33 year old been struggling to get dialed in for 6 years looking for help

[HappyMooseEstes]

Good evening,

My name is Robbie. I have been struggling for years to get dialed in on TRT. I started way back in 2017 self administering 250 mg a week in one injection via black market. I did this because the local clinics at the time would not help me despite very low total T numbers. Still VERY stupid I know. I was just a guy in his twenties wanting help for stuff that I was very self conscious about.

Long story short I have recently found a legit, well ran clinic in my hometown. Using 100 mg test cypionate weekly. I am currently on week 4. At times I feel okay to good but overall I am still feeling like I'm on a roller coaster. Body is absolutely chiseled, workouts are great, but libido is off as well as erections. Some days I feel extremely emotional, impulsive and downright shitty. I take 20 mg taladafil on occasion which helps but I just don't feel dialed in. I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE AI

Would it be a good idea to split the dose? My Dr. said he would be OK with it but that I might lose some "bang for my buck". He also cited a higher risk of infection. I feel like we aren't far off from being dialed in. I have made numerous changes over the last 3 months including giving up marijuana, almost 4 months no porn, and really lightened up on caffeine. I have an amazing new woman in my life who is EXTREMELY supportive. She does not love this therapy but has stood by my side. I do not want to lose her over this. When we are able to have successful sex it's really good (on the "good days")

Any other suggestions or words of encouragement here? I am going in Monday to start splitting the dose and I will take bloods right before. Am I on the right track with this? This group seems like the most knowledgeable that I've seen and I'm fortunate to be apart of it. Thank you,

Robbie

 

[Systemlord]

Would it be a good idea to split the dose? My Dr. said he would be OK with it but that I might lose some "bang for my buck".

This is nonsense, it’s not hard to see while you’re still struggling.

If anything, you’ll get more bang for your buck injecting more frequently because your hormone levels will be more steady and trough levels higher.

Experimenting to see what works best for you is a good idea rather than continuing to struggle.

He also cited a higher risk of infection.

It’s highly likely your doctor is just trying to get you to do what he wants you to do and he’s going to make a stupid excuse why you shouldn’t do it.

Your doctor lacks a spine!

 

[HappyMooseEstes]

Thank you for your honest feedback. So it sounds like you would support me splitting the dose, sticking with it for awhile, then adjusting from there?

 

[HappyMooseEstes]

Woke up early in the morning with high libido and good erection 4 days after my 100 mg shot. Is this more proof I need to split the dose?

 

[Gman86]

Woke up early in the morning with high libido and good erection 4 days after my 100 mg shot. Is this more proof I need to split the dose?

I would definitely try at least going to twice per week injections. Some people feel best on weekly injections, some feel best in daily injections, and some feel better inbetween. It’s all individual. But sometimes just changing up the injection frequency can make a big difference. So I would stay on the same dose and try out twice per week injections, and then if ur still not feeling good maybe try out EOD injections before switching up the dose. But I think it would be worth trialing out difference injection frequencies while on the same dose to at least know what injection frequency u feel best on, so then u can apply that to whatever doses u end up possibly doing in the future. Figuring out which injection frequency works best for u would be huge

I’ve personally done EOD injections most of the time I’ve been on HRT. I tried dailies for a bit, but didn’t notice any difference, so went back to EOD. Don’t think I ever tried twice per week or weekly injections. Most of the time I’ve been on HRT it’s pretty much been the consensus that the more frequent u inject the better, so just got used to doing EOD. Maybe one day I’ll see if I feel better on twice weekly injections. Don’t see myself feeling better on once per week injections, but u never know

 

[Systemlord]

Woke up early in the morning with high libido and good erection 4 days after my 100 mg shot. Is this more proof I need to split the dose?

This is not proof of anything, getting good sleep a couple of days in a row could explain both the good erections and increased libido.

You're overthinking it, this has gone on for 6 years and you struggled so what else you going to do besides split up the dose and see if it works?

 

[Simbarn]

Good evening,

My name is Robbie. I have been struggling for years to get dialed in on TRT. I started way back in 2017 self administering 250 mg a week in one injection via black market. I did this because the local clinics at the time would not help me despite very low total T numbers. Still VERY stupid I know. I was just a guy in his twenties wanting help for stuff that I was very self conscious about.

