muscle cramping

[magnus]

Just wondering if anyone knows of any association between TRT and muscle cramping?

I've been on 130mg/wk of test cyp for about 3 years now, with life changing results. I do experience elevated HCT, but regular blood donation seems to keep in check.

Last summer I started experiencing calf muscle cramping when jogging. I chalked it up to dehydration and electrolyte issues and started on magnesium and potassium. While it's helped some, since that time muscle cramping happens somewhat frequently in other muscle groups, when working out. I also will get calf and hamstring cramping while sleeping. Two days ago, I woke up with both hamstrings in complete muscle spasm and severe pain. I had been very active that day, rebuilding a retaining wall, but had made sure to stay hydrated.

The only other medications I'm on is Avapro for slightly elevated BP. I have found some literature that suggests muscle cramping is a side effect for some people on Avapro. The muscle cramping issue does time up with shortly after commencing Avapro. At this point I'm inclined to think it might be more related to the Avapro, but thought I would post up here to see if anyone had ideas I had not considered.

Any experience or thoughts on the issue would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ERO]

I take 400mg of Magnesium Malate daily and it keeps me from getting muscle cramps and helps me sleep. I take before bed.

 

[Jasen Bruce]

Magnus-
You can always blood test electrolytes and magnesium, they should be very cheap and available on sites like discountedlabs.com. Usually when presented with muscle cramping dehydration is the first suspect (as it was for you too).
Since you seem to be staying hydrated and are supplementing magnesium, it is good thinking to evaluate the medications you are taking which might have that as a side effect. If the generic for Avapro is irbesartan, there are reports of people experiencing mild to sever muscle pain sometimes with weakness while taking this medication. You may want to discuss this with your prescribing doctor to see what he thinks and if there is an alternative.

Testosterone should not be causing your symptoms and may actually help if indeed the irbesartan is causing muscle weakness

 

[SoCalSurfer]

Magnus, I agree with Jasen that its not your TRT causing it.
I had the same issue with cycling and found adding a supplement called Endurolytes before long rides works well to give me what I was sweating out. If you are a heavy sweater like me then you need to make sure to drink. I am covered in salt after a ride. Also if you are new to running then your legs are using muscles that it has not used before and the cramping could be from them. The old question are you peeing clear? if not your not drinking enough still holds true.
Weight yourself before a run in your b-day suit and then after re-weight yourself, that is how much water you have lost and need to replace it. I cannot stress enough to stretch and use a roller on your legs after a run. I took up cycling because running was just to hard on my already damaged knees.

 

[magnus]

Thanks for the well thought out responses.

I'm not new to running and as someone who has had a fairly long life of working out hard both anaerobically and aerobically, along with hard work (firefighting) I think I have the hydration issue dialed in fairly well. Perhaps I'm suffering an electrolyte issue unrelated to hydration, per se and more to do with some sort of age related (48) imbalance or related to the Avapro, or both. The reason I wondered about TRT is that muscle weakness is certainly not the issue related to cramping. In fact, often the force of contraction is so intense that the muscle goes into spasm and/or severe cramping. It happens most commonly with calves and hamstrings, but has also happened in biceps, forearms and spinal erectors. It's even happened a couple times in my triceps.

Anyhow, I booked an appointment with my primary care physician today and will see him in a couple weeks.

 

[wizley]

When I have muscle spaspms and pain I use ritmscenar. It really helps me.
http://www.scenarinamerica.com/products/ritmscenar-sport-d/
Look here is you are interesned.

 

[Steelballs]

I had a similar issue. Only difference for me was it would happen during but worse hours later. I'm not saying TRT is causing it but you do have a tendency to push your self more and more. I was doing the same thing, drinking plenty of water, magnesium, etc. So I did 2 things. Lite warm up before lifting and I would start slow on elliptical. Then the part I never want to do but have pushed myself is stretching. It has helped quite a bit. What I want for Fathers Day is a vibra power plate. They are incredible. When I first bought my Elliptical I saw one there and it looked like a gimmick. Kinda like the old machine with the large belt you put around your back and it shakes you. Well I was proven wrong. I will keep the detail short on this but a few minutes on the plate with lite movement and the stretching is done for you. Problem is these plate are really expensive. If you see one in your gym try it. Btw if you can afford it make sure to get one that is around 35hz.