I've been meaning to write an update for a week and finally carved the time out today to do it. Yesterday was my sixth shot, marking the end of the fifth week since starting TRT. A good as time as any to give a status update, I suppose.
Energy-wise, I don't feel much different. Still tired, still sleep fitfully for about 6 hours a night. There's been no coalescing of focus, no sharpening of my mental acuity. I might feel a bit more chipper, but I felt chipper for the most part to begin with. I wasn't depressed, but I still don't like my (admittedly well paying and fairly easy but completely unfulfilling) job.
Maybe a slight change on the sexual side of things. I wasn't having issues before, so no change there, although I have noticed a quality increase. By that I mean where I was maybe hitting an 8 or 9 on the "hardness" scale, I'm now hitting 10. Definitely a noticeable difference, accompanied by a bit more sensitivity as well. Maybe some other TRT users end up running around like randy teenagers, but not me. I'd say my level of desire is about the same as before.
I've gained some weight over the last 5 week, from 188 to 195, no change in waist size, but definitely more muscle. With this has come a cooresponding increase in strength. I don't feel a noticeable energy surge, but the weights float a bit easier, and I'm making gains again after a couple of years fighting to stay at the same place. Very nice to see a bit of muscle being added.
This relates to the above and is undoubtedly the source of my weight gain, but I've been much more hungry since starting the testosterone. Like craving food hungry, sitting down eating huge meals hungry. I'm definitely eating more (hence the weight gain) but it seems to be going to building muscle, not fat. Carb craving is a big part of this hunger, so I find myself eating stuff I'd put aside years ago: chips, candy, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pretzels.... I try to limit carbs and was doing so pretty successfully, but these new cravings have me stuffing them down. I need to clamp down a bit on that.
Anyone who's done a steroid or a prohormone is probably familiar with back pumps. Iv'e been gettingthose at a low level for a couple of weeks, to the point where it's difficult for me to run now. I've taken to jum[ping rope for my cardio. Running just cause my back to tighten up too much and is too painful. This si new and definitely related to the testosterone supplementation. I was running fine before, two miles three times a week. So the is for sure a TRT thing.
When it comes to going the bathroom, I've noticed the flow isn't as strong. My PSA levels were fine before hand. I need to do a bit of research on this. I'm not having and problems going, but still.... Related is my (still) waking up at night to go to the bathroom. I generally wake up once, and occasionally twice. In the past, such nocturnal awakening where sometimes (50/50) accompanied by an erection. Now, every time, I've got to wait for the hydraulics to subside. Really, like every time. Annoying.
Overall, I'm happy with my progress. I especially like getting stronger and putting on some muscle. I don't like the back pumps and night time need-to-pee erections. My first blood test for levels comes at 12 weeks. I intend to continue with the testosterone replacement at least until that point and see how things are.
EDIT: I wrote this post 2 days ago, but didn't have a chance to proof
and publish until now. I just finished my Wednesday workout and put up
255 on the bench. Not a lot to some folks, but, due to various shoulder
and elbow issues (including elbow surgery a few years back), that's most
I've done since I was in my 30s. I'm pretty pleased with that, and
after only 5 weeks too!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Friday, May 31, 2013
Second Testosterone Shot - First Self-Administered
My first testosterone shot was at the clinic on a Monday. I chose that day because my weight training days are Mon/Wed/Fri, so I figured a Monday shot would provide the greatest benefit as far as test levels throughout the week.
As I mentioned here, I wasn't feeling much difference a week after getting the first shot. Maybe a bit hungrier over the week, but no renewed and sustained energy, no clarity of thought or purpose.... From the reading I did, most of the effects began to be felt in 2 - 3 weeks. I wasn't disappointed. Not yet anyway.
My prescription wasn't stored at the clinic - I had it at home. This, of course, meant I had to remember to bring it to work with me. The clinic was much closer to my workplace than home, a slight detour on my end-of-day commute.
I didn't even notice I'd forgotten it until it was time for me to leave. I shut down my computer, and stood up to leave, thinking, Well, off to get my - DAMMIT! I forgot the vial of testosterone!
Yes, friends, only my second shot and I'd already forgotten to bring the vial to work. So I had two choices: 1) wait and do it the following day or 2) do it myself at home.
Now I'd already self administered two hCG shots myself, simple easy things done to the abdomen with an insulin needle. The testosterone was quite a bit different though. Where hCG was water-based, the testosterone was oil-based and thick. The hCG was subcutaneous, the testosterone was intra-muscular. The hCG was administered with a tiny 29 gauge needle, the testosterone with a 25 gauge 1.5-inch harpoon.
I was a bit nervous on the ride home thinking about jabbing that thing into my leg.
