Low test after blood work/clomid for recovery??

[sessa101]

I have not cycled for two years. I just had my blood work done this past week:

26 years old, 5'10 193.
Test Level at 412
Free test at 47

These levels are in the "normal" range according to my MD, but based on my research males in my age bracket (25-29) should be between 600-700. I definitely have noticed the symptoms of low test, low energy and libido, confidence and anxiety issues, etc. Not worried about these, I know its just the hormone imbalance and everything will be fine once I am back where I am supposed to be.

The problem is the endo I saw said that everything will level out, in a couple years.... hopefully. I have read online that clomid and/or hcg would help get me back on track. I am considering a temporary or permanent regimen depending on the results.

I bought 30 x 50mg tabs of clomid to start. After research I think 25mg ed week 1. 50mg ed week 2,3,4. 25mg ed week 5.

I haven't decided whether or not to supplement HCG with this.

Thoughts and recommendations are much appreciated.

 

[luckypaul]

Those are not bad numbers brother. A bit on the low side. Start trying to manipulate them and things can get worse. 26 is young for trt.

 

[sessa101]

If understand trt that involves supplementing or replacing your test levels with actual testosterone. Is using hcg and clomid considered trt? The studies I read said males my age should be between 600-700, I'm at 412. I just want to get my edge back, I'm not the same..

 

[Roush]

If understand trt that involves supplementing or replacing your test levels with actual testosterone. Is using hcg and clomid considered trt? The studies I read said males my age should be between 600-700, I'm at 412. I just want to get my edge back, I'm not the same..

TRT in no way shape or form will help you get your natural test levels back,, just the opposite, it further shuts you down. TRT is testosterone REPLACEMENT therapy,, your replace your natural testosterone levels completely by injecting exogenous test, for the rest of your life in most cases..
Boosting or 're-starting' your natural levels at this point and your age would be best, imo

 

[Megatron28]

Yes, using hCG or SERMs are alternative methods of TRT.

What time of the day was your blood work done? Was it after a good night's sleep?

Any sleep apnea?

What is your diet like?

What did your LH and FSH come in at?

Are you exercising?

 

[sessa101]

Yes, using hCG or SERMs are alternative methods of TRT.

What time of the day was your blood work done? Was it after a good night's sleep?

Any sleep apnea?

What is your diet like?

What did your LH and FSH come in at?

Are you exercising?

Afternoon/Yes

No

High protein, dairy and carb. I am conscious of how to diet and good habits, have not been practicing however.

TSH w/reflwx to FT4 - 3.06
LH was not on the results

Not currently but I have been the entire year as the syptoms have been persistent. Workouts include squats and deads and HIT.
Currently recovering from knee surgery and haven't worked out since late Oct. Blood was taken 11/19/15


Nipples have been extremely sensitive for months, at one point swollen and starting to gyno. Since then pain has slowly reduced but still sensitive if I press them in, like a needle on the inside. After my first week on Clomid, it has ceased almost entirely.

I want to continue the Clomid the rest for another 2.5 weeks at 50mg a day and then taper to 25mg and get blood work again.

-Should I consider HCG?
-Will this get me back to the levels I want to be at and maintain levels after I stop?
-Or will have to continue permanently?

 

[Megatron28]

Afternoon/Yes

No

High protein, dairy and carb. I am conscious of how to diet and good habits, have not been practicing however.

TSH w/reflwx to FT4 - 3.06
LH was not on the results

Not currently but I have been the entire year as the syptoms have been persistent. Workouts include squats and deads and HIT.
Currently recovering from knee surgery and haven't worked out since late Oct. Blood was taken 11/19/15


Nipples have been extremely sensitive for months, at one point swollen and starting to gyno. Since then pain has slowly reduced but still sensitive if I press them in, like a needle on the inside. After my first week on Clomid, it has ceased almost entirely.

I want to continue the Clomid the rest for another 2.5 weeks at 50mg a day and then taper to 25mg and get blood work again.

-Should I consider HCG?
-Will this get me back to the levels I want to be at and maintain levels after I stop?
-Or will have to continue permanently?

I think clomid and hCG are great for trying HPTA restarts but I don't think they work so well for TRT as a long-term solution. With the caveat that a low dose of hCG should be included in your protocol when running testosterone.

Getting a good diet in place will help.

Next time you get blood work make sure you check your LH and FSH. And keep an eye on your thyroid (TSH) as you are approaching hypothyroid territory.

 

[sessa101]

I think clomid and hCG are great for trying HPTA restarts but I don't think they work so well for TRT as a long-term solution. With the caveat that a low dose of hCG should be included in your protocol when running testosterone.

Getting a good diet in place will help.

Next time you get blood work make sure you check your LH and FSH. And keep an eye on your thyroid (TSH) as you are approaching hypothyroid territory.

Thank you for the solid advice. In regard to the HPTA restart, do I need to incorportate HCG now with the clomid. If so, how much and how long?

Also, being that I never ran hcg ever until after my 3rd cycle, could that have resulted in permanent damage? Should I consider cycling again are is that a higher risk for me know. I want to have kids in the next 5 years..

By good diet you mean... High protein, (red meat, chicken and fish) mostly complex carbs unless pre or post meals or cheats days, high greens and good fats like nuts, etc. I know golden era body building suggests high dairy including cottage cheese, do you agree with this?

I do not understand hypo thyroid or the LH and FSH. What will I want to look out for?

 

[wombat68]

Thank you for the solid advice. In regard to the HPTA restart, do I need to incorportate HCG now with the clomid. If so, how much and how long?

