Appointment tomorrow...what to ask...

[NEFLRick]

So I'm having another appointment with the doc tomorrow. Bloodwork shows I'm low and I know enough about this doc to know he'll prescribe test for me. I also know he does prescribe HCG as well.

Since I don't quite know what I don't know, just looking for suggestions on things I need to ask/confirm. Just want to do this right since I know it's a lifelong decision.

Thanks.

[kelkel]

Ask if he can determine a cause for the low T. Find out what it is before you embark on this. Blood work should give you a direction to go. Many things can contribute to low T such as thyroid issues, cortisol, pathologies, etc., and are correctable.

What are your current total and free T levels as well as your LH & FSH levels? If you can post some up with ranges it will help.

If you do go with injections then 100mg is a "normal" starting dose. Once a week is acceptable but splitting that amount into twice weekly doses is even better. SQ injections make it easy for most people. Make sure you manage your estrogen and test it using a "sensitive assay" not the default standard estradiol test. With HCG the norm is 250iu's two or three times per week.

Take some time and read the sticky threads at the top of the forum as well. They will help. Let us know how you make out and the path you choose on this thread please.

[NEFLRick]

Thanks kelkel. Been reading up but it's a bit intimidating until I can learn more.

Levels are:

T - 245 (range-258-1100)
SHBG - 23.90 (range-2.00 - 180.0)
Free T - 56 (range-150.0 - 350.0)

Not sure what the other things you're asking about are. Can they be called something else?

My guess is my low t is my age (I'm 44). I never did anything in the past as far as any drugs or anything but I've been lifting heavy for 20+ years (if that matters).

I really appreciate the help!

[kelkel]

It very well could just be age related. Is there an LH or FSH level? TSH level? That's how they'll be listed. Let us know how you make out today please.

[NEFLRick]

Has a TSH level 1.49 (range-0.45-4.5). I don't see the others on the report.

Appointment is tomorrow at 9:45. I'll keep everyone posted on how it goes.

[kelkel]

Get your own copy of all BW. Keep a file.

[NEFLRick]

Get your own copy of all BW. Keep a file.

I've already got the copy of this test.

[NEFLRick]

Get your own copy of all BW. Keep a file.

I've already got the copy of this test.

[NEFLRick]

So, basically everything else is fine with me, just low t. Seems to be age-related.

He gave me a script for 200mg ever 6 days as well as HCG and an estrogen blocker.

That pretty much sums up the appointment.

[kelkel]

You do not want to do 200 every 6 days. But, you now have an advantage like I do as you can bank 100mg per week if you continue to fill the scripts on time and you'll never run short. It's a nice feeling.

I'd suggest the following:

Start with 100 per week split into two doses of 50mg every 3.5 days.
Avoid adex until you know if you need it. Less is more here. Initially start with DIM, Zinc and Copper if needed.
Pull BW in 6 weeks and check what's on the list in the Finding A Doc Sticky thread.
HCG at 250 IU's two or 3 times per week. I prefer 3.

Stick with what you start until BW. Don't bounce around. Let me know how you do and what protocol you choose.
Did he write you syringes as well? If so, what size/gauge.

[NEFLRick]

Only problem is, t is in pre-loaded syringes.

How do I know when/if I need adex? That's something I've not been able to find.

I'm scheduled to go back in 1 month and I believe we're doing bw then as well.

I don't know how to determine the size of the syringes. I did get some with the HCG as well ( have to mix the HCG).

Thanks.

[sparverius]

Almost all test. cyp. is 200mg/ml. 1cc in a syringe would be 200mg.

You start AI when your test numbers indicate. Or you're having side effects and you're positive it's high E. It's easy to take too much and crash your E. If you take only as much T as you need, and split the dose, it'll cause less of a roller coaster effect and less will convert to E.

200mg every 6 days is too much to start on.

[NEFLRick]

Almost all test. cyp. is 200mg/ml. 1cc in a syringe would be 200mg.

You start AI when your test numbers indicate. Or you're having side effects and you're positive it's high E. It's easy to take too much and crash your E. If you take only as much T as you need, and split the dose, it'll cause less of a roller coaster effect and less will convert to E.

200mg every 6 days is too much to start on.

As far as the test numbers for E, specifically, what am I looking for? I don't see anything labeled estrogen on the BW I got back. Is it called something else?

Because my T is preloaded, I guess I can only inject half but isn't using the same syringe to inject the other half a few days later a bad thing? I guess it's not sharing since I'd be the only one using it but I don't know whether that's a good idea.

As I mentioned, I don't know what I don't know.

Thanks.

[NEFLRick]

I'm also confused on how/where to inject. Reading all kinds of stuff saying inject here, don't inject here, etc. Very confusing. Going to have to give the doc a call on Monday I guess.

[kelkel]

Buy syringes from the site sponsor. I'd recommend 25ga x 1".
Take a look at www.spotinjections.com

[NEFLRick]

Buy syringes from the site sponsor. I'd recommend 25ga x 1".
Take a look at www.spotinjections.com

I have syringes, the problem is the t is pre-loaded.

But thanks.