Low Testosterone: What are the options? UPDATE:Testosterone megathread (Page 430 of 443)
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Originally Posted By XJ: Get a LL vial adapter and avoid the second needle Originally Posted By XJ: Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: So my testosterone vials are ordered and should arrive in about 5 days. I'm not sure, but I don't think I will be receiving syringes with needles. Where is the best place to buy from? I figure I'll get Luer Lock syringes with different size needles for withdrawing and injecting. Get a LL vial adapter and avoid the second needle I didn't know those existed. I assume it's reusable? ETA: Nevermind, I looked on Amazon and they say single-use. I'm surprised they don't sell things that can be boiled and reused. Oh well. I still will probably give it a try. Better to use one of these instead of multiple needles. |
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Originally Posted By Matthew_Q: Had blood drawn last week before the 4th injection (150ml). 150mg |
"You got to lick it, before you stick it."©
What would you die for? Unlikley for the average dipshit. Most people just ain't worth it.--drjarhead
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What would you die for? Unlikley for the average dipshit. Most people just ain't worth it.--drjarhead
I'm SNARKY with the moderator
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Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: I didn't know those existed. I assume it's reusable? ETA: Nevermind, I looked on Amazon and they say single-use. I'm surprised they don't sell things that can be boiled and reused. Oh well. I still will probably give it a try. Better to use one of these instead of multiple needles. Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: Originally Posted By XJ: Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: So my testosterone vials are ordered and should arrive in about 5 days. I'm not sure, but I don't think I will be receiving syringes with needles. Where is the best place to buy from? I figure I'll get Luer Lock syringes with different size needles for withdrawing and injecting. Get a LL vial adapter and avoid the second needle I didn't know those existed. I assume it's reusable? ETA: Nevermind, I looked on Amazon and they say single-use. I'm surprised they don't sell things that can be boiled and reused. Oh well. I still will probably give it a try. Better to use one of these instead of multiple needles. |
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Originally Posted By anothermisanthrope: Been following this thread lately, why is there so little discussion about pellets? And is there a preference between pellets? I haven't watched this particular video, but I've followed this channel and Gil for years, and I've heard his take on pellets many times. ![]() Pellets For Testosterone Replacement - Testosterone Pellets Reviews |
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Hey guys, has there been any discussion on acne after starting TRT? I have hundreds, literally, covering my chest, shoulders, upper arms, and upper back. It's to the point I have to wear black shirts to bed otherwise I stain the sheets. I'm already using acne body wash, washing twice a day, and nothing helps. Heard this was a common side effect but not sure if others have overcome this somehow? |
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Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: Hey guys, has there been any discussion on acne after starting TRT? I have hundreds, literally, covering my chest, shoulders, upper arms, and upper back. It's to the point I have to wear black shirts to bed otherwise I stain the sheets. I'm already using acne body wash, washing twice a day, and nothing helps. Heard this was a common side effect but not sure if others have overcome this somehow? I had it on my back and rear delts for a while after starting compounded cream, not nearly as bad as you though, and it eventually went away; I do use and acne wash on the back scrubber now. I did not get it from pellets or injections, for whatever that's worth. |
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Originally Posted By Pachucko: I had it on my back and rear delts for a while after starting compounded cream, not nearly as bad as you though, and it eventually went away; I do use and acne wash on the back scrubber now. I did not get it from pellets or injections, for whatever that's worth. Interesting. I was on gel first, got it with that, and moved to injections and it got worse.
