HPTA Recovery Log to Re Start Testosterone Production

Hello everyone.

Following my failed attempt at restarting my natural testosterone production, I'm back on HRT in the form of 500iu HCG 3x p/w.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current issues:
  • Always cold, especially extremities
  • Absent Libido
  • Thinning hair + eyebrows in a diffuse pattern
  • Severe anxiety
  • Low mood coupled with poor motivation
  • Cognitive decline
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Weight loss and development of IBD
  • Heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat
  • Dry and flaking skin

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bloods on 500iu HCG, 3x p/w:

Sex Hormones:

Testosterone: 21.2 nmol/L (Range: 8.64 - 29)
Oestradiol: 168 pmol/L (Range: 41 - 159)
Progesterone: <0.159 nmol/L (Range: 0.64 - 4.7)

Adrenal Hormones:
DHEA Sulphate: 6.450 umol/L (Range: 5.73 - 13.4)
Cortisol AM (serum): 119.0 nmol/L (Range: 166 - 507)

Thyroid:
TSH: 1.60 mIU/L (Range: 0.27 - 4.2)
Free Thyroxine: 14.200 pmol/L (Range: 12 - 22)
Free T3: 6.09 pmol/L (Range: 3.1 - 6.8)

Cholesterol
Total Cholesterol: 3.92 mmol/L (Range: 0 - 5)
LDL Cholesterol: 2.38 mmol/L (Range: < 3)
Non-HDL Cholesterol: 2.81 mmol/L (Range: < 4)
HDL Cholesterol: 1.05 mmol/L (Range: > 1.1)

Inflammation:
CRP HS: 11.9 mg/L (Range: < 5)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current Plan:

The main reason for starting HCG mono was to see if i could get my DHEA-S and progesterone levels up - both of which were low whilst off TRT. Unfortunately, HCG seems to have had the opposite effect. HCG massively improved erection quality and exercise tolerance, though it made my sleep much worse, and also gave me regular palpitations which appear to be premature ventricular contractions. With my most recent bloods in mind, I am planning on the following:

  • Return to my old protocol of 250iu HCG / 15mg Test Cyp EOD to restore testosterone levels to > 25 nmol/L
  • Apply ~5mg transdermal progesterone every night before bed to support undetectable prog and low cortisol; titrate up based upon prog and cortisol bloods after four weeks.
  • Once stabilized on T + HCG + Prog, I will begin a trial of T4 if cortisol has raised to levels adequate enough to support exogenous thyroid to treat hypothyroid symptoms.

That's the plan for now, but it will likely change over time. This thread will serve as my own personal log, but anyone is welcome to chime in along the way if they have anything to add.
 
After a week of ~5mg transdermal progesterone I've had to stop due to vascular issues. In the past whenever I've taken pregnenolone it's always caused my veins to swell, bulge and expand, permanently changing their appearance even after discontinuation - seems to be the start of varicose veins. This has happened again with progesterone, and to quite a large degree.

I'm going to discontinue use of preg and prog indefinitely because this is extremely concerning. Adrenal glandular is the next option I'll try to boost cortisol before implementing levothyroxine.

For those interested I'll be following the protocol from Peatfields "Your Thyroid and How To Keep It Healthy".
 
HCG mono therapy is just not TRT per se. I tried it and it felt more like a cycle very little results. Balls grew though not what I really wanted. Hope youre doing well
 
Hello everyone.

Following my failed attempt at restarting my natural testosterone production, I'm back on HRT in the form of 500iu HCG 3x p/w.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current issues:
  • Always cold, especially extremities
  • Absent Libido
  • Thinning hair + eyebrows in a diffuse pattern
  • Severe anxiety
  • Low mood coupled with poor motivation
  • Cognitive decline
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Weight loss and development of IBD
  • Heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat
  • Dry and flaking skin

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bloods on 500iu HCG, 3x p/w:

Sex Hormones:

Testosterone: 21.2 nmol/L (Range: 8.64 - 29)
Oestradiol: 168 pmol/L (Range: 41 - 159)
Progesterone: <0.159 nmol/L (Range: 0.64 - 4.7)

Adrenal Hormones:
DHEA Sulphate: 6.450 umol/L (Range: 5.73 - 13.4)
Cortisol AM (serum): 119.0 nmol/L (Range: 166 - 507)

Thyroid:
TSH: 1.60 mIU/L (Range: 0.27 - 4.2)
Free Thyroxine: 14.200 pmol/L (Range: 12 - 22)
Free T3: 6.09 pmol/L (Range: 3.1 - 6.8)

Cholesterol
Total Cholesterol: 3.92 mmol/L (Range: 0 - 5)
LDL Cholesterol: 2.38 mmol/L (Range: < 3)
Non-HDL Cholesterol: 2.81 mmol/L (Range: < 4)
HDL Cholesterol: 1.05 mmol/L (Range: > 1.1)

Inflammation:
CRP HS: 11.9 mg/L (Range: < 5)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current Plan:

The main reason for starting HCG mono was to see if i could get my DHEA-S and progesterone levels up - both of which were low whilst off TRT. Unfortunately, HCG seems to have had the opposite effect. HCG massively improved erection quality and exercise tolerance, though it made my sleep much worse, and also gave me regular palpitations which appear to be premature ventricular contractions. With my most recent bloods in mind, I am planning on the following:

  • Return to my old protocol of 250iu HCG / 15mg Test Cyp EOD to restore testosterone levels to > 25 nmol/L
  • Apply ~5mg transdermal progesterone every night before bed to support undetectable prog and low cortisol; titrate up based upon prog and cortisol bloods after four weeks.
  • Once stabilized on T + HCG + Prog, I will begin a trial of T4 if cortisol has raised to levels adequate enough to support exogenous thyroid to treat hypothyroid symptoms.

That's the plan for now, but it will likely change over time. This thread will serve as my own personal log, but anyone is welcome to chime in along the way if they have anything to add.
What time of day do you inject your hcg?
 
I agree, it's vastly ineffective for the majority of people. it was never the long term plan, I just wanted to see if it'd improve my poor adrenal function since various studies show LH is important for adrenal steroidogenesis. Unfortunately it had the opposite effect.
 

hCG Mixing Calculator

HCG Mixing Protocol Calculator

TRT Hormone Predictor Widget

TRT Hormone Predictor

Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.

ℹ️ Input Parameters

Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL

Predicted Hormone Levels

Enter your total testosterone value to see predictions

Results will appear here after calculation

Understanding Your Hormones

Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

Free Testosterone

The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038

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