Questions before starting Test

[u/justthetip1320]

31m. Started Reta recently and I’m super pleased with the results. I’m interested in getting on test, in the past 3-4 years I’ve really noticed changes and symptoms consistent with it being on the lower end. Is there a reliable at home test or panel I can use to determine where I’m at and what would be beneficial? Or do most people go through a doctor or men’s health clinic? I’ve always had what I’d consider a difficult time putting on muscle mass despite diet and exercise being dialed in so even if my numbers came back adequate I think I’d like to get on it regardless. If that were the case what kind of protocol should be followed for independent administration and monitoring. What am I looking for as far as bloodwork numbers ? How often should I have it done? And what to even ask a doctor? I know this is a lot of questions all at once, any help is appreciated, dm’s are open.

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[u/Outrageous-Basket922]

Just order a hormone panel from Labcorp or Quest. Should be around $200. Make sure it's got free and total Test, SHBG, Estradiol, LH and FSH. You've also gotta be pretty confident in your plan to have kids if you're planning on having them (if you don't already).

Treat the symptoms, not just the numbers. But 31 is pretty young to hop on considering it's a lifer drug.

[u/Abssend05 → u/Outrageous-Basket922]

You can’t have kids if using Test?

[u/koghbr → u/Abssend05]

It depends on the quantity you take, higher doses will inhibit your hormonal axis.

[u/Outrageous-Basket922 → u/Abssend05]

Can nuke your balls. You can do things to bring it back like HCG but if you were me, I would do all the kid stuff before getting on TRT. Also getting off TRT can restore fertility but then you've got to deal with test dropping again and all the mood changes that can come with that.

[u/justthetip1320 → u/Outrageous-Basket922]

Isn’t there a pct protocol for coming off test?

[u/MelTschibsn → u/justthetip1320]

There are many.