Long story short I have recently found a legit, well ran clinic in my hometown. Using 100 mg test cypionate weekly. I am currently on week 4. At times I feel okay to good but overall I am still feeling like I'm on a roller coaster. Body is absolutely chiseled, workouts are great, but libido is off as well as erections. Some days I feel extremely emotional, impulsive and downright shitty. I take 20 mg taladafil on occasion which helps but I just don't feel dialed in. I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE AI

Would it be a good idea to split the dose? My Dr. said he would be OK with it but that I might lose some "bang for my buck". He also cited a higher risk of infection. I feel like we aren't far off from being dialed in. I have made numerous changes over the last 3 months including giving up marijuana, almost 4 months no porn, and really lightened up on caffeine. I have an amazing new woman in my life who is EXTREMELY supportive. She does not love this therapy but has stood by my side. I do not want to lose her over this. When we are able to have successful sex it's really good (on the "good days")

Any other suggestions or words of encouragement here? I am going in Monday to start splitting the dose and I will take bloods right before. Am I on the right track with this? This group seems like the most knowledgeable that I've seen and I'm fortunate to be apart of it. Thank you,

Robbie

Hi Robbie,
From your post it reads that you have only been on this protocol for 4 weeks at 100mg a week? How long ago did you stop the supraphysiologic 250mg dose of T a week?
How long have your testes been shut down for?
20mg of Tadalafil is a high dose for a young man, do you get significant side effects from this and how much does this dose improve your erectile function?

My doctor also said a similar thing to me about infection. A good doctor will give this advice as every time you stick a needle into your self there is a risk, albeit a very small one if you follow strict good injection protocol EVERY-TIME! Intramuscular poses a bigger risk owing to the depth a pathogen can get to. This is never something to be blasé about. I do not think your doctor was using this as an excuse, he was simply being cautious.

I do a shallow intramuscular into the thigh with a 27g needle twice a week, no more. I did not find any benefit to more frequent injections. I prefer to minimise the above risk.

 

[HappyMooseEstes]

This is not proof of anything, getting good sleep a couple of days in a row could explain both the good erections and increased libido.

You're overthinking it, this has gone on for 6 years and you struggled so what else you going to do besides split up the dose and see if it works?

Thank you for the response. I feel like at this time I need to stay consistent with a set plan. I did see some good info on diet and supplementation posted by Nelson. So I'm gonna focus on more greens, not overtraining and being CONSISTENT. Not being a prisoner of the moment. Any other recommendations?

 

[HappyMooseEstes]

Thank you for the response. I feel like at this time I need to stay consistent with a set plan. I did see some good info on diet and supplementation posted by Nelson. So I'm gonna focus on more greens, not overtraining and being CONSISTENT. Not being a prisoner of the moment. Any other recommendations?

Hi Robbie,
From your post it reads that you have only been on this protocol for 4 weeks at 100mg a week? How long ago did you stop the supraphysiologic 250mg dose of T a week?
How long have your testes been shut down for?
20mg of Tadalafil is a high dose for a young man, do you get significant side effects from this and how much does this dose improve your erectile function?

My doctor also said a similar thing to me about infection. A good doctor will give this advice as every time you stick a needle into your self there is a risk, albeit a very small one if you follow strict good injection protocol EVERY-TIME! Intramuscular poses a bigger risk owing to the depth a pathogen can get to. This is never something to be blasé about. I do not think your doctor was using this as an excuse, he was simply being cautious.

I do a shallow intramuscular into the thigh with a 27g needle twice a week, no more. I did not find any benefit to more frequent injections. I prefer to minimise the above risk.

I quit that dose years ago. I was on 180 mg a week a couple months ago then switched to 120 and then switched Dr's 4 weeks ago, an actual medical Dr, who dropped me to 100 mg. He has a really good reputation and the testosterone is LEGIT through a real pharmacy. The Dr. before this was pre filling syringes and would never allow me to buy the bottle. She is now being looked at by the BBB. I don't think she was getting reliable, clean testosterone and that was part of the issue.

I am going to start 2 x a week 50 mg an injection on Monday. Blood draw right before. I will post results. Really appreciate the help/advice from everyone seriously. My Dr. prescribed me the 20 mg. I have read there are benefits from lower dose! Should I ask for those right away? Sometimes it helps sometimes no...Feel flushy, almost like I have allergies. They do all my injections at the clinic for free. I just want to make sure it's done perfectly for now and get dialed in finally!

 

[HappyMooseEstes]

I would definitely try at least going to twice per week injections. Some people feel best on weekly injections, some feel best in daily injections, and some feel better inbetween. It’s all individual. But sometimes just changing up the injection frequency can make a big difference. So I would stay on the same dose and try out twice per week injections, and then if ur still not feeling good maybe try out EOD injections before switching up the dose. But I think it would be worth trialing out difference injection frequencies while on the same dose to at least know what injection frequency u feel best on, so then u can apply that to whatever doses u end up possibly doing in the future. Figuring out which injection frequency works best for u would be huge

I’ve personally done EOD injections most of the time I’ve been on HRT. I tried dailies for a bit, but didn’t notice any difference, so went back to EOD. Don’t think I ever tried twice per week or weekly injections. Most of the time I’ve been on HRT it’s pretty much been the consensus that the more frequent u inject the better, so just got used to doing EOD. Maybe one day I’ll see if I feel better on twice weekly injections. Don’t see myself feeling better on once per week injections, but u never know

I appreciate the feedback brother. I will be switching to 2x a week starting monday and not changing the dose. I will be consistent and will report back with updates. Thanks so much!!!!