An aside: I'd faced up to the realization that sooner or later I'd want to be doing the shots myself, and I'd done plenty of research in that direction. I'd found plenty of information supporting the subcutaneous injection of testosterone, and the practitioners of this method attested to it's ease and effectiveness, proving proof in the form of blood test results.
I'd also read about shallow intra-muscular, done with a 1/2-inch 27 or 28 gauge insulin needles, most commonly into the thigh or deltoid.
So I'd sort of decided I'd be doing one of those myself, to free me from the shackles of going to the clinic once a month. I'd even ordered some half-inch, 28 gauge insulin needles online.
So I get home and lo and behold the needles I'd ordered had arrived! At least now I wasn't faced with sticking that javelin into my leg.
The syringes I'd ordered (100 of them for $16 from an insulin supply company) had fixed 28 gauge needles a half-inch in length. Because testosterone is thick due to being oil based, it was a common practice to draw the fluid out of the vial with a larger needle (like an 18 or 20 gauge), then swap that needle out for the injection needle (usually a 25 gauge, or even 23 if you were fearless).
You COULD draw with a smaller gauge, but it would take longer. And the underground lab testosterone used by many bodybuilders was often so thick it couldn't even be drawn with anything much smaller than a 22 gauge. Since the needles I'd ordered were fixed, I could swap; I had to draw with teh 28 gauge.
I wasn't drawing underground lab testosterone though, I had nice, pharmaceutical grade testosterone courtesy of my hormone replacement therapy doctor. And from everything I'd read, I'd be able to draw fine, albeit slowly, with the 28 gauge needles I'd ordered.
I grabbed my vial, two alcohol swabs, and a syringe. The fluid is much thicker than water - it took me about a minute or two to draw out 1ml, my weekly dose. I swabbed my right thigh, upper/outer part, and arrived at the moment of truth.
I was surprised at how easily the needle went in, with nothing more than the faintest sensation of a pinch. It took maybe about 20 seconds or so to complete the injection, and I pulled the needle out. That was it. No stinging, no pain, just a bit of pressure and a feeling somewhat akin to slight heat as I'd emptied the syringe into my leg.
I massaged the injection spot for about 30 seconds and BAM! I'd just completed my first testosterone shot, delivered as a shallow intra-muscular injection!
Overall, there was less discomfort than when I'd gotten the shot at the clinic. Smaller needles, shallow IM versus deep IM maybe. Maybe the clinic nurse pressed the plunger a lot faster where I'd taken my time.
All I know is I felt quite a bit of relief knowing I could, henceforth, do the injection myself.
As I mentioned here, I wasn't feeling much difference a week after getting the first shot. Maybe a bit hungrier over the week, but no renewed and sustained energy, no clarity of thought or purpose.... From the reading I did, most of the effects began to be felt in 2 - 3 weeks. I wasn't disappointed. Not yet anyway.
My prescription wasn't stored at the clinic - I had it at home. This, of course, meant I had to remember to bring it to work with me. The clinic was much closer to my workplace than home, a slight detour on my end-of-day commute.
I didn't even notice I'd forgotten it until it was time for me to leave. I shut down my computer, and stood up to leave, thinking, Well, off to get my - DAMMIT! I forgot the vial of testosterone!
Yes, friends, only my second shot and I'd already forgotten to bring the vial to work. So I had two choices: 1) wait and do it the following day or 2) do it myself at home.
Now I'd already self administered two hCG shots myself, simple easy things done to the abdomen with an insulin needle. The testosterone was quite a bit different though. Where hCG was water-based, the testosterone was oil-based and thick. The hCG was subcutaneous, the testosterone was intra-muscular. The hCG was administered with a tiny 29 gauge needle, the testosterone with a 25 gauge 1.5-inch harpoon.
I was a bit nervous on the ride home thinking about jabbing that thing into my leg.
An aside: I'd faced up to the realization that sooner or later I'd want to be doing the shots myself, and I'd done plenty of research in that direction. I'd found plenty of information supporting the subcutaneous injection of testosterone, and the practitioners of this method attested to it's ease and effectiveness, proving proof in the form of blood test results.
I'd also read about shallow intra-muscular, done with a 1/2-inch 27 or 28 gauge insulin needles, most commonly into the thigh or deltoid.
So I'd sort of decided I'd be doing one of those myself, to free me from the shackles of going to the clinic once a month. I'd even ordered some half-inch, 28 gauge insulin needles online.
So I get home and lo and behold the needles I'd ordered had arrived! At least now I wasn't faced with sticking that javelin into my leg.
The syringes I'd ordered (100 of them for $16 from an insulin supply company) had fixed 28 gauge needles a half-inch in length. Because testosterone is thick due to being oil based, it was a common practice to draw the fluid out of the vial with a larger needle (like an 18 or 20 gauge), then swap that needle out for the injection needle (usually a 25 gauge, or even 23 if you were fearless).
