TRT Progression

[go2failure]

A little background infoormation about me. Suffered for 6+ years with low energy levels, slow recovery, memory fog, fat gain, semi hard erections, and in general not wanting to do a damn thing except lounge around all day (no f-ing energy).

Now 32yrs old, hypothyroid on T4, low vitamin D on extra vitamin D, discovered low testosterone 252 ng/dl about 4 months ago started with testim, it worked for a bit but then stopped--I started getting small bumps/allergic reaction so I stopped it.

I then started on androgel, felt ok for a week and then nothing. Had to wait a week to get my first 200mg injection of test cyp, then a week after my second injection of 200mgs I had my blood taken. My blood test showed 500ng/dl last Thursday. Just had my first shot of 100mgs today. I have read on numerous forums a more frequent injection is better so I have swapped to a 100mg/week shot schedule with a 50mg 2x/week schedule to start when i get my new needles for quad shots

I haven't felt a lot different overall, although my recovery is WAY better in the gym and have some pumps. Coming from a background of weightlifting since I was 13 years old, not being able to workout without being sore for 4-5 days during those previous 6 years+ really sucked. Libido is about the same. Interesting part to the low test level time-frame was I was horny even with a low test level, althought the erections werent as full and I basically never had morning wood or nocturnal wood. Mental focus wasn't there before but I notice it is starting to improve. I noticed I'm more active at work lately and being more direct with people. But I'm curious about the big changes being a low testosterone sufferer for so long.
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Now that I have given some background info, when can I expect to see the big difference in how I feel? 3-6 months from now? a year (I read somewhere it can take a year or longer to fully repair the damage)?

[Vettester]

I know it gets mentioned here all the time, but have you also looked at other factoring hormones like estradiol, DHEA, prolactin, etc.? I'd be looking a little close at the E2 subject for your libido concern, and possibly looking at DHEA and B12 for the mental aspect. Both B12 methylcobalamin and pregnenolone have been God sent for the mental variable. If the testosterone is inline where it should be, it could be factored with too much estrogen (libido killer), and or a low free and bio test ratio resulting from elevated SHBG.

TRT can add some fairly quick results for people with low "T" symptoms, permitting the other variables associated are not also out of range. Do you have other panels that you can elaborate with us? Also, At 32, did any doctor take the time to try and find out why you were producing a low amount of testosterone? Presumed they would check further into your mind if your TSH levels were elevated, which would be the first indicator of the hypothyroidism. If low LH/FSH were evident, it might make one curious with what's going on with that region of the brain.

Anyways, if there's anything else you can add it would be appreciated. Thanks

[zaggahamma]

welcome...sounds as if the changes are bigger than you think and youre only talking a few weeks in on your shots...do u have a goal...

can u share some stats as well...

what is the doc providing you for your vit D and thyroid?

[go2failure]

I know it gets mentioned here all the time, but have you also looked at other factoring hormones like estradiol, DHEA, prolactin, etc.? I'd be looking a little close at the E2 subject for your libido concern, and possibly looking at DHEA and B12 for the mental aspect. Both B12 methylcobalamin and pregnenolone have been God sent for the mental variable. If the testosterone is inline where it should be, it could be factored with too much estrogen (libido killer), and or a low free and bio test ratio resulting from elevated SHBG.

TRT can add some fairly quick results for people with low "T" symptoms, permitting the other variables associated are not also out of range. Do you have other panels that you can elaborate with us? Also, At 32, did any doctor take the time to try and find out why you were producing a low amount of testosterone? Presumed they would check further into your mind if your TSH levels were elevated, which would be the first indicator of the hypothyroidism. If low LH/FSH were evident, it might make one curious with what's going on with that region of the brain.

Anyways, if there's anything else you can add it would be appreciated. Thanks

The endo did take a LH and FSH blood test, both of which came back normal (ruling out pituitary issues), so they it narrowed down to my balls not pumping out enough juice.

Unfortunately my "endo" is actually a nurse practitioner in the clinic I go to and isn't very knowledgeable on the subject. So far I've only done a TT test and no other blood tests other than a CBC, CMP, PSA, full thyroid panel (antibodies (which was negative), T3, T4, TSH). Since I'm in the military I have to follow the process to its logical end (meaning they need to screw up or demonstrate some incompetency first) before I can request to change specialists. That said, I'm coming up on my next yearly physical and I'm going to request a E2, FT, TT, SHBC, etc. That way I can go to my next specialist appointment already armed.

I also asked about adrenal fatigue and getting that checked, she said that we don't need to check thhat because I would be having potentially some life threatening issues if that was the case. Is that true or just some bullshit?

You mentioned pregnolone and methylcobalamin, are those both B12 and can I test for them/it?

Also they haven't talked about dhea or prolactin, is there a blood test for those?

[Vettester]

Yes, there are specific individual panels for DHEA and even B12. Pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol and sits atop the hormone hierarchy. It is the precursor for other hormones like testosterone, estrogen, DHEA, cortisol, etc. Preg & DHEA begins to decline in our 20's. As a result, a lot of the associated hormonal pathways stop functioning as they did when we were younger, which in turn causes a lot of the other hormones and processing thereof not to function normally. For some, the addition of these hormones help back fill the pathways, and help optimize the other hormones downstream. You can find a lot of stuff regarding the benefits of these hormones online, along with the benefits of B12. BTW, methylcobalamin is liquid vitamin B12.

