Starting HRT, Mainly for Libido

Never mind. It's apparent absolutely no one knows how libido works well enough to make it work again once it's broken. Improvements in libido on TRT are obviously a crapshoot.
 
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Things that affect libido:
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Poor sleep
  • Medications
  • Stress/depression
  • Low testosterone
  • Infections
  • High prolactin
  • Low thyroid hormones
  • Alcohol & drugs
  • Surgery
  • Heart disease
  • High cholesterol
 
If TRT was simple, all of these forums probably wouldn't exist. We'd all be living our lives, which includes having a satisfying sex life.

For some men, testosterone, whether injections, pellets or topical, is all they need. I'm not going to say they're in the minority because I don't know. On this forum, as well as other ones, you have a mix of men who are feeling/functioning fine on TRT and nothing else, while others are feeling better, but not quite there, either trying to fine tune their protocol or those who are, and have been, struggling.
 
Well I'm one that loves trt. For me it improved everything and yes libido too. I think most men do well on trt. But then there's the few who struggle and the ones who post on it the most.
You know from my posts, Vince, I'm one of those still struggling. Nor is my wife bemoaning our long stalled sex life, but not being able to get an erection or getting them infrequently, has inflicted a psychological toll. I'm 71 and I'm still horny. Sex is an important marker of physical and emotional health. My wife used to think I was full of it when I would say that but she has her own emotional/sexual issues. Not giving up on restoring sexual function.
 
You know from my posts, Vince, I'm one of those still struggling. Nor is my wife bemoaning our long stalled sex life, but not being able to get an erection or getting them infrequently, has inflicted a psychological toll. I'm 71 and I'm still horny. Sex is an important marker of physical and emotional health. My wife used to think I was full of it when I would say that but she has her own emotional/sexual issues. Not giving up on restoring sexual function.
What is your daily total caloric intake
 
You know from my posts, Vince, I'm one of those still struggling. Nor is my wife bemoaning our long stalled sex life, but not being able to get an erection or getting them infrequently, has inflicted a psychological toll. I'm 71 and I'm still horny. Sex is an important marker of physical and emotional health. My wife used to think I was full of it when I would say that but she has her own emotional/sexual issues. Not giving up on restoring sexual function.
I know you talked about your issues with Cialis / Viagra. When I started using Cialis I did get severe back aches and running nose. But I love the results, of that rock hard penis. So I fought through my issues. One thing that really helped my back, was squats. For whatever reason, it helped take away my back pain. I never had headaches, I do know that's one of your issues though.

I am 67 years old.
 
I know you talked about your issues with Cialis / Viagra. When I started using Cialis I did get severe back aches and running nose. But I love the results, of that rock hard penis. So I fought through my issues. One thing that really helped my back, was squats. For whatever reason, it helped take away my back pain. I never had headaches, I do know that's one of your issues though.

I am 67 years old.
I admire you for figuring out how to deal with a severe backache side effect. I've had painful back issues which sidelined me for a few days. Excluding headaches, if I only had one issue to deal with but was getting good results, I'd do as you did and tough it out but I get several sides at once. Nothing is enjoyable when you feel physically sick and mentally unwell.
 
I admire you for figuring out how to deal with a severe backache side effect. I've had painful back issues which sidelined me for a few days. Excluding headaches, if I only had one issue to deal with but was getting good results, I'd do as you did and tough it out but I get several sides at once. Nothing is enjoyable when you feel physically sick and mentally unwell.
Only thing I can say is, start very low. I bought my Cialis from reliable RX. I cut them in quarters and built up my tolerance. It did take a long time, I'm glad it worked.
 

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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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