TRT Problems

**timovie** · 04-28-2010, 05:54 PM

I have a history of moderate to severe depression for the last 10 years or so ( i am now 39). I also have had many of the symptoms of low T throughout my adult life such as low energy levels, obesity, low sex drive etc etc. During my latest bout of depression, my GP did a testosterone level check and found my levels to be 4.9 then 3.2 on a second test. I have been diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and about 5-6 weeks ago I started on TRT, using 1 x 5g sachet of Testogel (Androgel ) per day. My initial response was dramatic, my energy levels went through the roof, and I just felt generally great. Unfortunately at the end of that first week, I was asked to take a week off work as they were concerned that I may become physically violent ( I think this was an over reaction on their part, however I do admit I was a bit agressive and confrontational, where I am normally very mild, to the point of being timid). I took a week off and felt better than I have ever felt during my adult life. I was just loving being alive, and finding enjoyment everywhere. I also had great energy levels. This response seemed to fade over the following three weeks or so and when I went to see my endocrinologist, sure enough my T level was higher at 7.2 but still not in the normal range ( lower limit of 8 I believe). I was put on two sachets of testogel per day, and ever since ( about two weeks) I have not experienced any of the great mood or energy levels, in fact I feel really rubbish. I am also having terrible mood swings, ranging from feeling quite seriously depressed one hour to being very angry/confrontational then next hour.

I am starting to think that I have only two options. 1. I can stop the TRT and be depressed but mild mannered or 2. I can carry on and feel generally less depressed, but angry and not very nice to be around ( i am already losing friends).

Can anyone offer any advice ? Do you think I am converting the T to estrogen? I believe this can happen. Would this cause the mood swings i am experiencing? Do I just need to give it more time for things to stabilise ? ( I think people at work are beginning to lose patience with me ) or do I need to try a different delivery method ( I have read that injections/implants are even more likely to give me mood swings).

Any advice would be VERY gratefuly received.

**durak** · 04-28-2010, 07:05 PM

I understand where you are coming from. If done properly, TRT can really help you.

These are my opinions but they come from experience and learning from others in your situation.

1. You must find a doctor that can work with you. If you can not, then TRT is not an option.
---
2. You need to be on shots. Prefer cypionate 2x week to keep it level.
-- any kind of gel or cream is a rollercoaster if not used every day at the correct time... as a person with ADD, timing of meds or even remembering (getting around to it) to take them is a major issue.
--
3. Estrogen levels must be kept low. You should be on an anti-e. the emotional issues of high e are substantial for those with depression.
--
4. Your Dr. needs to do blood work every 2-4 weeks until you get these doses worked out.
--
5. return to 1, if your doctor is unwilling to follow any of these then TRT is not an option.
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Thoughts from anyone else?

**zaggahamma** · 04-28-2010, 11:11 PM

Originally Posted by durak

I understand where you are coming from. If done properly, TRT can really help you.

These are my opinions but they come from experience and learning from others in your situation.

1. You must find a doctor that can work with you. If you can not, then TRT is not an option.
---
2. You need to be on shots. Prefer cypionate 2x week to keep it level.
-- any kind of gel or cream is a rollercoaster if not used every day at the correct time... as a person with ADD, timing of meds or even remembering (getting around to it) to take them is a major issue.
--
3. Estrogen levels must be kept low. You should be on an anti-e. the emotional issues of high e are substantial for those with depression.
--
4. Your Dr. needs to do blood work every 2-4 weeks until you get these doses worked out.
--
5. return to 1, if your doctor is unwilling to follow any of these then TRT is not an option.
---

Thoughts from anyone else?

yes...i posted in his other thread he posted it twice