Hey yall. I am poised to start with a first injectable AAS/HRT cycle soon, but have some concerns that I thought you all might be able to help with. First a brief background:
30 y/o male, 5'11", approximately 185 lbs., somewhat fatty but reasonable muscular. Been training fairly consistently for 5 years. Used to be WAY skinnier. Don't have BF% but see attached pics:
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In 2008 I got sick of feeling crappy so I got some bloodwork done: TT was 149, free test 6.4. Low. Went to an endocrinologist, who proscribed Androgel 5g after further investigation. Was on this for a little over a year. Results were marginal at best. Endocrinologist disappointed me for reasons that aren't really relevant so I am abandoning him. I have been off the Androgel for approximately 12 days now. I don't feel the horrible crash people talk about, but there has been a substantial decrease in sexual appetite and interest in women.
I am waiting on the results of new bloodwork from a local HRT clinic before starting any new regimen. I am really interested in gearing up for a conservative cycle if its possible, something like 400mg/wk test E or C. Even if this turns out to be unwise, I still need to be on some kind of HRT. However, I am concerned about problems with cycling AAS or HRT in light of my naturally low baseline T production. It would seem to be that even with intelligent PCT, I will be in a bad state at the end of any cycle. On the other hand, I do not want to stay on HRT products indefinitely because of the risk of permanent damage to the HPTA and fertility.
Also of note is that I have the precursors of metabolic syndrome (high triglycerides, low HDL, low SHBG). Lipids are managed with statins and fibrates and training. As for SHBG, they tell me there isn't much I can do.
Can anyone give me some guidance here?
I will supplement this thread when bloodwork results are in, assuming I don't get banned for violating a newbie posting rule. I didn't see any posts on this particular topic.