Pants geting tighter and weight going up on TRT

[Enfuego129]

Fellas, I just started on a Doctor perscribed TRT two weeks ago. Currently using four pumps of Androgel per day. I have posted here several times since starting. Today I searched with little results on what could be causing my weight gain and pants getting tighter. I am 6'0 and 255 lbs with a BF% of around 33%, not good, I know. Today I hopped on the scale to see if my weight has increased since I had to let my belt out a notch and pants are tight. To my amazement I am now 263 lbs. Never weighed this in my life. I feel ok and have seen positive results in mood and energy from TRT but was hoping that having low T would explain my weight gain and TRT would help me loose BF. My diet has remained the same although it could use work but its not terrible. My workouts consist of two to three days per week of 30-45 minutes of cardio and 1-1.5 hrs of lifting. When lifting I try to hit every body part in a workout and try to keep my HR up during by circuit training. I know that muscle weighs more than fat but my pants are getting tight.

Is this something to be expected from HRT or a wierd side effect of the Androgel. Regarding the Androgel I plan on talking to my Dr about switching to one of the injectables like Cyp due to contact issues.

[wifor]

Yep, that happenned to me also. I went from 230 to about 242 but it was mostly muscle not fat. I went to not being able to do 1 push up to being able to crank off 10 without a problem. This is without doing any weight training.

[zaggahamma]

i wonder if you being obese is preventing the test to be absorbed completely...most of it maybe converting to estro causting bloat (water weight)

2 weeks is enough time to check your numbers....get your test levels now and estradiol....FAST....if you've read posts hear you've prolly noticed alot of us take arimidex to prevent this test to estrogen conversion?!!!!!!

in the meantime get youre ass on the treadmill while youre waiting to see the doctor

[Vettester]

Your diet is going to have to get spot-on. There's obviously so much related to what you're eating, but also with when you're eating. The science involved with dieting is fascinating, and should be researched as much as you would research all the variables associated with HRT. Also, there are the estrogen related issues like JPK mentioned, so definitely jump on that and figure out what is needed.

[Enfuego129]

i wonder if you being obese is preventing the test to be absorbed completely...most of it maybe converting to estro causting bloat (water weight)

2 weeks is enough time to check your numbers....get your test levels now and estradiol....FAST....if you've read posts hear you've prolly noticed alot of us take arimidex to prevent this test to estrogen conversion?!!!!!!

in the meantime get youre ass on the treadmill while youre waiting to see the doctor

I am wondering the same thing about the esterdil, JP. Curious, if my estradil is out of whack and I get treatment for it will I see a reduction in body fat as it is regulated. Correct me if I am wrong but the estradil treatment is short term to get that part of my system regulated right?

I have also been putting in extra work on the treadmill 15 - 20 minutes per session.

[AstheticKing]

since youre on hrt get on tren for a while youll lean out and gain vascularity, you can get tren at most undrgound labs or your friendly nighborhood gym monster

[buckeyes#1]

what will tren do to blood tests?

[zaggahamma]

I am wondering the same thing about the esterdil, JP. Curious, if my estradil is out of whack and I get treatment for it will I see a reduction in body fat as it is regulated. Correct me if I am wrong but the estradil treatment is short term to get that part of my system regulated right?

I have also been putting in extra work on the treadmill 15 - 20 minutes per session.

do as much as you can on that treadmill bro...it isnt the anti estrogen alone...its getting the right test to estrogen ratio that will enable your body to burn fat more effectively...my estro also went up on androgel when i tried to slather 15 grams a day...my estro went up to 78...i shortly traded the gel in for injects WITH arimidex ...boy wut a difference with the two, i had veins popping out of my arms and down my calves...ALL THIS...with trt doses...probably never would have gotten as fat as i did if my test levels were healthy...
youre getting close to feeling good bro...get that estro checked out and keep walkin/climbin on that treadmill

[Vettester]

Hmmm ... To each their own, but I don't think that I would be messing with any Tren at this stage, or any other AAS, ProHormone, etc. Like JPKMAN said, do the BW right away, find out what stats are out of balance, and get on a program to get it fixed. You're on the right track with your cardio and such, don't get frustrated. This is the stage where you really got to figure out how many calories are going in -vs- how many should be going, plus getting your Protein/Fat/Carb ratios calculated properly. Your doctor will be looking real closely at your lipid panel, ALT, AST. If you throw some other compounds in the mix you're doomed!!!! Plus, you don't want anything extra that has ester properties associated to it.