Also, being that I never ran hcg ever until after my 3rd cycle, could that have resulted in permanent damage? Should I consider cycling again are is that a higher risk for me know. I want to have kids in the next 5 years..

By good diet you mean... High protein, (red meat, chicken and fish) mostly complex carbs unless pre or post meals or cheats days, high greens and good fats like nuts, etc. I know golden era body building suggests high dairy including cottage cheese, do you agree with this?

I do not understand hypo thyroid or the LH and FSH. What will I want to look out for?

a good diet is one that hits macro nutrients for your desired goal...food choices are another topic of conversation

 

[Megatron28]

Thank you for the solid advice. In regard to the HPTA restart, do I need to incorportate HCG now with the clomid. If so, how much and how long?

Also, being that I never ran hcg ever until after my 3rd cycle, could that have resulted in permanent damage? Should I consider cycling again are is that a higher risk for me know. I want to have kids in the next 5 years..

By good diet you mean... High protein, (red meat, chicken and fish) mostly complex carbs unless pre or post meals or cheats days, high greens and good fats like nuts, etc. I know golden era body building suggests high dairy including cottage cheese, do you agree with this?

I do not understand hypo thyroid or the LH and FSH. What will I want to look out for?

If you experienced testicular atrophy - which is normal on a cycle when hCG is not used -- it is a good idea to run hCG for a few months before starting with the SERMs. It will help get your testicles working again. I would try running it at about 500iu three times per week. There are different protocols out there though so do some research.

Permanent damage is always a risk when cycling. Using hCG on cycle helps lower the risk but it does not eliminate it.

I would not consider another cycle until you k ow your HPTA is healthy again and back to baseline or you change your mind about accepting TRT as a possible likelihood.

Good diet is one that fits your macros. Dairy has casein protein so it is a good choice but it can be high in fst/calories so be careful in what you choose.

Read the Basic TRT Overview sticky thread found in the TRT forum and the FAQs link below in my signature. They will explain LH, FSH and hypothyroidism. Use google too.

P.S. always check Natty Hormone levels first thing in the morning.

 

[Therealkozmo]

Getting a good diet in place will help.
Did you get a sleep study or are you saying you think you don't have sleep apnea

 

[appleton111]

a good diet is one that hits macro nutrients for your desired goal...food choices are another topic of conversation

Dont they go hand in hand? I would rather get my nutrients as natural as possible to my body can deal with it better.

 

[sessa101]

New blood work recommendations?

If you experienced testicular atrophy - which is normal on a cycle when hCG is not used -- it is a good idea to run hCG for a few months before starting with the SERMs. It will help get your testicles working again. I would try running it at about 500iu three times per week. There are different protocols out there though so do some research.

Permanent damage is always a risk when cycling. Using hCG on cycle helps lower the risk but it does not eliminate it.

I would not consider another cycle until you k ow your HPTA is healthy again and back to baseline or you change your mind about accepting TRT as a possible likelihood.

Good diet is one that fits your macros. Dairy has casein protein so it is a good choice but it can be high in fst/calories so be careful in what you choose.

Read the Basic TRT Overview sticky thread found in the TRT forum and the FAQs link below in my signature. They will explain LH, FSH and hypothyroidism. Use google too.

P.S. always check Natty Hormone levels first thing in the morning.

So I completed the the Clomid regimen 1 week ago. Feeling significantly better! All sensitivity is gone, confidence is back and my libido is beginning to return. I have experienced some atrophy as a result and am still considering some HCG like you said.

But first... I go to my Dr. tomorrow to request new blood work. I read the sticky thread and somewhat understand what I need to do.

This is what I am going to request:

-TT
-Free T
-LH
-FSH
-E2

Am I missing anything? Thank you for the help

 

[Megatron28]

So I completed the the Clomid regimen 1 week ago. Feeling significantly better! All sensitivity is gone, confidence is back and my libido is beginning to return. I have experienced some atrophy as a result and am still considering some HCG like you said.

But first... I go to my Dr. tomorrow to request new blood work. I read the sticky thread and somewhat understand what I need to do.

This is what I am going to request:

-TT
-Free T
-LH
-FSH
-E2

Am I missing anything? Thank you for the help

Yes, you are missing a few things. Don't run hCG now. That should have been used prior to running SERM(s). Running it now would suppress your HPTA.

Do not run blood work yet. Wait 5 more weeks. It is too soon.

 

[sessa101]

Ok I had already started at that point. I'll check back then

 

[Megatron28]

No sleep apnea but a couple week backs mid way through 5 mg clomid ed I started having night sweats and disrupted sleep pattern. Seems to be better now.

When I was younger I talked a lot in my sleep which has since subsided, however as of late it is coming back again.

I may consider a sleep study.. not sure how much it will help. I go to the bed same time within an hour or so everyday, sleep for 7-8 and wake up at the same time.

Why such a low dose of clomid for a restart?

 

[sessa101]

Why such a low dose of clomid for a restart?

Should have said 50mg.

I tapered in and out of the regimen at 25mg for 5 days each side.

 

[appleton111]

Hows this going so far?

 

[sessa101]

Hows this going so far?

I completed the reg 2 weeks ago this Friday. While I was on it took about two weeks for all nipple sensitivity to diminish. Last two weeks were great, elevated mood and confidence. Being off for a week now, I am not riding quite as high but still feel significantly better and sex drive is back up too.

 

[JimiThing]

I completed the reg 2 weeks ago this Friday. While I was on it took about two weeks for all nipple sensitivity to diminish. Last two weeks were great, elevated mood and confidence. Being off for a week now, I am not riding quite as high but still feel significantly better and sex drive is back up too.

Please keep us updated man!