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Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: Hey guys, has there been any discussion on acne after starting TRT? I have hundreds, literally, covering my chest, shoulders, upper arms, and upper back. It's to the point I have to wear black shirts to bed otherwise I stain the sheets. I'm already using acne body wash, washing twice a day, and nothing helps. Heard this was a common side effect but not sure if others have overcome this somehow? low dose Accutane Oral Antibiotics |
"You got to lick it, before you stick it."©
What would you die for? Unlikley for the average dipshit. Most people just ain't worth it.--drjarhead
I'm SNARKY with the moderator
What would you die for? Unlikley for the average dipshit. Most people just ain't worth it.--drjarhead
I'm SNARKY with the moderator
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Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: I'm going to need more details and context please. Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: Originally Posted By TheRealSundance: SALICYLIC ACID and glycolic acid low dose Accutane Oral Antibiotics I'm going to need more details and context please. Glycolic acid is a popular alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane, known for its powerful exfoliating properties that break down dead skin cells Accutane and antibiotics for acne, like doxycycline, minocycline, and azithromycin (oral), or clindamycin (topical), you would get from a Dr. Or you can order them online from india |
"You got to lick it, before you stick it."©
What would you die for? Unlikley for the average dipshit. Most people just ain't worth it.--drjarhead
I'm SNARKY with the moderator
What would you die for? Unlikley for the average dipshit. Most people just ain't worth it.--drjarhead
I'm SNARKY with the moderator
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Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: Interesting. I was on gel first, got it with that, and moved to injections and it got worse. ![]() Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: Originally Posted By Pachucko: I had it on my back and rear delts for a while after starting compounded cream, not nearly as bad as you though, and it eventually went away; I do use and acne wash on the back scrubber now. I did not get it from pellets or injections, for whatever that's worth. Interesting. I was on gel first, got it with that, and moved to injections and it got worse. ![]() |
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Coming up on seven weeks since starting Tcyp. Injecting twice weekly. The clinic/provider I go to does follow up labs at eight week intervals until levels and symptoms are where we want them. She also starts out somewhat low, ramping up until the desired affects are achieved rather than just going for high numbers like some of the shadier clinics. Right now, I am injecting 60 mg twice a week so 120 per week. I haven’t noticed a huge change yet, maybe even slightly more fatigue/tiredness. I attribute this to potentially starting to lose natural T production while not yet at a high enough dose to see improvement. I don’t remember which page this was discussed on, but some folks had good advice on when to get labs drawn in relation to injection timing to ensure levels weren’t artificially high, and therefore not being allowed to go up in dosing. I would appreciate a quick cliff notes if somebody could chime in. |
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Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: Hey guys, has there been any discussion on acne after starting TRT? I have hundreds, literally, covering my chest, shoulders, upper arms, and upper back. It's to the point I have to wear black shirts to bed otherwise I stain the sheets. I'm already using acne body wash, washing twice a day, and nothing helps. Heard this was a common side effect but not sure if others have overcome this somehow? How new are you to TRT, how long ago did you start? Shitty diet? We need to look at a bunch of things here. First I would start by pulling new blood work and focusing on total T, free T, DHT, estradiol, and PSA levels to get a baseline of where you are at. Then I would strongly consider pinning more frequently to get your levels nice and stable and not on a constant roller coaster. From here, discuss it with your doctor about jumping on a 5 Alpha like Finasteride or Dutasteride. In the mean time you can try some natural supplements like Pumpkin Seed oil and Saw Palmetto. |
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Originally Posted By Turok: Coming up on seven weeks since starting Tcyp. Injecting twice weekly. The clinic/provider I go to does follow up labs at eight week intervals until levels and symptoms are where we want them. She also starts out somewhat low, ramping up until the desired affects are achieved rather than just going for high numbers like some of the shadier clinics. Right now, I am injecting 60 mg twice a week so 120 per week. I haven’t noticed a huge change yet, maybe even slightly more fatigue/tiredness. I attribute this to potentially starting to lose natural T production while not yet at a high enough dose to see improvement. I don’t remember which page this was discussed on, but some folks had good advice on when to get labs drawn in relation to injection timing to ensure levels weren’t artificially high, and therefore not being allowed to go up in dosing. I would appreciate a quick cliff notes if somebody could chime in. That's not possible. Your serum levels will be higher just a few hours after injection. As for injection timing, don't worry about it and focus on injecting more often. Twice a week sucks, once you dial in your dosage, start pinning 3-4 times a week sub-q. Enjoy the results. |
