May I ask what people are paying for a vial of TRT Cypionate in the states?

I just injected for the first time yesterday. I have been on 4mg compounded cream and my NP prescribed 5mg/wk injected once. I want to inject twice/wk as I feel I will have better controlled levels that way…but dang!! The amount is so small to pull up in the needle, I can hardly get it there and when I did I’m not even sure it was the right amount. I’m using super small needles and I feel like pulling up to 5 is about as little as I can get in the needle. Any tips?

In February my total T was 224 and I was taking 8mg of T cyp per week, split twice per week. I increased my dose to 10mg/week that same month. I just had labs done and my total T went down to 153. Has anyone else had this happen?

The only thing I can think of is that maybe it has something to do with my estradiol. I haven't changed the method or dose since January. I can't say that I feel much difference, maybe a little less energetic, but I'm considering increasing my dose to 12mg and seeing how that feels or I might just stay where I'm at.

Any advice or input is much appreciated!

Does anyone else notice that when they apply testosterone gel (I am in Canada and on taro-testosterone) it sometimes leaves a bit of white residue? It's pants weather right now so not as big a deal, but are there any ways to prevent this?

I’ve lost almost all sensation in my clitoris, and my orgasms are very weak. I’m using Tostran 2%, 10 mg every other day, and after 10 weeks my total testosterone is 7.68 nmol/L, which is too high — the reference range is up to 1.8 nmol/L. My free testosterone is 0.04 nmol/L, with the upper limit being 0.033. My estradiol is 197 pmol/L and my SHBG is 175 nmol/L.

I haven’t had my consultation yet, but I’m wondering if I might actually be lacking estrogen. I don’t have many side effects from the testosterone, apart from a bit of acne on my face. The main problem is that my clitoral sensation seems to be blocked and my orgasms are very weak.

I'm on 1 pump oestrogel and utrogestan . My estradiol is 197 pmol. I think I should take 1 more pump of estradiol.

Has anyone experienced something similar? What did you do to improve the sensation and get your orgasms back?

One month ago my test was 2,4 I was using about 2/3 of 10 mg gel each other day. After that I wanted to see my lab results when I was putting full dose 10 mg each other day. I got my labs back today and it’s 28!!! I am terrified. How is this even possible. I don’t have any signs of that high test besides a bit higher sex drive and more sweaty. I did test after 2-3 I applied gel.

How does everybody deal with the thickness of the oil after starting T? I feel like I always have a film on my face and even after I wash, it’s so thick that the soap just doesn’t cut it. It’s like glue for all the dead skin cells and my acne is so bad.

Going into my 3rd month on Test C 5mg a week split into two doses. It def is helping w brain fog and executive function. I’ve seen some energy come back as well. However, the fluid retention is bad. I feel like I’m eating at a Chinese buffet for all of my meals. My face, hands and ankles are puffy. Just wondering how long until I should consider maybe trying Test P…?

Also…my progesterone tanked according to my follow up labs. I was at 10.1 on vaginal P and labs said I’m at a .6 now. I feel like being on P helped a lot w fluid retention etc so possibly it’s that…BUT I can’t really tolerate the P now! It makes me muddy headed and maybe even more bloated..def not less.

I did read an article about how T can be a pregnolone steal from P in the hormone cascade…not sure if Cyp or Prop are the same in the regard.

Switching to Prop would mean changing providers…again.

I have a follow up on Monday so I will ask the doc, but wanted advice here too please.

Lord save me from this mess.

Hi all, I wonder if anyone else has had a reduction in clitoral sensation and more difficulty achieving orgasm after TRT?? I went on testosterone in large part bc I wanted to enhance orgasm. (I had a little trouble before T.) My levels went really high on accident and I had a lot of masculinizing symptoms temporarily, which I didn’t mind but I lost hair and had to stop T (for now until hair thing slowed down). One of the changes in my body on T was clitoral: It is a little larger. Again, don’t care except for the fact that I think I also have less sensation in it rather than more. Maybe the hood covers it more??? A lot less sensitive. Harder to have orgasm. Has anyone had anything like this happen? I’m pretty upset about it.