[ottomaddox]

Terrible advice, the guy has 33%bodyfat, what's tren going to do except give him massive side effects. Think before you post. This is an HRT board not Steroid Q&A.

since youre on hrt get on tren for a while youll lean out and gain vascularity, you can get tren at most undrgound labs or your friendly nighborhood gym monster

[marcus300]

First thing, do not go on Tren thats completely reckless advice, please dont listen to it.

Your doctor is going to have to monitor you very closely with regular bloodwork, this is the only way your going to find out whats happening regarding your test vs estrogen levels.

Its very hard to say where the weight gain as come from but I am leaning towards your diet, we only know what you tell us, but in many cases like this the culprit will be your diet unless your bloodwork states otherwise. I would also up the cardio more often than 2-3 times per week.

Why dont you post your exact diet let some of us have a look at it, what kind of foods are you eating? do you snack throughout the day?

[Vettester]

what will tren do to blood tests?

It could screw him up BIG time!

[Enfuego129]

since youre on hrt get on tren for a while youll lean out and gain vascularity, you can get tren at most undrgound labs or your friendly nighborhood gym monster

Not sure what Tren is I will look into it but if it is something that is not prescribed and regulated by blood tests from my Dr I wont take it. I have a good Government job and do not want to chance anything illegal.

[Enfuego129]

Terrible advice, the guy has 33%bodyfat, what's tren going to do except give him massive side effects. Think before you post. This is an HRT board not Steroid Q&A.

Thanks Otto, I am a novice to all things TRT and Steroid related.

[zaggahamma]

Not sure what Tren is I will look into it but if it is something that is not prescribed and regulated by blood tests from my Dr I wont take it. I have a good Government job and do not want to chance anything illegal.

just you forget you read that post....all others good advice

[Enfuego129]

First thing, do not go on Tren thats completely reckless advice, please dont listen to it.

Your doctor is going to have to monitor you very closely with regular bloodwork, this is the only way your going to find out whats happening regarding your test vs estrogen levels.

Its very hard to say where the weight gain as come from but I am leaning towards your diet, we only know what you tell us, but in many cases like this the culprit will be your diet unless your bloodwork states otherwise. I would also up the cardio more often than 2-3 times per week.

Why dont you post your exact diet let some of us have a look at it, what kind of foods are you eating? do you snack throughout the day?

Regarding the weight gain my diet has been stable since going on TRT. Being a Firefighter and working a 24 on 48 off schedule I do not have a regular diet. The best way I can describe it is something along the lines of a Weight Watchers Diet without being a member. I was a member last year before this TRT diagnosis so I have most of the literature etc. The holidays are over and its time to get back to business so my diet is getting better now.

[zaggahamma]

keep us posted we'll be in your corner bro

[Enfuego129]

Thanks fellas, I am putting together some notes of things I want to talk to the Dr about.

Ill buy you guys a beer some day.

[ottomaddox]

How about a nice tall glass of liquid pasteurized eggwhites, Yum........

Thanks fellas, I am putting together some notes of things I want to talk to the Dr about.

Ill buy you guys a beer some day.

[Enfuego129]

How about a nice tall glass of liquid pasteurized eggwhites, Yum........

I guess that would be fine too.

FYI, DR appt tomorrow at 10:15 I will post results of meeting

[Vettester]

That's great, you pulled it off with getting an earlier appointment! Props to you! I keep seeing these pictures of George Clooney in my head with a bottle of AndroGel . I'm hoping the sequel will be with Clooney showing you how to administer some Test Cyp and letting you know when to take your Arimidex

Just buy us a round at Lion's Place, just to the north (you'll understand soon enough if you stick around).

[zaggahamma]

That's great, you pulled it off with getting an earlier appointment! Props to you! I keep seeing these pictures of George Clooney in my head with a bottle of AndroGel . I'm hoping the sequel will be with Clooney showing you how to administer some Test Cyp and letting you know when to take your Arimidex

Just buy us a round at Lion's Place, just to the north (you'll understand soon enough if you stick around).

you totally reminded me that he used to be on ER...completely forgot...at first i was like wtf is he talking about g. clooney for

[Enfuego129]

That's great, you pulled it off with getting an earlier appointment! Props to you! I keep seeing these pictures of George Clooney in my head with a bottle of AndroGel . I'm hoping the sequel will be with Clooney showing you how to administer some Test Cyp and letting you know when to take your Arimidex

Just buy us a round at Lion's Place, just to the north (you'll understand soon enough if you stick around).

