Apologies for a long post here:
So I had symtoms of low T for the last couple years - low libido, no morning erections, some ED, depression, anxiety, sore muscles, fatigue, weak facial hair. I had my levels checked and total T came back at 10.26 nmol/L with range being 8-32. Bioavailable T came back low at 1.9 with range being 2.5-10.
My doctor suspected lifestyle was the cause. I had been working out regularly and doing regular cardio/decent diet at the time, still doing the cardio now but less weight lifting. He is strongly against TRT and I don’t think I can convince him.
I haven’t had any symtom relief. I will be having bloods taken again soon and if that doesn’t get an answer from my doctor I think I’m going to try self prescribing to see if it helps.
I should also mention all of these symtoms started when I woke up one morning with bad left testicular pain. The pain has subsided since but still lingers. I suspect varicocele as when my sack is loose I can feel a mass of veins above my left teste that isn’t there on the right. The left is also about 20% smaller than the right.
I will be getting ultrasound to confirm varicocele but the urologist was saying that he likely wouldn’t recommend surgery unless it is very painful or causing fertility issues.
So given that my testicular problem will likely not be fixed (the pain isn’t that bad so I don’t really mind it honestly) and my doctors are most likely not gonna give me TRT, I think I’m gonna have to try to do it myself. I’ve done a ton of research so here is what my plan would be:
140mg test eth split twice weekly subq
After 8 weeks check bloods for possible high E2 and if absolutely necessary take aromasin (, not sure what dose of that I should take)
If test is too high at 8wk, lower dose accordingly.
Avoid taking AI and only use if experiencing high E2 sides.
If I start noticing teste atrophy, start 250 iu HCG on days of injection and see how I feel/how they respond.
Try to dial in testosterone to the point where I feel good and then once I reach it stay there.
And if after 3months I’m not having any symtom relief then I may decide to come off. If coming off, taper test down, and ramp up HCG to 2000iu weekly, when off test completely start Clomid 12.5mg per day for 60 days. Recheck bloods after to see where I’m at naturally.
I know this was a long post, but what do you guys think? I really appreciate any advice, and honestly I’ve really been trying to do everything I can to raise T naturally for the last 4 months with no symtom relief at all. I really think due to the physical problem with my teste that it can’t be naturally optimal level.
Thanks guys.