Irelands on TRT

Ok,where to begin? I had my bloods back from the doctors last week and my free test was in the low range. It was at 11 which in the UK is still in range but low. As I do not go to an NHS GP but rather a private one,my option to jump on TRT in the form of 50mg testogel per day was open to me. It should be noted the NHS would not have offered this treatment unless I was below their huge range.
So at 41 I find myself starting a new chapter. Yes I have displayed signs of low test,however they were not that obvious so having an open minded GP and private healthcare has let me get a head start on the process.
This log will be my personal diary. It will be my wailing wall, my confessional lol. Any info from members is most welcome. I also will go into more detail on symptoms and process in further posts,but I just wanted a brief intro without the grisly details to kick things off.
Will the gels work?
Will I notice improvements?
What to expect?
These things we will find out,these things we will share.

So just short of two weeks in, how do I feel?
First some stats: I am 6 ft 1 and weigh 225 with just under 12% body fat (as measured by doc). I am about 20 pounds heavier than my PP days and about the same body fat.
I have run numerous PH cycles in the past but never took the real deal so to speak.
Firstly the daily application of testogel is fine, it drys quickly and is not unpleasant.
I have always responded well to transdermals and I expect this is the case here as well.
I have so far noticed increased libido, this is a very real feeling as well (my wife is very tired lol). For the first 2 weeks I consider this a great start.
Resting heart rate has increased to 73 from 69 as measured by fitbit.
Sleep is solid and no changes.
Energy is on the up, although this is purely subjective.
Body comp, no change.
So two weeks in and I do feel "something" with a clear lift in libido. So far it feels a bit like PPS Dermacrine. Mild but noticeable.
I will keep to the 350mg a week for now, any need for an increase will be determined by bloods and bloods alone.

Testosterone gel has advantage of converting more to DHT than shots, so it defintely has more impact on libido than test-shots (asuming we talking about ranges keeping in "normal" range), downside is sometimes ti just cant raise test. leves enough, sometimes people have to use it 2 or more times a day, when you do bloods make sure that it is not after applying gel as then you may get decent results, but few hours later it may drop below ref. range. Not sure if you are using HCG but I would sugget you to use it, to keep fertility among other benefits.
Also in your case HRT may pose lot of difficulties as it wil affect thyroid function (as well as other parts of endocrine system and body in general), as you can already see raise in heart rate- so in your case I must say that I'm bit cautious and worried that may give you bad advice,
in any case I wish you all the best!

The interaction with my thyroid is my main concern as well. I fought to long to get control of it to let anything put it into overdrive.
Thyroid bloods drawn this coming Tuesday. Significant jumps in values will result in complete rethink.
What natural test boosters don't effect thyroid?
What options are on the table in ur opinion?
I have noticed an increase in etopic beats the last two days.

Im def in to follow this closely.

I'm still in my twenties but I day dream of the day Im on HRT. If it wasn't for me wanting kids in the future and the worry of fertility issues, I would approach the idea. Not too worried about the whole lifetime commitment. I envy Nate's sexual preferences in this regard.

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Originally Posted by ireland

The interaction with my thyroid is my main concern as well. I fought to long to get control of it to let anything put it into overdrive.
Thyroid bloods drawn this coming Tuesday. Significant jumps in values will result in complete rethink.
What natural test boosters don't effect thyroid?
What options are on the table in ur opinion?
I have noticed an increase in etopic beats the last two days.

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In short term you should not have major issues, you may have to increase beta-blocker dosage as thyroid activity and metabolic rate will increase- problem may be looking in the long term as from what I know (not na expert tough) is sometimes over age beta-blockers lose their efficacy, also another problem is in what state is your heart?
So, as I said you may need to increase beta-blockers, another option is adding a bit of tadalafil to see if it helps (very little dose), and if it does than it gives you another option to combine with medication you're already in.

As for test. levels it would be wise to keep it on mid range of mid-high, going high is too risky- if gel proves to be too complicated to deal with (to may peaks and valleys) you may have to switch to injections where levels are more steady,

Increase in heart beat is normal, it may go up little bit more, for a brief period is normal to have some irregularities but if irregular heartbeat persist than you will have to investigate and find cause.

Switching to testboosters would not make difference, as effect of raised testosterone would produce same effect (tough I doubt that boosters would raise test levels that much).

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Originally Posted by Grape Ape

Im def in to follow this closely.

I'm still in my twenties but I day dream of the day Im on HRT. If it wasn't for me wanting kids in the future and the worry of fertility issues, I would approach the idea. Not too worried about the whole lifetime commitment. I envy Nate's sexual preferences in this regard.

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yeah, it would be to early and in twenties body responds very well, so if your test levels are low there are lot of chances to fix it, unless its physical problem like damages testicles or pituary gland that cannot be mended,
if problem is caused by some other stuff like steroid use (especially without proper PCT) or result of unhealty lifesytle than so called "restart protocol" should give good results, for under 30-ies gneraly is mostly successful while for those over 40-ies usually does not work good enough...

As an interesting question, what steroid has the least effect on the thyroid? Would be interested to know.
Had bloods for thyroid drawn today results on Friday.
Libido is up up up
Heart rate settling at 74
Missed beats (had these for years) increased but manageable.
Generally feeling pretty good. Honestly reminds me of dermacrine.
Please keep adding your thoughts as I love an exchange of ideas.

Why not do injections?

Ok so thyroid is still in range. High side on free t4 but that is normal for me. I can up my carbimazole if need be. Heart rate and skipped beats are settling.
Does testogel have the power to shut u down fully? If so how quickly?
Feel pretty good still. Feel pretty normal to be fair. The mild "on" feeling has left to be honest.

Right; last few days my libido has crashed, feel lethargic and mood is low. Quite a sudden crash so not sure why? Maybe just a few life issues but I really don't think so. Advice is most welcome.

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Originally Posted by ireland

Right; last few days my libido has crashed, feel lethargic and mood is low. Quite a sudden crash so not sure why? Maybe just a few life issues but I really don't think so. Advice is most welcome.

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It could be few things but most likely scenario is that your E2 went too low, which has its effect on levels of neurotransmitters especially serotonin.

answer to your previous question is testogel will cause supression.

Ok libido is slowly rising again, but feel very low and lethargic. Training is still intense, but I need to really mentally "fire up" to get going.
Any advice?