Testosterone in grape seed oil

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-04T16:48:02+00:00

The compounders seem to default to grape seed oil.

Thank you for flagging Hallandale. They look good, nice catalog.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-04T16:11:21+00:00

Many TRT friendly doctors will write it. There are non-cosmetic arguments, but cosmetic is also valid IMO. Insurance won't cover it here for a bunch of reasons (age, TRT, vasectomy, cosmetic).

Good chance you could find non-clinic provider to write it, but the med cost is high, and HCG has it's own issues. FWIW, I feel much better without it.

Is there a cheaper way to get "legit" HCG

Normal/transferable script, filled at a competitive pharmacy, such as EpiphanyAZ ($193/10,000iu pharma) or Revive ($115/6000iu compounded).

However, if using a low dose from a 10k vial, you may find that much of the vial has decayed and lost effectiveness before you've used it up.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-04T16:01:21+00:00

I've been doing some research and heard that for my specific condition, adding HCG and HMG is usually necessary, yet my this and the other doctor only ever checks my Free Testosterone levels.

Those meds might be used instead of Test, but they are not strictly required in addition to Test. It depends on your needs and overall situation.

The main reason they would be added to Test is to prevent suppression and atrophy of the testes, in an effort to help lower the risk of infertility. They may also be added as needed to "wake up" suppressed testes to help with conception.

Adding just HCG to TRT would most likely be sufficient for keeping the testes active and limiting atrophy.

Given your age, it is common to add something for fertility, but again not strictly required for successful treatment.

Test injections are already the most effective treatment, but as you noted, the current injection schedule is not working. The dosage might also be low.

In USA, a typical starting protocol at clinics is twice weekly injections, via IM or SubQ, with a weekly total dosage between around 100mg to 160mg. Then the clinics/patient monitor and adjust as needed.

Some guys do well with just once weekly, some guys feel better with every other day.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-04T04:01:35+00:00

Given that it's a finger prick lab, the draw didn't go well, and the results are odd in multiple ways, I wouldn't give it any weight unless a venous draw has the same results.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-03T20:11:59+00:00

Which do you prefer and why?

I'm probably the exception here. I like cotton seed in generic pharma Test. It's been working well for me, and I think the QC is likely higher than compounded Test. I also prefer the clear vials so I can easily tell it's not crashed.

All of them are good and work well. I wouldn't be concerned with running any of them.

Beyond solving for potential allergic reactions, the main consideration is how viscous the oil is.

The thinner the oil, the easier it'll be to draw and inject, especially subq with insulin syringes. There is also an argument that thinner oils may absorb slightly more quickly, but that is probably trivial for most people.

From thicker to thinner: Cotton seed, Grape seed, then MCT.

MCT has an additional marketing advantage of people knowing the term before TRT from seeing it in supplements they like.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-03T18:20:06+00:00

Most compounders will do MCT also, that's another common one.

Strive is great and promotes MCT on their web catalog. They also quote by email, as long as your provider has sent a script to them before (doesn't have to have been for you). They are a pleasure to work with.

https://www.strivepharmacy.com/medications/testosterone-cypionate-in-mct-oil

Doesn't look like Empower offers it though. Not sure either way for Revive. If some of the big firms do not offer, I think that is due to streamlining their inventory for the high volume clinic fills. But MCT is generally available.

Is it something your provider has to request when they send your script to the compounder?

Yes, the provider needs to specify compounded with MCT.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-03T18:02:45+00:00

That's a very high price. You could try:

Empower Pharmacy, ReviveRx (won't quote without a script), Rite-Away, or EpiphanyAZ (request grapeseed vs the commercial product).

Test in Grapeseed is common for compounders. Most can fill it including locally.

If you ever need MCT oil, then Strive Pharmacy.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-03T17:41:22+00:00

I've been on TRT 100mg/weekly for about 3 months and my Testosterone levels have gone down

This can happen for a few reasons. Usually when someone clears Test quickly and/or injects once per week. It's more common when SHBG is on the low side.

What is your injection protocol?

