Doc said HRT for me!

[Harleymarleybone]

So as a follow up to my "Should I go no HRT" thread, my second test showed low testosterone again and the doc gave me HRT - free pharm grade test injections every three weeks. It's been three months since my last Test/Deca cycle, and more than likely I am still suppressed from the Deca, though I didn't tell the doc about that. But fuck it, I am taking the plunge. I am 50 anyway, and it will be nice not having to screw around with PCT, and having high normal test levels all the time. Thanks for all the advice from you good bros here. It helped me think things through.

 

[r1]

The every 3 week dosing is not ideal, bro. Trust me...I've been there and so have countless of other guys. You'll be too high in week 1 (which makes estrogen conversion problematic), ok in week 2, and crash on week 3. I did this protocol for almost a year and thought I was losing my f*ckin' mind.

Have your doc read over this protocol. (TRT: A Recipe for Success) It is written by another doc and my Endo had no trouble following it.

http://www.allthingsmale.com/publications.html

I have been on many protocols and feel that this one gives the best bang for the buck.

R1

 

[Harleymarleybone]

The every 3 week dosing is not ideal, bro. Trust me...I've been there and so have countless of other guys. You'll be too high in week 1 (which makes estrogen conversion problematic), ok in week 2, and crash on week 3. I did this protocol for almost a year and thought I was losing my f*ckin' mind.

Have your doc read over this protocol. (TRT: A Recipe for Success) It is written by another doc and my Endo had no trouble following it.

http://www.allthingsmale.com/publications.html

I have been on many protocols and feel that this one gives the best bang for the buck.

R1

Wow this is good to know. Thanks for the info. Yeah three weeks sounded too long, given the half-life of cyp and enth.

 

[Stryker1992]

So as a follow up to my "Should I go no HRT" thread, my second test showed low testosterone again and the doc gave me HRT - free pharm grade test injections every three weeks. It's been three months since my last Test/Deca-Durabolin - nandrolone decanoate - cycle, and more than likely I am still suppressed from the Deca, though I didn't tell the doc about that. But fuck it, I am taking the plunge. I am 50 anyway, and it will be nice not having to screw around with PCT - post cycle therapy - , and having high normal test levels all the time. Thanks for all the advice from you good bros here. It helped me think things through.

Wow, no shit bro?....if you are happy then I am happy for you!

 

[austin77]

Good to here, congrats bro!

 

[njmuscleguy]

If the stuff is in your hands and you don't have to rely on the doctor giving you injections, there's no reason why you can't do 1-2 shots per week.... more stable blood levels that way (though this can become a pain, literally, over time)

 

[Triple J]

the other thing to consider is getting pellets implanted ... lasts six months

 

[Harleymarleybone]

If the stuff is in your hands and you don't have to rely on the doctor giving you injections, there's no reason why you can't do 1-2 shots per week.... more stable blood levels that way (though this can become a pain, literally, over time)

Yeah, the doc asked me if I knew how to inject, and I played dumb and said "I could learn" since he was a little suspicious that I took steroids when he saw my build and my test levels were low. If I said I knew,then he would know. But then he said I should go in for the injections. But, after I am in the program a bit, I'll insist that I can do it. I think once a week would be fine.

 

[Harleymarleybone]

Good to here, congrats bro!

Thanks, bro.

 

[Harleymarleybone]

Wow, no shit bro?....if you are happy then I am happy for you!

Thanks Stryker, you bastard!

 

[lostinfitness]

Congrats bro, no worries, if you get the script you can order what you want. If you get caught say you were ordering your medicine lol...

LosT!!

 

[Nathan]

What are the danger sof test replacement therapy? And what is the dose? My doc told me 100mg a week is the typical dosing. I don't really see how that could be harmful particularly, especially if you are low in the first place - but I'm sure there is stuff I'm not seeing.

Does it affect fertility? I was under the impression it doesn't necessarily. Again, could be wrong. Any links? Also, I can't imagine this is such a bad idea at 50, but what about some of the younger you read doing this sort of thing?

