Started TRT and learning through my mistakes.

mrwalker

New Member
Hey folks,

I'm Tom and I've started taking testosterone just a few months ago. It's a life changer for me. For many years, I had trouble with depression. I went to different physicians, would get an anxiolytic prescribed but I was never "fine". My aha moment only happened when a friend told me about his TRT treatment.

After that, I started bio-identical hormone therapy and figured out that my low testosterone had a huge factor in my depression. A few months into the treatment I learned that there is no such a thing as "bio-identical testosterone" and moved to IM injections with test. cypionate (Found my sweet spot at 120 mg/week. Started with 180 mg/week and many collaterals).

Nowadays, I've been doing shallow IM (25 g and 5/8 inches needle) and looking for a new doctor. Unfortunately, in the state that I live in, there is still some bias against TRT. Therefore, is hard to find someone that would prescribe it or have any idea about what they are doing... For example, I'm at the point that I need to ask my doctor to include in my blood exam E2, SHBG, etc... Or, my HCT is sky high (55) and I was advised to drink more water...

Anyway, living and learning...
 
Hey folks,

I'm Tom and I've started taking testosterone just a few months ago. It's a life changer for me. For many years, I had trouble with depression. I went to different physicians, would get an anxiolytic prescribed but I was never "fine". My aha moment only happened when a friend told me about his TRT treatment.

After that, I started bio-identical hormone therapy and figured out that my low testosterone had a huge factor in my depression. A few months into the treatment I learned that there is no such a thing as "bio-identical testosterone" and moved to IM injections with test. cypionate (Found my sweet spot at 120 mg/week. Started with 180 mg/week and many collaterals).

Nowadays, I've been doing shallow IM (25 g and 5/8 inches needle) and looking for a new doctor. Unfortunately, in the state that I live in, there is still some bias against TRT. Therefore, is hard to find someone that would prescribe it or have any idea about what they are doing... For example, I'm at the point that I need to ask my doctor to include in my blood exam E2, SHBG, etc... Or, my HCT is sky high (55) and I was advised to drink more water...

Anyway, living and learning...
Certainly a bit high HCT. Its not end of the world. Ever try donating?
 
Unfortunately, in the state that I live in, there is still some bias against TRT. Therefore, is hard to find someone that would prescribe it or have any idea about what they are doing... For example, I'm at the point that I need to ask my doctor to include in my blood exam E2, SHBG, etc... Or, my HCT is sky high (55) and I was advised to drink more water...

Anyway, living and learning...

Welcome!
I started TRT with my GP, but quickly moved away from that situation and have now been with Defy for 2 years. I wouldn't change a thing. Yes, telemedicine does seem a little different at first, but I quickly learned to appreciate having the undivided attention of someone who specializes in male hormone therapy, instead of 5 minutes with a GP that just dabbles in it to get numbers to "within range". I've had consults with Ben and Mike at Defy and both are great to talk to and really know their stuff. I recommend them highly.
 
Hey folks,

I'm Tom and I've started taking testosterone just a few months ago. It's a life changer for me. For many years, I had trouble with depression. I went to different physicians, would get an anxiolytic prescribed but I was never "fine". My aha moment only happened when a friend told me about his TRT treatment.

After that, I started bio-identical hormone therapy and figured out that my low testosterone had a huge factor in my depression. A few months into the treatment I learned that there is no such a thing as "bio-identical testosterone" and moved to IM injections with test. cypionate (Found my sweet spot at 120 mg/week. Started with 180 mg/week and many collaterals).

Nowadays, I've been doing shallow IM (25 g and 5/8 inches needle) and looking for a new doctor. Unfortunately, in the state that I live in, there is still some bias against TRT. Therefore, is hard to find someone that would prescribe it or have any idea about what they are doing... For example, I'm at the point that I need to ask my doctor to include in my blood exam E2, SHBG, etc... Or, my HCT is sky high (55) and I was advised to drink more water...

Anyway, living and learning...
I was happy to read about the positive effect of T on your depression. While I have struggled with the physical benefits of TRT, the mental impact was quick and life saving. I won't attempt to relive how poor my mental state was prior to TRT, but I can say, that as a retired military veteran, I feel every veteran with depression or PTSD symptoms should have their testosterone levels assessed. That's how positively impactful treatment was for me...dare I say...life saving.
 

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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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