You COULD draw with a smaller gauge, but it would take longer. And the underground lab testosterone used by many bodybuilders was often so thick it couldn't even be drawn with anything much smaller than a 22 gauge. Since the needles I'd ordered were fixed, I could swap; I had to draw with teh 28 gauge.
I wasn't drawing underground lab testosterone though, I had nice, pharmaceutical grade testosterone courtesy of my hormone replacement therapy doctor. And from everything I'd read, I'd be able to draw fine, albeit slowly, with the 28 gauge needles I'd ordered.
I grabbed my vial, two alcohol swabs, and a syringe. The fluid is much thicker than water - it took me about a minute or two to draw out 1ml, my weekly dose. I swabbed my right thigh, upper/outer part, and arrived at the moment of truth.
I was surprised at how easily the needle went in, with nothing more than the faintest sensation of a pinch. It took maybe about 20 seconds or so to complete the injection, and I pulled the needle out. That was it. No stinging, no pain, just a bit of pressure and a feeling somewhat akin to slight heat as I'd emptied the syringe into my leg.
I massaged the injection spot for about 30 seconds and BAM! I'd just completed my first testosterone shot, delivered as a shallow intra-muscular injection!
Overall, there was less discomfort than when I'd gotten the shot at the clinic. Smaller needles, shallow IM versus deep IM maybe. Maybe the clinic nurse pressed the plunger a lot faster where I'd taken my time.
All I know is I felt quite a bit of relief knowing I could, henceforth, do the injection myself.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
My First hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) Shots
Starting with Monday being as day 1 (the day I get the testosterone shot), my treatment plan calls for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) shots on days 5 and 7. My hCG was already mixes up, courtesy of my first visit to the clinic.
While the testosterone solution can be kept at room temperature, the hCG has to be kept refrigerated. The test injection was done with a 1.5 inch 25g needle; the hCG would use a 29g 1/2 inch insulin needles (provided along with the prescription).
I confess to a bit of nervousness the first time. I'd done some reading, and injecting with a 29 gauge was supposed to be pretty much undetectable. Heck, diabetics injected insulin multiple times a day with the same thing. Only one way to do it though, and that was to do it.
I got my syringe (fixed needles 29g, as mentioned), the hCG vial from the fridge, and two alcohol wipes. I wiped the top of the syringe the way they showed me in the clinic - a good, vigorous wiping for about 5 seconds. I popped the cap on the syringe, and drew in air for 40u (the syringe has a 50u capacity, with 50u being .5ml).
Carefully, (and wearing my reading glasses - yes I need reading glasses) I inserted the syringe into the vial and injected the air. I think turn the vial over and began slowly drawing in the hCG liquid. The syringe filled easily, took maybe 10 seconds. I filled it just past the 40u mark, flicked it a few times, and then injected the excess back into the vial. I withdrew the needle and capped it again.
Out came the second alcohol swab. I picked a spot about 1 inch to the right of my navel and swabbed it well for about 10 seconds, uncapped the syringe....
And poked it right in.
Barely more than a slight pinch. I pressed the plunger, took about 10 seconds or so to get it all in, and pulled out the needle. My first successful self-injection! Yeah, I know it was an insulin pin and hCG, but still.
Overall, a much less traumatic experience than I expected.
While the testosterone solution can be kept at room temperature, the hCG has to be kept refrigerated. The test injection was done with a 1.5 inch 25g needle; the hCG would use a 29g 1/2 inch insulin needles (provided along with the prescription).
I confess to a bit of nervousness the first time. I'd done some reading, and injecting with a 29 gauge was supposed to be pretty much undetectable. Heck, diabetics injected insulin multiple times a day with the same thing. Only one way to do it though, and that was to do it.
I got my syringe (fixed needles 29g, as mentioned), the hCG vial from the fridge, and two alcohol wipes. I wiped the top of the syringe the way they showed me in the clinic - a good, vigorous wiping for about 5 seconds. I popped the cap on the syringe, and drew in air for 40u (the syringe has a 50u capacity, with 50u being .5ml).
Carefully, (and wearing my reading glasses - yes I need reading glasses) I inserted the syringe into the vial and injected the air. I think turn the vial over and began slowly drawing in the hCG liquid. The syringe filled easily, took maybe 10 seconds. I filled it just past the 40u mark, flicked it a few times, and then injected the excess back into the vial. I withdrew the needle and capped it again.
Out came the second alcohol swab. I picked a spot about 1 inch to the right of my navel and swabbed it well for about 10 seconds, uncapped the syringe....
And poked it right in.
