Water retention

[The Maestro]

Hello to all fellow TRT gentlemen. I'm currently on 200 Test Cyp and have been for six months. My question is if anyone is having constant swelling in the ankles? I'm on a water pill and Now Magnesium/Potassium and nothing is working. I currently pin twice a week. Any ideas or personal experiences that may help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Boykinben82]

You need to get blood work to see what’s wrong. Guessing or trying to fix it blind can only make it worse.

 

[The Maestro]

You need to get blood work to see what’s wrong. Guessing or trying to fix it blind can only make it worse.

Thank you. I'm waiting for my labs to come back hopefully next week. What should I look for on the labs?

 

[Boykinben82]

Thank you. I'm waiting for my labs to come back hopefully next week. What should I look for on the labs?

I’m not a blood work wizard but I know a few guys who can help. @Vision and @Matt88. They should see this and chime in brother.

 

[The Maestro]

I’m not a blood work wizard but I know a few guys who can help. @Vision and @Matt88. They should see this and chime in brother.

I really appreciate your time and information. Thank you again for your help.

 

[wesley_swolle]

Hello to all fellow TRT gentlemen. I'm currently on 200 Test Cyp and have been for six months. My question is if anyone is having constant swelling in the ankles? I'm on a water pill and Now Magnesium/Potassium and nothing is working. I currently pin twice a week. Any ideas or personal experiences that may help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

If you're retaining water, there's a very good chance your estrodiol (E2) levels are elevated. Are you on an aromatize inhibitor? Most people don't need an AI at 200mg of test per week, but some do.

I didn't choose the swolle life, the swolle life chose me ~ Wesley Swolle

 

[Boykinben82]

I really appreciate your time and information. Thank you again for your help.

Of course bro. Both those guys should chime in when they log on

 

[Vision]

Hello to all fellow TRT gentlemen. I'm currently on 200 Test Cyp and have been for six months. My question is if anyone is having constant swelling in the ankles? I'm on a water pill and Now Magnesium/Potassium and nothing is working. I currently pin twice a week. Any ideas or personal experiences that may help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

What you need to do is speak to your specialist, whether it's an endocrinologist, or your primary, whoever is prescribing you TRT.. This could be a potential underlining health issue, or pre-existing issue that's unbeknownst that's being triggered.
When people experience their lower extremities, especially their feet or ankles swelling, This is an indication of the lack of blood flow. This can come on from the fluctuations of hormones, I'm not sure what you're doing for an anti estrogen, without any blood work with seeing your estrogen and your progestin levels, and what your prolactin looks like, it's a shot in the dark.
No one here is a doctor, nor is anyone qualified.
You should get this looked at immediately.
When hormones give us a puffy face That's a bit more mild compared to our lower extremities.

In the time being, keep your feet elevated..

What anti-estrogens are you taking, if you're taking any?

 

[Vision]

Of course bro. Both those guys should chime in when they log on

Boykin is the Batman of the community. My brother's everywhere. 👍

 

[The Maestro]

If you're retaining water, there's a very good chance your estrodiol (E2) levels are elevated. Are you on an aromatize inhibitor? Most people don't need an AI at 200mg of test per week, but some do.

I didn't choose the swolle life, the swolle life chose me ~ Wesley Swolle

Currently no AI.

 

[The Maestro]

What you need to do is speak to your specialist, whether it's an endocrinologist, or your primary, whoever is prescribing you TRT.. This could be a potential underlining health issue, or pre-existing issue that's unbeknownst that's being triggered.
When people experience their lower extremities, especially their feet or ankles swelling, This is an indication of the lack of blood flow. This can come on from the fluctuations of hormones, I'm not sure what you're doing for an anti estrogen, without any blood work with seeing your estrogen and your progestin levels, and what your prolactin looks like, it's a shot in the dark.
No one here is a doctor, nor is anyone qualified.
You should get this looked at immediately.
When hormones give us a puffy face That's a bit more mild compared to our lower extremities.

In the time being, keep your feet elevated..

What anti-estrogens are you taking, if you're taking any?

No AI. This is great information. Once my labs come back I will update the estrogen, progestin and prolactin levels. I knew this forum would help me. Thank you for your time and help.

