Search results

I've read elevated prolactin in men can cause ED and other sexual dysfunction based on its inhibitory effects on the HPTA; however, I am curious to know if fluctuations in prolactin itself can cause ED in a TRT patient? I have a documented pituitary adenoma that has seemed non-functional for...

Based on your symptoms and those numbers I agree with Vince the full thyroid panel (FT3/FT4, etc.) would definitely be a good diagnostic tool at this point. Definitely rule out thyroid issues before going downstream the TRT route because low thyroid output can absolutely be the driver of the...

I'm on a successful TRT/AI/HCG protocol with Defy and have been for some time. I generally feel good mentally and can typically perform sexually when necessary, but am just...blah...don't really care and don't have any real desire. One complicating factor is I am very low SHBG (10-15), so my...

Hey man, yes I was able to get past this with the doctor's help. I was on a bit too much T and needed to go up to 0.22 EOD from 0.125 EOD on AI. The numbers above wouldn't really justify that story, but over the course of a few lab draws following this post they crept up necessitating a need to...

I plan on writing a post about my perspective on how to have a successful TRT journey soon, but in reading this post I thought I would comment. It took me 2 years to get to a steady state...2 YEARS. This journey included multiple approaches from several physicians until I landed with Defy...from...

I am a happy Defy patient on a stable daily TRT + HCG + AI protocol. I'm sure Dr. Saya will translate these results during our consult, but it's not for another few weeks, so I wanted to educate myself as much as possible as I am concerned. My cholesterol numbers have always been marginal. HDL...

I agree with you that the answer to what ails us emotionally isn't always the absolute value of E2, but I don't need a study to confirm that imbalanced E2 causes emotional (or bloating) issues (with me, at least).

I agree with this. My anecdotal experience is that the T:E2 ratio is more important than the absolute values in terms of how I feel. With T levels that high I'd need E2 in the upper 30s to feel good.

Clomid blocks E2 at the hypothalamus/pituitary level. The brain goes "holy crap, I have no E2, that means I have no T", and so it secretes LH/FSH to stimulate the testicles to produce more T. As long as a man isn't primary and he creating ample LH/FSH from the clomid stimulation, his T (and...

His LH is supposed to be suppressed. The presence of HCG suppresses production of LH.

Yes, I donate every year or so (even before TRT). Everyone seems to mention elevated hematocrit, so I've been watching for that. Haven't seen much on hemoglobin rising without subsequent rise in hematocrit.

I had a regularly scheduled blood draw with my PCP earlier this week. I am always on the lookout for elevated hematocrit being on TRT. This time around, my hemoglobin was slightly elevated, but hematocrit was normal. Is this diagnostically significant? Hemoglobin: 17.8 (13.0-17.0) Hematocrit...

Seems like you have a lot of changes going on. It would be great to see bloodwork in a few weeks after whatever protocol you are on stabilizes a bit. In my anecdotal experience, hot flashes and sweating are more symptomatic of low E2 than high (again, for me). I also experience water retention...

Interesting on the HCG point. The thing is, prior to TRT, I was on HCG mono at significantly higher dosages 3000iu per week (that had its own issues as well) without bloating. But I was never at the level of T I'm at now on HCG mono. I'll keep reading, would appreciate any other perspectives...

I've been on TRT since March or so. Protocol is stable shooting 20mg T + 150iu HCG ED, 0.125mg anastrozole EOD. For the past couple of months I have been struggling with water retention, about 8 lbs or so extra than normal. It is manifesting mostly in my neck and face although my pants feel a...

Maybe Dr. Saya will respond to this one. Would like to know his opinion here... Paging Dr. Saya!

I struggled with libido and election issues until I went to a daily injection. One of the positives of doing this is when you get labs, you are pretty sure that the number you are seeing is representative of where you are most of the time. I am low SHBG so that may be why I do better daily.

If you are symptomatic, have labs that substantiate those symptoms, and have a physician who is knowledgable and comfortable with TRT, you should have no problem. The key is finding a physician who has the knowledge and willingness to address the problems. It's really that simple.

My libido only returned when I started to pin daily. I take 30mg ED (except Sunday) for a total of 180mg per week. I take 150ius of HCG on that schedule also. Anastrozole 0.125mg EOD. For me, the roller coaster of a ton of T every 3.5 days made me always either going up or going down. My body...

The urine issue is likely all of the B-vitamins (riboflavin) in the multivitamin you are taking. Headache can be caused by anastrozole if dosed too high.

I had a hard time getting anyone to take me seriously because my levels averaged about 280, but once I saw a spike to low 400s. The lowest level I had was 150, and it was at that point my GP ordered a contrast MRI which discovered the tumor. Honestly to this day we are not sure whether the tumor...

I have a 7mm pituitary tumor that is nonfunctional. All of my pituitary hormones (ACTH, LH, FSH, etc.) are consistently at the bottom of the lab ranges which, considering my age of 30, is not ideal. Interestingly, I had a very successful low dosage clomid run, which pushed my LH & FSH so high we...

We are going to do some E2 monitoring over the next few weeks and in the meantime try low dose HTZ to see if we can bring it down. Honestly I am thinking it's E2 related. I have been getting trough draws but I'm going to draw day after injection, etc., to see if spiking is occurring that may be...

Thanks everyone. I called this AM and asked for just that. We'll see what they say. In the meantime, I will try to drink more water, although I drink a ton of it already...I have a desk job and literally drink water all day. Bathroom breaks constantly as well. Then after work I go straight to...

I'm going to give Defy a call tomorrow but in the meantime just wanted to educate myself a bit on this topic with your help. I started TRT a few months ago after an unsuccessful clomid run. My latest labs are in great shape and I'm feeling great. Reasonable trough T at 700-800, E2 at 35. But...

I inject 80mg T twice a week. Until recently I would draw T with a large needle, then using LL would replace the large needle with 1/2" to inject T SubQ. The issue is every shot hurts like hell and bleeds afterward. So a few days ago I drew the T but then back filled it into one of my 31 gauge...

Nelson, how is it that an AI can decrease E without simultaneously increasing T, even on a male on TRT? An AI should prevent T from being converted to E2, thereby decreasing E2 AND increasing T...right?

Xerxes, I too started with Defy after a poorly managed TRT protocol. At 30 years old, we replaced my previous regimen with LD clomid similar to you because it's a good first option for low T in guys who want kids. After about a year, 60 days ago we stopped clomid and went TRT+HCG because while...

Am I missing something here? An AI like anastrozole, which binds to E2 receptors to prevent aromatization, should both decrease E2 AND increase total T, regardless of whether the T is exogenous or endogenous. Reason being, the rate of aromatization is reduced with anastrozole, thereby keeping...

What is the wisdom in wiping with alcohol after the injection? Seems like that could be the source of the problem as you are getting alcohol into the pin hope you've just created. I've had success by doing the following: (1) don't squeeze skin before injection (2) inject a bit higher than where...

Hi Chris, My doctor is supportive of your approach. What would the weekly schedule look like for this protocol in your mind?