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Originally Posted By anothermisanthrope: Been following this thread lately, why is there so little discussion about pellets? And is there a preference between pellets? It's been great. I have a 20 minute office visit every 4 months. |
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Originally Posted By 10mmManiac: How new are you to TRT, how long ago did you start? Shitty diet? We need to look at a bunch of things here. First I would start by pulling new blood work and focusing on total T, free T, DHT, estradiol, and PSA levels to get a baseline of where you are at. Then I would strongly consider pinning more frequently to get your levels nice and stable and not on a constant roller coaster. From here, discuss it with your doctor about jumping on a 5 Alpha like Finasteride or Dutasteride. In the mean time you can try some natural supplements like Pumpkin Seed oil and Saw Palmetto. My Dr. only does a single T number, not sure which it is, total I think? It was 600, estrodiol was like 30ish? I've been on it maybe six months. Been using acne wash for 3 months, just started taking vitamin A, Zinc, etc. Diet is so so I guess, I'm T1D so it can only be so bad. Frankly I don't eat much as I'm intermittently fasting to drop a bit of weight. I'm 6'0" 175 lbs so not a fat ass but I'm a skinny built dude who graduated HS at 6'0" 125 lbs. That type of skinny. So just getting down another 10lbs or so. Never had acne issues. My skin is as pure as swiss alps snow.
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Originally Posted By Turok: I don’t remember which page this was discussed on, but some folks had good advice on when to get labs drawn in relation to injection timing to ensure levels weren’t artificially high, and therefore not being allowed to go up in dosing. I would appreciate a quick cliff notes if somebody could chime in. Mine asked me to do labs the day of injection but before I administer (i.e. lowest T rating of the week). |
Life is too short to drive boring cars.
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Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: My Dr. only does a single T number, not sure which it is, total I think? It was 600, estrodiol was like 30ish? I've been on it maybe six months. Been using acne wash for 3 months, just started taking vitamin A, Zinc, etc. Diet is so so I guess, I'm T1D so it can only be so bad. Frankly I don't eat much as I'm intermittently fasting to drop a bit of weight. I'm 6'0" 175 lbs so not a fat ass but I'm a skinny built dude who graduated HS at 6'0" 125 lbs. That type of skinny. So just getting down another 10lbs or so. Never had acne issues. My skin is as pure as swiss alps snow. ![]() Originally Posted By -Obsessed-: Originally Posted By 10mmManiac: How new are you to TRT, how long ago did you start? Shitty diet? We need to look at a bunch of things here. First I would start by pulling new blood work and focusing on total T, free T, DHT, estradiol, and PSA levels to get a baseline of where you are at. Then I would strongly consider pinning more frequently to get your levels nice and stable and not on a constant roller coaster. From here, discuss it with your doctor about jumping on a 5 Alpha like Finasteride or Dutasteride. In the mean time you can try some natural supplements like Pumpkin Seed oil and Saw Palmetto. My Dr. only does a single T number, not sure which it is, total I think? It was 600, estrodiol was like 30ish? I've been on it maybe six months. Been using acne wash for 3 months, just started taking vitamin A, Zinc, etc. Diet is so so I guess, I'm T1D so it can only be so bad. Frankly I don't eat much as I'm intermittently fasting to drop a bit of weight. I'm 6'0" 175 lbs so not a fat ass but I'm a skinny built dude who graduated HS at 6'0" 125 lbs. That type of skinny. So just getting down another 10lbs or so. Never had acne issues. My skin is as pure as swiss alps snow. ![]() Mine was not near as bad as yours but the dermatologist told me to use this soap Soap Shower morning and night especially right after you workout. For my back I got a stiff brush and scrub vigorously. Cleared it up pretty quickly, the soap is super drying so I only use it once a day in the winter. |
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Not sure if this is an issue or not. Been on TRT for 9 months. Taking 100mg twice a week. 250 hcg twice a day week 0.5 mg anastrazole twice a week. Today (trough. Just before injection) I cried during a movie scene. I normally don’t do that. Think I should get my levels pulled again? |
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Originally Posted By 20229mm: Not sure if this is an issue or not. Been on TRT for 9 months. Taking 100mg twice a week. 250 hcg twice a day week 0.5 mg anastrazole twice a week. Today (trough. Just before injection) I cried during a movie scene. I normally don't do that. Think I should get my levels pulled again? |
Nowhere in the Constitution will you find the phrase, "unless it's inconvenient to Government".
