TRT and metabolic problems

[AndresX24]

I’m a 40-year-old man who has been overweight my whole life. A few years ago, I decided to make a change, and I’ve been on this journey for about five or six years now—losing weight, hitting the gym, and watching what I eat.

A little over a year ago, I started noticing changes in my body—mainly regarding my sexual function and libido; while I don't have any actual dysfunction (I have no trouble getting hard), my desire has been fading rapidly , noticeably nad my wife start to worry about having another girl . Also i allways be tired with poor sleep quality (since was kid). Tired of not making progress in the gym or with weight loss, I entered the world of peptides in March using a triple agonist to lose weight and boost my metabolism. While I did lose weight, I haven't seen improvements in the gym yet; I'm currently using CJC+Ipa and Glow while preparing to start my second triple agonist cycle in late July.

During this process of using peptides, I decided to have blood tests done—primarily to check my hormone levels (testosterone, LH, FSH, and estradiol)—and the results were low.

Total testosterone April: 329

Free April: 101

LH April: 3.1

FSH April: 3.8

After these tests, I used kisspeptin to see if I could raise the levels, and it actually worked, but...

Total testosterone June: 296

Free: not realased

LH june: 8.1

FSH june: not realased

Stradiol 17beta: 13.4

That’s why I decided to see a testosterone specialist on June 23rd; I’m looking for others' experiences with testosterone issues—specifically (looking for a TRT subq), what the most common blood tests are and what I should actually expect, since I’ve never visited a doctor for this kind of thing before.

P.S. I lost weight, going from 115 kg to 86.5 kg (my current weight).

Thank you guys.

 

[MFGamesta]

My levels were very similar to yours before I started TRT. I saw a sexual health and fertility Dr (referred from my buddy) and he did all the bloods and exams. He got me on track. I have since transitioned this to my primary care dr who has done a fine job monitoring my levels quarterly and all covered by my HMO.

I keep it simple regarding TRT. Take the recommended dose and take HCG every other day and mow my free and total test are at the top of the normal range and I feel great. Though TRT did improve libido, I got a bigger libido boost after starting HCG.

 

[Justatechdude]

basically the same story on my Test levels.

I was able to get mine covered by insurance after tanking my T levels for 2 tests.

(Overtrain the day before, don't eat enough food, deprive yourself of sleep the night before and chug a 24oz sugary soda before hand - dropped me to 190T)

i got on clomiphene so that way I could protect fertility. It helped concerning energy and mental fog. But didn't affect libido.

Fast forward 4 years. I am not on injectable TRT and it is a WORLD of difference. High Libido, and high energy levels.

I've been on GLP1s for about 3-4 months now. Also "my" research indicates "cycling" on and off GLP1s make them less effective.

 

[Mochizuki0124]

My levels were at mid 200's and my primary still won't prescribe trt so I went with the the clinics and got my levels to the 900-1100. Luckily for me SD and libido was never an issue for me regardless of my test levels and I suspect that I've had low test levels since my 20s.

Now I pretty much know how to dose and do bloodwork and I know where to find good test so im ditching the clinic too.

 

[AndresX24]

basically the same story on my Test levels.

I was able to get mine covered by insurance after tanking my T levels for 2 tests.

(Overtrain the day before, don't eat enough food, deprive yourself of sleep the night before and chug a 24oz sugary soda before hand - dropped me to 190T)

i got on clomiphene so that way I could protect fertility. It helped concerning energy and mental fog. But didn't affect libido.

Fast forward 4 years. I am not on injectable TRT and it is a WORLD of difference. High Libido, and high energy levels.

I've been on GLP1s for about 3-4 months now. Also "my" research indicates "cycling" on and off GLP1s make them less effective.

Hi, thank you for your reply, but you go to the doc that give you how much T you took or you do in own way?

 

[AndresX24]

My levels were at mid 200's and my primary still won't prescribe trt so I went with the the clinics and got my levels to the 900-1100. Luckily for me SD and libido was never an issue for me regardless of my test levels and I suspect that I've had low test levels since my 20s.

