Is it normal to experience these side effects? 3 weeks into TRT

[tom1959]

I'm 53 years old. I've been an active person all my life and health conscious. Meaning, eating right, regular exercise and rarely ill. I struggled through the past few years with loss of energy and most all of the symptoms of LOW T. When tested; my total T was 541. The doctors would not look any further, stating "I'm normal", Frustrated, I seeked-out a doctor and clinic that specialized in TRT.


My blood test showed that my total T was above 500 but my free T was rock bottom. The doctor shared that the free T carries the load. Meaning gives us all the life pleasures we expect as men. The doctor recommended pellets, based on ease of used and steady release of the hormone. He did not prescribe any other meds.


I'M ONLY 3 WEEKS INTO TRT;

shortly after the insertion, I began to experience side effects. Ankle and feet swelling, a lot of trouble sleeping and itching nipples.


The doctor then prescribed a mild diuretic to relieve the swelling and Arimidex for the itching. The diuretic has helped but there is mild feet and ankle swelling in the evenings. This is only my first week on Arimidex and have noticed slightly less itching. I've not gotten any assistance with the sleeplessness (what is causing is?).

I'm scheduled to have my first follow up blood work on March 14th (insertion was January 17th). What should the doctor be screening for? The doctor has only (3) items listed;

1. Estradiol LC
2. PSA LC
3.Testosterone, Free and total CPT

I'm pretty nervous about it all and cant help but wonder if I should continue on, expecting that my body is in an adjustment period or if I should discontinue TRT, due to the side effects.

I will note that I have recognized some improvement in mental equity, increased energy and slight improvement in libido. (I was expecting more)

You feedback is welcome and appreciated. Thank you very much

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Swelling of ankles is not common but I have heard that a few times from guys start they start TRT.

Have your doctor measure your liver enzymes and do a cardiovascular work up to ensure that you do not have pre existing issues in those two areas. The ankle-brachial index is a good way to see if you have any peripheral artery disease that may predispose you to ankle swelling.

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pad/diagnosis.html

 

[tom1959]

Thank you.

I'm also experiencing sleeplessness. I fall asleep without issue but (4) hours later my mind is racing and I cannot get back to sleep.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Any coffee after 3 pm? Naps during the day? Injecting late at night? Stress? Workout supplements that may be stimulating? Things need to be ruled out before linking sleep issues to testosterone.

Try taking 3 to 5 mg of melatonin before dinner and see if you sleep better. Melatonin helps you sleep and has some interesting data in rats.

Melatonin enhances sexual behavior in the male rat

 

[tom1959]

I'm Using pellets, not injections. No coffee at all, no workout supplements. No naps. However, job has plenty of stress. The onset of the sleeplessness came in the 3rd week, after starting therapy. I'm now in my 4th week of TRT.