 

[Nathan]

And sorry to thread hijack. Hope you don't mind me asking boss.

 

[Harleymarleybone]

What are the danger sof test replacement therapy? And what is the dose? My doc told me 100mg a week is the typical dosing. I don't really see how that could be harmful particularly, especially if you are low in the first place - but I'm sure there is stuff I'm not seeing.

Does it affect fertility? I was under the impression it doesn't necessarily. Again, could be wrong. Any links? Also, I can't imagine this is such a bad idea at 50, but what about some of the younger you read doing this sort of thing?

Generally, if you have normal levels, it's not going to help you, except that you would not have to worry about PCT - but HRT for that reason alone seems a little foolish.


Some basic stuff From http://www.andrologyaustralia.org/pageContent.asp?pageCode=LOWTESTREPLACE


What are the side-effects of testosterone therapy?

Testosterone therapy can increase prostate growth, possibly making any prostate cancer, if present, worse. Testosterone should not be prescribed for men with prostate cancer. It may also make symptoms of benign enlargement of the prostate (or benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH) worse (for example, obstruction of urine flow or a need for urination more often).

Other side-effects are uncommon. Mild acne, weight gain, breast development (gynaecomastia), male-pattern hair loss and changes in mood (including increased aggression) can happen and should be managed by a doctor.

Sometimes testosterone therapy can increase red blood cells (polycythaemia) leading to problems with blood circulation. This is more likely to be a problem for older men, particularly if they have sleep apnoea (short periods where breathing stops during sleep, often in men with heavy snoring).

Existing tendencies towards migraines, sleep apnoea or androgen-sensitive epilepsy can also worsen with testosterone treatments.


Does testosterone therapy affect fertility?

Testosterone treatment generally stops the production of pituitary hormones FSH and LH which normally stimulate the testes. This reduces the size of the testes and can lower or stop sperm production. If sperm production was previously normal, it usually recovers several months after stopping treatment. Androgen deficient men often don’t make sperm and are already infertile before treatment starts.

Testosterone treatment does NOT boost sperm counts and any man with fertility issues must discuss these with his doctor before starting treatment. Men with low sperm counts wishing to have children may benefit from other hormonal treatments that turn sperm production back on.

 

[Harleymarleybone]

And sorry to thread hijack. Hope you don't mind me asking boss.

No problem. I haven't researched all the ins and outs of this myself, so all questions and answers are welcome. r1 (AKA Farmer's Tan Specialist) seems to know the pros and cons for younger guys.

 

[Nathan]

What if it doesn't shrink the testes? It also says "generally" and a lot of guys knock up their girlfriends/wives while on. I'm sure it doesn't help fertility anyways.

 

[Harleymarleybone]

Congrats bro, no worries, if you get the script you can order what you want. If you get caught say you were ordering your medicine lol...

LosT!!

I have thought about that. Could be helpful as a defense.

 

[r1]

If you want to keep your balls and the sperm that they produce, you need to incorporate HCG into regimen. I got my wife pregnant on Test + HCG. Properly dosed HCG (about 500iu/week) will keep your balls nice and full in more ways than one.

R1

 

[holy ghost]

glad you gave him the rundown R1.

 

[xrsist]

Generally, if you have normal levels, it's not going to help you, except that you would not have to worry about PCT - post cycle therapy - - but HRT for that reason alone seems a little foolish.


Some basic stuff From http://www.andrologyaustralia.org/pageContent.asp?pageCode=LOWTESTREPLACE


What are the side-effects of testosterone therapy?

Testosterone therapy can increase prostate growth, possibly making any prostate cancer, if present, worse. Testosterone should not be prescribed for men with prostate cancer. It may also make symptoms of benign enlargement of the prostate (or benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH) worse (for example, obstruction of urine flow or a need for urination more often).

Other side-effects are uncommon. Mild acne, weight gain, breast development (gynaecomastia), male-pattern hair loss and changes in mood (including increased aggression) can happen and should be managed by a doctor.