Barely more than a slight pinch. I pressed the plunger, took about 10 seconds or so to get it all in, and pulled out the needle. My first successful self-injection! Yeah, I know it was an insulin pin and hCG, but still.
Overall, a much less traumatic experience than I expected.
Friday, May 24, 2013
End of the First Week
I had my first testosterone shot Monday afternoon, and went through a normal week. My regular work schedule is 6:15am - 2:15pm, which gets me home about 3:15. My 14 year-old son gets home from school around 3:30. We have a home gym, a power cage we built ourselves along with an olympic bar and bumper plates and other weights up to 315 pounds. We lift together 3x per week, a reverse pyramid workout on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
I try to hit the hay around 9ish and read a bit, with lights out before 10. That typically gives me 6-7 hours of sleep a night, depending on how quickly I fall asleep, how many times I wake up to take a leak, and how (or if) I'm able to fall back asleep again.
Boring stuff, I know, but I'm telling you all this so you'll have an idea of my schedule. Maybe you'll see some aspects of your own in it....
As I mentioned at the end of my first shot post, I didn't feel any different in the days following the injection. No increased energy or coalescing of mental focus, still sleeping fitfully, no sudden reversal of the lethargy I'd been in the grip of for some time.
However...
That first weekend following the shot, I was was hungry. And I don't mean a bit peckish, I mean hungry. Like can't get full hungry. So I ate. A lot. Generally, I kept it healthy (I tend to eat fairly healthy most of the time anyway). But I powered through a more than normal amount of food, no doubt.
I don't generally pay much attention to my weight. I mentioned in an earlier post that I've been within a pound or two of 185 for a long time. But my hunger and the resulting feeding frenzy over the weekend made me curious enough to step on the scale, where I was greeted by a surprise: 189.
So it looked as though I'd gained a few pounds. Maybe I'd been eating more all week? I hadn't been bothered by hunger until that weekend, but it's a possibility.
So end of first week, not feeling any different, but up around 4 pounds. Make of that what you will.
I try to hit the hay around 9ish and read a bit, with lights out before 10. That typically gives me 6-7 hours of sleep a night, depending on how quickly I fall asleep, how many times I wake up to take a leak, and how (or if) I'm able to fall back asleep again.
Boring stuff, I know, but I'm telling you all this so you'll have an idea of my schedule. Maybe you'll see some aspects of your own in it....
As I mentioned at the end of my first shot post, I didn't feel any different in the days following the injection. No increased energy or coalescing of mental focus, still sleeping fitfully, no sudden reversal of the lethargy I'd been in the grip of for some time.
However...
That first weekend following the shot, I was was hungry. And I don't mean a bit peckish, I mean hungry. Like can't get full hungry. So I ate. A lot. Generally, I kept it healthy (I tend to eat fairly healthy most of the time anyway). But I powered through a more than normal amount of food, no doubt.
I don't generally pay much attention to my weight. I mentioned in an earlier post that I've been within a pound or two of 185 for a long time. But my hunger and the resulting feeding frenzy over the weekend made me curious enough to step on the scale, where I was greeted by a surprise: 189.
So it looked as though I'd gained a few pounds. Maybe I'd been eating more all week? I hadn't been bothered by hunger until that weekend, but it's a possibility.
So end of first week, not feeling any different, but up around 4 pounds. Make of that what you will.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
First Testosterone Shot: at the Clinic
My first shot was scheduled for a Monday at 3:00, with my plan being to stop by the clinic on the way home from work. I'd decided on Monday, because my workout days were Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so I figured Monday was the best bet for having the highest levels during all my workouts. I'd picked up my prescription the week before; one 10ml bottle of testosterone cypionate, 100mg per ml, and the HCG. The HGC prescription came in 2 vials, one with the HCG powder and one with the sterile water to be mixed with the powder to make the solution. I took both of them to the clinic with me. My goal was to be able to self-administer the shot, but I wanted the first one to be done as "training" so I could understand the process and get a feel for it. I asked them to mix the HCG first.
Next up was the testosterone injection. The needle was a 1.5 inch 25 gauge - it looked like a harpoon. Loading the syringe with the testosterone cypionate followed the same proceedure as loading the HCG water syringe.
The injection itself stung a bit more than one of those flu shots you get in your shoulder, only the stinging lasted even after she withdrew the needle. Not quite as bad a bee sting, but definitely noticeable. I'm guessing it was about 2 hours before the stinging completely went away.
She didn't inject the HCG. As I mentioned above, I'd be doing that myself on days 5 and 7. You can store the testosterone at room temperature.
The HCG needs to be stored in the fridge. From personal research, I learned the test will last a few months, but the HCG is only good for 2 or 3.