Hope I dont start digging Clooney too. Anyways, I think tomorrow will be a consult to what we should do next. I will discuss my concerns,

• weight gain
• tight pants
• poor libido
• contact issues for my family
• irregular application schedule (swings from 8 am to almost noon)
• itchy application sites
• wanting to nap after workouts
• not sleeping through the night ( I snore so this might be apnea)
• Follow up bloodwork since being put on TRT. my first bloodwork was from a wellness physical and was simply total testosterone @ 254, general bloodwork, PSA and thyroid function) so a more thorough series of blood tests might be in order

[Vettester]

you totally reminded me that he used to be on ER...completely forgot...at first i was like wtf is he talking about g. clooney for

Actually, the OP had another post about his doc looking like Clooney.

[zaggahamma]

Actually, the OP had another post about his doc looking like Clooney.

yeh youre right i think i banished it from my mind...lol

[zaggahamma]

Hope I dont start digging Clooney too. Anyways, I think tomorrow will be a consult to what we should do next. I will discuss my concerns,

• weight gain
• tight pants
• poor libido
• contact issues for my family
• irregular application schedule (swings from 8 am to almost noon)
• itchy application sites
• wanting to nap after workouts
• not sleeping through the night ( I snore so this might be apnea)
• Follow up bloodwork since being put on TRT. my first bloodwork was from a wellness physical and was simply total testosterone @ 254, general bloodwork, PSA and thyroid function) so a more thorough series of blood tests might be in order

are you taking this "snoring/apnea" seriously? sleep study? HUGELY IMPORTANT

[Enfuego129]

are you taking this "snoring/apnea" seriously? sleep study? HUGELY IMPORTANT

Yes I take this snoring thing seriously. Snoring isn't something new to me and hasn't gotten worse since TRT. I just thought I would mention it as a possible cause for my not sleeping through the night. I also am considering the fact that my extra weight my also be causing my snoring. I should mention that not being able to sleep through the night is more frequent since TRT. It is almost a daily occurrence. I havent had a good nights sleep in longer than I can remember though. I always wake up tired although not as much as in the past since TRT.

[Enfuego129]

I guess that would be fine too.

FYI, DR appt tomorrow at 10:15 I will post results of meeting

Follow up 1/13/10

Just returned from the Drs office (my HMO GP) and meeting was not encouraging. I started by expressing my complaints and concerns

- Pants getting tighter and needed to let belt out a loop. He followed up with my weight has fluctuated since he has been seeing me and that this is most likely a diet issue. This is true but pants weren't tight in the past
- Contact issues with Androgel , he reassured me that once the gel is dry contact isn't an issue any more. My research states differently
- Poor Libido and mild ED he didnt even discuss with me
-irregular application schedule wasnt an issue for him as long as I dosed each day
- All other issues lumped together he didn't discuss with me much

He did agree that after two weeks it is a good idea to recheck my bloodwork and see where I was at. I mentioned the T to E ratio, which he was familiar with the relationship. He further stated that he doesn't treat E and that if my T levels were still low he would simply up my dose of Androgel. This seems contrary to advise I have read here and that extra T might create more Aromataise which will bind even more T. Regarding injectables due to contact issues, he said lets see what the bloodwork shows before we move on to other forms of T.

Almost forgot I returned to the office after sitting in the parking lot processing everything we discussed. WHile sitting there I looked over on my passenger seat and found an article I found titled " My best thoughts on how to administer TRT for men". It was written by Dr. John Crisler and is a great summary of TRT for us novices. http://www.allthingsmale.com/word_docs/TRT.doc So I took the article and left it for him since he was in with another patient. Hopefully it will open his mind up or state that the practices in that article are not something he is familiar with and we will learn together. I will discuss it with him at our next meeting. Otherwise I might be looking for another doctor.

I may have had this condition for a long time so I can be patient to a point. But now after reading and learning about TRT and how my life could be changed for the better, I want to move forward as quickly as is possible.

Any advise questions or concerns about the above statements. I will followup this post with my post bloodwork results.

[Vettester]

Follow up 1/13/10

Just returned from the Drs office (my HMO GP) and meeting was not encouraging. I started by expressing my complaints and concerns

- Pants getting tighter and needed to let belt out a loop. He followed up with my weight has fluctuated since he has been seeing me and that this is most likely a diet issue. This is true but pants weren't tight in the past
- Contact issues with Androgel , he reassured me that once the gel is dry contact isn't an issue any more. My research states differently
- Poor Libido and mild ED he didnt even discuss with me
-irregular application schedule wasnt an issue for him as long as I dosed each day
- All other issues lumped together he didn't discuss with me much

He did agree that after two weeks it is a good idea to recheck my bloodwork and see where I was at. I mentioned the T to E ratio, which he was familiar with the relationship. He further stated that he doesn't treat E and that if my T levels were still low he would simply up my dose of Androgel. This seems contrary to advise I have read here and that extra T might create more Aromataise which will bind even more T. Regarding injectables due to contact issues, he said lets see what the bloodwork shows before we move on to other forms of T.