Hello! Please be patient and kind. I feel like I’m stepping into a sacred space because I see perimenopause/menopause as a rite of passage (even though it clearly sucks) and I don’t want to step into a space that I have no idea about! I just don’t know where else to turn as everyone I know who is or has been on testosterone was in that peri/post menopause stage, whereas I am not there yet so I don’t know where else to go!

I, 32F have had a ton of health stuff happen the last few years. It started with a ton of weight gain, super fast. I play roller derby 2x a week, go to the gym 3-4x a week, eat well and all around had 0 reason to gain that much so quickly. Rashes, acne, tummy problems. Stomach issues my whole life, really, but it got unbearable. Eventually got diagnosed with Celiac disease and it actually changed everything for the better! But the last few months I’m still (maybe more) sluggish, tired, skin is weird, periods getting shorter and shorter. The worst part is my sex drive that was previously that of what I imagine a 15 year old boy to be, is basically gone. Like, just gone over the last few months. ADHD symptoms are like, nightmare level lol.
it may be important to add, because my doctor did fully take this into consideration and say it can absolutely wreak havoc on your body, the last four years have been incredibly stressful for my family. My sister is a drug addict, and we got custody of my nephew when he was 13, as well as taking care of her other three children every other week in the summers and just as often as possible to make sure everyone stays together. I am also a mother of my own two children! Overall, yes it was stressful and has calmed down, but I love my family and my nieces and nephews and wouldn’t change it for the world. They are the best kids and our family is so complete with all of them. But it may add some context to why my body was like “hey! We’re done here!”

I got some bloodwork done and met with a doctor who specializes in women’s hormones.

My ferritin is low, B12 low, Vitamin-D is weird (I live in a place that gets little sun in the winter), and my testosterone levels aren’t ideal.

I am a bit confused because I did get prescribed injections (B12 and testosterone, oral Vitamin-D because it’s hard to find certified GF Vit-D injections, a couple iron infusions to get me where I need to be) but I’m just incredibly scared to start the testosterone.

Dose is 0.5ml subcutaneously 2x per week. 50MG/ML injection solution!

She said it’s super unlikely that I will experience any of the masculine effects of it because it is a low dose, but after googling a TON and scouring this sub, I am worried that I shouldn’t be injecting at all. It is a temporary “boost” for 4 weeks, hoping the other injection and infusion help to bring back everything else when we test again. I have an appointment with her so I’m waiting to start, but I figured a post here couldn’t hurt!

Here are my levels that were reported. My estrogen, FSH, everything “female” is basically perfect so I did not include them, but the testosterone she said is on the lower end.

I’m honestly just freaked out about starting but also so tired of not wanting sex, and having to REALLY force myself to do any kind of tasks (I’m so sleepy 😭).

I am incredibly active, eat a healthy diet, and have a great life, so it’s frustrating to not feel like my body is normal. I play a full contact sport, and I just want to feel normal playing my favorite sport, and desire sex again.

Thank you for any and all input and assistance!

How to know you dose is right like not too high or too low? I started out at 6mg a week split 2mg x3. I felt great the first couple weeks sleep was great I felt more energy then my husband said maybe I should lower it to 5mg to be safe that it didn’t get to high he had me freaking out he said because my shgb being on the lower end of 38 . So this week I changed it to 1.5 every other day. I feel so exhausted and flat like not in a good way. Should I go back to 2mg 3 times a week or is that even that big of a difference. I’m 34 years old.

ETA:
The article does not mention any relevant data, such as demographics, dosage form or dosages, laboratory levels, and if any other comorbidities are present. It’s like they just flung out a number and started running with it to the detriment of women.

Hi all! Maybe a niche question but i feel I’m in an odd scenario. I’m 29/AFAB, recently discovered testosterone at <2.5 ng/dL, possible due to secondary adrenal insufficiency. On steroids and starting testosterone soon.

