5 Weeks Into TRT and Feeling No Effects? Need libido ASAP. Please help

riverside

Member
Hello - Many month lurker and first time poster. I discovered I had low T in early June of this year after mainly symptoms of almost no libido, brain fog, ED, no gains from working out. I am 35, fairly fit at 6'2" 198lbs and previously did cardio 5 days a week and have since quit that and have been doing the StrongLifts 5X5 weightlifting for the last 2 months. My initial bloods revealed:


Pre TRT Bloods:
Testosterone,Free-Calc 3.50 ng/dL LOW 3.70-23.28
Testosterone Total 193 ng/dL LOW 241-827
Testosterone,Bioavailable-Calc 89.1 ng/dL 60.8-409.9
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin 33.2 nmol/L 11.0-57.0
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone 1.020 uIU/mL 0.350-5.500
Luteinizing Hormone LH 1.3 [IU]/L 1.5-8.1 mIU/ml for 20-70 years LOW
Follicle Stim. Hormone FSH 0.9 [IU]/L 1.4 - 18.1 mIU/mL for males ages 13 - 70 yrs LOW


My GP recommenced a dose of 100mg E2W by injection and I knew this was a bad protocol given what I was versed in from reading sites like ExcelMale. My GP also wouldn't test E2 as it was a 'female hormone'. I am now with a Dr that knows TRT very well. The first thing he recommended was a 24 hour urine hormone analysis and those results are attached to this thread. He mentioned that I am a high metabolizer of Testosterone and found it interesting that I had a high Cortisol as well as Cortisone. He placed me on a protocol of 25mg Clomid EOD and I lasted 4 weeks on that protocol with no benefit.


I am now starting my 6th week of Test-C injections on a protocol of 70mg E3.5D with no AI and just started HCG at 200IU EOD at the beginning of my 5th week as it was tough to source from a pharmacy (out of stock elsewhere?). To date I would say I have almost zero improvements to my energy, focus/brain fog and most importantly no benefit to my libido. I am awaiting new blood labs to be drawn very soon but I wanted to reach out to see if anyone can see anything from my labs that may also contribute to my lack of libido. My wife is very high libido right now and this is a MAJOR challenge for us right now. I had very high hopes based on what I have seen many times in that libido is the first to see improvements and starts at week 3 but plateaus at week 6 - that has me very worried right now. My and my wife's head are about to pop off!


I have tried Viagra and Cialis with moderate results when I am actually feeling any remote libido but otherwise they are not effective. I truly think that if my desire returns, I will be fine. Any help would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks
 

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One thing that pops out is your very low DHT. DHT is critical for libido and is not a waste product that should be eliminated (providing your PSA levels and fine and you are not having hair loss) It can be difficult to raise DHT but some have had success by supplementing their T shots with a bit of topical Test applied to the scrotum daily.
 
Lots of tests there that we simply don't use, almost 90% of them are what i'd call useless. What I think looking there is that your SHBG, which is missing, must be rather low, probably has come down with Cyp injections which is rather typical. You should not be that low testosterone on a E3.5D of 70mg. You're body is clearing (Dr said high metabolizer) the testosterone most likely to low SHBG. Have that tested. Those of us that are low don't do too well on E3.5D, typically we have to inject EOD, if not daily.
 
I am awaiting getting my post TRT blood draw, hopefully very soon. Both of these blood results are pre-TRT or Clomid. For SHBG:

Pre TRT:
SHBG 33.2 nmol/L 11.0-57.0

After 4 weeks of Clomid:
SHBG 27nmol/L 10-57
 
One thing that pops out is your very low DHT. DHT is critical for libido and is not a waste product that should be eliminated (providing your PSA levels and fine and you are not having hair loss) It can be difficult to raise DHT but some have had success by supplementing their T shots with a bit of topical Test applied to the scrotum daily.


The interesting thing with my DHT is that it shot to 412 pg/ml (range 112-955) after 4 weeks of Clomid but I felt nothing.
 

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

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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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