I don’t have DE.
DE is most likely caused by Unproportional amounts of serotonin. Serotonin is increased with estrogen increase.
I like the idea of getting TRT for free on the NHS! However, what I fear is being put on some terrible protocol like 1 200mg shot every 2 weeks. What I also fear is say that protocol isn’t working for me, and I need to speak to the Dr about adjusting my dosing/timing etc, what will happen then? Will I phone up to find a 4/6 week lead time and I am just expected to continue as I am until I am seen.
I much prefer the sound of a specialist clinic like you say, for the expert advice and quicker lead time if I need to be seen. However, I have no idea how much TRT would cost from somewhere like that. I don’t suppose there are any UK guys reading this that have any idea? You guys have been fantastic in terms of advice on the actual TRT process, just after some UK based advice in terms of clinics and pricing? Systemlord, thank you for your suggestions with BMH and TMHC, I have been looking at those.
Current NHS flavour of the month is you have to chose either gel or a 1g shot every 12 weeks of nebido. I think it has a longer halflife than Test U, but injections still further apart than the halflife of the esther.
Ive been told these are my only options. I didn’t like either so im still researching. I don’t know the cost at the specialist UK clinics, but Ill be finding out.
Hmm, I don’t like the sound of those either. I haven’t heard great things regarding Nebido. I know this is a very generic question and it’s not one size fits all and will need experimenting, but as a general rule of thumb, considering my SHBG is low (18nmols, range is 17-66), would someone with those levels generally respond better to smaller EOD shots, or a larger once a week shot? Forgive me, just not sure what way round it is.
Thanks, I’ll be doing some research too so will let you know if I find anything
Hi guys,
Happy new year!
I got some bloodwork done last week and wanted to post the results with the hope that some of you could help determine what is going on here. I have been continuing training and eating a healthy amount of calories. Symptoms are still present, some fatigue, lack of motivation, difficulty in recovering from gym sessions etc but the main issues are still sexually. Libido is still very low, and erections are weak, no morning or nocturnal erections. Tadalafil is helping with this, but they are still poor.
Interestingly, my test levels have risen, but I assume this is still very low? This test was done at 07.15, my previous tests at around 09.30, but I assume this would not make a difference? A few things were brought to my attention, Oestradiol is very low and out of range, and Prolactin seems to be absolutely through the roof.
Please see below, any of you guys have any idea what may be going on here? Thank you.
ALBUMIN 43.6 G/L (35-50)
SHBG 23.2 NMOL (18.3 - 54.1)
FSH - 3.81 (1.5-12.4)
LH - 6.76 (1.7 - 8.6)
OESTRADIOL - 28.1 PMOL (41 - 159)
TEST - 10.9 NMOL (8.64 - 29)
FREE TEST CALC - 0.259 NMOL (0.2 - 0.62)
PROLACTIN - 564 MU/L (86 - 324)
DHEA - 7.97 UMOL (4.34 - 12.2)
Yeah those are still really low for E2, T and Free T.
Did you get TSH done by chance?
That Prolactin is obviously above normal but isn’t typically prolactinoma level IMO (you’d see like 10x the normal range or something crazy like that normally). Elevated TSH can cause slightly elevated Prolactin, so that’s why I was asking about TSH.
My results were pretty similar to yours prior to starting TRT.
Thanks for your reply.
I didn’t get TSH in my recent test, but did get it back in my July test and it came out at 1.24 mu/L (range 0.55 - 4.78).
I will of course consult with the specialist, but looking at that data would prescribing TRT be a reasonable solution to this? If a specialist was looking at that would he be thinking, this man will benefit/needs TRT?
Thank you/
Man…posts like these make me seriously question wether or not TRT is for me…
Sounds to me like a very imperfect science and the sexual side effects sound worse than having mild ED.
Are you currently on TRT? If not, why would you be considering it?
Sexual side effects? I don’t think mine is mild. I need cialis, and even then erections are poor. I domt think I would get any without it. As per bloodwork, this is clearly due to either the low T, Low E2 or high prolactin (or maybe all 3? Anyone have any idea what could be the culprit? ) not to mention the other negatives of low T. So if TRT is needed for me to optimise and balance my out of whack hormones, thus alleviating those symptoms, why wouldn’t I give it a go?
No…I am considering it…T of 374 at 47 years old.
I think I may wait a couple more years as this science does not sound like it has matured at all.