Sometimes testosterone therapy can increase red blood cells (polycythaemia) leading to problems with blood circulation. This is more likely to be a problem for older men, particularly if they have sleep apnoea (short periods where breathing stops during sleep, often in men with heavy snoring).

Existing tendencies towards migraines, sleep apnoea or androgen-sensitive epilepsy can also worsen with testosterone treatments.


Does testosterone therapy affect fertility?

Testosterone treatment generally stops the production of pituitary hormones FSH and LH which normally stimulate the testes. This reduces the size of the testes and can lower or stop sperm production. If sperm production was previously normal, it usually recovers several months after stopping treatment. Androgen deficient men often don’t make sperm and are already infertile before treatment starts.

Testosterone treatment does NOT boost sperm counts and any man with fertility issues must discuss these with his doctor before starting treatment. Men with low sperm counts wishing to have children may benefit from other hormonal treatments that turn sperm production back on.

you in australia bro?

 

[njmuscleguy]

Yeah, the doc asked me if I knew how to inject, and I played dumb and said "I could learn" since he was a little suspicious that I took steroids when he saw my build and my test levels were low. If I said I knew,then he would know. But then he said I should go in for the injections. But, after I am in the program a bit, I'll insist that I can do it. I think once a week would be fine.

I'm in the same boat as you bro... only my doctor (general practitioner) put me on androgel first, because he figured it'd be "easier" and less painful than injections... I'm 1.5 months into the gel, got my first set of bloodwork since I started HRT... I just wanted to appease him... I'm going to see him next week and tell him everything I hate about using this gel (there is plenty) and hopefully there will be no issues switching over to injectable.

 

[Nathan]

If you want to keep your balls and the sperm that they produce, you need to incorporate HCG - human chorionic gonadotropin - into regimen. I got my wife pregnant on Test + HCG. Properly dosed HCG (about 500iu/week) will keep your balls nice and full in more ways than one.

R1

Doesn't hcg just bring up testicular mass? A lot of guys don't get shrinkage. In those cases, wouldn't all you have to do would be to bring up your LH production? Clomid and nolva should be fine for that.

 

[r1]

You will get shrinkage on HRT...it's only a matter of time. If you are on HRT and you haven't shrunk, it will either happen or you're a genetic anomoly.

The sole purpose of H.CG is not just restore testicular size and sperm production. When you bring exogeneous Testosterone into the picture, your body has a feedback mechanism that commonly results in DHEA and Pregnenlone going low. Pregnenolone makes DHEA makes Androstenedione and then Androstenedione makes Test.

This is from a women's website, but the process is the same in men and I chose this pic because it is easy to follow:

When production of Pregnenolone drops, everything underneath it suffers to a degree. We don't care that Testosterone suffers...we are taking care of that. The problem is that other things are dependent on Preg...namely Progesterone and Cortisol. When these two drop low, you can end up with a very unlovely condition known as Adrenal Fatigue.

When production of those hormones is impaired, your sense of well being will often be effected. Some men are more sensitive to this than others.

So, good TRT involves rebalancing the pathways. It's common to supplement with DHEA and Pregnenlone to rebalance them. The addition of H.CG increases activity of the enzyme (P450SCC) that converts Cholesterol to Pregnenolone...effectively forcing your body to put back what it thinks it doesn't need any more.

Sorry...that's kinda technical and hard to follow, but it's important stuff. I believe that it explains why a lot of guys do well in TRT initially only to have it "stop working" later.

R1

 

[Nathan]

Good post, thank you. I didn't realize all that - never used that stuff when I used to use. I'd come off, use clomid, go get my test levels checked a few months later and all was well, but my nuts never really shrank so I never figured I needed it.

And no, your nuts won't necessarily eventually shrink, unless it takes over 20 years. Or that is my understanding - though I guess everyone could be a liar since I'm not getting on my hands and knees and checking for myself - let me know what you find though.

 

[Harleymarleybone]

you in australia bro?

