Hi all,
I’m pushing 40 and underwent about a 6 month cycle of TRT under a doc in Chicago four years ago for low libido. I lost quite a bit of fat and gained a tremendous amount of muscle very quickly and felt great… but my libido didn’t budge.
Now I’d really like to get to the bottom of this because things aren’t getting any better.
I’ve started learning everything I can about the male glandular system and would really like your advice about solving this problem once and for all. I’ve already learned a lot about testosterone and estrogen as well as how the thyroid gland plays into all of this. I’ve seen a lot of mentions that that dopamine can be a factor. What else should I be looking at?
Maybe some background will help:
I have held a high-stress job for six years now and have been struggling with weight gain during this time. Really started getting run down (coming home and sleeping on the couch at night) and kind of lethargic about six months ago. Blood pressure consistently up to 140/95. Diabetes and heart problems run in my family.
I recently (three weeks ago) switched to a low-carb diet, high in leafy greens, legumes, and low fat meats. I’ve eliminated virtually all sugar and sugar substitutes from my diet. At the same time, I began supplementing with picolinate, alpha-lipoic acid, aged garlic extract, green tea extract, vitamin D (6000 IUs daily), and 2-3 grams of fish oil daily. About two weeks ago I also started using Primordial Performance TRS as well.
In that time, I’ve lost 10 lbs (7.3 lbs of that was fat as measured by electronic calipers) and my energy level has skyrocketed. I am working out twice a day and feel no burnout whatsoever. Blood pressure has dropped to around 125/80. Libido increased for a few days after starting TRS but dropped back down afterwards.
Right now I am waiting on some updated thyroid, liver, and cardio labs to rule out any major health issues. I’ve also ordered DNA testing for hemochromatosis (my cousin has this) and a number of other illnesses (these will most likely come back negative, but I’d rather be sure).
Before my original TRT program, my T started off on the low-normal side (400 - jumped to 960 with HCG), there were two standout issues though:
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my TSH was around 3.9 and didn’t budge with a small dose of Armour Thyroid. I gain muscle (and fat) pretty easily so I suspect that it’s still around the same level or maybe a little higher. Again, I’m waiting on an updated TSH reading but I don’t think this will be too out of whack. If it’s still that high, I’d probably ask to go on synthetic T4.
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My T/E ratio started at 18-1 and even under HCG, only increased to 20-1. I noticed little to no change in libido. Assuming that this is still the case, I’m guessing that an anti-aromatase is the next thing to try?
What else should I consider?
BTW - I’d really like to find a good doc in Illiois. I went to a well-known “chain” and it didn’t seem like they were really listening to me (and they were mega-expensive).
Thanks