Regarding the adrenals ... A simple AM/PM cortisol and possibly ACTH test can tell a lot. She's probably thinking Addison's disease when she says you would be having life threatening issues, but general adrenal fatigue is not the same. In some cases, even a little progesterone with some various vitamins can help if there is some adrenal issues.

[subnet]

Now that I have given some background info, when can I expect to see the big difference in how I feel? 3-6 months from now? a year (I read somewhere it can take a year or longer to fully repair the damage)?

Welcome g2f! This HRT/TRT stuff takes some time to dial-in typically (Test levels, E2 levels, and others that vette mentioned). I'm also guessing that your body just didn't change all of a sudden but slowly changed over time, so it will take some time to 'right the ship' and get your body functioning back to the way it was when you were younger. Saying all this means that slow and steady wins the race (I'm full of cliche's today apparently!), however I started noticing changes after a few months, and much more significant chanages between 6-9 months. That was my of course, and everybody responds differently.

So you'll start by feeling better and by having better workouts and less recovery (sounds like you're already there), and if you eat and rest properly, your body will respond slow and steady! Take pictures and also as jpk said, what are your stats?

[go2failure]

Welcome g2f! This HRT/TRT stuff takes some time to dial-in typically (Test levels, E2 levels, and others that vette mentioned). I'm also guessing that your body just didn't change all of a sudden but slowly changed over time, so it will take some time to 'right the ship' and get your body functioning back to the way it was when you were younger. Saying all this means that slow and steady wins the race (I'm full of cliche's today apparently!), however I started noticing changes after a few months, and much more significant chanages between 6-9 months. That was my of course, and everybody responds differently.

So you'll start by feeling better and by having better workouts and less recovery (sounds like you're already there), and if you eat and rest properly, your body will respond slow and steady! Take pictures and also as jpk said, what are your stats?

Stats are 6'0, 267 lbs, probably 20-22% BF. Strong on the lifts I've been able to do. I didn't use to have a lot of time to work out at my last job, but I've gotten into a solid split routine and incorporated 3-4 days of 45-60mins cardio on off days.

I've started trying to get more discplined in what I eat although I'm not at that point yet where I can tell you exactly what I ate and how many calories/protein each. I will say I've been taking 60grams of protein at least 3 times a day with some 1% milk. Cutting out desserts/sweets/cokes, eating healthier versions of carbs (i.e wheat bread instead of white, plain oatmeal instead of cereal, etc), vegetable with a lean meat minus condiments or MSG type seasoning, and lots of water. Although the scale is slowly going down, I'm going to stick with it as I get more disciplined. I have noticed that I'm not as hungry anymore, perhaps the testosterone has gotten my blood sugar under control because I dont always feel ravenously hungry anymore.

I know I have a lot of muscle mass, but I'm also carrying fat too. Hence, the longer cardio. It's all baby steps for me at this point. 6 months ago I didnt have the energy to go take a shower in the morning on some days it seemed.

[zaggahamma]

Stats are 6'0, 267 lbs, probably 20-22% BF. Strong on the lifts I've been able to do. I didn't use to have a lot of time to work out at my last job, but I've gotten into a solid split routine and incorporated 3-4 days of 45-60mins cardio on off days.

I've started trying to get more discplined in what I eat although I'm not at that point yet where I can tell you exactly what I ate and how many calories/protein each. I will say I've been taking 60grams of protein at least 3 times a day with some 1% milk. Cutting out desserts/sweets/cokes, eating healthier versions of carbs (i.e wheat bread instead of white, plain oatmeal instead of cereal, etc), vegetable with a lean meat minus condiments or MSG type seasoning, and lots of water. Although the scale is slowly going down, I'm going to stick with it as I get more disciplined. I have noticed that I'm not as hungry anymore, perhaps the testosterone has gotten my blood sugar under control because I dont always feel ravenously hungry anymore.

I know I have a lot of muscle mass, but I'm also carrying fat too. Hence, the longer cardio. It's all baby steps for me at this point. 6 months ago I didnt have the energy to go take a shower in the morning on some days it seemed.

sounds good bro...and just like subnet said...slow and steady wins the race and sounds like thats your approach...you r a huge dude bro...u ever protect any presidents or play football....lol

[go2failure]

sounds good bro...and just like subnet said...slow and steady wins the race and sounds like thats your approach...you r a huge dude bro...u ever protect any presidents or play football....lol

Played for a div 1 school as a walk-on linebacker in 96'/97'. Just kept training afterwards. Love the weights!

[zaggahamma]

Played for a div 1 school as a walk-on linebacker in 96'/97'. Just kept training afterwards. Love the weights!

definately addicting BIGOREXIA

[go2failure]

Did any of you suffer from headaches after getting on TRT? I've been having some the past few days that are pretty bad, but they seem to be tension variety. Starting in my neck and working straight up into my head. Neck Pump? Brain pump lol? LOL just wandering

[go2failure]

Well I had a week 16 lab draw done and I had 222 TT before my next shot of testosterone 200mgs every 2 weeks.