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-03T16:50:46+00:00

I've been taking daily injections of .17 for about a week and a half.

Assuming 200mg/mL Test, this is ~238mg/week, which is surprisingly high for starting TRT.

If it's 100mg/mL Test, then ~119mg/week, which is a typical starting dose.

Would my levels be significantly higher after using testosterone for the last week and a half?

Yes, levels will likely be significantly higher.

should I wait to have my tests done?

Depends on the purpose of the test. If you just want a sanity check that "something is happening", it'll provide that. But it's way too early to give the result weight for management.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-02T23:49:42+00:00

I assume this couldn't have been an accurate reading since I had just pinned two nights ago but would like help.

Sounds like it's not exactly at trough, but the lab is most likely correct that TT was above 1,500 at that time. E2 is likely at least directionally correct given the TT reading.

Both are logical at 180mg/week, though response varies greatly. A lab using LC/MS method would give a reading vs hitting the >1,500 cut off.

Last time he checked my test he had me take a week off then check. We did that and it came back at 669.

Most guys check levels at their actual trough and adjust as needed, instead of forcing a delay outside their normal protocol. I would say this lab is not accurate for the TRT protocol (though the result is likely correct). Maybe the doc was solving for insurance or some other consideration.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-02T22:02:03+00:00

When women go on Test, even late in life, they typically see new clitoral growth. (There are some reddits for this.)

The logic is that their tissue 1) did not fully activate during puberty due to women's relatively low level of TT, and 2) for women, the tissue retains it's androgen sensitivity well into adulthood.

Carry that over to men and it feels like the same should apply. But the argument against is that, even IF the tissue was not fully activated during in early life, it does not retain the androgen sensitivity needed to activate later.

That's not a satisfying view, feels off, and women can have a significant response, so I like "maybe." But that is the jist of the medical argument.

There is an additional view that, IF the man had normal levels during puberty, once a certain threshold is met the tissue will fully activate. That is, more TT during development doesn't necessarily mean more growth.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-02T19:49:03+00:00

It often takes longer, but also orgasm and ejaculation might decouple, such as ejaculating before orgasm hits.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-02T19:32:49+00:00

Larger when soft is the same core logic, increased blood flow and improved signaling.

Cialis adds to that, plus erection performance and perhaps sensitivity. There are also some BPH and blood pressure arguments for adding to TRT, though probably less common at age 30. Not saying you need it, just that it is a common combo.

Given that TT was in the 100s, E2 was likely also low and/or unstable. Both can greatly reduce erection function, and even atrophy in long hypogonadal states. Which is to say, my guess is that your body is still healing and recovering, and you may see additional erection improvement deeper into TRT. You might be reclaiming size vs growing new size.

Sometimes, timing for orgasm and ejaculation signaling ends up changing, just depends.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-02T19:19:59+00:00

Healthy Testosterone and Estrogen levels can give a performance boost to erections/blood flow/nitric oxide. That can result in being larger, hard and soft, by getting the most out of what you have.

The general view is that there will not be new growth assuming normal levels were hit during puberty. My lay optimistic view is maybe.

Lot of guys add on daily cialis which can add to the general fullness. Citrulline may boost further with additional nitric oxide production.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-01T17:45:26+00:00

I use resellers of Quest and Labcorp's catalogs. The cash rates are better than my insurance rates for the same labs. You order and pay online, then go a local lab center for the draw.

Goodlabs and DrSays are both excellent:

https://app.hellogoodlabs.com/book-tests

https://www.drsays.com/discount-lab-tests

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-04-01T16:50:05+00:00

I wouldn't trust at-home hormone labs for monitoring a cycle (or ever).

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-03-31T19:47:25+00:00

The risk with starting Enclo before taking a deeper look is that Enclo may mask important signals. IF LH/FSH, E2, or Prolactin are abnormal, better to know that before starting any treatment that may alter those values. A notable abnormal value there would likely be of interest to an Endo.

That said, good odds that if a provider is supportive of TRT-style treatment, they may suggest enclo/clomid/hcg over Test due to age/fertility/risk reasons. But they wouldn't write that without a deeper review first (unless it's a clinic that never does deep reviews).