All told, it wasn't that bad an experience, but I left there pretty uncertain about my ability to do the injection myself. For that reason, I made an appointment for the upcoming Monday to have them do the injection again. Injections at the clinic are "free" in that they are included in the $75 I paid the clinic each month for the prescription and monitoring.
My butt cheek was a bit sore the next day, like a it had a bruise, but it was gone by the third day. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I didn't feel any different in the days following this first injection.
- Swap the top of the water vial with an alcohol swab
- Preposition the plunger in the syringe to the required amount (3.5ml in this case)
- Insert the needle and depress the plunger to put the air into the vial (this creates positive pressure inside the vial to help extract the water)
- Retract the plunger to draw 3.5ml of purified water out
- Cap the needle
- Swab the top of the HCG vial
- Insert the needle and depress the plunger to put the water in the vial
- Don't squirt the water right on the powder; instead tilt the needles to make it run down the inside of the vial
- Once the 3.5ml is in, extract the needle and mix by gently rolling the vial back and forth in your hands
- Don't shake the vial, mix it gently!
- HCG solution is done!
Next up was the testosterone injection. The needle was a 1.5 inch 25 gauge - it looked like a harpoon. Loading the syringe with the testosterone cypionate followed the same proceedure as loading the HCG water syringe.
- Swap the top of the test vial with an alcohol swab
- Pre-position the plunger in the syringe to the required amount (1ml in this case)
- Insert the needle and depress the plunger to put the air into the vial (this creates positive pressure inside the vial to help extract the testosterone oil)
- Retract the plunger to draw 1ml of testosterone cypionate into the syringe
- Cap the needle
- Swab my butt cheek (left one in this case)
- Insert the needle into my butt inject the test
- Ouch!
The injection itself stung a bit more than one of those flu shots you get in your shoulder, only the stinging lasted even after she withdrew the needle. Not quite as bad a bee sting, but definitely noticeable. I'm guessing it was about 2 hours before the stinging completely went away.
She didn't inject the HCG. As I mentioned above, I'd be doing that myself on days 5 and 7. You can store the testosterone at room temperature.
The HCG needs to be stored in the fridge. From personal research, I learned the test will last a few months, but the HCG is only good for 2 or 3.
All told, it wasn't that bad an experience, but I left there pretty uncertain about my ability to do the injection myself. For that reason, I made an appointment for the upcoming Monday to have them do the injection again. Injections at the clinic are "free" in that they are included in the $75 I paid the clinic each month for the prescription and monitoring.
My butt cheek was a bit sore the next day, like a it had a bruise, but it was gone by the third day. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I didn't feel any different in the days following this first injection.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Testosterone Esters and Injections
I was prescribed testosterone cypionate for injection, one shot every 7 days. The shot size is 1ml for delivery of 100mg of testosterone. Naturally, when I found out my prescription, I did some research to figure out what I'd be injecting into my body.
Most testosterone prescribed for testosterone replacement therapy is in the form of a testosterone ester. Esterification is done to improve the solubility of testosterone in oil, which in turn slows the release of the testosterone once it's injected into the body. Testosterone comes in numerous types of injectable esters, including the common testosterone enanthate and testosterone cypionate, as well as the less common esters caproate, propionate, acetate, phenylpropionate, isocaproate, decanoate, and undecanoate. Each of these esters is a molecular chain composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, the difference being how many carbon and hydrogen atoms make up the chain.
Once an ester group has been added, testosterone becomes more soluble in oil, but less soluable in water. It's also interesting to note that, in general, the more carbon atoms an ester has, the more oil-soluble it becomes. Testosterone propionate, for example, has 3 carbon atoms in the ester group and is less soluble than testosterone cypionate which has 8. The ratio between oil and water solubility is called the "partition coefficient". The higher the oil solubility, the higher the partition coefficient. As far as oils goes, testosterone compounds usually use cottonseed or sesame seed oil.
The partition coefficient is important because it indicates how quickly the testosterone is released into and stays in your system. Generally, the quicker the release, the shorter the stay. If the testosterone is released too quickly, testosterone rises quickly, but then soon starts declining once the dose has been used. So a testosterone solution with a very low partition coefficient is immediately available and used up quickly once it's injected, while a solution with a higher coefficient is released more slowly and lasts longer.
Testosterone cypionate is an example of a slow-acting compound with a high partition coefficient. When injected, the compound slowly dissolves, resulting in a slower release of testosterone with more stable, longer-lasting testosterone levels.
For testosterone replacement therapy, slow-acting compounds are usually prescribed, since a slower releasing compound means fewer injections and more constant testosterone levels. Testosterone enanthate, which has 7 carbons in the ester, and testosterone cypionate, which has 8 carbons, both take around 8-10 days to be fully released. As such, these testosterone esters are usually injected once every 1 to 2 weeks. In contrast, testosterone propionate with only 3 carbons in the ester, is fully released in 3-4 days. Using testosterone propionate would mean smaller doses injected more frequently.
