Restarts: Only for Past TRT/Steroid Users?

[AJ]

In essence a "restart" is an attempt to restart the HPTA (hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis) for a patient who's axis is suppressed or shutdown due to being on TRT or AAS.

It is similar to a "stimulation" type regimen (as opposed to frank TRT), except for the starting point for a restart is typically a FULLY suppressed HPTA due to TRT/AAS, whereas the starting point for a general stimulation regimen is simply a sub-optimal or partially suppressed HPTA for various other factors (not current TRT/AAS use). Semantics really, the first paragraph gives the jist.

Hello Dr. Saya
Is the restart protocol only for a patient who is suppressed/shutdown due to TRT/AAS? I currently have low T(330) and have been prescribed TRT(T + HCG). A lot of people told me to look into the HPTA restart protocol. Is that something recommended for a person who has never been on any AAS/TRT. Thank you for sharing your valuable inputs.

 

[AJ]

Bump.
If anybody has any idea if the HPTA restarts are only for Past TRT/AAS users?
I suffer from low T and currently been prescribed with TRT protocol. So i was wondering if doing an HPTA restart would be the correct way to go as I am only 33.

 

[Dr Justin Saya MD]

If on TRT (and HPTA suppressed) - then yes can do a restart just as with AAS. If not on TRT/AAS, then can basically go with a Clomid stimulation (leave out the 2 weeks of HCG).

 

[AJ]

Hello Dr. Saya
Is the restart protocol only for a patient who is suppressed/shutdown due to TRT/AAS? I currently have low T(330) and have been prescribed TRT(T + HCG). A lot of people told me to look into the HPTA restart protocol. Is that something recommended for a person who has never been on any AAS/TRT. Thank you for sharing your valuable inputs.

Awesome Dr. Saya. I am so happy you replied.
So Clomid ED 25 mg for 4 weeks leaving out the HCG ? (I do have HCG on hand as my doc gave me 1500 iu per week dosage + Test E 160 mg per week)
I have attached my results.
Age: 33 years, 165 lb, 14-16% bf
Symptoms: ED(may be due to low E2 or T), Depression.

I am going to be in Tampa in June. I hope i can get in office appointment. Thanks for your amazing contribution.

 

[Dr Justin Saya MD]

Awesome Dr. Saya. I am so happy you replied.
So Clomid ED 25 mg for 4 weeks leaving out the HCG ? (I do have HCG on hand as my doc gave me 1500 iu per week dosage + Test E 160 mg per week)
I have attached my results.
Age: 33 years, 165 lb, 14-16% bf
Symptoms: ED(may be due to low E2 or T), Depression.

I am going to be in Tampa in June. I hope i can get in office appointment. Thanks for your amazing contribution.

If you are currently on TRT, then do the 2 weeks of HCG (immediately following your last shot of T enanthate).

Very good if you make it in to office or otherwise find a knowledgeable doc to guide you as Clomid therapy and restarts are complex.

 

[AJ]

If you are currently on TRT, then do the 2 weeks of HCG (immediately following your last shot of T enanthate).

Very good if you make it in to office or otherwise find a knowledgeable doc to guide you as Clomid therapy and restarts are complex.

No Sir. I am not on TRT and never used AAS. I think i suffer from secondary hypogonadism with my normal LH & FSH and low T and E2. Sorry for the confusion but I have my TRT medicines on hand but still not used them.

I will start with clomid 25mg ED for 4 weeks and report back with my progress.
Any dosage recommendations ?

Theory Question for us noobs who might read this thread in future for knowledge:

• Why would HCG not be part of the restart protocol for non TRT/AAS users ?
• If say after 4 weeks my blood work is not as expected, instead of going on TRT. Would it warrant another SERM cycle at a different dosage or perhaps put HCG to fire up my minions ?

Thank you for your response and knowledge sharing. I really appreciate all your help.

 

[Dr Justin Saya MD]

[*]Why would HCG not be part of the restart protocol for non TRT/AAS users ?
[*]If say after 4 weeks my blood work is not as expected, instead of going on TRT. Would it warrant another SERM cycle at a different dosage or perhaps put HCG to fire up my minions ?
[/LIST]

Thank you for your response and knowledge sharing. I really appreciate all your help.

HCG (as an analog of LH) will suppress endogenous LH production when given to a non-HPTA suppressed patient. It is used for a TRT patient during the 2 week washout period after last T injection while waiting for the exogenous T to leave the system.

The second question is one to discuss with your treating doctor as they can evaluate your entire case (including follow-up labs) and determine the next best step.

 

[DaveK22]

AJ- Have you ever been on Accutane or Propecia?

 

[AJ]

HCG (as an analog of LH) will suppress endogenous LH production when given to a non-HPTA suppressed patient. It is used for a TRT patient during the 2 week washout period after last T injection while waiting for the exogenous T to leave the system.

The second question is one to discuss with your treating doctor as they can evaluate your entire case (including follow-up labs) and determine the next best step.

Thank you Dr. Saya. Appreciate you taking time to explain it. I will try with Clomid for 4 weeks before pinning myself with TRT.

 

[AJ]

AJ- Have you ever been on Accutane or Propecia?

No, I have never been on it.

 

[sbenjamin103]

AJ

Any results from your experience that you would like to update me on? In a similar situation where I do not know if I should start TRT, or go with a restart protocol. Mine is AAS induced, but nonetheless, I think your situation might be able to shed some light on which route I am to go.

Thanks!