Switching TRT Injection Protocol

[m_donnelly]

New Update

Got my labs back that I took on 7/20, this was 24 hours after injection of 50mg test cyp (which I do twice per week)

Total Test: 736 ng/dL (348-1197)
Free Test: 16.1 pg/mL (8.3-26.5)
Estradiol Roche ECLIA Method: 17.9 pg/mL (7.6-42.6)
Estrone: 46 pg/mL (12-72)
Cortisol, AM: 21.8 ug/dl (6.2-19.4) HIGH

Questions, appreciate any opinions:

1. Meeting with Dr. again in 3 weeks, is it a good time to hop on HCG now? And if so what dose/schedule?
2. Can I expect my cortisol to go down with more test via HCG?
3. Can I begin injecting my test cyp subcutaneously? Currently do IM, looking for stabler levels.

No need to add AI with HCG immediately I believe since levels look good for now.


Thank you for any help

I'm by no means an expert but here's my two cents:

1. As a former AAS user, I think that hCG is a great addition. But, that's AAS use and not TRT. I would only add in hCG if you are looking to have kids down the road and/or want to keep your plumbing working for other reasons (ie coming off of TRT at some point. But, there are different views on this subject.

2. Those cortisol levels are higher than mine were after cortisol stimulation. Cortisol is on a negative feedback loop with testosterone so in surprised its high. I imagine your doc will tell you to give it some time and it'll drop as your test levels stay high. If not, ask him about it as elevated cortisol levels can be indicative of other problems.

3. Subcutaneous injections are friggin awesome: I'll never go back to IM injections. I literally feel the test kicking in immediately after an IM injection and my estrogen spikes within twelve-twenty four hours after. The subcutaneous injections release much slower and smoother.

No, don't touch an AI, your E2 levels are on the low side without it. Lucky SOB!

[Bulldogs1]

I'm by no means an expert but here's my two cents:

1. As a former AAS user, I think that hCG is a great addition. But, that's AAS use and not TRT. I would only add in hCG if you are looking to have kids down the road and/or want to keep your plumbing working for other reasons (ie coming off of TRT at some point. But, there are different views on this subject.

2. Those cortisol levels are higher than mine were after cortisol stimulation. Cortisol is on a negative feedback loop with testosterone so in surprised its high. I imagine your doc will tell you to give it some time and it'll drop as your test levels stay high. If not, ask him about it as elevated cortisol levels can be indicative of other problems.

3. Subcutaneous injections are friggin awesome: I'll never go back to IM injections. I literally feel the test kicking in immediately after an IM injection and my estrogen spikes within twelve-twenty four hours after. The subcutaneous injections release much slower and smoother.

No, don't touch an AI, your E2 levels are on the low side without it. Lucky SOB!

Have had high cortisol for like a year now, only been on TRT for 12 weeks.

And I'm 21 years old so the HCG to be able to have kids seems like a must.

[m_donnelly]

Have had high cortisol for like a year now, only been on TRT for 12 weeks.

And I'm 21 years old so the HCG to be able to have kids seems like a must.

Yes, I think most folks around here will recommend hCG at your age.