Cyp side effects (BP, fluid retention)

[joedirt1720]

Hey all, looking for some additional guidance, I started TRT (test cyp in grapeseed oil, benzyl benzoate 20%, benzyl alcohol 2%) recently with some good some not good results, all pre-trt blood work is good and normal rested BP 115/75. 1st inj Fri 11/6 and 2nd inj Mon 11/9 both @ 5 PM. Within minutes of both injections I can feel an adrenaline rush and symptoms of high BP (145/95). Symptoms of brain fog, heaviness in chest, light sensitivity. The next day BP is still on higher end for me (125/85) chest feels tired and full. Body feels sluggish, everything takes more effort, brain fog (out of it), a little wooziness, also have fluid retention. The following morning is same symptoms but worse in discomfort. Symptoms got better both nights...

Day 3 I feel incredible, like im 25, minimal of the symptoms above, full of energy.

Minimal mental symptoms except anxiety in conjunction with negative side effects

I spoke with the TRT clinic and they recommended I lower dose to 30 MG with estrogen blocker.

Has anyone ever heard of this? What should I do next?

Happy to answer any questions to clarify I may have missed something. Thanks everybody. Joe

 

[FunkOdyssey]

You left out the details of your current protocol. How much testosterone cypionate are you injecting, and how often? Where on your body are you injecting, and with what length of needle?

What's your current body fat percentage (guesstimate is fine)?

 

[joedirt1720]

You left out the details of your current protocol. How much testosterone cypionate are you injecting, and how often? Where on your body are you injecting, and with what length of needle?

What's your current body fat percentage (guesstimate is fine)?

Sorry about that. Subcutaneous 40 mg (M,W,F). 27g 1/2". Injecting into belly next to naval. ~18-20% body fat.

 

[FunkOdyssey]

The recommendation to reduce dosage makes good sense. I would not suggest adding an estrogen blocker (aromatase inhibitors these are called), as these may have adverse health effects in the long-term. Ideally, you want to find a protocol that works for you without requiring any inhibition of aromatase.

I also don't think people should begin with subcutaneous injections. While they do work for many or even a majority of men, they are not always as effective or well tolerated in all individuals. If you take that same 27G 1/2" needle and inject into your shoulder, that will be a shallow IM injection, and would be my personal preference to start with. Later, when you have more experience with TRT, you'll be in a better position to experiment with subcutaneous injections if you want to.

It isn't typically advisable to change multiple variables at once, but then again you just started last week, so there is no long-term data that you risk confounding. So, I would at least follow the clinic's recommendation to drop to 30 mg, and I would also strongly consider beginning your TRT career with shallow IM rather than subcutaneous injections.

Some of this adrenaline rush thing you're feeling is likely temporary and will disappear as you adapt to TRT. Nevertheless, you do want to make changes to address it in the short-term, because walking around with elevated BP is not harmless.

 

[joedirt1720]

The recommendation to reduce dosage makes good sense. I would not suggest adding an estrogen blocker (aromatase inhibitors these are called), as these may have adverse health effects in the long-term. Ideally, you want to find a protocol that works for you without requiring any inhibition of aromatase.

I also don't think people should begin with subcutaneous injections. While they do work for many or even a majority of men, they are not always as effective or well tolerated in all individuals. If you take that same 27G 1/2" needle and inject into your shoulder, that will be a shallow IM injection, and would be my personal preference to start with. Later, when you have more experience with TRT, you'll be in a better position to experiment with subcutaneous injections if you want to.

It isn't typically advisable to change multiple variables at once, but then again you just started last week, so there is no long-term data that you risk confounding. So, I would at least follow the clinic's recommendation to drop to 30 mg, and I would also strongly consider beginning your TRT career with shallow IM rather than subcutaneous injections.

Some of this adrenaline rush thing you're feeling is likely temporary and will disappear as you adapt to TRT. Nevertheless, you do want to make changes to address it in the short-term, because walking around with elevated BP is not harmless.

I also have some 25G 5/8" if that adds anything

 

[FunkOdyssey]

I also have some 25G 5/8" if that adds anything

1/2" should be fine for the shoulder. If you want to try ventroglutes instead, and you want to be really sure you hit the muscle, then you might use the 5/8" there. I use 1/2" at both sites.

25G is too large for frequent injections though. Stick with the 27-30G range.

 

[Observer]

You left out the details of your current protocol. How much testosterone cypionate are you injecting, and how often? Where on your body are you injecting, and with what length of needle?

What's your current body fat percentage (guesstimate is fine)?

What body fat percentage would you say is ideal? I'm guessing a lower percentage is desired to reduce the likelihood of side effects?

 

[FunkOdyssey]

What body fat percentage would you say is ideal? I'm guessing a lower percentage is desired to reduce the likelihood of side effects?

Lower (within reason) is better. There's an inverse relationship between % BF and the amount of testosterone you can comfortably handle. 12-15% is a sustainable level where most people will have great results.