Lowered dose, feeling weaker, mood decreased, will I rebound?

[forrest_and_trees]

For the first few years on TRT I was taking 120mg twice a week and my T level held steady right around 1200. I've lost 175lbs since this all began 4 years ago [dealing with hypothyroidism too] but even so, there hadn't been a marked change in my T levels until I lost the last 50lbs. In Sept of last year my T was around 1300. According to the Dr. as I've lost weight, the T was having a greater effect, so he had me back my dose down to 100mg twice a week. In June, my T level was lower, but still above 1200 so he's asked me to back it down to 80mg twice a week. For the first month or so, I didn't feel any different however, over the past month I've noticed a significant decrease in strength when working out at the gym and more importantly, I've also been in a funk; feeling moody and a little depressed. I find I'm staying home more and lacking motivation. My next lab work isn't for another month, but I'm sure my T numbers are above 900, which is still good… So why do I feel like shit? Will my body eventually adjust to these new levels and I'll rebound, regaining everything, or is it possible *my* "happy normal" is closer to 1200 and I have to bump my dosage back up?

Also, not sure if it's relevant, but I've stopped taking HCG for the past month or so, due to sourcing issues.

Ironically, i have noticed an increase in erections and libido.

[fastman9]

What does your blood work show? Any new stresses in your life?

[forrest_and_trees]

No more stresses than usual and the rest of my lab results are good. Was there anything specific you had in mind?

[fastman9]

No, other then new stress will change things up, goes with lifestyle changes also. Bring your concerns to your Doc and see what he says. You may need more time though.

[Lifted1]

congrats on losing a lot of weight brotha!

although total does seems high @ 1200+ it is just a reference range and that might be your sweet spot. what was your free t? just talk to your doc about the issues and hopefully he understands it is just a number.

[EverettCD]

I have two guesses on this:

1. You stated for the last month you haven't been feeling as good as you did prior. You also stated you haven't had HCG for a month. I know I felt a positive difference after I began using HCG. With the addition of HCG it can bump your test numbers up a little.

2. Your free T has dropped a certain amount since your dose was lowered & that could be enough to make you not feel as good.

Congratulations on the weight loss! That's great. I bet you feel like a new man just from dropping the lbs.

Sent from my iPhone that was manufactured in a sweat shop in China®

[lovbyts]

Yeah I would not do anything without the doctors consent at this point and see how you feel in another week or two but definitely try to get back on hcg and see if that helps

[APIs]

Congrats on the weight loss Forrest. You should be very proud of yourself. I've been on TRT as long as you I believe. I could only add that I too have bouts of not feeling optimal too, but it always passes. Many times if I really examine the matter it can always be traced back to episodes of stress, lack of sleep, or just plain craziness in my life at a given time (via family & in-laws, ugh). We're not machines and our environment & outside stresses can have a direct impact on our well-being if we let it occur. Discuss it with your Doc & figure it out. While it might be attributed to changes in your protocol, don’t ignore the everyday stresses either...

[forrest_and_trees]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input and support. Yah I really do need to get back on the HCG, however seems all the usual sources currently do not accept credit cards for whatever reason. They only accept direct transfer from you checking account and I'm not too comfortable with that. I posted a request for sources about month ago and it looks like this is just the way it is right now. I just hope they get the credit card thing going again soon. A month ago they said it would be a couple weeks, but you know how that stuff goes.

[spacemon]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input and support. Yah I really do need to get back on the HCG, however seems all the usual sources currently do not accept credit cards for whatever reason. They only accept direct transfer from you checking account and I'm not too comfortable with that. I posted a request for sources about month ago and it looks like this is just the way it is right now. I just hope they get the credit card thing going again soon. A month ago they said it would be a couple weeks, but you know how that stuff goes.

Congrats on all that weight loss. Losing weight is one of the hardest things in life to do in my opinion. Well, not losing the weight but making the changes to stay consistent on losing weight. Anyway.... as for the HCG it might be worth opening up a separate account with a new bank just for that. Just a suggestion.

[2Sox]

I agree, get back on hCG. I've done check transfers and have had no issues at all.

Meanwhile, I'd be curious to know what your other BW results are, specifically free T, hematocrit and E2. At the dose you take - which IMO, is rather high for TRT - you're bound to have issues with both hematocrit and E2, which as you know can effect you mood and energy.

[forrest_and_trees]

I do have one last dose of HCG in a syringe. I've been hanging on to it for when my boys start to get sore. Maybe I should just use it since it won't keep forever.

As for latest lab work, this is from Jun 19th when I was taking 100mg of test, twice a week:
Test, serum 1321 [free testosterone was not part of the test]
Hematocrit 48.2 in a range of 37.5-51.0 %
Estradiol, sensitive less than 3

[64509chvl]

Are you using an AI?!

[forrest_and_trees]

Sure am, that's why my Estradiol is below 3. Anastrozole 1mg on days I pin and the day after, .5mg other days. I know that may be low for some, but I don't have any of the low E symptoms and I still get some symptoms of elevated E, like puffy nips, when my levels increase

[64509chvl]

I figured you were, but just had to ask! Wow, that's a ton of Anastrozole! Has got to be one helluva job dialing in with that type of protocol! Congrats on the weight loss though by the way! Good possibility you'd feel better with a lower T level with E2 in range...just a thought. Oh & gettin back with HCG !

[2Sox]

Sure am, that's why my Estradiol is below 3. Anastrozole 1mg on days I pin and the day after, .5mg other days. I know that may be low for some, but I don't have any of the low E symptoms and I still get some symptoms of elevated E, like puffy nips, when my levels increase

It's my understanding that puffy nipples may not just be an indicator of gyno. Your E2 is much too low and may likely be the cause of your symptoms and low E2 can cause other problems long term It's a common story here that when guys take higher doses of T, lots of other problems often follow. I'd suggest you revisit this and others here can comment further.

Get your free T tested a.s.a.p.

[forrest_and_trees]

Just to clarify, when I refer to puffy nipples, I'm talking about something that changes, sometimes though out the day, and it has nothing to do with temperature. At times they're puffy, soft and about the size of a quarter or a 50 cent piece, other times they're more like a penny and hard.

[Metalject]

If your E2 is less than 3 then that's why you're low on energy. You said above that you don't have any symptoms of low E but low energy is one of the primary symptoms. Also, in my opinion, puffy nipples are not a good indicator of elevated estradiol.

[forrest_and_trees]

Actually my energy levels are OK, it's my strength that is down. Was benching 265 and now I'm struggle with 245.

[kelkel]

If your E2 is less than 3 then that's why you're low on energy. You said above that you don't have any symptoms of low E but low energy is one of the primary symptoms. Also, in my opinion, puffy nipples are not a good indicator of elevated estradiol.

This ^^^. Forrest E2 that low is unhealthy. You need to drop some adex and elevate it asap.

Why Estrogen Balance is Critical to Aging Men – Life Extension