Now I pretty much know how to dose and do bloodwork and I know where to find good test so im ditching the clinic too.

ohh this, actually here in chile T Drs are very expensive, im trying for first time but it not some that can i maintain in time, now i ask for a T in the knowest Hindi web to try if can clear customs because even here the T its expensive in a no clienical sites.

 

[AndresX24]

another importante, im already took enclomiphene 12.5g daily, hopping that my T rise unitl get the Dr next week

 

[Justatechdude]

Hi, thank you for your reply, but you go to the doc that give you how much T you took or you do in own way?

Understood. So you need to know what labs to get so you can do it yourself?

Most TRT clinics will want to do the following labs.

Estradiol

Testosterone

CBC With Differential/Platelet - You need to know Hematocrit and Hemoglobin

Lipid Panel With LDL/HDL Ratio - Keep an Eye on Cholestrol

2 Prostate-Specific Ag - you got to watchout for Prostrate growth / Prostate Cancer

 

[Justatechdude]

another importante, im already took enclomiphene 12.5g daily, hopping that my T rise unitl get the Dr next week

Pretty sure the ideal for enclomiphene is every other day. so 25mg every other day.

And enclomipheren made my T levels 2x higher.

But injectable Test - made my energy and libido 2x higher.

 

[AndresX24]

Pretty sure the ideal for enclomiphene is every other day. so 25mg every other day.

And enclomipheren made my T levels 2x higher.

But injectable Test - made my energy and libido 2x higher.

ohhh actually im looking to get better T, libido and sex mood better. of course lookin trying to not inject IM but subq its what i take.

About encomi, as i know encomi can be dayli, as diferente to clomid, that it every other day.

 

[jsc1980]

Been on TRT for 14 years. Felt crappy and pushed my PCP to run labs. My level was 218 (at 31). Tried Androgel, barely raised level and was a PITA. Tried compounded T cream, barely raised level, still a PITA. Asked about injections and was referred to Endo. Labs again, test was 328 (on the creams). Have been on injections since. Seen a couple different endos (moved and then my "new" endo retired). They always wanted my level around 5-600, even though I argued that I felt better at a higher level and they pushed one weekly injections. I've moved to a TRT Clinic (telemed) and am on E3D injections and my levels have been good, plus E2 and HCT are reasonable. I've always had issues with elevated HCT, so I donate blood a few times a year.

I've always done IM injections so can't speak to subq. My biggest takeaway in all these years is its important to take control of your own health because doctors don't always know best and often stick to certain guidelines that may be acceptable; but acceptable <> optimal.

I also run my own labs to keep an eye on everything. I have an AI on hand just in case but rarely have to use it.

Biggest things from TRT I noticed is increased energy (used to be tired ALL the time), focus and libido.

 

[AndresX24]

Been on TRT for 14 years. Felt crappy and pushed my PCP to run labs. My level was 218 (at 31). Tried Androgel, barely raised level and was a PITA. Tried compounded T cream, barely raised level, still a PITA. Asked about injections and was referred to Endo. Labs again, test was 328 (on the creams). Have been on injections since. Seen a couple different endos (moved and then my "new" endo retired). They always wanted my level around 5-600, even though I argued that I felt better at a higher level and they pushed one weekly injections. I've moved to a TRT Clinic (telemed) and am on E3D injections and my levels have been good, plus E2 and HCT are reasonable. I've always had issues with elevated HCT, so I donate blood a few times a year.

I've always done IM injections so can't speak to subq. My biggest takeaway in all these years is its important to take control of your own health because doctors don't always know best and often stick to certain guidelines that may be acceptable; but acceptable <> optimal.

I also run my own labs to keep an eye on everything. I have an AI on hand just in case but rarely have to use it.

Biggest things from TRT I noticed is increased energy (used to be tired ALL the time), focus and libido.

That are what im looking, better feels in general, now at 40 i suffer more the poor sleep quality and been tire all time, even going to the gym 4times per week. thank you for your advice, of course this will be my first attept with doc to confirm my hipogonadism but im looking to maitain my self in the future.

