BigStu81
New member
Hey guys,
I've been on Tostran (Fortesta) gel since June 2016.
I initially started on the standard dose (six pumps) before being dropped down to half of that after three months due to my total test shooting up to 80 nmol/l (2300 ng/dl). This high reading may have been exaggerated by me applying the gel to my biceps over the previous few days, but it was definitely too high a level as my hemocrit had shot up to the very top of the range.
The next test (on half initial dose) showed everything in range and my total test at 21 nmol/l (600 ng/dl).
Three months on (i.e. today) the same dose has resulted in a total test level of 36 nmol/l (1038 ng/dl) which I'm told is too high - the top of their scale is 27 nmol/l (780 ng/dl). My local NHS surgery run my bloods and forward them to my private doc (who makes the decisions), so I likely have a few days to get prepared until he calls me.
I understand that 1038 ng/dl is still within the natural range (although admittedly high). As I feel great and all my other bloods are in range, I personally am not alarmed. However, I know that isn't how this all works. My private doc has previously commented when my level was around 2300 ng/dl that he wanted it below 30 nmol/l (865 nmol/l).
I actually think I've likely been around this level for six months now. The day before my last test (i.e. not most recent one) I only applied two of my three daily squirts. The reason for this was that (due to an unexpected work emergency) I wasn't able to apply the gel in the morning as usual. I was a bit worried about having my full daily dose in the evening so much closer to my morning dose with a test due the next day. However, literally every other day I had applied my usual dose first thing in the morn. I've also given blood twice now which may be helping to keep my RBC etc in range.
My questions:
I've been on Tostran (Fortesta) gel since June 2016.
I initially started on the standard dose (six pumps) before being dropped down to half of that after three months due to my total test shooting up to 80 nmol/l (2300 ng/dl). This high reading may have been exaggerated by me applying the gel to my biceps over the previous few days, but it was definitely too high a level as my hemocrit had shot up to the very top of the range.
The next test (on half initial dose) showed everything in range and my total test at 21 nmol/l (600 ng/dl).
Three months on (i.e. today) the same dose has resulted in a total test level of 36 nmol/l (1038 ng/dl) which I'm told is too high - the top of their scale is 27 nmol/l (780 ng/dl). My local NHS surgery run my bloods and forward them to my private doc (who makes the decisions), so I likely have a few days to get prepared until he calls me.
I understand that 1038 ng/dl is still within the natural range (although admittedly high). As I feel great and all my other bloods are in range, I personally am not alarmed. However, I know that isn't how this all works. My private doc has previously commented when my level was around 2300 ng/dl that he wanted it below 30 nmol/l (865 nmol/l).
I actually think I've likely been around this level for six months now. The day before my last test (i.e. not most recent one) I only applied two of my three daily squirts. The reason for this was that (due to an unexpected work emergency) I wasn't able to apply the gel in the morning as usual. I was a bit worried about having my full daily dose in the evening so much closer to my morning dose with a test due the next day. However, literally every other day I had applied my usual dose first thing in the morn. I've also given blood twice now which may be helping to keep my RBC etc in range.
My questions:
- Is 1038 ng/dl a level which most TRT docs would be happy with? I know loads of people keep themselves around 1000 ng/dl, but not sure if this is via self-administering.
- Could this huge increase have been caused by my recent habit of applying lotion an hour after? Or is it much more likely to be down to only applying 2/3 of my dose the day before the previous test (i.e. making that one read much lower).
- What should I do?
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