When Total T and Free T are "Too High"

[2Sox]

Why don't you just try a more basic HRT protocol? Like 50mg 2x weekly and no AI.

That is a very good suggestion. Before I answer, first for a little background:

After being on the patch and gels for a few months (Patch brought my level up to 1200! Two pumps of Androgel got me into the 800s when I began, but I had to increase to 3-4 pumps/day to maintain that later on.)

A few months later I started shots at a mens clinic here in NYC. Started me off at 100mg Test Cyp once a week and .5mg anastrozole every 3.5 days. Couldn't figure out why I HAD to go to sleep shortly after the clinic visit. Only later did I learn from this forum that the AI was knocking down my E2 so low that I felt like crap.

After a month, my numbers were in the 500s but it didn't do anything for my libido. They said the minimum goal for their patients was 700. They were going to up me to 120mg a week but I left to go to another Dr. who I have now. All the while, I'm learning from this forum.

This doc's protocol is archaic but he writes me for a 10mL vial of Test Cyp every 8 weeks and I do what's necessary. (Age, gray hair, and a little insistence has its advantages, I guess.) He and his NP know what I inject - but they don't know about the ai or the hCG (which they don't think is necessary and refuse to write for.) They'd write for an ai if it was necessary but I don't like to depend on their good graces to get it.

So you could say I'm "self medicating" through the knowledge and guidance of the experienced members on this forum.

Back to your original question. At this point in time, I'm not sure 50mg 2x weekly is any more "basic" than any other protocol - knowing what we all know now. I did try it though, in the beginning - sub Q. I didn't really feel much different. In hindsight, I do think I was impatient and didn't give it a chance. Played around with different doses and frequencies and I landed here.

The only thing I'm set on is the frequency of dose because I like the steady state. The dose itself if negotiable. I have the feeling I should go lower and that's why I began this thread - to get as much feedback and as many suggestions as possible.

I'd also like to know what is meant by "superphysiological". (Sometimes I see it as (supraphysiological")

[17chester6]

You asked:
I'd also like to know what is meant by "superphysiological". (Sometimes I see it as (supraphysiological")[/QUOTE]



Supra means above or more than and physiology is basically the study of how an organism works. So "supra(super)physiological" would mean higher than normal values.

[jomamma007]

That is a very good suggestion. Before I answer, first for a little background:

After being on the patch and gels for a few months (Patch brought my level up to 1200! Two pumps of Androgel got me into the 800s when I began, but I had to increase to 3-4 pumps/day to maintain that later on.)

A few months later I started shots at a mens clinic here in NYC. Started me off at 100mg Test Cyp once a week and .5mg anastrozole every 3.5 days. Couldn't figure out why I HAD to go to sleep shortly after the clinic visit. Only later did I learn from this forum that the AI was knocking down my E2 so low that I felt like crap.

After a month, my numbers were in the 500s but it didn't do anything for my libido. They said the minimum goal for their patients was 700. They were going to up me to 120mg a week but I left to go to another Dr. who I have now. All the while, I'm learning from this forum.

This doc's protocol is archaic but he writes me for a 10mL vial of Test Cyp every 8 weeks and I do what's necessary. (Age, gray hair, and a little insistence has its advantages, I guess.) He and his NP know what I inject - but they don't know about the ai or the hCG (which they don't think is necessary and refuse to write for.) They'd write for an ai if it was necessary but I don't like to depend on their good graces to get it.

So you could say I'm "self medicating" through the knowledge and guidance of the experienced members on this forum.

Back to your original question. At this point in time, I'm not sure 50mg 2x weekly is any more "basic" than any other protocol - knowing what we all know now. I did try it though, in the beginning - sub Q. I didn't really feel much different. In hindsight, I do think I was impatient and didn't give it a chance. Played around with different doses and frequencies and I landed here.

The only thing I'm set on is the frequency of dose because I like the steady state. The dose itself if negotiable. I have the feeling I should go lower and that's why I began this thread - to get as much feedback and as many suggestions as possible.

I'd also like to know what is meant by "superphysiological". (Sometimes I see it as (supraphysiological")

ditch the ai, lower dose to 50mgs twice per week. You're only on 126mgs per week right now. This will put you around 900 probably. The reason you were in the 500's was probably because you were doing once a week injections, testing at a trough...

[2Sox]

ditch the ai, lower dose to 50mgs twice per week. You're only on 126mgs per week right now. This will put you around 900 probably. The reason you were in the 500's was probably because you were doing once a week injections, testing at a trough...

Yes, I'm discontinuing the AI - for now. I'm also lowering the dose to 34mg EOD. I have blood work coming up in about two weeks and I'll see where I stand. I'm guessing that my E2 dropped to where it is because of the cumulative effect of the AI. I'm very sensitive to E so I'll know if and when symptoms return - even without seeing numbers. But I'm hopeful that the DIM, zinc, copper will do the trick and I'll not need and AI. We'll see. If need be, I'll take an AI less frequently or reduce the dose. *I'd be grateful for some suggestions from people here about this.

At the previous clinic I went to, I was tested the day of the injection (before it) so I guess it was at the trough. It is my understanding that this is standard for once weekly injections.

[kelkel]

ditch the ai, lower dose to 50mgs twice per week. You're only on 126mgs per week right now. This will put you around 900 probably. The reason you were in the 500's was probably because you were doing once a week injections, testing at a trough...

Agree with this.

[2Sox]

Agree with this.

Giving this serious consideration.

[kelkel]

Giving this serious consideration.

Unless you're a hyper-excreter there's really no reason to over complicate it.

[2Sox]

Unless you're a hyper-excreter there's really no reason to over complicate it.

How can you tell if you're a hyper excreter?

[sfgiantsfan55]

How can you tell if you're a hyper excreter?

my 6 mo old puppy is a hyper excreter, good thing hes so damn cute!