Newb Needs Advice

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Hey all. I'm new to the site and the forums but not to working out. Been working out, off and on, since I was 15. I'm now 43. Have always had a small frame, at 5'7", but through a lot of hard work had built myself up to a solid 168 in my late 20's.

Unfortunately, I began experiencing some serious gastrointestinal problems that laid me pretty low for quite a few years. Lost a lot of weight (60 LBS.!!!) and my test levels dipped so low that my MD prescribed testosterone patches, which worked wonders. I regained over 40 lbs. and, for all my health problems, looked pretty damn good. LOL!

Unfortunately, my MD knew little about HRT and took me off the patches cold turkey, after two years, when my levels got back to normal. Within a couple weeks, I began feeling weak, depressed, lethargic, etc. Since my test level readings keep coming up normal, no more help from the docs.

Due to my GI problems, it's often difficult to consume the calories and/or food sources needed to not only maintain but gain weight. Plus, frequent flareups make it difficult to workout as consistently as I used to.

When I was on the test patches, the flareups weren't as frequent or severe.

To make a long story short (too late, I know!), my quality of life, energy, strength, etc. were much better when on HRT, and the only noticeable side effect was some skin irritation from the patches.

I've tried supplements, test boosters, etc. but the few things that have worked were hard for my GI system to tolerate.

I'd appreciate any advice, input, etc. on what would be a good cycle for someone in my predicament and who's only previous experience with anabolics has been testosterone patches.

BTW, I currently weight about 153.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

[PT]

i would find a hrt clinic and get back on test for life. if your problems are as sever as you say it should be no problem

[SampsonandDelilah]

i would find a hrt clinic and get back on test for life. if your problems are as sever as you say it should be no problem

^^^^^^^^^
Exactly!!
Troll the HRT section on here for a while, lots of good info. A family practioner can even get you started on HRT injections...then you can cruise and blast if you desire. Bloodwork will be the first step....it may even take you a couple of Dr's to find one who agrees with you. Keep trying til you get one that you are on the same page with

[oneshot]

definitely find a new doc that knows what he's doing for HRT. good luck, hope you can get the GI problems fixed

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thanks for the info and advice. So far, I've explained to numerous doctors the situation and they all agree with everything I've told them about how the HRT increased my strenght, energy, improved my mood and quality of life BUT . . . . because my blood tests keep coming back as normal, they won't prescribe because it's not "medically necessary."

Of course, they have no problem giving me scrips for things like prednisone, anti-depressants, immunomodulators, etc. that have far worse side effects than testosterone.

I'll definitely check the HRT section. Like I said, new on here, so finding my way around. Appreciate the advice.

As for the severity of my GI problems - I have both Crohn's Disease and Chronic Pancreatitis.

[SampsonandDelilah]

thanks for the info and advice. So far, I've explained to numerous doctors the situation and they all agree with everything I've told them about how the HRT increased my strenght, energy, improved my mood and quality of life BUT . . . . because my blood tests keep coming back as normal, they won't prescribe because it's not "medically necessary."

Of course, they have no problem giving me scrips for things like prednisone, anti-depressants, immunomodulators, etc. that have far worse side effects than testosterone.

I'll definitely check the HRT section. Like I said, new on here, so finding my way around. Appreciate the advice.

As for the severity of my GI problems - I have both Crohn's Disease and Chronic Pancreatitis.

If I'm not mistaken, you can crash your T levels by just doing a small amount of Deca, and THEN go in for blood work....just a thought?

[*RAGE*]

If I'm not mistaken, you can crash your T levels by just doing a small amount of Deca, and THEN go in for blood work....just a thought?

that is one way////works

[12Bbigger]

If I'm not mistaken, you can crash your T levels by just doing a small amount of Deca, and THEN go in for blood work....just a thought?

Rough estimate on how much and for how long to get the wanted result?

[12Bbigger]

Okay, I called a relatively local anti-aging clinic and got info. Sounded great, unfortunately, my insurance won't cover the lab testing which could run into the thousands. Being on a fixed income because of my health situation, am I just as well advised to go the anabolic route and save myself the formality of getting bloodwork done?

In all honesty, if I could afford it, I wouldn't even hesitate to go the clinic, but considering my financial and health circumstances, the last thing I need is to incur a large debt. I realize going the anabolic route is going to cost me some change but that's more feasible than dropping a couple grand off the bat.

All that said, is the safety, etc. of what the clinic could offer worth it, or would I be just as well off finding a reliable source for gear?

Forgive what may seem like dumb questions to some, but I'd rather get enough info to make an informed decision than make a costly mistake, be it health-wise or finance-wise.