Hey everyone, chronic lurker on this and many other steroid boards, now an official newbie here.
Based a recent history of extreme fatigue (on top of my baseline hashimoto's hypothroid sleepiness) and lack of motivation/low libido, I had my testosterone, iron, and CBC checked out.
While my Iron study and CBC were normal, my test was pretty low (176). Had a secondary test level drawn two days later which was again low (253). Thanks to having a sister as a nurse practitioner and having all my labs covered by hospital insurance, I had a genetic karyotype ordered to rule out for Klinefelter's syndrome (primary hypogonadism) as well has having my FSH, LH, and prolactin all checked.
Test # 1=176 ng/dl
Free testosterone=3.15 ng/dl
Bio-available testosterone=99.2ng/dl
Test # 2=253 ng/dl
The karyotype was NEGATIVE for Klinefelter's and my FSH and LH were "inappropriately" low for a testosterone level that low, indicating secondary hypogonadism. My prolactin was normal.
SHBG=23 nmol/L
FSH=1.3
LH=3.1
Prolactin=9.7
Albumin=4.3 g/dl
A thyroid panel was also done (Mind you, I have not been on thyroid replacement meds [synthroid, etc] for months when the labs were drawn, but do have anti-TPO antibodies and have a confirmed family history of hashimoto's)
TSH: 3.647 milIU/ml
Total T3: 94 ng/dl
Free T4: 1.4 ng/dl
My new endo ordered a cosyntropin test, IGF-1, and basic metabolic panel, and while I don't have the labs in front of me, they were adequate (for the cosyntropin/cortisol response) and normal for the others. I had an estradiol and PSA ordered as well (my arm looks like I've been on a heroin binge the last three weeks from these pokes)
Estradiol: 30 pg/ml
PSA=0.5 ng/ml
So, at this point my endo is ordering the last CYA test which is a MRI of my sella to rule out a pituitary adenoma/cancer. She DOES want me to start TRT, and respects my input (my day job is in healthcare). Based on the maaaany late night searches (google's been kind), I'm interested in starting on testosterone injections (cypionate) at an initial dose of 100mg a week, plus HCG to minimize testicular atrophy as well as gaining the metabolic and synergistic side effects of HCG + Testosterone. I do have anastrazole on hand to minimize the effects that aromatizing the ADDITIONAL testosterone and the HCG. I know that with an estradiol level creeping close to high with my LOW level of testosterone will likely increase once I start injecting.
PLAN FOR TRT:
Test cyp=100mg IM weekly
HCG: 250 IU SC twice weekly (based of Crisler protocol) two days prior, one day prior to test inj.
Anastrazole 0.5mg every third day
In regards to any training and nutrition, I am by no means an expert. I am amazed and humbled by the knowledge, dedication, and experience that many of the users and moderators have on this sire. I have been training pretty consistently the last 2 years and have seen some gains for sure. But my efforts have really been hampered the last two months due to my lack of motivation. I have no one to blame but myself, but I am trying to get back into the groove. My diet is pretty clean with fresh veggies and about 70 gm of protein with a low carb lifestyle (I gain weight thinking about Panera).
Ht: 5'11
Wt: 165 lbs
BF: 14%
So now, my question to anyone kind enough to answer is this (excuse the large type): DOES THE BACKBONE OF MY TRT SEEM APPROPRIATE? ARE THERE AREAS WHERE i SHOULD REFOCUS OR LEARN MORE TO HELP DESIGN A BETTER PLAN?
I am aware that neither myself nor anyone else will be able to design the PERFECT initial cycle. I hope to get some very helpful feedback from the post and update this story with labs and a success story
Thanks in advance
-M