No, just googled and seemed like a good basic rundown. Throw a shrimp on the barbie for me

 

[Harleymarleybone]

If you want to keep your balls and the sperm that they produce, you need to incorporate HCG - human chorionic gonadotropin - into regimen. I got my wife pregnant on Test + HCG. Properly dosed HCG (about 500iu/week) will keep your balls nice and full in more ways than one.

R1

Yeah I'm going to ask the doc about that soon.

 

[Harleymarleybone]

You will get shrinkage on HRT...it's only a matter of time. If you are on HRT and you haven't shrunk, it will either happen or you're a genetic anomoly.

The sole purpose of H.CG is not just restore testicular size and sperm production. When you bring exogeneous Testosterone into the picture, your body has a feedback mechanism that commonly results in DHEA and Pregnenlone going low. Pregnenolone makes DHEA makes Androstenedione and then Androstenedione makes Test.

This is from a women's website, but the process is the same in men and I chose this pic because it is easy to follow:

When production of Pregnenolone drops, everything underneath it suffers to a degree. We don't care that Testosterone suffers...we are taking care of that. The problem is that other things are dependent on Preg...namely Progesterone and Cortisol. When these two drop low, you can end up with a very unlovely condition known as Adrenal Fatigue.

When production of those hormones is impaired, your sense of well being will often be effected. Some men are more sensitive to this than others.

So, good TRT involves rebalancing the pathways. It's common to supplement with DHEA and Pregnenlone to rebalance them. The addition of H.CG increases activity of the enzyme (P450SCC) that converts Cholesterol to Pregnenolone...effectively forcing your body to put back what it thinks it doesn't need any more.

Sorry...that's kinda technical and hard to follow, but it's important stuff. I believe that it explains why a lot of guys do well in TRT initially only to have it "stop working" later.

R1

Makes sense. Well explained.

 

[Harleymarleybone]

glad you gave him the rundown R1.

R1 is definitely the man when it comes to HRT knowledge.

 

[Harleymarleybone]

I'm in the same boat as you bro... only my doctor (general practitioner) put me on androgel first, because he figured it'd be "easier" and less painful than injections... I'm 1.5 months into the gel, got my first set of bloodwork since I started HRT... I just wanted to appease him... I'm going to see him next week and tell him everything I hate about using this gel (there is plenty) and hopefully there will be no issues switching over to injectable.

The doc asked me what I wanted, and I said injectable. He said he thought that was the best choice, though I am concerned about the three week intervals. I just got my first injection today -300mg. The little injection dude's technique wasn't the greatest. I could do it with less pain. He wiggled the muscle around as he was injecting to disperse the oil. Didn't like it much. I just inject and use my high power electrical massager to help disperse the oil.

 

[Triple J]

you really really want weekly injections at 100mg not 300mg every three weeks ... you need to get that fixed. also regarding the dropping dhea and preg levels, what will happen is that the body will raise cortisol to some extent to counter the increased T levels. thus substrate (preg) gets shuttled towards cortisol away from dhea. there may be other feedback mechanisms as well like R1 sugggested. blood work, blood work, blood work.

 

[perp69]

3 week injections is BS. Once a week is much better and will keep levels more stable.

Perp

 

[Harleymarleybone]

3 week injections is BS. Once a week is much better and will keep levels more stable.

Perp

I forgot to ask him what the ester was. I don't think they make the really long pharm grade esters - undeconate, and there is some other one, in the U.S. Yeah, it's bullshit. I am going to email him before my second shot.

 

[r1]

The most common Testesterone used for TRT is Testosterone Cypionate.

NEBIDO is a Testosterone Undecanote medication. It has a longer half life and might allow you to go to every 10 days or so, but it is not legal in the US. I like Testosterone Cypionate because the once-per-week injection routine allows you to just have an "injection day" (for me, it is Monday).

R1

 

[jagerbombme]

good thread, good info.

 

[jhondo]

The most common Testesterone used for TRT is Testosterone Cypionate.

