TRT Continuous or Cycle?

[bfrog4211]

I've read a bunch of these posts all over the forum. Curious about whether TRT/HRT patients cycle or just always continue therapy.

I'm 41...was diagnosed with low T about 10 weeks ago (209)...first 8 weeks were at 100/7 days and not through my PCP (primary care physician). Over that time I've increased to 480, but still feel like I did before starting. I've since seen my PCP and he upped my dose to 200/10 days with a new panel on day 5 of 5th week. My new Rx is for 3 months, combined time almost 22 weeks...should I feel like a rock star by now, or am I expecting too much after just 11-12 weeks?

I've been hitting the gym 3x/wk (Mon/Wed/Fri) and lost almost 10 lbs, I guess combo diet/activity/TRT. Started out at 205 (25 lb got fat gain from mid 30's), down to 198. I feel better in that regard, but still tired all the time.

I guess this post is more than just one question or statement...still have a lot on my mind about all this...even skepticism, maybe.

Here's my daily med intake...plus the almost 6 meals a day (which is difficult) and the test dose...

2000 mg L-Arginine
1 Synedrex
1 multivitamin
Crap for hypertension
1 low dose aspirin


Any thoughts? Thanks!

[Beethoven]

Some do a blast every now and then, but protocol continues after that. The first thing I would do is split your dose and pin at least twice a week. You might ask about hcg so the boys don't shrink on you. It usually takes about that long once you're dialed in. I take 5 grams of arginine per day. It helps. Also, proper nutrition and weight training will help.

[bfrog4211]

I am not really worried about my boys shrinking...they are in the way most of the time anyway, and Im done having kids...lol...I'm craving a "normal" feeling, if there is really such a thing.

HCG, from what I've read, can be pretty harsh.

[kelkel]

Going from 100 to 200mgs is a large jump. Big jumps are harder to manage so monitor your BW carefully and be sure you get the proper E2 Sensitive panel to accurately assess your estrogen level. Keep a close eye on your hematocrit as well. Twice per week protocol will greatly benefit you, as stated above. Better E control and more stable Test levels. Remember that Total T levels do not matter so don't make protocol changes based on that. It should be done off of your Free T level. In the Finding A Doc Sticky thread at the top of this forum is an example of good follow up BW to obtain.

I don't know what you may have read about HCG, but harsh is the last thing that it is. It simply mimics LH and helps to maintain testicular function with a proper dosing protocol. You can even inject it at the same time as your test to simplify matters. You have LH receptors throughout your body and most report a noticeable feeling of well being after using it. Search up Crislers Paper on HCG and read it. Also consider picking up "Testosterone For Life" by Morgantaler or Nelson Vergel's "Testosterone A Man's Guide." Both easy reads and will help bring you up to speed.

[bfrog4211]

.....

[bfrog4211]

Beethoven and Kelkel...thanks for the info...

Kelkel...I will def look for Crislers HCG article and read it, as well as the others....

My doc says he treats the patient and not the numbers. Hopefully he knows what he's doing. Seems to be pretty knowledgeable.

It was T3 that I was reading, not HCG.

Thanks again.

[Beethoven]

Beethoven and Kelkel...thanks for the info...

Kelkel...I will def look for Crislers HCG article and read it, as well as the others....

My doc says he treats the patient and not the numbers. Hopefully he knows what he's doing. Seems to be pretty knowledgeable.

It was T3 that I was reading, not HCG.

Thanks again.

Testosterone A Mans Guide is an excellent read. If your Dr treats the patient and not the number, you should have a good one.

[spacemon]

kelkel will splitting up the test dosage help lower hematocrit as well?

[kelkel]

kelkel will splitting up the test dosage help lower hematocrit as well?

Great question. Read this, it's pretty interesting and relevant:

Effects of Graded Doses of Testosterone on Erythropoiesis in Healthy Young and Older Men

[Lifted1]

So older men are more prone to increased blood thickening effects while on trt according to the study. Crazy they went all the way to 600mg/wk...someone was getting swole lol

[spacemon]

So I read the article and tried to make sense of it. Thanks for the link!

[kelkel]

So older men are more prone to increased blood thickening effects while on trt according to the study. Crazy they went all the way to 600mg/wk...someone was getting swole lol

Aging catches up with all of us, but TRT definitely slows it down! All kinds of interesting things happen as you age. Shbg will rise, your pituitary will shrink, and the list goes on....

[lovbyts]

I am not really worried about my boys shrinking...they are in the way most of the time anyway, and Im done having kids...lol...I'm craving a "normal" feeling, if there is really such a thing.

HCG, from what I've read, can be pretty harsh.

Yeah that's what I said when I was 41 also. Dont be so quick to make that decision, you never know what life might throw at you. I'm a firm believe of never say never. Every time I do I get proven wrong.

Good information given on HCG. I also didnt think I needed it due to the same reasons you gave but have since learned differently as I'm sure you will.

Aging catches up with all of us, but TRT definitely slows it down! All kinds of interesting things happen as you age. Shbg will rise, your pituitary will shrink, and the list goes on....

You didnt finish the saying.
And high school girls stay the same age.

[J DIESEL3]

bfrog I had the same way of thinking as you did about not worrying about my nuts shrinking up.I was on trt 2 years before start HCG and boy was that a mistake!!!

After a few weeks being on hcg I felt so good!You probably will get that"normal feeling" and more! Good luck man