Need help understanding why TT changes so much between labs while on TRT

[AverageMan]

Getting fine tuned on TRT and just has labs done this week to see where everything stands. My TT and free T where much, much high this time around and I’m not sure why.

Initial protocol was 50mg Cyp E3.5D. I pin on Sunday AM and Wednesday PM. I had a blood test on a Tuesday - I know should have been Wednesday before pinning but I didn’t have time that day so I went on Tuesday.

TT was 705, and free T was 17.9

Changed to pinning 60mg and after 1.5 month on this protocol I had bloods on a Wednesday

TT is now 1134 and free T is 29.2

Wednesday before pinning should be my low point, correct? I’m not understanding why the big jump in TT and free T. It should have been lower, not higher – even thought I bumped up cyp 10mg I waited an extra day. Could it be my body is peaking almost 72+ hours after injection? I know everyone is a little different when it comes to cyp half like in the body.

View attachment 562718View attachment 562719I’m I missing something obvious?

 

[AverageMan]

Sorry for the repeat - Must have hit submit twice. This is the real post

 

[Megatron28]

How long had you been on the 50mg twice weekly protocol when you ran blood work?

Any change in other medication dosages?

Any weight changes or body composition changes.

There can also be variability in how much you draw and actually inject (get out of the syringe). The smaller the volume the larger the error as a percentage. Are you using 3ml syringes?

 

[Megatron28]

Different vials? Bottom of the vial?

 

[AverageMan]

How long had you been on the 50mg twice weekly protocol when you ran blood work?

Any change in other medication dosages?

Any weight changes or body composition changes.

There can also be variability in how much you draw and actually inject (get out of the syringe). The smaller the volume the larger the error as a percentage. Are you using 3ml syringes?

How long had you been on the 50mg twice weekly protocol when you ran blood work? just over a month my a few days.

Any change in other medication dosages? Armour thyroid 30mg ED and Adex at .1 E3.5D. Need to bump this as E2 is still a little high at 55

Any weight changes or body composition changes. Exact same weight.

Are you using 3ml syringes? - using 1ml slin syringes.

I see where you are possibly going. Since the first blood test was about a month into starting injections, the serum hadn't fully saturated my system?

 

[AverageMan]

1ML vials - I go through them often and try to get our every last drop.

 

[Megatron28]

I see where you are possibly going. Since the first blood test was about a month into starting injections, the serum hadn't fully saturated my system?

That is what it is sounding like to me.

 

[AverageMan]

That is what it is sounding like to me.

Thanks - that does make sense.

So my TT on the low side (right before injection) is over 1100 - I'm nervous this is a bit high for long term TRT. Can only imagine what TT looks like 24 hours after injection.

Doc said it's time to get nervous when RBC < 5.6 - is this accurate? Right now I'm at 5.54 and already have a whole blood donation set for Friday.

Also Doc was completely baffled as to how TSH dropped from 3.0 to 2.54, but T3 is LESS than when TSH was to 3.0. I'm ~40 days into Armour @ 30mg. He siad as TSH goes down T3 should go UP. He just said, keep up the Armour and see you in 90 days.

 

[Megatron28]

Thanks - that does make sense.

So my TT on the low side (right before injection) is over 1100 - I'm nervous this is a bit high for long term TRT. Can only imagine what TT looks like 24 hours after injection.

Doc said it's time to get nervous when RBC < 5.6 - is this accurate? Right now I'm at 5.54 and already have a whole blood donation set for Friday.

Also Doc was completely baffled as to how TSH dropped from 3.0 to 2.54, but T3 is LESS than when TSH was to 3.0. I'm ~40 days into Armour @ 30mg. He siad as TSH goes down T3 should go UP. He just said, keep up the Armour and see you in 90 days.

I don't have all your history so it is hard to comment. I can tell you that it is very common to see guys who get their Testosterone levels in line see an improvement in their thyroid function. Just like you did. You may want to reassess your need to thyroid meds once you feel like you have your TRT protocol dialed in.

I usually look at Hematocrit instead of RBC, but they are all related (Hematocrit, hemoglobin and RBC). Being on TRT usually means that you need to do regular therapeutic blood donations for the rest of your life. Every 56 days. This is the only way to lower Hematocrit while on TRT. Simply go to the local blood donation center (e.g. Red Cross) and donate a pint of blood. It helps save lives too! They give you free cookies as well. Win-Win!

By the way, you put the < symbol the wrong way. ;-)

 

[Chiefy]

Just to add on to Mega's post...

When you go to donate blood, don't mention that you're there so you can lower your RBC or hematocrit. You'll be turned away and likely receive a lifetime ban.

Testosterone is not on the Red Cross' list of meds that prevent you from donation, but they don't like being used for therapeutic purposes.

 

[AverageMan]

oh for sure - just like you don't get on a plane and yell "bomb".

I've been giving blood regularly for most of my adult life and carry a frequent doner card.

 

[Lenex]

Exactly. On the plane you just keep quiet and let the bomb do the job.

 

[JamesTRT]

Different vials? Bottom of the vial?

Wait a minute, are you implying that our testosterone bottles should be shaken before drawing from it?

 

[Megatron28]

Wait a minute, are you implying that our testosterone bottles should be shaken before drawing from it?

No. But I do like to gently roll them after I inject so they are good for my next injection later in the week.

Some think that some of the powder tends to settle to the bottom of the vial making tb last few injections more potent. This is probably an "old wife's tale" though.