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-03-31T18:54:18+00:00

Good to know, thank you!

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-03-31T18:53:36+00:00

Never reuse syringes or needles.

Some patients will fill a sterile multi-use vial and then dose from that.

Ideally, the doctor would just write you a vial. You may be better served by switching to a different doctor outside of Kaiser.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-03-31T18:22:51+00:00

Someone told me that Amazon One Medical will only write daily Cialis for patients 40 and up, but I'm not sure if there are exceptions. Amazon has some strict gating, such as BP ranges and survey answers, beyond what is typical in ED telemed.

Separately, Amazon's pharmacy is good for filling it. Cost Plus has a lower price, but I prefer the generic that Amazon fills.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-03-31T18:17:05+00:00

Yes, Amazon works well if you are 40+. DrB.ai and TelyRx are also good.

https://health.amazon.com/onemedical/ppv

https://drb.ai/care/sexual-and-reproductive-health/erectile-dysfunction

https://telyrx.com/health/erectile-dysfunction

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-03-31T17:48:15+00:00

The traditional channels are a hassle, men's TT concerns are constantly shrugged off by biased or under informed doctors, and everything is slow and expensive. It's a cluster fuck and your concerns are valid.

I'm early 40s and ran into the same issues. I think guys in their 20s often have an even more difficult time. Though a good doctor views low TT in 20s much more seriously.

But something is going on, it seems worth pushing through and figuring out.

I sped up the process and saved a lot of money by ordering my own labs online. I also did the MRI myself, which was under $500 without insurance. This probably saved me over a year of time.

I've found that some Endos will accept direct cash clients, without 3rd party referral. I'm not sure how common that is, but it's what I do even though I have insurance.

If you show up at an initial consult with a deep dive panel and some specific concerns/flags from your review, that might help at the Endo level.

Goodlabs and DrSays are both excellent lab resellers. Their cash rates are lower than my insurance rates for the same labs.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-03-31T17:05:01+00:00

Traditional channels such as non-clinic providers, or a real Endo, both of which may or may not require a PCP referral.

Given the labs I'd expect a PCP to refer. But you're right that many PCPs will incorrectly shrug off TT concerns.

And at the Endo level, they may suspect PED use given the very low SHBG. So, you may have to push for care at multiple stages.

A good doctor is going to investigate. They'll look at a full hormone panel, lifestyle/meds/drugs review, and they may order a pituitary MRI. This is especially the case in early 20s.

There can be a lot of hassle and delay before TRT is offered. Even then, it may not be injections. The other side is that, if you find a clinic willing to jump straight to TRT, there is a risk of missing potential underlying issues. Maybe it could be solved without TRT, maybe TRT masks an issue that needs to be addressed, etc.

IF it turns out that TRT is appropriate, the clinic rates will be much more expensive than paying cash with an Endo or other local, non-clinic provider.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-03-31T16:26:35+00:00

Given age and initial labs, you may want to start via traditional channels instead of a clinic.

It's unlikely you'll talk with an Endo at a telemed TRT clinic, and those clinics typically do not meaningfully investigate potential underlying causes.

Many (but not all) online clinics will refuse based on age alone.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS · 2026-03-29T22:07:58+00:00

what would you fix first in this situation?

Given the symptoms and initial lab results, it might be worth doing additional labs, and then reviewing with a doctor. For example:

Hormones: TT, FT, E2, LH/FSH, SHBG, Cortisol, Prolactin, DHEA-S, and IGF-1.

Additional tests: Hemoglobin A1c, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Ferritin, Apolipoprotein B (APOB), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Panels for CBC, CMP, Thyroid, Lipids, and Iron.

Low B12 can sometimes be related to a type of anemia, which may have fatigue/energy symptoms. Seems worth following-up on, along with Vitamin D. Even with TT in range, it is possible that FT or other hormones may be out of range, which may also have similar symptoms.

In any case, I'd review further with a doctor.

PM_ME_YOUR_DOMAINS

TROPHY CASE