Almost forgot I returned to the office after sitting in the parking lot processing everything we discussed. WHile sitting there I looked over on my passenger seat and found an article I found titled " My best thoughts on how to administer TRT for men". It was written by Dr. John Crisler and is a great summary of TRT for us novices. http://www.allthingsmale.com/word_docs/TRT.doc So I took the article and left it for him since he was in with another patient. Hopefully it will open his mind up or state that the practices in that article are not something he is familiar with and we will learn together. I will discuss it with him at our next meeting. Otherwise I might be looking for another doctor.

I may have had this condition for a long time so I can be patient to a point. But now after reading and learning about TRT and how my life could be changed for the better, I want to move forward as quickly as is possible.

Any advise questions or concerns about the above statements. I will followup this post with my post bloodwork results.

That article you gave you doc is very anti-injection and is Pro AndroGel ... Not sure why you gave that to him. You said he doesn't treat estrogen, and the solution is to up the dose of AndroGel? Sorry Enfuego, but I don't want a doc that needs to learn with me, I want a doc who can teach me and get me on the right track.

[Enfuego129]

IM AN IDIOT

I guess you're right about the anti injection message in the article although it does discuss using what is right for the patient. Overall would you agree that it is a short but informative article about TRT in genral. I saw it while sitting in my car and reacted.

Regarding the doctor learning along with me, I am not ok with that. I am stuck with him until next the open enrollment period. I am not sure if you are familiar with HMO insurance plans so I hope I do not insult you. In the Village I work as a Firefighter they have what is called "open enrollment" which happens yearly. During open enrollment we can choose from either a Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO or PPO. My wife and I have opted for the HMO due to the no cost well child care. The plan also carries a zero deductible for office visits for adults and children and a small fee for scripts. Not that it matters but the one month supply of Androgel cost me only $6.00. Unfortunately Open Enrollment for 2010 ended January 1st so I am F#$%ed until the next. I am new to the insurance game since I have been relatively healthy, so I need to explore my options. One option I might have to pay out of pocket for another doctor to supplement what my GP is doing and keep them on the same page if my GP wont offer a total HRT approach.

[zaggahamma]

very good deal on the androgel ....prolly the cheapest i've ever heard of...

sorry u crossed yourself up....

he said "he wont treat estrogen..." definately start looking around and interviewing docs/nurses ...he sounds close minded...

kick up your cardio...go a little out of your comfort....just a little ....like if youre winded at 15 minutes and ready to stop..just do 1 more minute....youre gonna get there bro...
i can tell u have a good attitude...
also...slowly better youre diet...add quality foods to your diet moreso than being concerned with cutting things out...that will come as the new foods make u full/satisfied.....i love eating 3-4 servings of fruit a day...this also combats sweet cravings...frozen fruits like strawberries are cheaper and flash frozen at there most delicious and ripe/fresh state....blueberries and peaches as well...a cup of either 3 of those and a cup of milk and splenda makes such an incredible and healthy desert...
well
ttyl

[cypionate74]

I have had the same symptoms. I started off on Androgel 5 g, then to 10 gm and finally on 120 g cypionate per week. On Androgel, my E2 was 41. It became 32.1 on 100 g cypionate. When I moved to 120 g cypionate, my E2 rose to 44.1. My doctor says that my E2 is normal and doesn't need any Anti Aromatase. After starting on TRT, I gained a total of 2 inches on my waist, and my body fat rose from 22% to 23%. I also feel bloated after meals.

Breakfast: Egg whites with 2 slices of whole wheat bread with 1 tbs peanut butter.
Snack: 1 apple and 22 almonds
Lunch: Chicken salad
snack: 1 granola bar
Dinner: ground beef, chicken, lentils, cooked vegetables (menu varies)
Sometimes I eat no more than 3 oreo cookies a day.

My question is directed to people on TRT who are using arimidex . Are you planning to stay on Arimidex for the rest of your life. Where are you getting this stuff without prescription. Which site? Short term use shouldn't be a problem. But, long term use can mess-up lipid profile. It could also lead to a rebound effect of E2 once Arimidex is stopped? Please comment.