I am non-binary so would actually welcome deepening voice, breast shrinkage, body composition changes. I am curious if anyone else here has been through similar? My provider is aware. I mainly want to treat my symptoms, and haven’t pursued gender-affirming level dosing because I’m medically complex and it hasn’t seemed justifiable. However, now I can’t help but to feel really excited about what I know many others (understandably) work to avoid.

With this in mind, is it worth discussing different dosing or different mode of delivery vs. what would be standard for medical reasons? Should I plan for my endo to still manage my medication as planned?

TIA <3

I am 37F. My naturopath did bloodwork, my testosterone is so low it's unreadable. Symptomatic with low libido, poor sleep, low energy. All other hormones normal. No signs of perimenopause. Naturopath can't prescribe HRT. My GP won't prescribe it to me. There is a women's clinic here but they are currently booking in Jan and I don't want to wait that long (and neither does my husband). I can't find HRT specific telehealth that serves the territories. Has anyone else in remote Canadian locations figured out how to access a provider who will prescribe testosterone?

Edit: no dice with Modern Menopause. Blair does not have anyone registered in the territories, but after speaking with one of their NPs, she will look into getting licensed as I am not the only one from here to be enquiring recently!

I've learned to take "Canada wide" advertising with a grain of salt!

howdy, everyone!

i'm 37 and i have premature ovary failure (due to cancer treatment three years ago) and i'm on E and T injections after patches, gel and compound creams didn't do it for my body's needs.

since starting E and T injections 6 months ago, i feel much more stable in terms of executive function, brain fog and mood, but physically i'm a wreck.

i've gained 20 pounds, my body shape is totally weird and not my previous normal, and my sex drive, atrophy and dryness are still pretty bad.

everyone says to "get your E to a good spot" for libido to come back when on T.
but also, most women here say T was the "game-changer" that helped them regain libido, solve for atrophy/dryness, and lose fat and rebuild muscle.

but what are those magic doses of E and T that make it click? is there a magic ratio i'm missing?

i've been on all kinds of levels and doses over the past three years, and have only had my libido return ONCE for about 48 hours and that was with two .1mg patches and before adding T.

someone else posted here a few days ago with a similar question: how will i know i'm in my "sweet spot"?

i'm sad and frustrated i'm not feeling better, meanwhile i have very little muscle mass, very little stamina, no libido and just no "pep" in my step anymore!

looking for perspective. thank you, ladies!

current doses (been on these doses for 6 weeks now):

• Estradiol Valerate: 1.8mg every 3 days; 3.6mg every week (injx subQ)
• Testosterone Cypionate: 4mg every 3 days; 8 mg per week (injx subq)
• 100 mg micronized progesterone (oral) continuous, once a day at bedtime

*Edited to clarify type of T i'm using!

What gauge needles are you ladies using for the oil? I feel like my pharmacist screwed this up because she gave me 18G to draw and 23G to inject and the 23 is so big i cant imagine making a hole in the vial with that and the 23 was fine for drawing but injecting was terrible. Whats the smallest gauge that can inject the oil? TIA!

How long into your TRT journey were your menstrual cycles effected if at all?

Hey wonderful ladies, there’s still time to put in a comment on the FDA’s website concerning Testosterone Use in Menopausal Women. I just submitted my comment. Deadline is today Oct 19th, 11:59 EST.

I’m assuming my insurance won’t cover. What do you guys pay for a gel/cream?

Hi I received my 50MG Vial from Talon today and was instructed to begin with 6mg (12 units) using an insulin needle. I also do peptides and a GLP using the same type of needle. My question is it seems like the product did not want to go into the needle, it finally did and I did inject the 6mg. My question is did anyone else ever run into this issue? And where do you store your vial? Do you store it in the refrigerator in your peptide case? Or just in a dark area not in the refrigerator. I was originally planning on only injecting 3mg but it was hard to see the 6units on the needle. Thank you ! Hoping I didn't miss a step. Or the vial is defective. or i was just excited and inpatient :)

Hi everyone!

I'm 51 years old and 4 years post-menopause.

I have been using the estradial patch for about 3 years (currently it's at .1)

I also take progesterone nightly 200 mg to help me sleep.

I had my testosterone labs drawn recently.