 

[The Maestro]

If you're retaining water, there's a very good chance your estrodiol (E2) levels are elevated. Are you on an aromatize inhibitor? Most people don't need an AI at 200mg of test per week, but some do.

I didn't choose the swolle life, the swolle life chose me ~ Wesley Swolle

Thank for your knowledge brother.

 

[Boykinben82]

What you need to do is speak to your specialist, whether it's an endocrinologist, or your primary, whoever is prescribing you TRT.. This could be a potential underlining health issue, or pre-existing issue that's unbeknownst that's being triggered.
When people experience their lower extremities, especially their feet or ankles swelling, This is an indication of the lack of blood flow. This can come on from the fluctuations of hormones, I'm not sure what you're doing for an anti estrogen, without any blood work with seeing your estrogen and your progestin levels, and what your prolactin looks like, it's a shot in the dark.
No one here is a doctor, nor is anyone qualified.
You should get this looked at immediately.
When hormones give us a puffy face That's a bit more mild compared to our lower extremities.

In the time being, keep your feet elevated..

What anti-estrogens are you taking, if you're taking any?

I knew he would help!!

 

[The Maestro]

I knew he would help!!

I have more information to work with now from you guys than I have searching hours on Google.

 

[Vision]

No AI. This is great information. Once my labs come back I will update the estrogen, progestin and prolactin levels. I knew this forum would help me. Thank you for your time and help.

If you are not running any AIs, then we are going to get a pretty decent snapshot of what could potentially be going on.
Did you get a sensitive essay?
Lc - ms/ms sensitive?
By the way I was being serious and I wasn't joking about elevating the feet.

 

[TopDawg]

If you're retaining water, there's a very good chance your estrodiol (E2) levels are elevated. Are you on an aromatize inhibitor? Most people don't need an AI at 200mg of test per week, but some do.

I didn't choose the swolle life, the swolle life chose me ~ Wesley Swolle

I'm one of them. One reason is fluid retention. It is irritating.

Anastrazole absolutely sucks for trying to control E2, but it's what I am using right now.

 

[Vision]

Something to bear in mind here, some people do need an AI with their TRT, reason being it's a synthetic hormone, it's not our own. Therefore some people will respond to it differently.
The best way to describe it, Just imagine our natural testosterone, the molecule having fingerprints, and there is no fingerprints that are like yours in the world. The same goes for your testosterone there's almost like DNA sequence with it that has these fingerprints on it. When you take a synthetic hormone, it doesn't have this specific DNA instruction with this imaginary fingerprint, therefore it just acts and behaves similar as your natural testosterone, not the same, but similar.
This is why there's a lot of adjustments that need to be made in either direction, and the addition of other medications with helping and assisting, because specific enzymes, sleeper cells and sleeper enzymes may be activated because of the exogenous synthetic hormone.
I am prescribed an anti-estrogen with my TRT, because I also occasionally have a occurrences of hormonal fluctuations.

 

[The Maestro]

If you are not running any AIs, then we are going to get a pretty decent snapshot of what could potentially be going on.
Did you get a sensitive essay?
Lc - ms/ms sensitive?
By the way I was being serious and I wasn't joking about elevating the feet.

I know you were being serious, Trendelenburg position. I'm a retired FF. I don't know what Lc-ms/ms sensitive is.

 

[The Maestro]

Something to bear in mind here, some people do need an AI with their TRT, reason being it's a synthetic hormone, it's not our own. Therefore some people will respond to it differently.
The best way to describe it, Just imagine our natural testosterone, the molecule having fingerprints, and there is no fingerprints that are like yours in the world. The same goes for your testosterone there's almost like DNA sequence with it that has these fingerprints on it. When you take a synthetic hormone, it doesn't have this specific DNA instruction with this imaginary fingerprint, therefore it just acts and behaves similar as your natural testosterone, not the same, but similar.
This is why there's a lot of adjustments that need to be made in either direction, and the addition of other medications with helping and assisting, because specific enzymes, sleeper cells and sleeper enzymes may be activated because of the exogenous synthetic hormone.
I am prescribed an anti-estrogen with my TRT, because I also occasionally have a occurrences of hormonal fluctuations.

You definitely are the man to talk. Very knowledgeable. Thank you again.