 

[HappyMooseEstes]

Also I am on 300 mg of Dim if that matters

 

[sammmy]

Drop all the unproven supplements like Dim. Nobody knows what they are actually doing, if anything at all. Bro-science is not a real science.

 

[HappyMooseEstes]

Drop all the unproven supplements like Dim. Nobody knows what they are actually doing, if anything at all. Bro-science is not a real science.

You really feel this is smart?

 

[eli]

DIM made me feel horrible.
4 weeks is still early, you need 7-8 weeks to know if the new protocol is good or not.
Doing twice a week injection is the best for me personally, ED or EOD injections don't make a difference

 

[HappyMooseEstes]

I’m stopping the DIM immediately

 

[Systemlord]

My Dr. prescribed me the 20 mg.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all!

They do all my injections at the clinic for free.

You’re acting like this clinic is doing you a favor and are treating you like an nipple feeding toddler/invalid. You can inject yourself at home because you’re wearing the big boy pants now.

It’s no wonder the younger generation of men are less manly.

 

[bixt]

So I would stay on the same dose and try out twice per week injections, and then if ur still not feeling good maybe try out EOD injections before switching up the dose.

I agree with Gman and everyone else, split the dose.

 

[Simbarn]

I quit that dose years ago. I was on 180 mg a week a couple months ago then switched to 120 and then switched Dr's 4 weeks ago, an actual medical Dr, who dropped me to 100 mg. He has a really good reputation and the testosterone is LEGIT through a real pharmacy. The Dr. before this was pre filling syringes and would never allow me to buy the bottle. She is now being looked at by the BBB. I don't think she was getting reliable, clean testosterone and that was part of the issue.

I am going to start 2 x a week 50 mg an injection on Monday. Blood draw right before. I will post results. Really appreciate the help/advice from everyone seriously. My Dr. prescribed me the 20 mg. I have read there are benefits from lower dose! Should I ask for those right away? Sometimes it helps sometimes no...Feel flushy, almost like I have allergies. They do all my injections at the clinic for free. I just want to make sure it's done perfectly for now and get dialed in finally!

I understand. If that testosterone was legitimate and it is only relatively recent that you have DC the higher amounts of weekly T injections, it may take some time for your body to adjust and find a level of homeostasis again with regard to issues created by excess T.
It is my opinion that if levels of T have been supraphysiologic for some time, this can cause testosterone sensitivity issues for a considerable period afterwards, not to mention other imbalances with other hormones and neurotransmitters.
It is very good that your doctor has lowered the dose to 100 mg. It may be that you need even less than this, to function sexually better than you have. As a young man, is your doctor or yourself considering hCG at some point to avoid testicular atrophy and replace some of the very important effects of LH?

I would most definitely try a lower dose of Tadalafil. It should hopefully be the case that you will need only a small dose at your age if any at all once your hormone replacement is optimised.
The problem with testosterone replacement and erectile function is that if T levels are in excess or out of balance, this can play havoc with the inhibitory mechanisms of erectile function. These are the mechanisms that keep your penis in a flaccid state 95% of the time. These are very powerful mechanisms and quite sensitive to alterations in hormone levels.
The pathways that generate an erection can have a hard time overcoming the excessive activity of these inhibitory signals, which results in unreliable erectile function.
All our hormones concerned with sexual function, play a part in erectile function, gonadotropins included. The loss of these due to TRT, can also cause issues with ED for some men, mostly due to a loss of sexual sensitivity in the genitals themselves.

The high amounts of testosterone you had been on and only recently DC, may have been altering the balance of your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which control erectile function. This takes time to find some normality again. IMO even TRT can cause this to occur, when T levels are only slightly elevated as I mention above. Many men say they experience anxiety, which I feel is part of this.
It is quite possible that your body is still in this state.

As a young man in your twenties, are you absolutely sure you need to be on TRT?
Were you experiencing these sexual issues when you were not on any form of hormone replacement?
You mention in your first post "I was just a guy in his twenties wanting help for stuff that I was very self conscious about." What were your low T symptoms?

 

[HappyMooseEstes]

I agree with Gman and everyone else, split the dose.