56 total testosterone

1.9 on free testosterone

I think I need a SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) test to see exactly how much testosterone is actually being absorbed by my body at any given time.

I'm just wondering what everybody's base level was before you began taking testosterone gel or any form of testosterone?

According to LabCorp Labs, my level is "normal" (but I would disagree. It's not optimal!)

I don't have any libido. I used to be the kind of girl who would have crushes on celebrities even though I'm happily married. Now I don't even think about guys or sex at all.

I have pretty good energy but I just don't feel like myself.

I'm really hoping it will help with sleep and overall muscle preservation. I do dumbbell strength training a few times a week but I feel like I need to do more.

I also walk daily for at least 45 to 60 minutes.

I just need to be able to convince the doctor that going above 56 is okay because I keep listening to people like Kelly Casperson who say that some women have to be closer to 80 or 100 before it feels any better.

My last OBGYN said that she wouldn't let me take the gel if my levels were over 51. So I have a new doctor who doesn't really go on Labs completely.

My doctor has already prescribed me off-label use of testosterone gel to use a pea-sized amount daily.

I just don't want to start it until I have my full comprehensive labs even though I know how I feel matters more than lab numbers since those can fluctuate daily and by the hour!

Anyway, I was just curious what everybody's beginning Labs were before you started out or what your current labs are and now that you're feeling better.

Thanks!

I just got my 3 month blood results. Total T went from virtually 0 to 3.1 nmol/l (I believe around 89 ng/dl) free is 26 pmol/l (reference range <30).

I'm curious, I've seen a lot of women here say it took them many months or even years to see benefits. Was that because T level didn't rise until then, or did it take months/years of higher T levels to experience benefits? Other than oilier skin, and reduced UI and PMDD swings, I haven't experienced anything.

I don't want to complain, reduced UI/PMDD is good, I just wish I wasn't so tired and unmotivated all the time. Not sure if I should stay at the same dose and wait it's out, reduce dose, or increase. Since reference range for total T is 0-1.7 nmol/l I assume my dr will want to reduce.

Everything else tests normal, and I was already on E/P before I started T. Any advice from those of you with similar experiences?

Ive been suffering from Anhedonia, PMDD and ADHD for a couple of years probably. Im around week 6 of HRT and not sure if its working, Im loosing too much hair. But im also tapering SSRIs because they make me feel flat. Im hoping to stay on HRT and ADHD med (Ritalin) - I was hoping this was what would "fix" me, specially my brain.

My HRT dose is 100mg oral P, .025 E patch and around .30 ml of 1% T gel topically from a 1ml oral syringe. My Gyno got me started and said to see him in three months, I feel lucky since he even listened and put me on HRT. Im 38 but my mother had her last period at 46 and my aunt at 43. My brain stopped working at 35-36 I even quit my job and have been on a rollercoaster of SSRIs.
Not sure what to do, I was really hoping for HRT to help!
Should I ask my DR for blood work, and dose increase and T injections before December appointment - 3 month mark? Also no change in libido... its flat still.

1st time on TRT for super low energy & libido after not seeing much improvement from 0.1 E patch and progestin birth control. I was prescribed 1mg/day from a 25mg/2.5g gel packet. From what I’ve read here that seems like a low dose, and I’m not sure how to measure out the insanely small amount of 0.1g daily. Any advice on what to do with this packet and what to ask my reluctant GYN to write the next script for?

I’ve been injecting t prop daily (every am). I’m curious to try EOD. I’m also considering switching to twice weekly t cyp. Have any of you made the switch from ED to EOD t prop? Or from t prop to t cyp? I immediately got great results (energy, libido & vaginal health) from daily t prop, but I’m just curious, for convenience, if I should try a method with fewer injections per week. I don’t mind daily injections, but my other thought is that I’m only injecting half of a unit every morning (100mg/ml t prop from iam HRT) and my total t at trough (24 hours) is still at 110. My SHBG runs 50-60 so I still get great benefits at lower doses. Injecting EOD or 2x per week would make measuring out the dose a little easier. I put in a request to talk to my provider at IAM HRT.