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.

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

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

References:

  • Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(3), 266-281. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra070553
  • Pilz, S., Frisch, S., Koertke, H., et al. (2011). Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Hormone and Metabolic Research, 43(3), 223-225. DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1269854
  • Prasad, A. S., Mantzoros, C. S., Beck, F. W. J., Hess, J. W., & Brewer, G. J. (1996). Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults. Nutrition, 12(5), 344-348. DOI: 10.1016/S0899-9007(96)80058-X
  • Cinar, V., Polat, Y., Baltaci, A. K., & Mogulkoc, R. (2011). Effects of magnesium supplementation on testosterone levels. Biological Trace Element Research, 140(1), 18-23. DOI: 10.1007/s12011-010-8676-3
  • Huijben, M., Lock, M. T. W. T., de Kemp, V. F., de Kort, L. M. O., & van Breda, H. M. K. (2022). Clomiphene citrate for men with hypogonadism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology, 10(3), 451-469. DOI: 10.1111/andr.13146

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

8 - 30 nmol/L

VitalMetrics Range

20 - 35 nmol/L

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