NEBIDO is a Testosterone Undecanote medication. It has a longer half life and might allow you to go to every 10 days or so, but it is not legal in the US. I like Testosterone Cypionate because the once-per-week injection routine allows you to just have an "injection day" (for me, it is Monday).

R1

r1, you've been helpful to me and others. I think we are all appreciative of the information. Now, a slight hijack..sorry.

Would you mind telling what your total and free test levels were before TRT and what they are now, and with what dosage?

 

[artificialaspirations]

All these meds and hormonal imbalance sounds like a PITA. Hopefully by the time I need it it will all be worked out.

 

[r1]

r1, you've been helpful to me and others. I think we are all appreciative of the information. Now, a slight hijack..sorry.

Would you mind telling what your total and free test levels were before TRT and what they are now, and with what dosage?

I have many to choose from, but here's a start. When doing labs, I always get them on a Thursday. Since I do HCG - human chorionic gonadotropin - - human chorionic gonadotropin - - human chorionic gonadotropin - on Fri-Sun and Testosterone on Mon, getting labs on Thursday shows me the lowest levels of the week.

Before TRT:
Total T: 199 (241-827)
Free T: 77 (24-194)
Estradiol aka E2: 11 (13-54)
dihydrotestosterone: 19 (25-75)

100mg Test/week (sub-q) + 500 iu/week of HCG:
Total T: 645 (241-827)
Free T: 233 H (34-194)
Estradiol aka E2: 17
dihydrotestosterone: 56
Hemoglobin: 15.7 (13.2-17.1)
Hematocrit: 46.3 (38.5-50)
Total Cholesterol: 128 (125-200)
Triglycerides: 103 (<150)
VLDL Chol: 21 (5-35)
LDL Chol: 71 (<130)
HDL Chol: 36 L (<40)

120mg Test/week (sub-q) + 450 iu/week of HCG:
Total T: 899 H (241-827)
Free T: 182.3 H (35-155)
Estradiol aka E2: 28 (13-54)
dihydrotestosterone: not tested
Hemoglobin: 16.5 (13.2-17.1)
Hematocrit: 48.6 (38.5-50)
Total Cholesterol: 119 L (125-200)
Triglycerides: 90 <150)
VLDL Chol: 18 (5-35)
LDL Chol: 61 (<130)
HDL Chol: 40 (<40)

With Test at 120mg/week, I felt like keeping everything balanced was more difficult, so I backed down to 100mg/week. My total cholesterol is too low now. My doc says to raise it...eat red meat and butter. I had been eating really clean for months prior to the latest bloodwork at 120mg/week.

HRT has raised my BP about 10 points. It's always about 125/75 or 130/80 now. With Hemoglobin and Hematocrit near the top of the range (more problematic at 120mg), I donate blood about once every 8 weeks. Knowing this about myself has made me hesitant to run EQ although I am so curious about what it can do for me.

R1

 

[Harleymarleybone]

I have many to choose from, but here's a start. When doing labs, I always get them on a Thursday. Since I do HCG - human chorionic gonadotropin - - human chorionic gonadotropin - - human chorionic gonadotropin - - human chorionic gonadotropin - on Fri-Sun and Testosterone on Mon, getting labs on Thursday shows me the lowest levels of the week.

Before TRT:
Total T: 199 (241-827)
Free T: 77 (24-194)
Estradiol aka E2: 11 (13-54)
dihydrotestosterone: 19 (25-75)

100mg Test/week (sub-q) + 500 iu/week of HCG:
Total T: 645 (241-827)
Free T: 233 H (34-194)
Estradiol aka E2: 17
dihydrotestosterone: 56
Hemoglobin: 15.7 (13.2-17.1)
Hematocrit: 46.3 (38.5-50)
Total Cholesterol: 128 (125-200)
Triglycerides: 103 (<150)
VLDL Chol: 21 (5-35)
LDL Chol: 71 (<130)
HDL Chol: 36 L (<40)