Do you have any symptoms of low T?
You are right, the science isn’t mature because I don’t think there is a lot of money in it for big pharma. If you were to go the private route, there are plenty of places that do this professionally and could get you started…
But either private or through healthcare, there is no magic answer to how someone will respond to TRT, we are all different and will only get where we want to go by trial and error to see what does and doesn’t work.
I’m 43. My T was about 250ish. I’ve been on TRT for 2+ years. I’ve had some ups and downs, but I’d take those over how I felt and performed before any day.
I feel pretty good now, bordering on great sometimes. I’ve dropped 20lbs. I can perform in the bedroom now like I wasn’t able to before. I think more clearly, I have more confidence. It’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever done.
If you are feeling symptoms normal T levels could fix, I wouldn’t hesitate one bit to get started. Even if you wait, science might not be much further in 2 or 3 years… Heck, it isn’t much different than when I started in 2017.
Have you talked to your doctor about it @kandeman2? Pulled any other blood work to see other markers?
It isn’t complicated. Most people can take a reasonable dose of T (say, 150-200mg/week) at a reasonable injection frequency (I would say 2-3x a week, more if necessary) and are perfectly fine with that changing their life for the better. Give it at least 8 weeks, no HCG, no AI, and see how you feel.
A lot of what is posted here are the outlier cases where things aren’t as simple which makes it look like everyone has issues. That just isn’t the case.
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@ncsugrad2002 nailed it in his response.
I’m 52 and had near the same total testosterone as you when I started 10 weeks ago. BEST decision I ever made! PERIOD! It takes 8 weeks minimum to see some libido / ed improvement and quite possibly longer. I had improvement in the gym and energy within the first week. Now, if you change your protocol during that 8 weeks the clock restarts. Most of what you’re seeing here are people that are outliers, and more probable, not waiting 8 weeks. More often than not, they are also adding / subtracting other additives to their TRT protocol (A.I., etc.) without waiting the 8 weeks.
I can almost guarantee you that if you just start with testosterone only (barring other undisclosed medical issues) and be patient you’ll see positive results. Better energy, focus, muscle gains, libido, etc. Why wouldn’t you want that? You’re not going to do it naturally or through testosterone supplements, etc. Never! Been there, done that. Keep in mind, there are men on here that have been on TRT for years, dialed in and feeling great.
Good luck with your decision.
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Thanks for the positive replies…It helps…
I don’t feel THAT bad at a 374 T evel…I have ED issues, but from what I gather that is not a sure fire fix with TRT…I get tired easily but I think that is part of being 47…I’m still pretty strong in the gym being able to max out with 5 reps on Incline at 225lbs, Squat at 315 and Dead at 395.
The testicular atrophy probably scares me the most and I don’t want to mess with HCG or an AI.
In any case…Good luck to you guys and thanks for the positive responses. I see myself getting on TRT eventually.
Why? Honest question. Id say I lost 10-15% size but my wife never noticed. I just don’t understand guys priding themselves on the size of their nuts. Never having huge ones I guess its just never been a thing for me. I hear in the gay communities, based on a poster here in the forum, that a huge set of clackers is a big deal but aside from that Ive never met a woman that actually cared or even ever talked about nuts.
I assume mine were always slightly undersized because I was probably always low T and they never grew to their potential. Probably why they barely lost any size.
And being tired is not a part of being 47. I was exhausted all the time at 46 and TRT fixed it by 75%. Now at 48 I have even more energy with my protocol dialed in.
If I only lost 10-15% I’d be fine with that…
If they get to raisin size…that’s a problem. DOn’t want to really get into it, but having my balls tickled by a beautiful woman’s fingernails is one of life’s greatest pleasures 
Mine slightly decreased in size but nothing to be bothered about. Honestly, it’s really not even noticeable. You appear “larger” too.
As for energy, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I’m 52 and work circles around my employees half my age now. I’m in the landscape / lawn care industry. Before TRT I used the excuse for my age too then realized I shouldn’t be so tired at just 52. So glad I made the jump to TRT!
Its not just the nuts. For me the whole penis became somehow less sensitive and the seamen decreased a lot. I didnt like that at all
Now I hope I will be able to dial myself with HCG and stop experiencing its negative side effects once my body is used to it
No offense… but you aren’t far enough along to know what did what to you to be honest, much less what will do what long term.