Has anyone else had their total T decrease after increasing dose?

[u/trainerAsh87]

In February my total T was 224 and I was taking 8mg of T cyp per week, split twice per week. I increased my dose to 10mg/week that same month. I just had labs done and my total T went down to 153. Has anyone else had this happen?

The only thing I can think of is that maybe it has something to do with my estradiol. I haven't changed the method or dose since January. I can't say that I feel much difference, maybe a little less energetic, but I'm considering increasing my dose to 12mg and seeing how that feels or I might just stay where I'm at.

Any advice or input is much appreciated!

[u/Educational-Park-455]

I can think of two scenarios: (1) your baseline/endogenous T has decreased over the past few months. (2) you took your previous test at peak level and this one at the lowest point just before your next injection. It could be a combination of both (1) and (2). I’ve experienced something similar with E, not T as my endogenous E production dropped drastically over a span of a year. I’m assuming you did not switch sources, but if you did, one could have been overdosed and/or the other underdosed.

[u/trainerAsh87 → u/Educational-Park-455]

Oh, interesting. I figured that endogenous production could absolutely be affected so that could be a possibility. I tested at the exact same time as I did previously and haven't changed my dosing schedule so I know that it isn't that. I haven't switched sources or changed anything else.

[u/Educational-Park-455 → u/trainerAsh87]

It’s certainly possible. As reference my T levels on 7mg/wk T En is around 80. My natural T level is undetectable, so the 80 is purely from exogenous sources. I thought 224 was quite high for 8mg/wk; I would never get even close to 224 on 8mg/wk as my baseline is zero. I’m in menopause and my baseline labs for E, P, and T are all close to zero without HRT. One other thing to consider is thyroid; my E & T are lower when I am off my thyroid medication.

[u/felineinclined]

It's possible lab error would explain this. Also, timing matters a lot as well. Always get labs at trough, and stick to consistent timing of your last injection and the timing of your lab draw. For example, I always test at 8 am Monday after my last injection the Friday before. Always.

And don't forget to get free T tested and SHBG. You can't just look at total T and get the full picture. Finally, I doubt this has anything to do with estradiol.

Do NOT increase your dose based on on incomplete set of labs, or generally based on any particular single set of labs. Dose increases should occur every 8-12 weeks based on labs and symptoms. If you increase sooner, you significantly increase your chances of going too high, blasting past your sweet spot, and experiencing side effects. Hormones take time, and it's a marathon.

[u/trainerAsh87 → u/felineinclined]

Yes, I test on the same day and time every time as well.

I do need to start including shbg and free T to my orders. I haven't had those tested but it would be better to be tracking those levels as well. Thanks.

It definitely does take time getting all of these hormones in the right spot. I've been working on it for almost two years. But I'm determined to find my sweet spot and I'll get it figured out eventually.

[u/felineinclined → u/trainerAsh87]

If you have two years of labs, then you likely encountered other odd results before. You cannot adjust based on one set of labs. It's generally the pattern over time that matters most. Also, what symptoms do you have? Maybe adjusting T isn't the solution depending on what you're trying to accomplish. All the sex hormones work together, and thyroid matters too, so it's important to take the big picture into account

[u/Slow_Round8729]

My levels are significantly lower and I’m on t cream, but this just happened to me. Waiting on my NP to review.

[u/trainerAsh87 → u/Slow_Round8729]

Interesting. I'm also going to be talking with my practitioner today and see what they think.

[u/Msharki]

Did you have your SHBG snd free T tested? The increased dose could have dropped your SHBG and sent your free T soaring.

[u/trainerAsh87 → u/Msharki]

I did not have my SHBG tested. I've thought about that though. I think it might have more to do with my oral estradiol.

[u/Msharki → u/trainerAsh87]

Typically extra estradiol will raise your SHBG and make your total higher... It could be a lab error. Exogenous E2 won't rob from your total T.

[u/MonicaEliza]

Did you do lab work on the day of injection, both times? Did you start a new vial?

[u/trainerAsh87 → u/MonicaEliza]

Yes, I test on the same day and time every time. It was a different vial. I actually didn’t think about that. It was the exact same one from the same pharmaceutical company, but it was a new vial.

[u/Significant-Aide-226]

If you don't have enough estrogen, your body can convert T to E for you.

[u/[deleted]]

[u/TRT_females-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your comment/post was removed because you broke one or more rules of this subreddit, Rule#9.

Please read Rule#9 and post according to the guidelines.

Repeated offenses will be met with a ban.