 

[Vision]

I know you were being serious, Trendelenburg position. I'm a retired FF. I don't know what Lc-ms/ms sensitive is.

Below is a write up that I made about doing blood work, so I just copy and paste it and put it here for you..
It will explain the different types of blood tests, in the article I wrote an emphasizes for HGH but the same applies when doing your testosterone, and where you see the mentioning with the sensitive tests whatever you test your estrogen you always want to use an ultra sensitive essay. Read on It will explain👍

~How to take bloods~

Checking your HGH serum levels through blood work!
(Textbook testing for therapeutic levels vs 4-10ius is far different)

In today's age we are limited to testing methods when testing our HGH serum levels due to expense factors.. Though direct HGH serum blood work seems to be the only practical method we have available when it concerns "Meat Heads on a budget" such as PrivateLabs/labcorp, it's known as a "Crude method" like all blood work, however it's a good indicator of where we came from, where we are, and where we are going!

Before we begin, I want to reiterate the fact that there are different testing methods that will yields different results and please read about Testosterone and HGH..

The protocol below is focused around HGH, but please read about the types of tests that would still apply for "TESTOSTERONE" serum readings and a more accurate final report..
For Testosterone LONG esters: 4-5 weeks out is best for a more accurate serum reading, this is the gold standard with 3 days after last injection.. The testing assy that is selected will provide a different result thus is it highly recommending to use a sensitive test that is NOT capped (some tests cap off after 1500, LC MS-MS will not cap) , ::LC MS-MS FEMALE TEST CLICK HERE:: <--- cheapest and best option for TESTOSTERONE SERUMS
You do NOT need to be fasted for testosterone levels..

Types of tests:
ECLIA vs LC MS-MS; ECLIA Method which is short for "Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay".. It’s a fast and affordable method to measure total hormones in your blood. Many labs and hospitals (ER's) use this method because it’s automatic and doesn’t require too much work on a lab technician’s part, it's simply the standard affordable method done by most clinics for blood tests..It's not reliable or entirely accurate..It's simply just a "standard generic method", fast turn around, nothing more, nothing less...It's simply just a fast, quick snap shot for the moment to give almost instant results, so it's somewhat accurate for that sole purpose when it concerns "Just tell me whats going on now, yes or no"...

LC MS-MS Method is short for "liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry". It’s considered the gold standard method by many researchers in measuring small molecules. Its accuracy and consistency is why the CDC is recommending LC/MS to be the standard method used when testing HGH/IGF or even total testosterone. Because LC/MS is more sensitive than ECLIA, doctors typically use this method when testing patients with really low levels with HGH or even again - testosterone levels, and testing individuals such as women and children. While it’s more accurate and sensitive, the LC/MS method is more expensive than ECLIA. And it takes a bit longer to get your results...Always place into great consideration that with the LC MS-MS method it will be more pronounced with measuring specific concentrations..

The truth of the matter is, HGH serum levels only validates it's legitimacy NOT potency because testing results will vary "dramatically" from each individual to the next.. Testing HGH levels is a crude method at best, at the same time providing a keen indication on what's taken place.. IGF levels would be the best testing to provide if there is any REAL activity, however this method for HGH serum is decent enough to show something..

Testing for IGF serum levels is one of the better methods to assure the quality, in which will help validate the authenticity of the product!

FYI; Always have a baseline, knowing your baseline is pivotal especially if you have a history with testing and having a complete understanding of what your REAL baseline is, this way comparisons can be applied from prior dates to future instances, or even protocols, as there's numerous variables that may effect results..

Test pricing can range from 55-75$ in some cases for a HGH panel http://www.privatemdlabs.com/Testing HGH serum through a blood panel is NOT the current lab standard, IGF levels establish the effectiveness of TRUE HGH levels,and they are seen and recognized by a labs aspect as the RELIABLE standard (depending on time of day, diet and/or the influence of injection of HGH(exogenous) other then natural levels (endogenous ),However, I'm not suggesting that HGH labs are poor with inaccuracy, in fact I'm going to implementing that it's a GREAT alternative compared to the expensive lab standards, as it can provide overwhelming evidence if your HGH is in fact real HGH..

