Need some opinions after first Cycle of Test

[blackmarines]

Hello

I am looking for some advice and opinions and general help for my recovery after my first cycle:

Background info:

Year 2014 in April: Age, 20, First Cycle Ever of just Test E - Bloods before:
LH: 6
FSH: 3
Total T: 27.1 (Range is 11-29)
Estradiol: 144 (Range is 0-160)
SHBG: 41 (Range is 10-55)
Free Test: 550 (Range is 175-700)


Did 1 Cycle of Test E 500/mg / week for about 10 weeks and did NOT PCT after Cycle, followed up with bloods in December 2014 (8 months after)
FSH: 2
LH: 6
Total T: 21.9
Estradiol: 105
Free Test: 375

Ever since this first cycle I have been feeling like absolute dog shit, mental health problems, anxiety, way less morning wood, less energy in general, tougher recoveries in the gym.
It's been years since this cycle its 2022 now ... so like 8 years, battling demons since, prescribed antidepressants, etc etc, lots of different blood work done - everything always within normal ranges.


It is now September 2022 and I decided to get more blood work taken to check this testosterone out again:
Cortisol: 273 nmol/L
Estradiol: 133
Testosterone: 19.9
SHGB: 47
Free Testosterone: 347
FSH: 3
LH: 6


I am wondering is this free test sitting in these 300's could be a culprit for this quality of life shit i've been dealing with..

I am hoping that someone has dealt with this in the past, and maybe ran a PCT or HCG protocol to deal with this situation and got anywhere positive? My last resort obviously being TRT I would like to try that first.

Please let me know your thoughts

 

[Die$eL~Man]

never skip pct. your feeling that way because you crashed

 

[casanovaaa]

It sounds like you've been dealing with long-term symptoms related to your first cycle of testosterone, and your blood work reflects low free testosterone and some hormonal imbalances, which could certainly be contributing to your ongoing issues with mental health, energy levels, and recovery.


Given the history and your symptoms, here are some key points and potential solutions to consider:

1. Impact of Your First Cycle:​

Your initial cycle of testosterone without proper PCT (post-cycle therapy) likely contributed to some form of HPTA (hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis) suppression. After your cycle, it seems like your testosterone levels were lower, and free testosterone especially dropped into the lower range, which could be a major factor behind your ongoing symptoms.


While some people recover naturally after a steroid cycle, others experience prolonged suppression that doesn't resolve without intervention, even years later.

2. Blood Work Analysis:​

• Testosterone (19.9) and Free Testosterone (347): These are on the low side, especially when compared to younger male norms. Free testosterone is what directly influences many of the symptoms you're dealing with (libido, energy, mental clarity, etc.).
• SHBG (47): A relatively high SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) level can make free testosterone lower, as SHBG binds to testosterone and reduces the amount available for use in the body.
• Estradiol (133): Estradiol levels are within the normal range but could still be a bit high for some men, potentially contributing to symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction.

3. Recovery Options:​

You have a few potential paths to recovery, including HCG, PCT, and TRT. Let's break them down:

A. PCT Protocols:​

Since it's been a long time since your cycle, but you still have symptoms of low testosterone, you might benefit from a PCT protocol. This could help you stimulate your own testosterone production again and potentially recover some of your natural levels.

• Clomid or Nolvadex: These are common PCT drugs that work by stimulating your pituitary to release more LH and FSH, which in turn can help your testes produce more testosterone. These would be worth considering if your goal is to restart natural production.
• HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): HCG mimics LH and can help stimulate the testes directly to produce more testosterone. If you haven’t used HCG in the past, this could be a good addition to your protocol to help kickstart production.

A 6-week PCT protocol with Clomid and Nolvadex might be a good first step, though you could add HCG in the first 2-3 weeks to help with testicular function.

B. HCG Protocol:​

If you're having trouble recovering your natural testosterone production, a longer-term HCG protocol could help. Sometimes, HCG is used in combination with Clomid to get the best results. However, this protocol typically requires careful monitoring by a doctor.

C. TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy):​

Given that it's been 8 years since your cycle and you're still experiencing symptoms, TRT might be something to seriously consider. The fact that your free testosterone remains low despite years of recovery suggests that your body may not be producing enough on its own anymore.

• Benefits: TRT could quickly restore your testosterone levels to a more optimal range, improving mood, energy, and recovery. It also provides a stable, consistent level of testosterone without the peaks and valleys that come with cycling.
• Considerations: TRT is a lifelong commitment, so it's important to consider all options before deciding. However, if you’re looking for a solution that restores your quality of life, TRT can be very effective.

4. Next Steps:​

• Consult an Endocrinologist: It's crucial to work with a healthcare professional who can guide you through this process. They can help you determine the best course of action, whether it's trying PCT, using HCG, or starting TRT.
• Blood Work Follow-Up: More frequent blood tests can help track your progress with any treatments and make adjustments as needed.
• Monitor Mental Health: You mentioned experiencing mental health issues, which could be related to low testosterone. If you start a treatment plan, consider discussing mental health support, whether therapy or medication, to help with recovery.

Summary:​

Given your prolonged symptoms and the history of HPTA suppression, a PCT protocol (Clomid, Nolvadex, and possibly HCG) would be a good first step. If this doesn’t yield results after a few months, TRT could be a more permanent solution to restore your testosterone levels and quality of life. Make sure to monitor your progress closely with regular blood tests and consider working with a doctor familiar with hormone therapy to find the best approach for you.