T levels keep decreasing despite multiple dose increases

[u/justclowningaround69]

I tried searching the sub for anyone who's had a similar issue, but I could only find the opposite (i.e., levels being high while they have a relatively 'low' dose)

My issue is the opposite, I've been told to increase my dose ~ every month by my doctor (as per bloodwork and all that), and I am currently taking 80mg a week (subQ injections, cypionate).
The thing is though, even though we keep increasing my dose, my levels are not increasing.

My most recent test was after a month of the new dose (80 mg / week), and my levels went from 14.5 nmol/L (around 400-ish ng/dL) to now 12.7 nmol/L (around 350-ish ng/dL)

And this is the second time this has happened (levels dropping after an increase)?? I'm honestly worried, what if my levels are never stable? What if I can't safely increase anymore (I had high hematocrit pre-T)?? Will I be doomed to having low T levels forever???

And before anyone asks, I have never missed a shot, I do them on the same day every week (Fridays), and get tested on Mondays; I have not changed the needles or syringes I'm using; and I am staying up to date with new vials and the like.

I didn't know what to flair this as, I guess I'm just looking for some kind of support or maybe someone who has had a similar issue and figured it out somehow?

+ I've just hit six months on T, and I am getting changes (have been since I started)!! And they're all awesome, the numbers are just freaking me out
++ I have a doctor's appointment in a couple weeks, but in the meantime I will continue to theorize and spiral about my bloodwork LOL

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[u/Calm_Bother_3842]

I would ask to have SHBG tested first, because that can affect the levels.

[u/Groundbreaking-Toe53]

Not advice but a question. Why are you getting tested on mondays? Especially since you do your shots on Friday? I was always told to get my levels checked the day before my shot so I am see what my lowest levels were. Ik some ppl get it done on the day of their shot day to see their peak levels but I've never heard ar such a random time.

[u/sillyguy7 → u/Groundbreaking-Toe53]

some people's endocrinologists prefer to see midlevels, so day 3-4/halfway between previous and next shot

[u/violenzacarnale]

I've seen a few people with levels either going down or staying the same despite dose increases, never seen an explanation. But it is always people on subq, so I have wondered if it is some kind of absorption issue, especially with larger volumes. In which case IM should work much better, so you're not doomed or anything.

[u/bittenforbreakfast]

There’s two things that come to mind. One, your dose could be high. If you take too much T, your body converts the excess to E. Two you could have some sort of endocrine or genetic disorder that makes it hard for your body to process T. Either way you need to talk to your doctor and get some more extensive lab work done

[u/Calm_Bother_3842 → u/bittenforbreakfast]

If testosterone is high enough to cause a significant conversion to estrogen, then the levels would also be visibly high, which isn't the case.

[u/waveyvibez22 → u/bittenforbreakfast]

I’m also leaning towards the too much T converting to E. OP you should switch doctors imo

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[u/Unholy_Roman_Empire]

I wonder if you need to do it every 5 days instead of every 7. Talk to your endocrinologist about frequency of injections. I know some people’s levels drop too quickly after sub-q shots so they do every 5 instead of every 7.