Now, if your utilizing HGH through subq/IM administration (exogenous influence) your levels will spike approximately 3 hrs after administration, an IFG analysis is completely unnecessary UNLESS you have tested prior for baseline levels and wish to compare, the simple HGH serum test will yield a sufficient readout if in fact your HGH is legit or not, as your HGH serum will stand far outside of the standard reference range.. FACT- This is a proven method to determine a YES or NO.. (Its's suggested to do a pre base line readings on HGH & IGF levels for comparison)
Also, always keep notes when testings, with each pre and after test method..

Preparing for Blood test (6-10ius pre testing)

There's a lot of controversy in regards to fasting vs finding it unnecessary.. There's some truth behind this for great reason, such as fasting enhances growth hormone secretion and amplifies the complex rhythms of growth hormone secretion in men (when testing natural levels), levels can be very infrequent and erratic, especially during a fed state, as many nutrients posses an unpredictable effect on GH release in most people..(metabolization sensitivity will vary).. However, when testing 3hrs after IM injection of HGH fasting has been proven to be irrelevant to serum levels (in some/most patients).In order to rule out and opposing factors that can be questionable with manipulation through serum levels, it is SUGGESTED to fast 6-10 hrs pre-blood drawing so levels are NOT BLUNTED. Carbohydrate intake should be lowered considerably 24 hrs prior, up until 6-10 hrs fast, there after no consumption (glucose may suppress GH release effecting spike levels)..

Injection spot: IMO it is best to use a site that has little to NO scar tissue, and is NOT a frequented injection site of the user. The Bicep is a GREAT option due to more virgin tissue opposed to the delt region as most users opt for that area for oils.
Dosages and Serum levels to expect

6-8ius can yield 15-50 ng/mL as ranges can vary (this has been proven in real life experiences, regardless of the quality, generic or US Pharma grade,some user do NOT respond well with HGH injections, fact this is why it's suggested to keep notes from prior testing) Toss text book reads out the window!

Remain inactive pre-testing

As Further recommendations have it, absolutely no strenuous or rigorous stimulation through activities such as running, walking, or exercising, anything that can stimulation hormonal levels and HGH secretions..
Consumption of water is fine, a glass or 2 will NOT hurt, but limit hrs up until testing..
The usage of alcohol and/or tobacco is entirely prohibited, and not recommended, especially alcohol.. cease all consumption 72hrs prior due to the brake down enzymes and glucose levels and pancreases secretions from alcohol..

Recap-

6-10 ius (IM) 3 hrs pre testing (subq administration possess a slower rate with metabolizing in some users, IM has proven a 2-6 fold in levels)
Fasting is recommended, but not necessary (suggested 6-10 hrs pre)
Limit carb intake to absolute minimum
Consumption of water is OK if limited to 1 glass or 2, and not 3 hrs pre testing
No strenuous activities under any circumstances before testing
The use of alcohol and tobacco and other drugs should be completely eliminated 72 hrs prior to testing

 

[CompoundLifts31]

Is your sleep fucking horrible?

Whenever I use Dbol, I have to really pay attention to my estrogen. High estrogen causes water retention. Water retention causes loss of sleep.

GET BLOOD WORK DONE.

Everyone is guessing until we can look at your blood work.

Sent from my LM-K500 using Tapatalk

 

[The Maestro]

Below is a write up that I made about doing blood work, so I just copy and paste it and put it here for you..
It will explain the different types of blood tests, in the article I wrote an emphasizes for HGH but the same applies when doing your testosterone, and where you see the mentioning with the sensitive tests whatever you test your estrogen you always want to use an ultra sensitive essay. Read on It will explain👍

~How to take bloods~

Checking your HGH serum levels through blood work!
(Textbook testing for therapeutic levels vs 4-10ius is far different)

In today's age we are limited to testing methods when testing our HGH serum levels due to expense factors.. Though direct HGH serum blood work seems to be the only practical method we have available when it concerns "Meat Heads on a budget" such as PrivateLabs/labcorp, it's known as a "Crude method" like all blood work, however it's a good indicator of where we came from, where we are, and where we are going!

Before we begin, I want to reiterate the fact that there are different testing methods that will yields different results and please read about Testosterone and HGH..

