HCG mono with good T response (849) but symptoms only 50% better

[Jimmy1976]

I've been reading this forum regularly since starting HCG mono 10 months ago. This forum is a tremendous resource for guys like me and I'm thankful all of you take the time to post your experience and advise for the sake of others.

I have been through most of the stickies and the forum posts regarding this subject but still cant find any definitive answers for my question.

38 years old, low T symptoms for 3 years, diagnosed last year (total T 330 and recheck T 347 after starting lifestyle modification like exercise, diet, sleep hygiene etc). Typical low T symptoms (overall felt weak, low libido, soft erections, depression, brain fog, tired all day, low motivation, couch potato, low assertiveness etc...)

Saw endocrinologist, urologist, MRI brain, full lab panel/full workup otherwise was negative. Thyroid, cortisol, GH, DHE were all in normal range. Not obese, no medical problems.

Started HCG mono 10 mos ago with a noticeable but partial response as far as symptoms are concerned. T came up to ~550 on 500units EOD. Thinking I just need to optimize my dose based on labs/symptoms, I've finally tweaked my HCG mono dose up to where my labs are looking decent (Total T 849, Sensitive E 48), current dose is a whopping 1000u Pregnyl EOD. I do feel somewhat better now with higher HCG doses.

Still my symptoms are only about 50% improved with my T over 800 (maybe 70% improved on a rare good day). Libido still suffers. I tried an AI (Arimidex) and after 3 doses of 0.25 twice a week I felt absolutely horrible (typical low E symptoms), of course I stopped taking it, so I dont think high E is my problem.

Finally my main question:
Is there a marked difference between how you feel on testosterone injections (plus HCG) vs HCG mono even with a good laboratory response to HCG? Many have hinted at it, but cant find firm answers on this.

I wonder if anyone has switched from HCG mono over to TRT and have felt much better even with similar testosterone values.

Any help/advise is greatly appreciated.

 

[bluezebra5]

At 22 years old, I am in the precise situation that you are in, Jimmy. I'm on 600 iu Pregnyl ED with slightly elevated E2. I am however on a much higher AI dose- 1mg arimidex 2x/week.


I would love to hear some experiences of guys who switched to TRT (or better yet, TRT/HCG for fertility and volume).

 

[CoastWatcher]

What influenced the decision to not initiate TRT? Fertility-related?

 

[bluezebra5]

What influenced the decision to not initiate TRT? Fertility-related?

I can't speak for Jimmy, but for me, yes. I had a sperm study to see if I was even fertile in the first place because of pituitary hypofunction and it came back fine, so we're doing our best to preserve it

 

[Jimmy1976]

For me fertility was one factor, avoidance of some TRT issues like high hematocrit, unfavorable effect on cholesterol also influenced this decision. I think it's common among low T sufferers to try things like clomid or hcg before taking the plunge to TRT.

If others who have been on HCG mono who then switched to TRT tell me that they feel significantly better on testosterone, I will likely change over to testosterone.