I split this up into a weekly dose because the doc wont prescribe a weekly dose and insists on administering every 2 weeks. I skipped that weekly dose to mimick the 2 week dosing in preparation for the test. The Doc has now put me on 300 every 2 weeks, which I'm splitting into 150 every week.

Also the Doc switched me from Test C to Test E. I was having headaches on the Test C and the doc believes it degraded in the light, apparently Test E doesnt do that. I store the vials in a drawer when I'm not using them, but due to the frequency of injections, I personally believe the light exposure may have fried my gear.

I have noticed the difference already. I feel much better than the 100/week... obviously. Just wondering if some people had to go 150mg/week or higher to get to a optimal level. I'm also horny as hell, which is fine by me. I was having problems getting and maintaining erections on 100mg a week.

[zaggahamma]

Well I had a week 16 lab draw done and I had 222 TT before my next shot of testosterone 200mgs every 2 weeks.

I split this up into a weekly dose because the doc wont prescribe a weekly dose and insists on administering every 2 weeks. I skipped that weekly dose to mimick the 2 week dosing in preparation for the test. The Doc has now put me on 300 every 2 weeks, which I'm splitting into 150 every week.

Also the Doc switched me from Test C to Test E. I was having headaches on the Test C and the doc believes it degraded in the light, apparently Test E doesnt do that. I store the vials in a drawer when I'm not using them, but due to the frequency of injections, I personally believe the light exposure may have fried my gear.

I have noticed the difference already. I feel much better than the 100/week... obviously. Just wondering if some people had to go 150mg/week or higher to get to a optimal level. I'm also horny as hell, which is fine by me. I was having problems getting and maintaining erections on 100mg a week.

thanks for the update...

its weird that you posted now FOR ME as one of your earlier posts u mention the neck pump/headache which i've been experiencing only just recently...my sleep has been poor and have had skeletal/back issues for years(long before trt) so i would never consider it to be a side effect...but my range of motion in my neck/head seems to get limited at times usually going into the evening(i havent really noticed when always but last night was early evening) but right into a headache and focusing between the eyes
about upping/changing doses and libido, i really dont find a difference with that in relation to higher or lower doses but everyone is different...obviously the bump up to 150 works well for you

[APIs]

Did any of you suffer from headaches after getting on TRT? I've been having some the past few days that are pretty bad, but they seem to be tension variety. Starting in my neck and working straight up into my head. Neck Pump? Brain pump lol? LOL just wandering

Welcome bud & congrats. I've dealt with headaches & migraines my entire life. What you describe coming from the neck sounds like tension headaches. For those, Extra Strength Excedrin seems to work well for me. However, dont over-use it because over-use of OTC aspirin, ibuprofen etc. can actually cause more headaches to occur, also known as rebound headaches. How is your blood pressure? High BP can also contribute to headaches. I've been on TRT for over one year now, and it hasnt negatively affected my headaches/migraines. If it persists, you may want to see a Neurologist who specializes in Headaches.

I have a similar build to you @ 6 foot & 270. Let's face it, we'll never have swimmers bodies lol. While I havent lost any weight, much of my mass has transitioned to be more muscular. However, I have started to do more cardio lately & am noticing a difference. You will start to see the transition too. As someone else stated, slow & steady wins the race! Good luck...

[zaggahamma]

Welcome bud & congrats. I've dealt with headaches & migraines my entire life. What you describe coming from the neck sounds like tension headaches. For those, Extra Strength Excedrin seems to work well for me. However, dont over-use it because over-use of OTC aspirin, ibuprofen etc. can actually cause more headaches to occur, also known as rebound headaches. How is your blood pressure? High BP can also contribute to headaches. I've been on TRT for over one year now, and it hasnt negatively affected my headaches/migraines. If it persists, you may want to see a Neurologist who specializes in Headaches.

I have a similar build to you @ 6 foot & 270. Let's face it, we'll never have swimmers bodies lol. While I havent lost any weight, much of my mass has transitioned to be more muscular. However, I have started to do more cardio lately & am noticing a difference. You will start to see the transition too. As someone else stated, slow & steady wins the race! Good luck...

i think u could kick michael phelps ass in a pool

[APIs]

i think u could kick michael phelps ass in a pool

If I could catch him maybe!

[Vettester]

Well I had a week 16 lab draw done and I had 222 TT before my next shot of testosterone 200mgs every 2 weeks.

I split this up into a weekly dose because the doc wont prescribe a weekly dose and insists on administering every 2 weeks. I skipped that weekly dose to mimick the 2 week dosing in preparation for the test. The Doc has now put me on 300 every 2 weeks, which I'm splitting into 150 every week.

I just don't get why these doctors can't understand that Test Cyp or Eth has a 7 day half-life!! Smart move by skipping the weekly dose, otherwise your doctor probably would have dropped you down to 100mg/e2w.