Total Testosterone

Hormones marker

Testosterone

Total Testosterone

Category: Hormones
Unit: nmol/L

Primary male sex hormone. Important for muscle growth, bone density, and mood.

PED Notes

Exogenous testosterone will show supraphysiological levels while on cycle. It suppresses the HPT axis: GnRH from the hypothalamus drops, causing LH and FSH from the pituitary to fall, removing the signal for endogenous production. After cycle without PCT, levels are severely suppressed (often <1 nmol/L) and recovery can take months. TRT doses typically target 20-30 nmol/L. Natural range 8-30 nmol/L.

When high

If elevated (on cycle / TRT):

  • Supraphysiological testosterone is expected on AAS/TRT — this is NOT a problem to fix
  • Monitor: haematocrit/HCT (target <52%), blood pressure, lipid panel (HDL often drops), E2 symptoms
  • If HCT is elevated: donate blood or reduce dose; consider naringin 500mg/day
  • If lipids are impaired: prioritise cardio (150+ min/week), omega-3 (3-4g EPA/DHA), reduce oral AAS
  • If blood pressure is elevated: assess sodium intake, consider telmisartan 20-40mg/day
  • Ensure regular bloodwork every 8-12 weeks while on cycle

Pharmacological HCT management (when donation/dose reduction insufficient):

  • Switch IM to subcutaneous testosterone -- subQ delivery produces lower peak levels and reduces erythropoietic drive; meta-analyses show ~30% reduction in erythrocytosis incidence vs IM at the same weekly dose
  • Increase injection frequency (EOD or E3D) -- micro-dosing flattens peaks and troughs, often lowers HCT without any change in total weekly dose
  • Split dose across multiple sites/days -- reduces the supraphysiological peak that drives EPO release
  • Drop or reduce Boldenone (EQ) -- EQ is the single highest-leverage compound choice for HCT; discontinuing often resolves elevation alone
  • Therapeutic phlebotomy (250-500 mL every 8-12 weeks under haematologist supervision) when donation is refused in-jurisdiction; see Haematocrit marker for full protocol
  • ACE inhibitor (e.g., lisinopril 5-10mg/day) -- reduces haemoglobin 5-10 g/L via EPO suppression; physician-supervised alternative when telmisartan is contraindicated

When low

Supplements (natural support):

  • Vitamin D3 -- 5000 IU/day (with fat-containing meal)
  • Zinc -- 30mg/day (picolinate or citrate, before bed on empty stomach)
  • Magnesium -- 400mg/day

PCT Protocol:

  • Enclomiphene -- 12.5-25mg/day for 4 weeks
  • Nolvadex -- 20mg/day to stimulate LH/FSH recovery
  • HCG -- 500 IU EOD for 2 weeks pre-PCT to restore testicular sensitivity

Lifestyle:

  • Optimise sleep (7-9h) and nutrition

History Chart

Reading History

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

8 - 30 nmol/L

VitalMetrics Range

20 - 35 nmol/L

Statistics