T-gels are absorbed ~10% at best and 5mg absorbed is a bit low. Some do not absorb very well and that is a common problem if there is low thyroid function. Please eval via last paragraph in this post.
On TRT, E2=22pg/ml - 80 pmol/L is optimal and you are close to that now. TRT will only increase E2.
Do not test LH/FSH on TRT as these will -->zero
Opiates can mess with hormones.
I assume that you are not able to self-inject T ?where you are?
We do not see many guys at age 42 wanting to remain fertile.
Please read the stickies found here: About the T Replacement Category - #2 by KSman
- advice for new guys ← need more info about you
- things that damage your hormones
- protocol for injections
- finding a TRT doc
Evaluate your overall thyroid function by checking oral body temperatures as per the thyroid basics sticky. Thyroid hormone fT3 is what gets the job done and it regulates mitochondrial activity, the source of ATP which is the universal currency of cellular energy. This is part of the body’s temperature control loop. This can get messed up if you are iodine deficient. In many countries, you need to be using iodized salt. Other countries add iodine to dairy or bread.