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Originally Posted By jcatcg: FWIW, I haven't ever had any physical sides from high E, but if I start noticing myself get choked up a bit from sad thoughts, movies, etc, that's a sure sign my E is creeping up. I agree, 1 of the things I have noticed over the last couple years on TRT is when my Est starts getting above 30, I get as President Camacho says "All emotional and shit". But I'm only using a .125 and .25 AI 2 times a week to keep it under control. |
We gots us a 3 point plan thats going to fix everything, We got this guy "Not Sure" and he has a higher IQ then any man alive!
| Can always just learn to manage your emotions. My provider is fine with E up to 75 as higher levels have some health benefits. Anything over 50 and I can start to feel it but just deal with it. Early on, different provider and different protocol, my E was well over 100 and the urologist said it was fine. That's when I stopped seeing him because it was anything but. Meanwhile females run 200-400 during parts of their cycle and guys don't understand why they are so emotional. |
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Originally Posted By SWIRE: Can always just learn to manage your emotions. My provider is fine with E up to 75 as higher levels have some health benefits. Anything over 50 and I can start to feel it but just deal with it. Early on, different provider and different protocol, my E was well over 100 and the urologist said it was fine. That's when I stopped seeing him because it was anything but. Meanwhile females run 200-400 during parts of their cycle and guys don't understand why they are so emotional. I find when its over 40-45 My junk stops working so well, it wants to but just not happening, does not matter if I use Cialis or PT-141 just not happeneing. 1st sign is the emotional swings I notice. And yes, that's with blood work to check levels of Estradiol and estrogen. But if I crush it down to the less then 10 range i just become cold and uncaring. 15-25 and things work great. Have tried DIM but did not notice a change. |
We gots us a 3 point plan thats going to fix everything, We got this guy "Not Sure" and he has a higher IQ then any man alive!
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My GP prescribed me 1mg anastrazole/wk to be taken alongside 1x/wk 100mg injections of test cyp. I love my doc and hes a great guy, but thank fuck I did my own research before just following his protocol. I am a month in with zero high E sides and I am prone to clinical anxiety, which I understand low E can make way worse. I have labs in a few weeks and if my E comes back high I plan to just shrug my shoulders. I have high-normal SHBG so I think between that and dosing every 3.5 days my E numbers should be fine. Regardless, I'm going based on side effects and not numbers. The HRT & Hormone Optimization guys have been pretty convincing that AI's are just not neccesary for nearly everyone on TRT level Test doses (blasting may be a different story, but I'm not interested in that for the time being). Bi-weekly 50mg IM quad injections are going great for me. Zero PIP and its super easy to do myself. I'll try delts at some point but for now, not going to fix something thats broken. Mood/energy have definitely improved a bit, though its subtle. Erection quality was never much of an issue but now I can cut diamonds |
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Originally Posted By AWMCoalition: Doing blood work tomorrow and have some questions before proceeding with a source. Question for you guys using PeterMD, How do they supply the test? A 10ml vial a month or just 4 single dose vials a month? Worth adding HGC in your mid 50's? |
"You got to lick it, before you stick it."©
What would you die for? Unlikley for the average dipshit. Most people just ain't worth it.--drjarhead
I'm SNARKY with the moderator
What would you die for? Unlikley for the average dipshit. Most people just ain't worth it.--drjarhead
I'm SNARKY with the moderator
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Originally Posted By TheRealSundance: I doubt they would give you a 10ml vial every month. at 200mg a week that's 10 weeks. HCG if you don't want you balls to shrink which can be painful, Also helps with sensitivity I also increases load volume which makes finishing more enjoyable Originally Posted By TheRealSundance: Originally Posted By AWMCoalition: Doing blood work tomorrow and have some questions before proceeding with a source. Question for you guys using PeterMD, How do they supply the test? A 10ml vial a month or just 4 single dose vials a month? Worth adding HGC in your mid 50's? Can't afford shrinkage. ![]() So Dr. G "Wuhan" Wang it is. |
