Overweight TRT Considerations

msyntakz said:
Ok... I had a feeling making that last post would get me movement, lol.

Here are my relevant numbers -

Free Testosterone: 9.44 ng/dL
Total Testosterone: 285 ng/dL
E2: 54 pg/mL
SHBG: 20 nmol/L
IGF-1: 199 ng/mL
Hematocrit: 46.6%

So, to all my TRT folks out there, what are your takes on my situation as it sits?

Funny enough, for the testosterone levels, I am still in range for this lab that did the testing. Free test range was noted as 240 - 950 ng/dL, and free is 4.65 - 18.1 ng/dL. It seems like the reference ranges just keep getting lower and lower, which makes sense given the general population continuing to decline.

Anyway, that's where I stand in regard to the TRT conversation.
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How old are you? If over 40-45 Get on TRT and don't look back. Keep on working on the weight loss test will help that and it will help keep and build new muscle. I lost 75-80 lbs after I started TRT In that time I lost more fat weight than the scale shows because I was adding muscle the whole time. This was before GLP1's were around. I had gotten down to the 320-335 area last Nov I started eating carnivore and lost 15lbs is 2 weeks then it took about a month to loose 5 more that is when I got some Reta and within a month I got down to 275lbs whitch is the lowest I have been in about 20 years. I have stopped the Reta for now but I am going to run it again soon. 275 was a dream weight a dream I never really thought I could reach. But now I am sure I will get down to 250 soon.
 
BlueDog55 said:
How old are you? If over 40-45 Get on TRT and don't look back. Keep on working on the weight loss test will help that and it will help keep and build new muscle. I lost 75-80 lbs after I started TRT In that time I lost more fat weight than the scale shows because I was adding muscle the whole time. This was before GLP1's were around. I had gotten down to the 320-335 area last Nov I started eating carnivore and lost 15lbs is 2 weeks then it took about a month to loose 5 more that is when I got some Reta and within a month I got down to 275lbs whitch is the lowest I have been in about 20 years. I have stopped the Reta for now but I am going to run it again soon. 275 was a dream weight a dream I never really thought I could reach. But now I am sure I will get down to 250 soon.
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Congrats on the progress! That's great to hear!

I am 37, currently 305lbs, and trending down. I will be getting my first shipment in about a week from now, if all stays on track. I have heard nothing but positive from guys who have had weight to lose, so I am excited to say the least. The drive, motivation, and mood changes are honestly what I look forward to the most. The rest are really cool bonuses, haha.
 
A question for anyone following this thread, with the experience: What do I need to keep in mind regarding Anastrozole? It's coming with my supply, and it's not something I'm super well-read on. Lots of conflicting info online, mixes of regular usage, others terrified of it and treat it like poison.

My conclusion so far: low and slow, like .25mg doses to start if needed, and go from there.

Also, what qualifies the need? Numbers and symptoms? Most are saying not to recheck hormones for the first 8 weeks or so... so that means going based on symptoms until recheck. Just asking, since it's coming with the supply. Didn't know that was a standard, if it is.
 
msyntakz said:
A question for anyone following this thread, with the experience: What do I need to keep in mind regarding Anastrozole? It's coming with my supply, and it's not something I'm super well-read on. Lots of conflicting info online, mixes of regular usage, others terrified of it and treat it like poison.

My conclusion so far: low and slow, like .25mg doses to start if needed, and go from there.

Also, what qualifies the need? Numbers and symptoms? Most are saying not to recheck hormones for the first 8 weeks or so... so that means going based on symptoms until recheck. Just asking, since it's coming with the supply. Didn't know that was a standard, if it is.
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Symptoms are what matters.

At 8-10 weeks your checking hematocrit, total and free t, e2, psa, and the normal stuff.

If you don’t have symptoms, the numbers don’t matter. Water retention doesn’t matter, practically. I gained a few pounds a few weeks in, then dropped it a few weeks later, upped my dose and caught a bit more.


I’ve yet to take AI, I don’t anticipate needing to at this point, but I have plenty on hand. I wouldn’t take more than a quarter of a pill to start out with, crashed E2 sucks, they say.
 
msyntakz said:
A question for anyone following this thread, with the experience: What do I need to keep in mind regarding Anastrozole? It's coming with my supply, and it's not something I'm super well-read on. Lots of conflicting info online, mixes of regular usage, others terrified of it and treat it like poison.