So from the above, you can see that the dosage and frequency of shots depends a good deal on which testosterone ester is prescribed. Testosterone dosages range from 50mg to 300mg per injection, depending on the ester and dosing schedule. A typical dosing schedule might be 200-250mg every 2 weeks, or 100mg every week to 10 days. Blood levels should be monitored and the dosages adjusted according to an individual's response.
My Prescription
The clinic I went to prescribed a 1ml testosterone cypionate once weekly, with each ml containing 100mg of testosterone. I do the injections for a month, then get my levels checked, with adjustments (if required) made according to my individual results.
Below is some more information on the individual testosterone esters:
Testosterone enanthate is one of the two most commonly prescribed testosterone esters in the United States. It's slow-acting with a release time of 8 - 10 days. Testosterone enanthate is usually injected between once a week to once every three weeks.
Testosterone cypionate is the other most common injectable form of testosterone prescribed in the United States. It's also slow-acting, with a release time of 8-10 days. Testosterone cypionate injection schedules run from once every week to once every three weeks.
Sustanon is the brand name for two formulas of injectable testosterone that contain an ester blend. Sustanon 100 contains three testosterone esters: testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, and testosterone isocaproate. Sustanon 250 contains four testosterone esters: testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone isocaproate, and testosterone decanoate. Both formulas feature both fast-acting and slow-acting esters, and are typically injected once every week to once every four weeks.
Testosterone propionate is a fast-acting ester with a release time of 3-4 days. To keep blood levels stable, propionate is usually injected one to three times a week.
Testosterone phenylpropionate is a slow-acting ester with a release time of 1-3 weeks. Testosterone phenylpropionate is one of the components of Sustanon and Omnadren.
Omnadren is the brand name for a blend of four testosterone esters: testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone isocaproate, and testosterone decanoate. It is pretty much the blend as Sustanon, featuring both fast-acting and slow-acting esters. It's injected from once every week to once every four weeks.
Injectable aqueous (water based) testosterone is available, but it is very short-acting, being completely released in the system within hours. It's not used for replacement therapy, since it would need to be re-injected multiple times daily to maintain stable blood levels.
Most testosterone prescribed for testosterone replacement therapy is in the form of a testosterone ester. Esterification is done to improve the solubility of testosterone in oil, which in turn slows the release of the testosterone once it's injected into the body. Testosterone comes in numerous types of injectable esters, including the common testosterone enanthate and testosterone cypionate, as well as the less common esters caproate, propionate, acetate, phenylpropionate, isocaproate, decanoate, and undecanoate. Each of these esters is a molecular chain composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, the difference being how many carbon and hydrogen atoms make up the chain.
Once an ester group has been added, testosterone becomes more soluble in oil, but less soluable in water. It's also interesting to note that, in general, the more carbon atoms an ester has, the more oil-soluble it becomes. Testosterone propionate, for example, has 3 carbon atoms in the ester group and is less soluble than testosterone cypionate which has 8. The ratio between oil and water solubility is called the "partition coefficient". The higher the oil solubility, the higher the partition coefficient. As far as oils goes, testosterone compounds usually use cottonseed or sesame seed oil.
The partition coefficient is important because it indicates how quickly the testosterone is released into and stays in your system. Generally, the quicker the release, the shorter the stay. If the testosterone is released too quickly, testosterone rises quickly, but then soon starts declining once the dose has been used. So a testosterone solution with a very low partition coefficient is immediately available and used up quickly once it's injected, while a solution with a higher coefficient is released more slowly and lasts longer.
Testosterone cypionate is an example of a slow-acting compound with a high partition coefficient. When injected, the compound slowly dissolves, resulting in a slower release of testosterone with more stable, longer-lasting testosterone levels.
For testosterone replacement therapy, slow-acting compounds are usually prescribed, since a slower releasing compound means fewer injections and more constant testosterone levels. Testosterone enanthate, which has 7 carbons in the ester, and testosterone cypionate, which has 8 carbons, both take around 8-10 days to be fully released. As such, these testosterone esters are usually injected once every 1 to 2 weeks. In contrast, testosterone propionate with only 3 carbons in the ester, is fully released in 3-4 days. Using testosterone propionate would mean smaller doses injected more frequently.
So from the above, you can see that the dosage and frequency of shots depends a good deal on which testosterone ester is prescribed. Testosterone dosages range from 50mg to 300mg per injection, depending on the ester and dosing schedule. A typical dosing schedule might be 200-250mg every 2 weeks, or 100mg every week to 10 days. Blood levels should be monitored and the dosages adjusted according to an individual's response.