The protocol below is focused around HGH, but please read about the types of tests that would still apply for "TESTOSTERONE" serum readings and a more accurate final report..
For Testosterone LONG esters: 4-5 weeks out is best for a more accurate serum reading, this is the gold standard with 3 days after last injection.. The testing assy that is selected will provide a different result thus is it highly recommending to use a sensitive test that is NOT capped (some tests cap off after 1500, LC MS-MS will not cap) , ::LC MS-MS FEMALE TEST CLICK HERE:: <--- cheapest and best option for TESTOSTERONE SERUMS
You do NOT need to be fasted for testosterone levels..

Types of tests:
ECLIA vs LC MS-MS; ECLIA Method which is short for "Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay".. It’s a fast and affordable method to measure total hormones in your blood. Many labs and hospitals (ER's) use this method because it’s automatic and doesn’t require too much work on a lab technician’s part, it's simply the standard affordable method done by most clinics for blood tests..It's not reliable or entirely accurate..It's simply just a "standard generic method", fast turn around, nothing more, nothing less...It's simply just a fast, quick snap shot for the moment to give almost instant results, so it's somewhat accurate for that sole purpose when it concerns "Just tell me whats going on now, yes or no"...

LC MS-MS Method is short for "liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry". It’s considered the gold standard method by many researchers in measuring small molecules. Its accuracy and consistency is why the CDC is recommending LC/MS to be the standard method used when testing HGH/IGF or even total testosterone. Because LC/MS is more sensitive than ECLIA, doctors typically use this method when testing patients with really low levels with HGH or even again - testosterone levels, and testing individuals such as women and children. While it’s more accurate and sensitive, the LC/MS method is more expensive than ECLIA. And it takes a bit longer to get your results...Always place into great consideration that with the LC MS-MS method it will be more pronounced with measuring specific concentrations..

The truth of the matter is, HGH serum levels only validates it's legitimacy NOT potency because testing results will vary "dramatically" from each individual to the next.. Testing HGH levels is a crude method at best, at the same time providing a keen indication on what's taken place.. IGF levels would be the best testing to provide if there is any REAL activity, however this method for HGH serum is decent enough to show something..

Testing for IGF serum levels is one of the better methods to assure the quality, in which will help validate the authenticity of the product!

FYI; Always have a baseline, knowing your baseline is pivotal especially if you have a history with testing and having a complete understanding of what your REAL baseline is, this way comparisons can be applied from prior dates to future instances, or even protocols, as there's numerous variables that may effect results..

Test pricing can range from 55-75$ in some cases for a HGH panel http://www.privatemdlabs.com/Testing HGH serum through a blood panel is NOT the current lab standard, IGF levels establish the effectiveness of TRUE HGH levels,and they are seen and recognized by a labs aspect as the RELIABLE standard (depending on time of day, diet and/or the influence of injection of HGH(exogenous) other then natural levels (endogenous ),However, I'm not suggesting that HGH labs are poor with inaccuracy, in fact I'm going to implementing that it's a GREAT alternative compared to the expensive lab standards, as it can provide overwhelming evidence if your HGH is in fact real HGH..

Now, if your utilizing HGH through subq/IM administration (exogenous influence) your levels will spike approximately 3 hrs after administration, an IFG analysis is completely unnecessary UNLESS you have tested prior for baseline levels and wish to compare, the simple HGH serum test will yield a sufficient readout if in fact your HGH is legit or not, as your HGH serum will stand far outside of the standard reference range.. FACT- This is a proven method to determine a YES or NO.. (Its's suggested to do a pre base line readings on HGH & IGF levels for comparison)
Also, always keep notes when testings, with each pre and after test method..

Preparing for Blood test (6-10ius pre testing)

There's a lot of controversy in regards to fasting vs finding it unnecessary.. There's some truth behind this for great reason, such as fasting enhances growth hormone secretion and amplifies the complex rhythms of growth hormone secretion in men (when testing natural levels), levels can be very infrequent and erratic, especially during a fed state, as many nutrients posses an unpredictable effect on GH release in most people..(metabolization sensitivity will vary).. However, when testing 3hrs after IM injection of HGH fasting has been proven to be irrelevant to serum levels (in some/most patients).In order to rule out and opposing factors that can be questionable with manipulation through serum levels, it is SUGGESTED to fast 6-10 hrs pre-blood drawing so levels are NOT BLUNTED. Carbohydrate intake should be lowered considerably 24 hrs prior, up until 6-10 hrs fast, there after no consumption (glucose may suppress GH release effecting spike levels)..