Thanks brother I appreciate you. Starting tomorrow and feeling really optimistic about it. Feeling like this sucks

 

[HappyMooseEstes]

I understand. If that testosterone was legitimate and it is only relatively recent that you have DC the higher amounts of weekly T injections, it may take some time for your body to adjust and find a level of homeostasis again with regard to issues created by excess T.
It is my opinion that if levels of T have been supraphysiologic for some time, this can cause testosterone sensitivity issues for a considerable period afterwards, not to mention other imbalances with other hormones and neurotransmitters.
It is very good that your doctor has lowered the dose to 100 mg. It may be that you need even less than this, to function sexually better than you have. As a young man, is your doctor or yourself considering hCG at some point to avoid testicular atrophy and replace some of the very important effects of LH?

I would most definitely try a lower dose of Tadalafil. It should hopefully be the case that you will need only a small dose at your age if any at all once your hormone replacement is optimised.
The problem with testosterone replacement and erectile function is that if T levels are in excess or out of balance, this can play havoc with the inhibitory mechanisms of erectile function. These are the mechanisms that keep your penis in a flaccid state 95% of the time. These are very powerful mechanisms and quite sensitive to alterations in hormone levels.
The pathways that generate an erection can have a hard time overcoming the excessive activity of these inhibitory signals, which results in unreliable erectile function.
All our hormones concerned with sexual function, play a part in erectile function, gonadotropins included. The loss of these due to TRT, can also cause issues with ED for some men, mostly due to a loss of sexual sensitivity in the genitals themselves.

The high amounts of testosterone you had been on and only recently DC, may have been altering the balance of your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which control erectile function. This takes time to find some normality again. IMO even TRT can cause this to occur, when T levels are only slightly elevated as I mention above. Many men say they experience anxiety, which I feel is part of this.
It is quite possible that your body is still in this state.

As a young man in your twenties, are you absolutely sure you need to be on TRT?
Were you experiencing these sexual issues when you were not on any form of hormone replacement?
You mention in your first post "I was just a guy in his twenties wanting help for stuff that I was very self conscious about." What were your low T symptoms?

I understand. If that testosterone was legitimate and it is only relatively recent that you have DC the higher amounts of weekly T injections, it may take some time for your body to adjust and find a level of homeostasis again with regard to issues created by excess T.
It is my opinion that if levels of T have been supraphysiologic for some time, this can cause testosterone sensitivity issues for a considerable period afterwards, not to mention other imbalances with other hormones and neurotransmitters.
It is very good that your doctor has lowered the dose to 100 mg. It may be that you need even less than this, to function sexually better than you have. As a young man, is your doctor or yourself considering hCG at some point to avoid testicular atrophy and replace some of the very important effects of LH?

I would most definitely try a lower dose of Tadalafil. It should hopefully be the case that you will need only a small dose at your age if any at all once your hormone replacement is optimised.
The problem with testosterone replacement and erectile function is that if T levels are in excess or out of balance, this can play havoc with the inhibitory mechanisms of erectile function. These are the mechanisms that keep your penis in a flaccid state 95% of the time. These are very powerful mechanisms and quite sensitive to alterations in hormone levels.
The pathways that generate an erection can have a hard time overcoming the excessive activity of these inhibitory signals, which results in unreliable erectile function.
All our hormones concerned with sexual function, play a part in erectile function, gonadotropins included. The loss of these due to TRT, can also cause issues with ED for some men, mostly due to a loss of sexual sensitivity in the genitals themselves.

The high amounts of testosterone you had been on and only recently DC, may have been altering the balance of your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which control erectile function. This takes time to find some normality again. IMO even TRT can cause this to occur, when T levels are only slightly elevated as I mention above. Many men say they experience anxiety, which I feel is part of this.
It is quite possible that your body is still in this state.

As a young man in your twenties, are you absolutely sure you need to be on TRT?
Were you experiencing these sexual issues when you were not on any form of hormone replacement?
You mention in your first post "I was just a guy in his twenties wanting help for stuff that I was very self conscious about." What were your low T symptoms?

Thanks for the thorough response…I am 33 now… I had ED issues that caused me to start TRT I should have checked other boxes like work on my anxiety, get off porn etc but I was young and attracted to the mystique of being on TRT. Can I get off now? Not sure…

I do feel as if I’ve made some serious changes as I’ve quit marijuana and porn for months. My body works so much better without the THC…my liver and kidneys etc…Maybe I could get off?

The decision I made was I’d like to try in the future but right now I want to get dialed in on the lower dose and get some consistency I just started dating this amazing time woman and she’s started by my side but I want to have some consistently good sex for a period of time before trying ANOTHER big change.

Is HCG mandatory on TRT? I’ve been told no…

If you were me am I doing the next right thing? Splitting my 100 mg dose..dropping the DIM..continuing to work on diet, sleep, etc….?

I want to know I have a good plan