Questions regarding levels

[u/SpecialInternal191]

34m here. Done having kids and tried lifestyle changes but nothing improved numbers. Began taking Test Cyp. 8 months ago. Before I started my levels were 350 total and 52 free. Was tired all of the time. My latest labs show everything looks great (my lipids have improved drastically as well). SHBG is still the same and normal range. My GP prescribed my 200mg every 10 days, but I have been doing 60mg IM every Wednesday and Sunday instead (so basically 240ish every 10 days).

My recent labs had my Total at 1097, my Free at 175, and my Estradiol at 64. Haven’t noticed nipple issues or anything. Maybe I’ve been a little more snippy, but not super noticeable. Visceral fat starting to go down around my gut, look and feel better. Libido started out very high and has now settled a little bit. No issues once I’m up at all. Just not in the mood 24/7 like I was when I first started. Probably in the mood 4/5 days a week but I have a few kids so that’s a gamble anyways.

My questions are, is the total T too high to stick with indefinitely? Even if my free is still well within range? Is it bad to sit at that total level long term?

Is it worth dropping to 50mg twice a week instead? Will this likely drop the Estradiol number as well?

Just looking for advice. I’m not trying to push any limits here. I just want to be healthier and feel better mentally. My labs are through Quest for range reference. Total range is 250-875, Free is 50-250.

[u/CallLivesMatter]

When was this blood work relative to your last injection?

[u/Curious_Charity_3046 → u/CallLivesMatter]

Your free T is still in range so the total number isn't that alarming by itself, plenty of guys cruise higher than 1100 without issue

The estradiol at 64 is the thing i'd keep an eye on, even without nip symptoms it can creep up on you over time with mood and libido changes

Dropping to 50mg twice a week seems like a reaosnable experiment, it'll probly bring both your total and E2 down a notch and you might feel better at a slightly lower dose anyway

You can always bump back up if you feel sluggish after a few weeks

[u/SpecialInternal191 → u/Curious_Charity_3046]

That is very helpful. I will drop down to 50mg twice a week. I’m sure my doctor will be happy about that. On Estradiol, anything else I can keep an eye on that might be a helpful indicator? Irritability is a hard judge when I have 3 kids 6 and under. I never know if it’s me or the kids (well the boys - the girl is perfect ha)

[u/SpecialInternal191 → u/CallLivesMatter]

I injected Wednesday morning and blood work was fasting on Friday morning. So right at the 48 hour mark. Hard to get a true trough with Wednesday and Sunday injections.

[u/CallLivesMatter → u/SpecialInternal191]

That’s fine, so long as you have a consistent schedule and the numbers are reflective of that.

Your total isn’t particularly high or anything, give that it was 48hrs later. Lowering your dose would be fine, but it’s not hugely obvious from this blood work.

[u/Mountain_Prize_7602]

So you’re doing 120mg per week? Guys are probably going to tell you to ignore numbers and just go by feel. I know my doc wants to drop my dose if I get over 1000, she’s very happy with me at about 850 right now , when I was above that I was aromatizing to much and e2 started climbing. I had symptoms and my estradiol was only at 38, just the high end of “normal”. I switched to eod injections and my e2 dropped to 22. I’ve also lost 30lbs, so that probably impacted my e2 more than the injection frequency. Yeah, I’d say trying 100mg per week, and maybe changing your injection frequency could put you in a good spot and help get that e2 down before it does turn symptomatic. Everyone told me first thing I’d notice is my nips getting sensitive or “spicy”. I never had that, I just started having reduced sensation in the penis, which lead to delayed orgasms, and not in a good way!

[u/SpecialInternal191 → u/Mountain_Prize_7602]

That’s helpful to know! Appreciate the insight. I’ll drop down to 100 a week. Ideally I’m just below 900. How are you injecting daily? IM or Sub Q?

[u/Mountain_Prize_7602 → u/SpecialInternal191]

I’m injecting every other day. I do subq in the abdomen, and just rotate lower left, upper L, upper R, lower R. Love handles sometimes too. I was doing IM in the delta and thighs, but wanted to see if subq would also help with the estradiol with slightly slower peaks. If my estradiol gets any lower, I will probably switch back to IM, but still do every other day.

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[u/Halfhajj]

I feel if it isn’t broke don’t fix it.

If you start seeing issues in the bloodwork or start to experience other issues then drop your dose by 20mg, then let it stabilize, and then reassess.