 

[Justatechdude]

That are what im looking, better feels in general, now at 40 i suffer more the poor sleep quality and been tire all time, even going to the gym 4times per week. thank you for your advice, of course this will be my first attept with doc to confirm my hipogonadism but im looking to maitain my self in the future.

You can totally do TRT sub-q. I did it for the first 2 weeks. But it is very slow and takes a very long time. And it would always little bruises afterwards. No pain, just bruising.

I was terrified when I switched to IM. I watched my pulse jump to 120 just from anxiety before the shot. After the first shot it’s all down hill. I’d rather do IM now because it’s 1 minute instead of 30 minutes.

 

[Tbagger]

These are the labs that I order. I strongly believe that these markers should be closely monitored while taking any anabolic/androgenic compounds, including testosterone. I'm a little extra OCD and get them drawn every 4-6 weeks but most people on TRT can get away with every 3-6 months after their dosage is dialed in. You should get them checked more frequently as you dial in your dosage and definitely more often if you play with any other anabolics.

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[AndresX24]

These are the labs that I order. I strongly believe that these markers should be closely monitored while taking any anabolic/androgenic compounds, including testosterone. I'm a little extra OCD and get them drawn every 4-6 weeks but most people on TRT can get away with every 3-6 months after their dosage is dialed in. You should get them checked more frequently as you dial in your dosage and definitely more often if you play with any other anabolics.

View attachment 31554

thank for your reply, actually im looking to feel better in general, i will not using another anabolic because i thingk with T and reta will have the recomp that im looking.

 

[AndresX24]

You can totally do TRT sub-q. I did it for the first 2 weeks. But it is very slow and takes a very long time. And it would always little bruises afterwards. No pain, just bruising.

I was terrified when I switched to IM. I watched my pulse jump to 120 just from anxiety before the shot. After the first shot it’s all down hill. I’d rather do IM now because it’s 1 minute instead of 30 minutes.

i see on yt some tips for subq, using the rosck injection on the tuber between the 21g and 31g that maybe will be more faster.

 

[Olorin]

TRT is really a Godsend. Libido is through the roof at just 100-200mg a week. Wife gets nervous if she drops something and needs to lean over to pick it up.

I also had something like high 200s and was having brain fog, lack of desire, extra weight, etc. I go to a clinic that does all health stuff for my family that prescribed it.

Honestly, best IMO is to SubQ it into stomach 2x per week. Much more likely to get even dose without spikes that can make acne, etc more likely.

 

[AndresX24]

Honestly, best IMO is to SubQ it into stomach 2x per week. Much more likely to get even dose without spikes that can make acne, etc more likely.

thank you for the advice, its something that im looking too, because i dont wanna the side effect of take T and maybe 2/3 times per week subq matinten the best for the T.

for that case2/3 times per weekk wich T its better? cypio or Ena?

 

[Pete369]

Was around 380 test when I started at 38. Had low drive, tired, pretty complacent, never really horny but I was down to do my husband duties.

3 months in to treatment… strong like bull lol For real though, I’ve negotiated a few promotions and large raises, I communicate much better because I’m more assertive and find value in my opinion (when I’m knowledgeable anyway), energy to play with the youngin.

Word of caution though, during the honeymoon phase you may feel like a teenager again and your eyes might start wandering. The confidence and body recomp is accompanied by attention. It’s a whole different thing processing that.

 

[AndresX24]

Was around 380 test when I started at 38. Had low drive, tired, pretty complacent, never really horny but I was down to do my husband duties.

3 months in to treatment… strong like bull lol For real though, I’ve negotiated a few promotions and large raises, I communicate much better because I’m more assertive and find value in my opinion (when I’m knowledgeable anyway), energy to play with the youngin.

Word of caution though, during the honeymoon phase you may feel like a teenager again and your eyes might start wandering. The confidence and body recomp is accompanied by attention. It’s a whole different thing processing that.

thank you!! im loking that!