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Originally Posted By AWMCoalition: Can't afford shrinkage. ![]() So Dr. G "Wuhan" Wang it is. Originally Posted By AWMCoalition: Originally Posted By TheRealSundance: Originally Posted By AWMCoalition: Doing blood work tomorrow and have some questions before proceeding with a source. Question for you guys using PeterMD, How do they supply the test? A 10ml vial a month or just 4 single dose vials a month? Worth adding HGC in your mid 50's? Can't afford shrinkage. ![]() So Dr. G "Wuhan" Wang it is. |
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Originally Posted By anothermisanthrope: Been following this thread lately, why is there so little discussion about pellets? And is there a preference between pellets? Tag. My woman prefers pellets over injection for her hormones, and swears by em. Some folks say the pellets are overpriced, and/or not as continual of a release. Beyond that, starting to educate myself a bit as it may be in my future.
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Originally Posted By jcatcg: FWIW, I haven't ever had any physical sides from high E, but if I start noticing myself get choked up a bit from sad thoughts, movies, etc, that's a sure sign my E is creeping up. Yup...me too. Was watching BHD with my girlfriend this weekend and got chocked up a few times. |
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Originally Posted By thebomber: Yup...me too. Was watching BHD with my girlfriend this weekend and got chocked up a few times. I cried at the end of "The Dirty Dozen". Jim Brown was throwing these hand grenades down these airshafts. And Richard Jaeckel and Lee Marvin...were sitting on top of this armored personnel carrier, dressed up like Nazis...And Trini Lopez...He busted his neck while they were parachuting down behind the Nazi lines. And Richard Jaeckel, at the beginning he had on this shiny helmet 'cause he was the MP...
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I just switched from the cream to the twice a month injections. Was a little apprehensive about that long ass needle so I iced the spot before injecting and I didn't feel a thing. The cream was making my skin turn colors and drying me out like a mummy... I am on a pretty low dose, so it's not too bad. All I know is that without the test I would be a worthless pile of sleepiness all day every day. Now I'm awake! |
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WE SEEK NOT YOUR COUNSEL, NOR YOUR ARMS
WE SEEK NOT YOUR COUNSEL, NOR YOUR ARMS
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I’m on 6 weeks now, I think. After 4, they did blood tests again, just for total T and E, and my E ratio went down, which is good, but T didn’t go up to where they want it to be, so they increased the weekly dose to 170mg. Improvements in energy and libido are still less than I’d like, but are slowly improving. I’m still a bit tired in the afternoons, particularly Tue, Wed and Thu (I get my injections on Wed). Have had a few more ‘sessions’ with the wife, but not as frequently as she’d like. I think it’s improving, but kinda slowly. Luckily not much else going on. I do think I need to see a urologist at some point, at least to talk about getting the snip. |
Now she's making $15 an hour as a 'tard wrangler with a degree in women's studies... - tommytrauma
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Originally Posted By jcatcg: Twice a month injections is insane. Get ready for a hormonal roller coaster. Twice a week is the generally accepted standard for test cyp. That is what I am worried about. Doc said try it, if it doesn’t work, we will revisit. |
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WE SEEK NOT YOUR COUNSEL, NOR YOUR ARMS
WE SEEK NOT YOUR COUNSEL, NOR YOUR ARMS
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Originally Posted By rollin-tumblin: Surely this is test undecanoate? I can't even imagine the peaks and valleys otherwise It is; Testosterone Cypionate 200mg/ml VI in Oil |
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WE SEEK NOT YOUR COUNSEL, NOR YOUR ARMS
WE SEEK NOT YOUR COUNSEL, NOR YOUR ARMS
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Originally Posted By Clarinath: It is; Testosterone Cypionate 200mg/ml VI in Oil Originally Posted By Clarinath: Originally Posted By rollin-tumblin: Surely this is test undecanoate? I can't even imagine the peaks and valleys otherwise It is; Testosterone Cypionate 200mg/ml VI in Oil Yeah that's very much not ideal. Cyp half life is 8 days |
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Originally Posted By Clarinath: That is what I am worried about. Doc said try it, if it doesn't work, we will revisit. |
Nowhere in the Constitution will you find the phrase, "unless it's inconvenient to Government".