My conclusion so far: low and slow, like .25mg doses to start if needed, and go from there.

Also, what qualifies the need? Numbers and symptoms? Most are saying not to recheck hormones for the first 8 weeks or so... so that means going based on symptoms until recheck. Just asking, since it's coming with the supply. Didn't know that was a standard, if it is.
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If you are not on test I don't think you need the blocker other than to help you feel the test you do have better...not sure I am saying that right. Your e2 should drop with your weight loss. Writing this just reminded me the first thing I ever took like 19years ago was an e2 blocker I remember it did make me feel better and made me chase the wife around alot more than normal so i don't think it would hurt you to take a little .25 once or twice a week. but when you do new labs look at it you don't want get it to low. Also not everyone on Test even needs the blocker I know several guys that have been on test for 20+ years and have never needed it. I have to take it twice a month or I get high e2. At 37 and being over weight for a long time you might need test but only time and lab test will tell you for sure. You could also read up on HCG that might help you.
 
BlueDog55 said:
If you are not on test I don't think you need the blocker other than to help you feel the test you do have better...not sure I am saying that right. Your e2 should drop with your weight loss. Writing this just reminded me the first thing I ever took like 19years ago was an e2 blocker I remember it did make me feel better and made me chase the wife around alot more than normal so i don't think it would hurt you to take a little .25 once or twice a week. but when you do new labs look at it you don't want get it to low. Also not everyone on Test even needs the blocker I know several guys that have been on test for 20+ years and have never needed it. I have to take it twice a month or I get high e2. At 37 and being over weight for a long time you might need test but only time and lab test will tell you for sure. You could also read up on HCG that might help you.
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Yeah, I'm going to dive in and try it. My numbers are low, and that's after dropping 80 pounds, being in the gym, eating good, getting good movement, etc. I know my fat mass will still have a solid effect on test availability, but I am 1) mentally tired 2) want to preserve as much muscle as I can.

I am just going to dose frequently, EOD at least, but I am thinking daily, SubQ rotating all over the body and hopefully end up with nice steady levels with minimal sides. That's the hope.
 
msyntakz said:
I am just going to dose frequently, EOD at least, but I am thinking daily, SubQ rotating all over the body and hopefully end up with nice steady levels with minimal sides. That's the hope.
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Are you expecting a meaningful reduction of unwanted sides going eod/daily vs 3x per week?

Injection fatigue is a thing, 3x weekly was the Goldilocks schedule for me.
 
woundcarping said:
Are you expecting a meaningful reduction of unwanted sides going eod/daily vs 3x per week?

Injection fatigue is a thing, 3x weekly was the Goldilocks schedule for me.
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I am at least hoping for it based on my forum, reddit, YouTube research, ha. I have been worried about being able to keep up with the schedule. I suppose I can always try a lower frequency, and adjust if there's a perceived need, though I'm sure diminishing returns.

You do Mon, Wed, Fri?
 
Gt3294a said:
I use 23g on glutes. Used to use 22g for some stupid reason decades ago. I feel like 25g more common now in the glute but many of like the 23 garage for more study needle and easier injection of the oil (especially at over .5ml). Personal preference. That artery in that area would take a 2 inch needle probably to get there, so 1.5 inch 23 garage is just fine for me.
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some harpoons you're using haha. I used 23g once, and I didnt mind it, but decided to change to a 27g so that I dont cause scarring.


Omxxl said:
That's interesting, I've tried 23g and they work best for me. Do you think they're too thick for the glutes? I've even used 21g on my shoulders, and 25g, but it hurts if I use more than 0.5 ml afterwards.
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nah. I use 23g regularly on my quads and glutes, 1 to 1.25ml currently depending on the strength of the test
 
msyntakz said:
I am at least hoping for it based on my forum, reddit, YouTube research, ha. I have been worried about being able to keep up with the schedule. I suppose I can always try a lower frequency, and adjust if there's a perceived need, though I'm sure diminishing returns.

You do Mon, Wed, Fri?
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Yep. My E2 went from 13pg/ml to 26, which means nothing directly for you. Hematocrit went from 49 to 47 at 120mg, at 180mg I’m currently around 51%.