120mg Test/week (sub-q) + 450 iu/week of HCG:
Total T: 899 H (241-827)
Free T: 182.3 H (35-155)
Estradiol aka E2: 28 (13-54)
dihydrotestosterone: not tested
Hemoglobin: 16.5 (13.2-17.1)
Hematocrit: 48.6 (38.5-50)
Total Cholesterol: 119 L (125-200)
Triglycerides: 90 <150)
VLDL Chol: 18 (5-35)
LDL Chol: 61 (<130)
HDL Chol: 40 (<40)

With Test at 120mg/week, I felt like keeping everything balanced was more difficult, so I backed down to 100mg/week. My total cholesterol is too low now. My doc says to raise it...eat red meat and butter. I had been eating really clean for months prior to the latest bloodwork at 120mg/week.

HRT has raised my BP about 10 points. It's always about 125/75 or 130/80 now. With Hemoglobin and Hematocrit near the top of the range (more problematic at 120mg), I donate blood about once every 8 weeks. Knowing this about myself has made me hesitant to run Equipoise - boldenone undecylenate - although I am so curious about what it can do for me.

R1

Interesting. Good info.

 

[Nelson Montana]

May I address you to this...http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/s...most-muscle-most-sex-into-old-age-561053.html

 

[Harleymarleybone]

May I address you to this...http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/s...most-muscle-most-sex-into-old-age-561053.html

Interesting. So are shorter cycles while on HRT better than longer, you think? I was thinking this might be necessary to work it into to the blood work schedule, since I don't want the AAS to skew the results.

 

[jhondo]

I have many to choose from, but here's a start. When doing labs, I always get them on a Thursday. Since I do HCG - human chorionic gonadotropin - - human chorionic gonadotropin - - human chorionic gonadotropin - - human chorionic gonadotropin - on Fri-Sun and Testosterone on Mon, getting labs on Thursday shows me the lowest levels of the week.

Before TRT:
Total T: 199 (241-827)
Free T: 77 (24-194)
Estradiol aka E2: 11 (13-54)
dihydrotestosterone: 19 (25-75)

100mg Test/week (sub-q) + 500 iu/week of HCG:
Total T: 645 (241-827)
Free T: 233 H (34-194)
Estradiol aka E2: 17
dihydrotestosterone: 56
Hemoglobin: 15.7 (13.2-17.1)
Hematocrit: 46.3 (38.5-50)
Total Cholesterol: 128 (125-200)
Triglycerides: 103 (<150)
VLDL Chol: 21 (5-35)
LDL Chol: 71 (<130)
HDL Chol: 36 L (<40)

120mg Test/week (sub-q) + 450 iu/week of HCG:
Total T: 899 H (241-827)
Free T: 182.3 H (35-155)
Estradiol aka E2: 28 (13-54)
dihydrotestosterone: not tested
Hemoglobin: 16.5 (13.2-17.1)
Hematocrit: 48.6 (38.5-50)
Total Cholesterol: 119 L (125-200)
Triglycerides: 90 <150)
VLDL Chol: 18 (5-35)
LDL Chol: 61 (<130)
HDL Chol: 40 (<40)

With Test at 120mg/week, I felt like keeping everything balanced was more difficult, so I backed down to 100mg/week. My total cholesterol is too low now. My doc says to raise it...eat red meat and butter. I had been eating really clean for months prior to the latest bloodwork at 120mg/week.

HRT has raised my BP about 10 points. It's always about 125/75 or 130/80 now. With Hemoglobin and Hematocrit near the top of the range (more problematic at 120mg), I donate blood about once every 8 weeks. Knowing this about myself has made me hesitant to run Equipoise - boldenone undecylenate - although I am so curious about what it can do for me.

R1

that looks really well balanced and your free T is off the chart. You must feel great!

Thanks for that!

 

[leonidas33]

for those that are on HRT and have been for years... is scar tissue from injections becoming a problem? what is your injection routine/rotations?

 

[Harleymarleybone]

for those that are on HRT and have been for years... is scar tissue from injections becoming a problem? what is your injection routine/rotations?

Bump this.

