TRT Program - Vetteman08

[Vettester]

Update, it appears to be the DHEA that is giving me those anxiety feelings. The pregnenolone by itself is doing just fine! In fact, I feel my mental clarity is much sharper since starting. I guess the good news is that pregnenolone converts to DHEA, so if I had to choose one it would be the one that is the foundation for all others.

[PPC]

Update, it appears to be the DHEA that is giving me those anxiety feelings. The pregnenolone by itself is doing just fine! In fact, I feel my mental clarity is much sharper since starting. I guess the good news is that pregnenolone converts to DHEA, so if I had to choose one it would be the one that is the foundation for all others.

Yes...good choice. The theory is preg could fill up cortisol, progesterone and dhea if used in high enough doses without getting the liver involved. It'll be interesing to see any changes in your labs down the track.

Interesting that pregnenolone increases in the body during intoxication from alcohol. It does that to try and compensate for the impaired mental state that occurs since it is a brain sharpener and memory enhancer.

I notice on some nootropic forums people use it simply to aid in brain function in their stacks.

[lifeforce0019]

Hi Vetteman08. Thanks for sharing your protocol. As i mentioned in my new male member post I am a 54 year old guy (6'1"; 218 lbs; 18% body fat) who started HRT about 3 months ago after my bloodwork revealed low total and free testosterone. I saw a nurse practitioner complaining of low energy, low libido, mild depression, slow recovery from sports injuries (tennis) and a general lack of interest and malaise. Sure enough I had low testosterone and she prescribed testosterone cream. I have been using 1.5 grams per day of the cream corresponding to 225 mgs of testosterone (from a compounding pharmacy in Arizona). I also have been taking 100 mgs per day of DHEA.

To date, I have been disappointed in my response to the cream. I have definitely experienced an improvement in my mood but no real increase in libido, energy or desire to work out. I have begun to notice a little puffiness in my chest but no nipple tenderness or "hard spot" below the nipple. Nevertheless, I am worried it might be the beginning on gyno. I have also noticed a shrinking of my testicles. So the cream is doing something! But I want to experience the boost in energy, libido and confidence!

Using the cream is a nuisance! After reading various posts in the HRT forum it would seem like weekly injections of a testoserone ester and twice weekly injections of HCG along with an AI inhibitor may be a better way for me to go. But I shelled out $350 to see the nurse practitioner and hate to think I wasted that money! I don't know if she can or will prescribe injectable testosterone and/or HCG. I am do for a 3 month check up with her and will get lab work done. I welcome your thoughts, suggestions and recommendations.

[Vettester]

Lifeforce, glad to hear you're exploring the options that are available. A lot of people don't respond very well to transdermal applications of testosterone. I personally started experiencing some adverse reactions after about 5 months of being on Gel.

For starters, I would get your lab work done as soon as you can. It sounds like you might have some elevated E2 levels, so make sure that is on your labs. If your doctor says it is not needed or warranted, then you know you have wasted the $350 ... It's time to find a clinic or another doctor in the network that will work with you.

Your testicles are shrinking due to the exogenous testosterone that is absorbed into your body. HCG will help this situation and it will restore the size and activeness of your testes. Again, if your doctor won't consider it then it's time for you to consider another doctor.

You definitely want to keep an eye on the E2. DHEA also converts to estrogen, so you've got several variables working against you without any protection. Products like Liquidex are easy enough to get if you find yourself stranded for a bit.

Lastly, you will have greater success with this forum if you create your own threads when looking for assistance. Most people will never know that there's a new guy needing help when he's posted in on a existing thread like this one. Just trying to help you achieve the most success here. - Thanks

[lifeforce0019]

Thanks Vetteman08. I called today to arrange to have my blood drawn this week and scheduled an appointment to see my doctor in early September. I will ask her to switch me to weekly testosterone injections, twice weekly hCG due to my balls shrinking, and depending on my estradiol level and her assessment of my "puffy" chest - maybe an AI.

You suggested I consider Liquidex. Is there any risk to my taking it if I don't have high estradiol or the beginning of gyno? What are the side effects I should be concerned about with liquidex? I would be grateful for any and all feedback and recommendations.

[Vettester]

A product like Liquidex or other AI's will literally lower your estrogen levels. So the problem is if you're at normal levels you could end up lowering it too much, and then you will have a whole new set of problems. Probably a good chance that you're levels are elevated, BUT in my book I wouldn't take any of it until you know your exact score. Plus, there are different dosage protocols depending on where your score is at. You don't need much of the stuff to make a difference.

If you are indeed starting to see evidence of gyno, you might need to look at a SERM like Nolvadex. You can study up on this stuff if you do some searches throughout the site. I caught the part where you mentioned your doctor is a female. That could be part of the hangup. My primary is female and she isn't anyone I would ever refer to for HRT ... At least males. She won't even test men for estrogen, doesn't believe it's necessary. Needless to say I had to make other arrangements.

You will see what she is made of when you hit her up for HCG. Don't get too frazzled if she shoots you down in flames. A buddy of mine at the gym is going through a similar issue. He told his doc about my protocol and I guess the guy wigged out. This doc said that I (vetteman) am probably breaking the law by taking meds at home. He asked my friend, "what if he bleeds to death?" He also told my friend that I probably have lots of anger issues because I take weekly shots with HCG. My friend tells me that I'm one of the most mellow guys he knows. Anyways, just saying ... Some of these docs like this bozo are already judging people that they've never even met.