At what dose of test and HCG does acne typically occur?

[jwhit84]

I had pretty bad acne in high school and college until using accutane, and I've been fairly clear for the past few years (now 28). I'm just starting 50mg test cyp 2x/week and 250iu HCG 2/week, and I'm wondering if others at similar (seemingly small doses) had any trouble with acne?

I know plenty of people have problems with 200mg/week and/or 1000+ HCG/week, but what about smaller doses? I think I'm just paranoid about having to go through that phase of life again. Thanks!

[GeriatricOne]

I had it bad in high school too. At around 130mg test cyp weekly I started getting some minor acne. 5 weeks at that dose without an AI my estrogen shot up and I had a bad acne outbreak. Been battling it every since. My dose is currently 150mg weekly (for about 2 months now) and the acne is getting worse. Doc had me on Doxocycline 500mg twice daily off and on for a while, but that didn't help. This week I started 50mg minocycline daily. Doc said it will clear up the acne, but so far I'm not seeing improvement. Only been 4 days, though. Going to give it a few weeks to show improvement. If no improvement I will have to reduce dose, and that sucks because 150mg has me finally at a consistent trough serum level. I use salicylic acid wash which only marginally helps.

[GeriatricOne]

I inject 250 HCG 3x weekly also

[jwhit84]

I inject 250 HCG 3x weekly also

Any idea what your test and e2 is? Did you start the hcg with the test or later? I wonder if you'd have an issue without the hcg.

[APIs]

If you're just starting TRT you should expect acne as a price of admission IMO. Your body has to adjust to the fluctuating hormone levels. I'm a few years in and still get flare-ups once in awhile. Everyone's different...

[GeriatricOne]

My trough level Total = 640 with Free =14.1 on 7-24 range.
I guestimate at peak of the week I am in the range of Total = 900 +/- and free over 17.
Estrogen 5 weeks ago was 19 on a 7.6-42.6 range.
Last week estrogen was 30.1. Find out again in 5 weeks.

I didn't start HCG until about 3-4 months in. Was on HCG for ~3 months before acne started. I think acne is a function of testosterone , not hCG (although HCG promotes testosterone).

Like APIs said, I think the body freaks out to the fluctuating hormone levels. My acne was minor as the dose increased. When my estrogen shot through the roof the acne went nuts too, and is slow to get under control.

My dose will now level out at 150 weekly and I hope the acne will relinquish its hold gradually as the body adapts. I "suspect" my acne is more a response to fluctuating estrogen as much as increasing testosterone. But I'm not an expert.

[The Deadlifting Dog]

I'm on Axiron 4 pumps in the morning.
Peak testosterone level of 800-850.

As far as acne goes, I get minor acne on the shoulders and chest but my face acne has cleared up since going on TRT. (Even at 42yrs of age I still would get some acne on my face. Until now that is.)

Anyway, I have been wondering what causes the acne. Is it the test causing oily skin or is it estrogen going up?

Does anyone taking an AI notice their acne clears up if they increase their dose?

[FONZY007]

I do also I had to jump on accutane for 5 months since then no problems

[Ryanmcd]

For me diet plays a role in acne, eat shit get zits, eat less shit get less zits

[HRTstudent]

I noticed dramatically more acne at 120mg per week compared to under 100mg per week, which is almost none. I wouldn't say I am very acne prone either, but I had some new zits on my back when the T was higher.

[jwhit84]

I noticed dramatically more acne at 120mg per week compared to under 100mg per week, which is almost none. I wouldn't say I am very acne prone either, but I had some new zits on my back when the T was higher.

What T levels do 100mg and 120mg put you at respectively?

[gymfu]

This will be very person specific. But I am also very acne prone and in the same boat as you, had acne until acutane. Iwas first put on TRT at 100mg/week, I had a very minor increase in acne. My doctor now has me on 200mg/week and the acne has of corse gotten worse.

[VTX1800]

Yup, you will be popping those big ole zits all over the mirror! If it gets out of control u should get back on the accutane. You were prone to acne early in life the chances are great that you will develop even worse acne while on trt as mentioned above you may notice a decline once your stable.