My Prescription
The clinic I went to prescribed a 1ml testosterone cypionate once weekly, with each ml containing 100mg of testosterone. I do the injections for a month, then get my levels checked, with adjustments (if required) made according to my individual results.
Below is some more information on the individual testosterone esters:
Testosterone enanthate is one of the two most commonly prescribed testosterone esters in the United States. It's slow-acting with a release time of 8 - 10 days. Testosterone enanthate is usually injected between once a week to once every three weeks.
Testosterone cypionate is the other most common injectable form of testosterone prescribed in the United States. It's also slow-acting, with a release time of 8-10 days. Testosterone cypionate injection schedules run from once every week to once every three weeks.
Sustanon is the brand name for two formulas of injectable testosterone that contain an ester blend. Sustanon 100 contains three testosterone esters: testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, and testosterone isocaproate. Sustanon 250 contains four testosterone esters: testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone isocaproate, and testosterone decanoate. Both formulas feature both fast-acting and slow-acting esters, and are typically injected once every week to once every four weeks.
Testosterone propionate is a fast-acting ester with a release time of 3-4 days. To keep blood levels stable, propionate is usually injected one to three times a week.
Testosterone phenylpropionate is a slow-acting ester with a release time of 1-3 weeks. Testosterone phenylpropionate is one of the components of Sustanon and Omnadren.
Omnadren is the brand name for a blend of four testosterone esters: testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone isocaproate, and testosterone decanoate. It is pretty much the blend as Sustanon, featuring both fast-acting and slow-acting esters. It's injected from once every week to once every four weeks.
Injectable aqueous (water based) testosterone is available, but it is very short-acting, being completely released in the system within hours. It's not used for replacement therapy, since it would need to be re-injected multiple times daily to maintain stable blood levels.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Blood Test Results for Testosterone Levels
My second visit to the clinic was on another Friday, a week after my first visit. It was at this appointment I would go over my lab results with the doctor and get recommendations (if any) for a course of treatment.
I'd done plenty of research in the meantime on testosterone and testosterone levels, so I had a preconception going in. From my research, it seemed that "normal" testosterone levels encompassed a pretty wide range. It was commonly accepted that testosterone declined as one aged, and that your age influenced your levels, in that a 20-year old should have higher levels than a 40-year old.
A "soft" lower limit to serum testosterone of 300 ng/dL was mentioned in more than one place.
The blood test was for a full panel, the most pertinent of course (in this case) are the testosterone (both serum and free), my LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) and a bunch of other stuff I'm not going to cover.
First up the testosterone:
I was surprised at the results. As I mentioned, I kind of considered the whole TRT replacement/anti-aging clinic thing to be sort of a wink-wink-nudge-nudge-here's-your-prescription-steroids sort of thing. They had hinted that even if my testosterone levels came back in the "normal" range, if I was experiencing the mere symptoms of low testosterone, I would still be a candidate for therapy. I read that as: pay the money, get the goods.
But surprise, surprise, my serum testosterone was actually low. Considerably low in fact, being more than 100 points under the bottom of the "normal" range, a range not established by the clinic whose job it was to sell testosterone, but by the medical society at large. Ditto for my free testosterone, which, while not under the bottom of normal, was pretty close to it.
Wow.
Given my lifestyle of exercise and healthy eating, I was shocked. I mean, I honestly never expected my testosterone to be actually be low. I maintained a muscular appearance, I picked up heavy things and put them down, and although my recovery time was longer and gaining strength and mass (without fat to go along with it) was tough, I figured that was the normal price of being 47 years old.
To see that low number staring right at me was a harsh and tangible confirmation of my physical decline and ultimate mortality.
Ouch.
While I wrapped my head around that realization, the doc went on to talk about some of the other results:
No issues with IGF-1, so I've got that going for me, which is nice....
My estradiol was low, probably as counterpoint to my testosterone being low, as they tend to be somewhat synched. Higher testosterone = higher estradiol. It's this increase that, for stronger androgens like steroids, makes Post Cycle Therapy a good idea.
'Cause it works like this: you take steroids, the steroids artificially raise your testosterone, your body reacts by 1) reducing its natural production of testosterone (because it sees there's plenty) and 2) increasing estradiol (to balance out what it sees as higher testosterone). Then, when you stop taking the steroids, your testosterone drops rapidly (as your body isn't producing as much, or any, and your no longer artificially raising it) leaving you with excess estradiol.
It takes your body a while to realize this and get everything in balance again. Too much estradiol and not enough testosterone and suddenly your nipples get puffy and aching and maybe even leaking fluid. Welcome to gynecomastia my swole friend.
In any case, mine being low isn't an issue since my test is low too. One potential long term effect of low estradiol could be reduced bone density (osteoporosis). Hopefully all the weight training I do keeps my bone density up.