[Enfuego129]

Follow up 1/13/10

Just returned from the Drs office (my HMO GP) and meeting was not encouraging. I started by expressing my complaints and concerns

- Pants getting tighter and needed to let belt out a loop. He followed up with my weight has fluctuated since he has been seeing me and that this is most likely a diet issue. This is true but pants weren't tight in the past
- Contact issues with Androgel , he reassured me that once the gel is dry contact isn't an issue any more. My research states differently
- Poor Libido and mild ED he didnt even discuss with me
-irregular application schedule wasnt an issue for him as long as I dosed each day
- All other issues lumped together he didn't discuss with me much

He did agree that after two weeks it is a good idea to recheck my bloodwork and see where I was at. I mentioned the T to E ratio, which he was familiar with the relationship. He further stated that he doesn't treat E and that if my T levels were still low he would simply up my dose of Androgel. This seems contrary to advise I have read here and that extra T might create more Aromataise which will bind even more T. Regarding injectables due to contact issues, he said lets see what the bloodwork shows before we move on to other forms of T.

Almost forgot I returned to the office after sitting in the parking lot processing everything we discussed. WHile sitting there I looked over on my passenger seat and found an article I found titled " My best thoughts on how to administer TRT for men". It was written by Dr. John Crisler and is a great summary of TRT for us novices. http://www.allthingsmale.com/word_docs/TRT.doc So I took the article and left it for him since he was in with another patient. Hopefully it will open his mind up or state that the practices in that article are not something he is familiar with and we will learn together. I will discuss it with him at our next meeting. Otherwise I might be looking for another doctor.

I may have had this condition for a long time so I can be patient to a point. But now after reading and learning about TRT and how my life could be changed for the better, I want to move forward as quickly as is possible.

Any advise questions or concerns about the above statements. I will followup this post with my post bloodwork results.

Bloodwork followup 1-19-2010

Dr's office called and nurse said double your dose of Androgel from 5 to 10 grams and make a followup appt in a month. I guarantee I am not waiting a month for followup and have asked for a referral to a Endo.

I dont know what most of these numbers are but it appears the bloodwork he ordered isn't testing everything you guys recommend. I have attached the entire workup for critique. The names of myself and my doctor have been erased for obvious reasons. Hope this works and is readable.

[Enfuego129]

I got a referral to an endo.

I will pick up the referral this afternoon and see what is next. Since it is an HMO referral I am stuck with who I am given.

Any advise on what to do to get off on the right foot with him or her?

[zaggahamma]

bloodwork illegible...better to type it than to scan friend...

advice...tell endo what you want up front and/or you will follow the steps to find another doctor if not on board..but just reiterate what you've been talking to us about and us to you

[Enfuego129]

bloodwork illegible...better to type it than to scan friend...

advice...tell endo what you want up front and/or you will follow the steps to find another doctor if not on board..but just reiterate what you've been talking to us about and us to you

JP I found that if you double click on the image it magnifies it, although this might be unique to my computer.

[buckeyes#1]

I could view your results the same way.

[zaggahamma]

JP I found that if you double click on the image it magnifies it, although this might be unique to my computer.

ok...thanks i'll try

[zaggahamma]

similar results on 5mg of androgel ...mine and also i've seen a lot of posts with similar results where total test went down....
same thing...refer to endo...ok...so they said double your dose...did they write the script for more or expect u to use wut u got...the shiats gonna be gone in a week having to do 8 pumps or 2 packets every gd day
tell the endo you got a rash and you dont have time for that shiat....
so u never got your estradiol levels ...did i see prostate test?

[Enfuego129]

similar results on 5mg of androgel ...mine and also i've seen a lot of posts with similar results where total test went down....
same thing...refer to endo...ok...so they said double your dose...did they write the script for more or expect u to use wut u got...the shiats gonna be gone in a week having to do 8 pumps or 2 packets every gd day
tell the endo you got a rash and you dont have time for that shiat....
so u never got your estradiol levels ...did i see prostate test?

Correct, no E2 and I think my Dr is in over his head.

Yes I got my referral and when I called for my appointment they said the first available is March 24th. I almost blew a gasket. When I explained why I needed to get in earlier the receptionist suggested faxing my bloodwork a brief cover letter requesting I get in sooner for fear of getting more screwed up. She further said that the problem they have, since it is an Endo is that their diabetic patients have quarterly appointments that fill their calendar quickly. I will also request they call if they have a cancellation.