Steroids and depression +/-

[kelkel]

What do you consider a "good range" of testosterone?

Is this based on total t or free t? If you have high total T yet low free T due to the majority being bound by shbg then you can still be symptomatic of low T. Basically low functional T can cause depression in some men. More common in older guys though. And like GH mentioned, the opposite can be true for some guys where supraphysiological values of T can cause depression as well. It's why the term "optimized" is thrown around in the TRT world all the time. It's where you feel the best based on normal supplemental values, not excessive ones.

[CAADsprint]

What do you consider a "good range" of testosterone?

Is this based on total t or free t? If you have high total T yet low free T due to the majority being bound by shbg then you can still be symptomatic of low T. Basically low functional T can cause depression in some men. More common in older guys though. And like GH mentioned, the opposite can be true for some guys where supraphysiological values of T can cause depression as well. It's why the term "optimized" is thrown around in the TRT world all the time. It's where you feel the best based on normal supplemental values, not excessive ones.

Last test I think it was 643 total and free was on the lower half but not by a terrible amount. My E2 was high. Not over the bar high but in the higher range. Keep in mind my bloodwork at that time was rushed. My primary care at that time (previous PCP mentioned was my families PCP for as long as I can remember in my hometown). I had just gotten off another prednisone taper maybe five or seven days prior. My doctor kind of black mailed me into getting the test, I wanted to get a referral for an endocrinologist and I get a call saying I can get the referral if i do the bloodwork asap. I'd like to think that, that was to soon to get an accurate result. Total fine, free low, estrogen high??? Hmmm... lol

Gosh I kind of want to jump on cycle. What would i be looking at? HCG two week, nolvadex, arimadex for two three weeks then wait two weeks from last AI dose? Kind of had my heart set on starting again but if pre cycle/pre trt bloodwork is that important. And I think I know what I'm about to hear lol!!

Note: if that isnt good then the only other appropriate approach I can think of is a traditional PCT ran at full length and make the two week cortico use my cycle time. I think this was discussed before with much great help. But I cant remember if traditional length and dosed PCT was neccessary or not. Forgot to be honest

[Tim1985]

Has your doc ever tested you for the MTHFR and COMT gene mutation? He can run the added test during your next blood work and the COMT test is a cheek swab.

I struggled with chronic depression for over a decade even with meds - Wellbutrin and Prozac. After coming back positive for both, my doc prescribed me SAM-e (over the counter supplement), in addition to my TRT protocol. Once my hormone levels were dialed in, I was able to slowly taper of the antidepressants completely.
Can’t say whether it was the SAM-e, TRT or both but I wish I would have started years sooner.

[Obs]

While we are on the subject of corticosteroid....

I once knew a teen that had a ruptured disc.
He got cortisone shots in his back.

The doctors told him he was on a steroid so that was all he needed to know I guess. He was a dedicated gymrat and very shredded for any natty.
He also claimed agression sides from it. Most actually looked up to him at 5' 9"and maybe 150.

Looking back now it is hilarious. I wonder what he would have done on AAS.

[Obs]

Has your doc ever tested you for the MTHFR and COMT gene mutation? He can run the added test during your next blood work and the COMT test is a cheek swab.

I struggled with chronic depression for over a decade even with meds - Wellbutrin and Prozac. After coming back positive for both, my doc prescribed me SAM-e (over the counter supplement), in addition to my TRT protocol. Once my hormone levels were dialed in, I was able to slowly taper of the antidepressants completely.
Can’t say whether it was the SAM-e, TRT or both but I wish I would have started years sooner.

I was diagnosed with motherfucker gene mutation.