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Originally Posted By jcatcg: Are self injecting? If so, do yourself a favor and disregard your Dr's protocol and do it twice a week. I only have two single use vials and I already used one |
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WE SEEK NOT YOUR COUNSEL, NOR YOUR ARMS
WE SEEK NOT YOUR COUNSEL, NOR YOUR ARMS
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Originally Posted By Clarinath: I only have two single use vials and I already used one |
Nowhere in the Constitution will you find the phrase, "unless it's inconvenient to Government".
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Originally Posted By Matthew_Q: I’m on 6 weeks now, I think. After 4, they did blood tests again, just for total T and E, and my E ratio went down, which is good, but T didn’t go up to where they want it to be, so they increased the weekly dose to 170mg. Improvements in energy and libido are still less than I’d like, but are slowly improving. I’m still a bit tired in the afternoons, particularly Tue, Wed and Thu (I get my injections on Wed). Have had a few more ‘sessions’ with the wife, but not as frequently as she’d like. I think it’s improving, but kinda slowly. Luckily not much else going on. I do think I need to see a urologist at some point, at least to talk about getting the snip. She's wanting more than you feel like? Get a prescription for generic sildenafil. It's dirt cheap. |
Atypical Millennial
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Originally Posted By jcatcg: That's a tough one. Guess you have to handle it according to your tolerance for conflict with your Dr. You should have no problem finding evidence on the net you can cite. His protocol is really bad. If he's someone who's amendable to adjustment that would be great. If not, I'd look elsewhere for TRT. She is very amenable to changing things on the fly. I just refilled my script so I can get more one hand if I need it. |
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WE SEEK NOT YOUR COUNSEL, NOR YOUR ARMS
WE SEEK NOT YOUR COUNSEL, NOR YOUR ARMS
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Originally Posted By Clarinath: She is very amenable to changing things on the fly. I just refilled my script so I can get more one hand if I need it. |
Nowhere in the Constitution will you find the phrase, "unless it's inconvenient to Government".
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Originally Posted By jcatcg: That being the case then I'd just go talk to her again. The generally accepted half-life of test cyp is about 8 days. That fact alone should be sufficient to see why every two weeks is not good. You're gonna go from overflowing with likely too much test after the injections, to an empty gas tank by your next one. You want you levels to be stable, not a roller coaster. Smaller injections are also easier to deal with. What are the “too much” symptoms? I did the injection two days ago and I have not felt any different. I know the downside symptoms, so I will be watching for that… |
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WE SEEK NOT YOUR COUNSEL, NOR YOUR ARMS
WE SEEK NOT YOUR COUNSEL, NOR YOUR ARMS
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Originally Posted By Clarinath: What are the "too much" symptoms? I did the injection two days ago and I have not felt any different. I know the downside symptoms, so I will be watching for that I used the "likely too much" phrase merely in that assuming the test dose was actually adequate for two weeks (ie 250-400 mg) that you'd likely peak at levels higher than you really need to be at. |
Nowhere in the Constitution will you find the phrase, "unless it's inconvenient to Government".
Life is too short to drive boring cars.
Low Testosterone: What are the options? UPDATE:Testosterone megathread (Page 430 of 443)
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