question from a user
Hey guys, 25 YO. My test is 404, which is pretty low for my age, SHBG being 19.60 nmol/L I’ve previously looked into TRT and was perscribed, with Topiclick cream scrotally applied, at 200MG per day (due to the lower absorbency of Cream) along with HCG 250 IU twice weekly to preserve fertility. After 2 weeks of usage I felt a definite improvement - far better energy, concentration, stress management, and a good increase in libido and ED (all long running issues). However, after a few more weeks my symptoms returned, and my 6 week bloods showed only a moderate increase in test to 487.71 Providers recommended a switch to injections, believing I simply wasn’t absorbing as much scrotally as intended. A lack of long term studies on younger men taking TRT into maturity, along with logistical issues and cost, ultimately prompted me to discontinue after 8 weeks of total use I’ve now been off TRT over a year and my symptoms mentioned above have returned. I’m considering research and going back on My question - as it can take some weeks for Natural Test to shut down with TRT, could this have accounted for my returning symptoms after a few weeks? (My thought being it initially supplemented my natural test, making me feel great, and once my natural test was suppressed the low absorbency of the Cream alone meant I simply wasn’t high enough)
AlphaMD's Answer
Yes, that would account for the return in your symptoms slightly, but it is likely another very common occurrence too.
During weeks 1-4 most men find increasing benefits week over week. Then during weeks 5-6 some of that shut down does occur, but your body also throws a tantrum about the outside Testosterone. The reason isn't clearly understood, as they are indeed the same substances as your normal hormones, but it does happen most time. We advise men during this time to expect a drop in benefits for a few days to a week, then they should return. Finally during weeks 7-8 most things should be stable & it is a good time to evaluate if the dose is right for you.
TL;DR: Men starting TRT should expect to wait at least 8 weeks to evaluate their dose before making changes.
Our thoughts on folks who are "younger" getting started on TRT; This & new generations have lower Testosterone than their patents/grandparents due to many factors, but it is simply true. You're going to experience earlier onset of low Testosterone symptoms because of this, earlier than your elders would have. Testosterone production only ever lowers of time. If you are having low Testosterone symptoms now, they will only ever get worse outside of small improvements from lifestyle changes.
Personally, I started TRT at 27 with a TT of <200. I am incredibly happy that I did & it was very likely the cause of my major struggle with dropping weight for a large portion of my life.
This doesn't mean that everyone having low T symptoms at a younger ages needs TRT, but it does mean that a younger age should not be a factor in denying yourself care.
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