticky in this sub with some information as well. In general, though:

Testosterone Free and Total
Estradiol sensitive
LH and FSH (though this one will show that you are likely self admistering)
CBC
Lipids
CMP
PSA and DHT
TSH

Those are the ones that come right to mind, but search for those links and threads, there is likely more information.

Ok like I thought then, thanks! Test-E. No HCG in the mix, worth mentioning though is that I do have unconstituted HCG powder sitting in the fridge (no idea if that's even a thing but I thought it couldn't hurt). By now though that powder is about 2-3 years old.

T-levels - I had it tested quite a few times but around 10 nmol/L.

Thanks for that, I'll have a look around for those threads you mentioned.

[Cylon357]

Ok like I thought then, thanks! Test-E. No HCG in the mix, worth mentioning though is that I do have unconstituted HCG powder sitting in the fridge (no idea if that's even a thing but I thought it couldn't hurt). By now though that powder is about 2-3 years old.

T-levels - I had it tested quite a few times but around 10 nmol/L.

Thanks for that, I'll have a look around for those threads you mentioned.

Ok cool. I personally keep HCG in the rotation as a fall back, just in case type of thing, but a lot of guys TRT without it. If you DO decide to start it, wait until after the blood draw.

As a heads up, the trying to trick the doc into prescribing trt almost never works. You would need about 5 weeks after your last injection with NO serms, hcg, or AAS in the mix.

In other words, to do what you are trying, you have to feel like shit for a month or two. They may decide to do a follow up test as well, figure about a month more if so.

Basically, it's a fool's game.

Better to change docs or work with a clinic (short term), then switch that treatment to a PCP who will work with you.

[teedoff]

Hi,

TRT, self-administered due to doctors refusing to consider it in the past despite low T-levels. I'm feeling I'm due for my next "checkup", but I just want to double check with you all. I pin 125 mg every Monday. With that in mind when would be the best day of the week in your opinion to have my blood drawn to get the most representative and useful results?

I'm also trying to find that thread with all the recommended blood markers to have checked alongside T/E2, would anyone happen to have a link?


Many thanks

Not sure about how things work in every state, assuming you're in the USA, but my pcp was the one that first suggested and prescribed my trt. My test levels were around 300 and she also knew I had some trouble sleeping and thought trt would help. She gave me the option of gel or weekly injections. I initially chose gel.

Long story short, 2 years later I found a local hormone clinic, went there and he suggested I start injectable trt instead of the gel. He also keeps my script dose a little higher than what I actually take, so I have a buffer or surplus of test vials in stock. Plan to use that for a cycle in the future.

Anyway, as suggested, try to find a trt clinic or another Dr/PCP thats more receptive to treating your hormone issues.