I started a bpc cycle again tonight, 2 shots a day for 4 weeks plus my usual 5 pins a week, plus a week of DSIP 1x monthly to see how it does with me.
 
woundcarping said:
Yep. My E2 went from 13pg/ml to 26, which means nothing directly for you. Hematocrit went from 49 to 47 at 120mg, at 180mg I’m currently around 51%.

I started a bpc cycle again tonight, 2 shots a day for 4 weeks plus my usual 5 pins a week, plus a week of DSIP 1x monthly to see how it does with me.
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I mean, fewer pins sounds better. I'm already going down the road of being a walking experiment, like most here, may as well try.

That puts me at 5 pins a week with the GLPs, and with my current schedule, keeps everything within the schedule of Mon/Wed/Fri... That is definitely more attractive than daily.

You don't have persistent lumps or anything with the larger oil amount per pin? That was a secondary concern for me, doing SubQ. I only have 5/16 30g currently. Do you do 1/2 inch?
 
I just take 10 units every morning. I pin it while I wait for my coffee to brew, easy routine now.
 
I would use Anastrazole 0.5 mg once every 3 days for a while when you are on TRT. This is due to the high E2. I have used Ana at 1mg daily doses for 6 week cycles many times before. And if you want to go on TRT, go for a long lasting ester if you can. Testosterone Undecanoate would be the dream for me, 4 injections a year. And in a cutting phase that would be precisely what I would opt for. IM injections are such a pain (all puns intended). Stab and forget would be a boon.
 
Smiter said:
I would use Anastrazole 0.5 mg once every 3 days for a while when you are on TRT. This is due to the high E2. I have used Ana at 1mg daily doses for 6 week cycles many times before. And if you want to go on TRT, go for a long lasting ester if you can. Testosterone Undecanoate would be the dream for me, 4 injections a year. And in a cutting phase that would be precisely what I would opt for. IM injections are such a pain (all puns intended). Stab and forget would be a boon.
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That is a shit ton of Armidex. I take around that when I’m pinning 500mg a week. I’ve known a ton of people that crash their e2. It’s miserable. Folks grow to love the jab of test e or c. Just took one in the hotel on a trip….
 
I took it because of my size and the cycle. I also had huge water retention on Test. Yeah, I am supposed to have a stellar imagination, but I refuse to imagine loving intramuscular jabs. Nope, never. But yeah, propionate is an option too.
Gt3294a said:
That is a shit ton of Armidex. I take around that when I’m pinning 500mg a week. I’ve known a ton of people that crash their e2. It’s miserable. Folks grow to love the jab of test e or c. Just took one in the hotel on a trip….
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Personally, I would concentrate on one big achievement at a time. Use your Reta, exercise, eat better and lose the weight. Your testosterone should go up from that. That will be your real baseline when tested. Once the weight is gone, then go for the TRT if needed. Buy some new clothes, and start looking and feeling good.
 
Smiter said:
I took it because of my size and the cycle. I also had huge water retention on Test. Yeah, I am supposed to have a stellar imagination, but I refuse to imagine loving intramuscular jabs. Nope, never. But yeah, propionate is an option too.
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A lot of doctors recommend subq injections now of test c. They say it is easy if the volume isn’t that high, eg, .2-.3 ml. I don’t like it but very popular for those that don’t like IM. Fair point on the e2. Was just saying a word of caution because AAS vendors always sell Armidex by 1mg pills for some reason while a lot of doctors prescribe .125 mg. It is easy to overdo AI to me especially with aromasin more so.
 
msyntakz said:
I mean, fewer pins sounds better. I'm already going down the road of being a walking experiment, like most here, may as well try.

That puts me at 5 pins a week with the GLPs, and with my current schedule, keeps everything within the schedule of Mon/Wed/Fri... That is definitely more attractive than daily.

You don't have persistent lumps or anything with the larger oil amount per pin? That was a secondary concern for me, doing SubQ. I only have 5/16 30g currently. Do you do 1/2 inch?
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I don't buy all the multi pins a week stuff I been one IM a week for over 15 years no issues at all as for lumps from the oil just worm the bottle for 30sec and you will not have an issue also inject slow. I know the new breed has all the 3x a week, every day, but once a week has worked for me.
 
msyntakz said:
.,,You don't have persistent lumps or anything with the larger oil amount per pin? That was a secondary concern for me, doing SubQ. I only have 5/16 30g currently. Do you do 1/2 inch?
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Don’t get back to overthinking. .3ml isn’t a “larger amount” by any typical scale.

