T and HCG Problems

[BBrock293]

Long story short, we are trying to get pregnant and I figured we couldn't since the boys are pretty small at the moment. I am currently on TRT at 1ML per week split into two doses. My doctor added 1/2ML of HCG twice a week to my program to try and get the boys kicking again, to no avail. I have also been having issues with not being able to lose weight (T is at about 850 normally) on a cutting diet and I am VERY bloated. Given these three problems, he wants me to slowly back down the T and continue the HCG. He said sometimes even T can halt weight loss and increase bloating and water retention.

Could it be the HCG halting my weight loss and leaving me bloated? Why wouldn't I be able to lose weight with T at 850 and eating 2,000 calories a day? I am a trainer and nutritionist so I know the exact numbers I need but I am not getting anywhere. He even added phentermine into the mix to jump start it but no results. Thoughts?

[2Sox]

When I hear bloating, the first thing that comes to my mind is E2. Have you had this checked? I'd suggest you speak with your doctor about hMG - used in fertility clinics - to be used in conjunction with hCG. Just a FYI, very often hMG comes with added hCG so look into this and be prepared to adjust dosage.

So that means you're taking 200mg/week testosterone. Correct? What is your fee T? Bioavailable T?

If you maintain good numbers, your E2 is under control (and this is a big IF), and you feel good, I fail to see your doctor's logic for wanting to reduce your T dose. I'd be VERY reluctant to go along with this. If it's just an E2 issue, an easy option would be to throw in an aromatase inhibitor to address the issue. But that's a no brainer.

[BBrock293]

A few months ago I was on T at 1ML (200MG/ML) weekly and Clomid. I felt really depressed and bloated and went for bloodwork and he said E was perfect, as well as total T. Not sure if he is measuring free T. He discontinued the Clomid and went for the HCG. I don't feel depressed anymore, just fat and stuck at this weight. Another reason we lowered the T dose was that I was on the HCG for about 6 weeks and the shrinkage was still there. I am now taking about .7ML weekly split into two doses.

[OingoBoingo]

Long story short, we are trying to get pregnant and I figured we couldn't since the boys are pretty small at the moment. I am currently on TRT at 1ML per week split into two doses. My doctor added 1/2ML of HCG twice a week to my program to try and get the boys kicking again, to no avail. I have also been having issues with not being able to lose weight (T is at about 850 normally) on a cutting diet and I am VERY bloated. Given these three problems, he wants me to slowly back down the T and continue the HCG. He said sometimes even T can halt weight loss and increase bloating and water retention.

Could it be the HCG halting my weight loss and leaving me bloated? Why wouldn't I be able to lose weight with T at 850 and eating 2,000 calories a day? I am a trainer and nutritionist so I know the exact numbers I need but I am not getting anywhere. He even added phentermine into the mix to jump start it but no results. Thoughts?

Testosterone and hCG come in different concentrations. Usually Testosterone is measured in mg, and hCG is measured in IU (International Units).

For TRT purposes, hCG doses usually start out between 500IU and 700IU per week. Some guys like to inject hCG twice a week, but I prefer to inject daily so I can stimulate the boys every day.

You didn't mention an AI (Aromatase Inhibitor) such as Anastrozole, so it makes me wonder if you're Estradiol (E2) might be high. Testosterone can convert to E2, and hCG can cause the conversion to increase.

High E2 could certainly cause bloating.

Haven't heard of Testosterone and/or hCG halting weight loss. More likely something else is going on. Find out where your E2 is at.

[OingoBoingo]

A few months ago I was on T at 1ML (200MG/ML) weekly and Clomid. I felt really depressed and bloated and went for bloodwork and he said E was perfect, as well as total T. Not sure if he is measuring free T. He discontinued the Clomid and went for the HCG. I don't feel depressed anymore, just fat and stuck at this weight. Another reason we lowered the T dose was that I was on the HCG for about 6 weeks and the shrinkage was still there. I am now taking about .7ML weekly split into two doses.

There is a difference between Estrogen and Estradiol. It is very important you measure E2, and find out what the result and range are. If you have copies of your blood work, post them and we can help you. If you don't have copies, it's a good idea to get them.

Unfortunately, 0.7ml of hCG doesn't mean much because we don't know the concentration. We need to know how many IU that is.

If I were you, I would hold off pursuing hMG until you sort out the bloating, E2, and hCG dose issues. HCG stimulates the Leydig cells, which are responsible for Testosterone production. But there is some crosstalk between the Leydig cells and the Sertoli cells, which are responsible for making sperm.

[2Sox]

BBrock,
From my own personal experience, the time for a couple of conceiving a child is filled with so many emotions, it can be dizzying. Joy, tremendous love, and sometimes heartbreaking disappointment. Having gone through two miscarriages with my wife, I know this all too well. The best advice I can give you is to explore every avenue with your present doctor. Ask any question that comes into the minds of both you and your wife; any possible treatment options that you learn about here or elsewhere - ask about them and pursue them. If you feel it is beyond his/her skills to help you both, the next step of course would be a fertility expert. This is not by any means an area for self treatment. But you know this already. I sincerely wish you well.