Hello everyone...new guy here. Starting trt this upcoming week with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Figured i should join the dialogue as i am sure i will have many questions as i start out on this journey....and there is a wealth of knowledge on this site which is such a relief! Complete identification.
A bit about me:
42
6' 153 lbs over all healthy guy
Used to be a college athlete at a pretty high level...then i cant remember when, but things just got dark and murky. Have been struggling with low-midgrade depression for a long long time, no motivation or ambition, horrible self esteem and confidence etc... The progression has brought on problems with relationships, friendships, job troubles and substance abuse (sober now 7 yrs)...it has been hell the last 5-10 years . Can't tell you the last time i was "happy".
I had a physical about a year and half ago and they tested testosterone bc i was having some ed issues. Test came back at 234. PCP put me on androgel but he was not so sure i needed it nor wanted me to go on (prostate cancer history in family). Went off it due to loss of insurance and i didn't like it (to be honest). Things got dark (which i have been reading happens..dr did not explain). Fast forward to this past december (2015) and i had another physical and test came back at 284. Dr put me back on androgel. which i have been using for about a month or so. haven't noticed a difference.
I haven't been wanting to talk about this with friends or family because i was embarrassed and frankly ashamed that i was having to deal with this (popping viagra in secret ...a big mental mess) and none of my friends seemed to have this issue at all. I mentioned, in passing, to a family member that i have been having some of these issues and he said "oh i work at a place that deals with this stuff..give me a call". I made the call and had more blood taken and numbers came back at (after month of androgel..putting numbers pre-gel in parentheses):
Test - 547 (up from 284)
Free t - 28.1 (up from 9.0)
DHEA - 443.1 (was not tested prior)
TSH - 1.830 (up from 1.610)
LH - 1.4 (was not tested prior)
Estradiol - 21.5 (was not tested prior)
PSA - 1.3 (up from 0.8)
Had consultation with Dr. Saya at Defy and he recommended T cyp injections 2x a week at 70mg and going to start hcg (but cannot remember dose at the time of this writing). He would like my numbers to get up to 1000+ range. I can only imagine what that would be like.
I don't know what to expect and am a little fearful of it to be honest. But if what i have been reading on here is right, i just want to feel better and start living life again...hopefully this protocol will help.
Thanks for taking the time to read and letting me share a bit about myself. Looking forward to learning from you guys as i go along.
A bit about me:
42
6' 153 lbs over all healthy guy
Used to be a college athlete at a pretty high level...then i cant remember when, but things just got dark and murky. Have been struggling with low-midgrade depression for a long long time, no motivation or ambition, horrible self esteem and confidence etc... The progression has brought on problems with relationships, friendships, job troubles and substance abuse (sober now 7 yrs)...it has been hell the last 5-10 years . Can't tell you the last time i was "happy".
I had a physical about a year and half ago and they tested testosterone bc i was having some ed issues. Test came back at 234. PCP put me on androgel but he was not so sure i needed it nor wanted me to go on (prostate cancer history in family). Went off it due to loss of insurance and i didn't like it (to be honest). Things got dark (which i have been reading happens..dr did not explain). Fast forward to this past december (2015) and i had another physical and test came back at 284. Dr put me back on androgel. which i have been using for about a month or so. haven't noticed a difference.
I haven't been wanting to talk about this with friends or family because i was embarrassed and frankly ashamed that i was having to deal with this (popping viagra in secret ...a big mental mess) and none of my friends seemed to have this issue at all. I mentioned, in passing, to a family member that i have been having some of these issues and he said "oh i work at a place that deals with this stuff..give me a call". I made the call and had more blood taken and numbers came back at (after month of androgel..putting numbers pre-gel in parentheses):
Test - 547 (up from 284)
Free t - 28.1 (up from 9.0)
DHEA - 443.1 (was not tested prior)
TSH - 1.830 (up from 1.610)
LH - 1.4 (was not tested prior)
Estradiol - 21.5 (was not tested prior)
PSA - 1.3 (up from 0.8)
Had consultation with Dr. Saya at Defy and he recommended T cyp injections 2x a week at 70mg and going to start hcg (but cannot remember dose at the time of this writing). He would like my numbers to get up to 1000+ range. I can only imagine what that would be like.
I don't know what to expect and am a little fearful of it to be honest. But if what i have been reading on here is right, i just want to feel better and start living life again...hopefully this protocol will help.
Thanks for taking the time to read and letting me share a bit about myself. Looking forward to learning from you guys as i go along.
. You're in good hand with Dr. Saya, sounds like he has you on a good protocol. Please keep us updated on your journey.