I do 1/2” 29g .5ml. 30g works, I’ve done it before, but it takes appreciably longer to draw. A box of 29g is under $25 on Amazon or cheaper elsewhere if you’re buying enough for free shipping.
 
Gt3294a said:
That is a shit ton of Armidex. I take around that when I’m pinning 500mg a week. I’ve known a ton of people that crash their e2. It’s miserable. Folks grow to love the jab of test e or c. Just took one in the hotel on a trip….
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same. 600mg/week and i take 1mg split up between two doses each week. even at my dose the estro symptoms arent too bad, i mostly do it to reduce the water weight to a more normal level, its not bothersome symptoms for me for any reason other than visual appearance
 
Well, the first injection (0.2mL/40mg) is in the books. 30g SubQ worked well. Drawing it up and pushing it wasn't a big deal at that low volume. I'll report back in a week when I'm giving Ronnie Coleman a run for his titles, ha.

Nah, but in all seriousness, the mental changes are what I'm really interested in. Hopefully, some positive changes within the month or so would be nice. Appreciate all the guidance and nudges to get me on the path to improved health and wellbeing!
 
msyntakz said:
Well, the first injection (0.2mL/40mg) is in the books. 30g SubQ worked well. Drawing it up and pushing it wasn't a big deal at that low volume. I'll report back in a week when I'm giving Ronnie Coleman a run for his titles, ha.

Nah, but in all seriousness, the mental changes are what I'm really interested in. Hopefully, some positive changes within the month or so would be nice. Appreciate all the guidance and nudges to get me on the path to improved health and wellbeing!
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Are you taking or have an aromatize inhibitor on hand (AI) to manage estrogen?
 
sfkid said:
Are you taking or have an aromatize inhibitor on hand (AI) to manage estrogen?
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Yeah, they sent me 10x 0.25mg anastrozole caps. Not taking any without sides. Hoping I can manage sides if I have them through dosing frequency, but as woundcarping mentioned, trying not to overthink and just pin.

Hoping to be able to stick to the three days per week with no issue, but will spread it out more as needed until I get more weight off. It's moving quickly, so not overly worried.
 
msyntakz said:
Yeah, they sent me 10x 0.25mg anastrozole caps. Not taking any without sides. Hoping I can manage sides if I have them through dosing frequency, but as woundcarping mentioned, trying not to overthink and just pin.

Hoping to be able to stick to the three days per week with no issue, but will spread it out more as needed until I get more weight off. It's moving quickly, so not overly worried.
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Just from my experience, higher estrogen makes you feel mentally better. With low e2 , depression, joint pain, no sex drive ...
AI is trash . If you can avoid it more power to you.
 
msyntakz said:
Well, the first injection (0.2mL/40mg) is in the books. 30g SubQ worked well. Drawing it up and pushing it wasn't a big deal at that low volume. I'll report back in a week when I'm giving Ronnie Coleman a run for his titles, ha.

Nah, but in all seriousness, the mental changes are what I'm really interested in. Hopefully, some positive changes within the month or so would be nice. Appreciate all the guidance and nudges to get me on the path to improved health and wellbeing!
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Did you end up using a TRT clinic?
 
Something to think about with weight loss. When my cholesterol dropped I had to up my TRT dosage from 200 to 230mg weekly. i lost more weight and my cholesterol has dropped more and my doc is asking me if I want to up my TRT dose. I said I'd wait another 8 weeks for my next set of labs to be done. In the mean time I've eaten a little less "clean" since my cholesterol numbers are so low, I had some room to play and eat some tastier meals. I got back for BW on the 28th and I'll try to remember this thread to provide an update on the BW.

Even though TRT provides exogenous testosterone, your body still needs cholesterol for:
  • Conversion to DHT
  • Conversion to estradiol
  • Supporting Leydig cell function
  • Maintaining cell membrane integrity
  • Producing pregnenolone (the “mother hormone”)
So low LDL doesn’t stop TRT from working — but it can blunt the downstream hormone ecosystem.
 
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