Male health, and testosterone research.

[BellyD]

I naturally maintain higher-than-average testosterone levels, and my most recent labs confirmed that. My total testosterone measured 1,038.2 ng/dL (normal range 123–813.86), and my free testosterone came back at 35.4 pg/mL (normal range 8.7–25.1). These elevated levels help me preserve muscle, maintain energy, and keep my metabolism strong throughout my weight-loss process. I’m currently taking 2 mg of Reta and 7.5 mg of Trizepitide, along with nothing else besides a basic multivitamin. My goal is to support fat loss, improve appetite control, and maintain lean muscle while steadily improving my overall body composition. I plan to update this form monthly with my current weight, and every three months with new blood work to track how these medications affect my testosterone and overall health. I started at 267 lbs, and as of this morning I’m down to 230 lbs. These medications aren’t shortcuts for me—they’re tools that help me stay consistent, stay accountable, and continue building a healthier, more optimized version of myself.

I'll be updating this post monthly or weekly. With additional information and data.

 

[BellyD]

New update. One month later. At 4.5mg Reta and 5mg triz.

New scan- down 6lbs. Maintaining lean muscle while trying to loose only fat-

 

[PopTart]

free testosterone came back at 35.4 pg/mL (normal range 8.7–25.1)

Glad you included the normal range in your post as I wasn’t aware there was such a dramatic difference in reference ranges based on labs / test type in addition to age.

 

[BellyD]

Glad you included the normal range in your post as I wasn’t aware there was such a dramatic difference in reference ranges based on labs / test type in addition to age.

If there's any additional information, anyone is curious about while I have labs/dexa type scans done feel free to ask! This is a project .

Forgot to add Age- 34.

 

[PopTart]

This is a project .

Forgot to add Age- 34.

Keep us posted on your progress. I’m 62 and have been on and off TRT most of my adult life due to a congenital condition. I finally buckled down and got serious about TRT this year as I learned more about the benefits. I feel so much better.

 

[jwilson1828]

Must be nice... I'm 40 now but was diagnosed hypogonadism in my early 20's and only produce about 100ng/dl on a normal blood check. With TRT, I sit around 1250 and LOVE it.

 

[BioDad]

How's everyone's hematocrit doing? My testosterone levels were 1007 ng/dl after 8 weeks of TRT (100mg/week) but my hematocrit was 55.4%.

 

[d0se1]

How's everyone's hematocrit doing? My testosterone levels were 1007 ng/dl after 8 weeks of TRT (100mg/week) but my hematocrit was 55.4%.

I may have missed your dosing. But I find that splitting your total weekly dose will help a lot with hematocrit levels. 3-4 days seems best. Also, staying hydrated is also key. You can buy the same machine they use a lot cheaper than you think to check it at home.

 

[AxlBundy]

I donate blood often since starting TRT. My ferritin numbers were off the charts high when I first tested at the clinic. Unclear whether I have hemochromatosis but the treatment is the same no matter what, donate blood. Keeps my other blood numbers under control as well. Also early on, I was making such amazing progress that when I’d go in, I’d often minimize my water intake to keep the scale looking peak. Last test I took, I made sure to hydrate as much as reasonable. Certainly didn’t hurt

 

[Such1943]

You’re lucky to have natural high test.

45 Male

Baseline Total Testosterone (Male): 254 ng/dL

TRT started Aug 2025 @ 160 mg of Testosterone split M/Thurs

Nov 5 bloodwork

Total Testosterone (Male): 1,067.5 ng/dL

Free Testosterone (Male): 348.7 pg/mL

Hematocrit (HCT): 51.5%

Estradiol (E2): 51 pg/mL

 

[MTSpace]

Any updates?

 

[MTSpace]

How's everyone's hematocrit doing? My testosterone levels were 1007 ng/dl after 8 weeks of TRT (100mg/week) but my hematocrit was 55.4%.

This is where I am struggling. At a 100mg a week pinned daily, my total T is around 350 and my hematocrit went up to 54 after 4 months. Headaches, head pressure, sore joints, light headedness and out of breath very easily. Hematologist did a 300ml phlebotomy 6 weeks ago and it came down to 48 and I felt better within 3 days. My primary doctor doubled my dose to 200mg per week pinned IM everyday and my hematocrit raised to 55 in 5-1/2 weeks. Same symptoms for 3-4 days and then had to have a 500ml phlebotomy yesterday.

Back to primary in 2 weeks to determine what’s next. I do 3-4 hours of zone 2 cardio a week, resistance train 4 times a week, and hydrate with 3-4 liters of water a day with electrolytes. Blood pressure is perfect and my diet is clean with limited processed anything outside of yogurt and protein powder. Struggling now because and thinking my ferritin is wiped out. Will find out as I have bloodwork for up coming doctors visit. Felt great on 200mg test until I didn’t. Best I felt in years for 4 weeks. ????

 

[kobeanbry24]

Must be nice... I'm 40 now but was diagnosed hypogonadism in my early 20's and only produce about 100ng/dl on a normal blood check. With TRT, I sit around 1250 and LOVE it.

I'm at around 1200 w TRT pellets and loving life at 44 yo.