 

[njmuscleguy]

Interesting. So are shorter cycles while on HRT better than longer, you think? I was thinking this might be necessary to work it into to the blood work schedule, since I don't want the anabolic androgenic steroids to skew the results.

I have my first HRT follow-up visit tomorrow since having started androgel... I'm going to convince him to switch me over to injectable and also talk about the possibility of using H C G (and arimi-dex is necessary down the road)...

I have an 8-week cycle ready to go (prop, tren-ace, maybe t bol as well)... I decided that 8 week cycles should fit into an HRT schedule nicely, since you're generally required to get re-tested every 3-4 months... so that means 2 months on-cycle, then one month to come back down to HRT levels.

 

[ProMed]

This is similar to what I did. I had the doc write the script for injections and told him my girl is a nurse and she would do the injections. That was a couple years ago and I have just been saving them up ever since. Now that I am finally starting back into juice, it looks like all my cycles will include Test E!

 

[artificialaspirations]

Any chance they would ever prescribe var?

 

[e6er]

I have my first HRT follow-up visit tomorrow since having started androgel... I'm going to convince him to switch me over to injectable and also talk about the possibility of using H C G (and arimi-dex is necessary down the road)...

I have an 8-week cycle ready to go (testosterone propionate, trenbolone-ace, maybe t bol as well)... I decided that 8 week cycles should fit into an HRT schedule nicely, since you're generally required to get re-tested every 3-4 months... so that means 2 months on-cycle, then one month to come back down to HRT levels.

Do you see any difference body wise when on HRT?

 

[Harleymarleybone]

Do you see any difference body wise when on HRT?

Bump

 

[r1]

Do you see any difference body wise when on HRT?

This is a bit of a hard comparison because most guys on TRT are there because their T levels were in the crapper in the first place. One common side effect is that you feel like you're going nowhere in the gym. So, when you get on HRT and restore youthful levels of T, your body starts responding like it used to.

I definitely feel TRT has given me an edge in the gym though both with strength and with how my body responds to exercise. In my early 20's and late teens, my body was really responsive to exercise and I feel like it is acting now like it did then.

R1

 

[njmuscleguy]

Do you see any difference body wise when on HRT?

That's an overwhelming YES YES YES!

Here's the thing.... in the last few years, I've busted my ass in the gym despite having pretty low natural test levels... I had been asked many times by people if I was "juicing"... it was flattering, but it still didn't make me feel better physically...the doctors I had seen recently looked at me when I walked in and said "Your test levels are LOW?" I would think, "God, imagine where I'd be if my natty test levels were normal?" So now, almost 2 months after starting HRT, I'm already noticing a difference in size and shape... I've actually gained and am keeping a solid 2-3 pounds with a fairly clean diet....

I'm actually a little apprehensive because I have a 2-month cycle ready to go and I'm thinking I'm going to grow alot...and then I will keep most of it because I won't be crashing back down to sub-normal test levels this time now that I'm on HRT... I think that's going to be the biggest difference.

 

[Harleymarleybone]

That's an overwhelming YES YES YES!

Here's the thing.... in the last few years, I've busted my ass in the gym despite having pretty low natural test levels... I had been asked many times by people if I was "juicing"... it was flattering, but it still didn't make me feel better physically...the doctors I had seen recently looked at me when I walked in and said "Your test levels are LOW?" I would think, "God, imagine where I'd be if my natty test levels were normal?" So now, almost 2 months after starting HRT, I'm already noticing a difference in size and shape... I've actually gained and am keeping a solid 2-3 pounds with a fairly clean diet....

I'm actually a little apprehensive because I have a 2-month cycle ready to go and I'm thinking I'm going to grow alot...and then I will keep most of it because I won't be crashing back down to sub-normal test levels this time now that I'm on HRT... I think that's going to be the biggest difference.

That's friggin' great. I think I had the same situation. I have been working my ass off in the gym for 15 years, with good results - people thought I was juicing, too, when I wasn't. What if I had low test levels for much of that time? - (Mine might have been caused by AAS, so I am not sure.) Looking forward to see what changes occur on TRT.