Injection spot: IMO it is best to use a site that has little to NO scar tissue, and is NOT a frequented injection site of the user. The Bicep is a GREAT option due to more virgin tissue opposed to the delt region as most users opt for that area for oils.
Dosages and Serum levels to expect

6-8ius can yield 15-50 ng/mL as ranges can vary (this has been proven in real life experiences, regardless of the quality, generic or US Pharma grade,some user do NOT respond well with HGH injections, fact this is why it's suggested to keep notes from prior testing) Toss text book reads out the window!

Remain inactive pre-testing

As Further recommendations have it, absolutely no strenuous or rigorous stimulation through activities such as running, walking, or exercising, anything that can stimulation hormonal levels and HGH secretions..
Consumption of water is fine, a glass or 2 will NOT hurt, but limit hrs up until testing..
The usage of alcohol and/or tobacco is entirely prohibited, and not recommended, especially alcohol.. cease all consumption 72hrs prior due to the brake down enzymes and glucose levels and pancreases secretions from alcohol..

Recap-

6-10 ius (IM) 3 hrs pre testing (subq administration possess a slower rate with metabolizing in some users, IM has proven a 2-6 fold in levels)
Fasting is recommended, but not necessary (suggested 6-10 hrs pre)
Limit carb intake to absolute minimum
Consumption of water is OK if limited to 1 glass or 2, and not 3 hrs pre testing
No strenuous activities under any circumstances before testing
The use of alcohol and tobacco and other drugs should be completely eliminated 72 hrs prior to testing

My man, this is some great stuff!!!

 

[The Maestro]

Is your sleep fucking horrible?

Whenever I use Dbol, I have to really pay attention to my estrogen. High estrogen causes water retention. Water retention causes loss of sleep.

GET BLOOD WORK DONE.

Everyone is guessing until we can look at your blood work.

Sent from my LM-K500 using Tapatalk

I use a CPAP nightly. My sleep is good. I'm waiting on my LabCorp labs now. Thank you for your help.

 

[TopDawg]

Is your sleep fucking horrible?

Whenever I use Dbol, I have to really pay attention to my estrogen. High estrogen causes water retention. Water retention causes loss of sleep.

GET BLOOD WORK DONE.

Everyone is guessing until we can look at your blood work.

Sent from my LM-K500 using Tapatalk

Sleep? What is sleep? I usually end up at the gym in the middle of night because I'm restless.

I have developed a restless leg issue that evolves to take over all of me. I just give up and lift.

 

[KingoftheNorth14]

I honestly noticed that cyp causes me a lil bit more water retention. Test E and sust not as bad. Cyp at/below 300 however is also a non issue.

 

[The Maestro]

I honestly noticed that cyp causes me a lil bit more water retention. Test E and sust not as bad. Cyp at/below 300 however is also a non issue.

Thank you for that knowledge. Everyone on here has been very helpful.

 

[Matt88]

I’m not a blood work wizard but I know a few guys who can help. @Vision and @Matt88. They should see this and chime in brother.

I'm definitely not a wizard and my knowledge doesn't even come close to Visions. Would be like comparing a hgh school student (me) to a grad school graduate (vision). I'd be happy to offer any help I can though once OP posts his lab work

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[The Maestro]

I'm definitely not a wizard and my knowledge doesn't even come close to Visions. Would be like comparing a hgh school student (me) to a grad school graduate (vision). I'd be happy to offer any help I can though once OP posts his lab work

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

Thank you.

 

[Boykinben82]

I'm definitely not a wizard and my knowledge doesn't even come close to Visions. Would be like comparing a hgh school student (me) to a grad school graduate (vision). I'd be happy to offer any help I can though once OP posts his lab work

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

You have a shit ton of good info too bro! 😎

 

[Vision]

You have a shit ton of good info too bro! 😎

Yeah he does, Matt possesses a very deep passion and quench for having a better and greater understanding with the dynamics and many veritables that can take place within our bodies.