My LH (luteinizing hormone) is in the normal range. I'm giving a very top level summary here, but LH is released by the pituitary to stimulate the testes to produce testosterone. Low LH can be another effect of steroid use, as in your pituitary won't be making it if it sees enough testosterone there already. My LH being normal could be seen as anecdotal evidence that everything is working as it should and I just have naturally low test.
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) luteinizing hormone (LH) act together reproduction, so it's also involved in the process your body uses to decide if it needs to make more testosterone. It's particularly related to telling your testes to make sperm.
So there you have. According to widely accepted standards, I have medically low testosterone, and the clinic was going to help me do something about it.
I'd done plenty of research in the meantime on testosterone and testosterone levels, so I had a preconception going in. From my research, it seemed that "normal" testosterone levels encompassed a pretty wide range. It was commonly accepted that testosterone declined as one aged, and that your age influenced your levels, in that a 20-year old should have higher levels than a 40-year old.
A "soft" lower limit to serum testosterone of 300 ng/dL was mentioned in more than one place.
The blood test was for a full panel, the most pertinent of course (in this case) are the testosterone (both serum and free), my LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) and a bunch of other stuff I'm not going to cover.
First up the testosterone:
| Test | Result | Reference |
| Serum Testosterone | 239 ng/dL | 348 - 1197 |
| Free Testosterone | 8.0 pg/mL | 6.8 - 21.5 |
I was surprised at the results. As I mentioned, I kind of considered the whole TRT replacement/anti-aging clinic thing to be sort of a wink-wink-nudge-nudge-here's-your-prescription-steroids sort of thing. They had hinted that even if my testosterone levels came back in the "normal" range, if I was experiencing the mere symptoms of low testosterone, I would still be a candidate for therapy. I read that as: pay the money, get the goods.
But surprise, surprise, my serum testosterone was actually low. Considerably low in fact, being more than 100 points under the bottom of the "normal" range, a range not established by the clinic whose job it was to sell testosterone, but by the medical society at large. Ditto for my free testosterone, which, while not under the bottom of normal, was pretty close to it.
Wow.
Given my lifestyle of exercise and healthy eating, I was shocked. I mean, I honestly never expected my testosterone to be actually be low. I maintained a muscular appearance, I picked up heavy things and put them down, and although my recovery time was longer and gaining strength and mass (without fat to go along with it) was tough, I figured that was the normal price of being 47 years old.
To see that low number staring right at me was a harsh and tangible confirmation of my physical decline and ultimate mortality.
Ouch.
While I wrapped my head around that realization, the doc went on to talk about some of the other results:
| Test | Result | Reference |
| IGF-1: | 146 ng/dL | 59 - 201 |
| Estradiol: | 7.4 pg/mL | 7.6 - 42.6 |
| Total Estrogens: | 62 pg/mL | 40 - 115 |
| LH (luteinizing hormone): | 2.2 mIU/mL | 1.7 - 8.6 |
| FSH: | 2.8 mIU/mL | 1.5 - 12.4 |
No issues with IGF-1, so I've got that going for me, which is nice....
My estradiol was low, probably as counterpoint to my testosterone being low, as they tend to be somewhat synched. Higher testosterone = higher estradiol. It's this increase that, for stronger androgens like steroids, makes Post Cycle Therapy a good idea.
'Cause it works like this: you take steroids, the steroids artificially raise your testosterone, your body reacts by 1) reducing its natural production of testosterone (because it sees there's plenty) and 2) increasing estradiol (to balance out what it sees as higher testosterone). Then, when you stop taking the steroids, your testosterone drops rapidly (as your body isn't producing as much, or any, and your no longer artificially raising it) leaving you with excess estradiol.
It takes your body a while to realize this and get everything in balance again. Too much estradiol and not enough testosterone and suddenly your nipples get puffy and aching and maybe even leaking fluid. Welcome to gynecomastia my swole friend.
In any case, mine being low isn't an issue since my test is low too. One potential long term effect of low estradiol could be reduced bone density (osteoporosis). Hopefully all the weight training I do keeps my bone density up.
My LH (luteinizing hormone) is in the normal range. I'm giving a very top level summary here, but LH is released by the pituitary to stimulate the testes to produce testosterone. Low LH can be another effect of steroid use, as in your pituitary won't be making it if it sees enough testosterone there already. My LH being normal could be seen as anecdotal evidence that everything is working as it should and I just have naturally low test.
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) luteinizing hormone (LH) act together reproduction, so it's also involved in the process your body uses to decide if it needs to make more testosterone. It's particularly related to telling your testes to make sperm.
So there you have. According to widely accepted standards, I have medically low testosterone, and the clinic was going to help me do something about it.
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