I'm Dying Here!

[uncle_bingo]

Hello all, its been awhile since I posted. I have been on HRT for about 4 months now. I am currently taking the following hormones on a daily basis:

300mg of Test (oral/sublingual tablets)
2 IUs of HGH
30 MG of Thyroid Armour
75 MG of DHEA
75 MG of Pregnenalone

After 3 months we ran blood work and found that my HGH levels were high (390 was the number) and my body seems to be producing too much estrogen, so now my doctor has put me on 50 mg of progesterone to combat the estrogen production.

Well anyway, I have been following this HRT program for 4 months now and have seen very little results with fat loss and muscle gain. I work out religiously (weights and cardio) and I have a clean diet. What makes matters worse is that I am sore and achey all the time. I just feel "beat up". I am spending a good chunk on change on the HRT and I was hoping for better than this.

Should I just be more patient with this? Help me out here guys, I feel like I'm dying.

 

[cmanser]

300mg of test PER DAY???

Seems like a really high dosage - are you sure that is right?

That is super high for a normal cycle let alone HRT.

 

[goin on 4T]

Progesterone? Nope wont help unless you are on your period alot longer than you should!

 

[heavydutyhit]

Make sure you clarify your weekly HRT protocol. Sounds like your estrogen is too high as you said. What was your Estradiol level on your last blood test? I am not up to speed on the specifics of individual oral testosterone absorbtion variations, but I am fairly certain that 300mg taken orally is NOT the same as 300mg injected intramuscularly.

You need to tell your Doctor that the oral tablets irritate your mouth, and cause severe nausea. Ask him about injections. If he won't budge, then do as I did, do your own research, and call up an anti-aging clinic. They will give you what you need. Just be sure to pick one that actually cares about your health and requires regular blood tests to monitor your therapy.

 

[doublebicep]

Oral testosterone has never been considered effective for boosting testosterone levels. The liver is very efficient at inactivating testosterone quickly. You may be getting just enough test to shut you down.

What makes matters worse is that I am sore and achey all the time. I just feel "beat up". I am spending a good chunk on change on the HRT and I was hoping for better than this. Should I just be more patient with this? Help me out here guys, I feel like I'm dying.

You should expect better! I think you should get a blood test ASAP. The oral test could be causing liver. This might explain why you feel beat up. Does your right shoulder ache? Are you jaundice at all?

17-alpha alkyl testosterones can be harsh on your liver. What is the name or compound of oral test you are taking?

From: Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Types of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Ideal testosterone replacement therapy produces and maintains physiologic serum concentrations of the hormone and its active metabolites without significant side effects or safety concerns. Several different types of testosterone replacement are currently marketed, including tablets, injectables, and transdermal systems.

Oral agents

Although elevations in liver function tests and abnormalities at liver scan and biopsy are relatively common in patients receiving oral testosterone,10 these preparations still constitute roughly a third of the testosterone prescriptions filled in the United States. Both modified and unmodified oral testosterone preparations are available. Unmodified testosterone is rapidly absorbed by the liver, making satisfactory serum concentrations difficult to achieve. Modified 17-alpha alkyltestosterones, such as methyltestosterone or fluoxymesterone, also require relatively large doses that must be taken several times a day.

Intramuscular injection

Testosterone cypionate and enanthate are frequently used parenteral preparations that provide a safe means of hormone replacement in hypogonadal men. Testosterone is esterified to inhibit degradation and to make it soluble in oil-based injection vehicles that retain the drug in muscle tissue. In men 20-50 years of age, an intramuscular injection of 200 to 300 mg testosterone enanthate is generally sufficient to produce serum testosterone levels that are supranormal initially and fall into the normal ranges over the next 14 days. Fluctuations in testosterone levels may yield variations in libido, sexual function, energy, and mood. Some patients may be inconvenienced by the need for frequent testosterone injections.11 Increasing the dose to 300 to 400 mg may allow for maintenance of eugonadal levels of serum testosterone for up to three weeks, but higher doses will not lengthen the eugonadal period.12

Transdermal systems

Currently, three testosterone transdermal systems are marketed: a system applied to the scrotum that has no permeation enhancers [Testoderm, 6 mg, ALZA Corporation, Palo Alto, CA] and two systems that contain permeation enhancers for application to appendage or torso skin [Androderm 2.5 mg and 5 mg, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Philadelphia, PA; Testoderm TTS, 5 mg, ALZA Corporation, Palo Alto, CA]. Scrotal patches produce high levels of circulating dihydrotestosterone (DHT) due to the high 5-alpha-reductase enzyme activity of scrotal skin.

Clinical studies of transdermal systems demonstrate their efficacy in providing adequate testosterone replacement therapy.13-15 Skin irritation may be associated with the use of transdermal systems; however, Testoderm and Testoderm TTS caused significantly less topical skin irritation than Androderm in two separate clinical studies.