Total T is 108, and I have to make some decisions...

Brief history: I'm 32 y/o male, and first symptoms reported to PCP approximately 6 years ago - diagnosed and treated as adult ADHD. Used to be very fit but now about 30 lbs overweight with rapid swings of +/- 15 lbs. Tests:

8 am: total T 340 and 324 (300-1080 ref range), free T 106 and 101 (47-244 ref range)

2 pm: total T 108 and 110 (300-1080 ref range), free not tested

Docs ruled out everything serious, reviewed my dad's medical records and labs, and they feel comfortable treating it as a genetic issue. Now I have some decisions to make, and I'd like some input:

• Insurance is great and covers everything but patches for $15 ($30 for name brand). PCP suggests gel, but this sub seems to STRONGLY favor injections. Quality of life issues aside, which gets better results and why?

• When I start TRT, should I advocate for a target level between the mean and median for the reference range? I'm really worried that the docs will get me to "normal" on the ref range and stop there. Is that common, and what kind of target should my docs be aiming for?

• What do I need to know about estrogens, and can you point me to a comprehensive resource?

• In 2015-2016, I hired a trainer and started lifting again in 6pm sessions. Even with religious eating/hydration, I almost always felt winded, exhausted, faint, drenched in sweat/clammy, and blacked out a couple times. Docs tested me to death, and ruled out basically everything obvious. In the context of my 2pm levels, my levels during a 6pm workout could have easily been sub 100. Does this sound like anything you've seen from low T? Could this be hot flashes?

• Why are people taking HCG, and what does it accomplish?