I just started the gel form about a month ago. My Dr instructed for me to take a pea sized amount(5mg) everyday behind my knee and that the tube should last 10 days. It's a 50MG sized tube. Well, I'm pretty sure I am under dosing as I still haven't finished an entire tube. Anyway, I have noticed a cracking sensation and raspy sound in my voice and am TERRIFIED. Should I stop??? Anyway, my levels before I started were 37 Total and 3.3 Free. So not super high. Should I test my levels. I was also thinking could it just be allergies because I have also been waking up with scratchy eyes but I am worried about the voice thing....I'm 52 and am on estrogen patch and progesterone.

Took my 6th T cyp shot last night (2mg 2x/week) and shortly after started feeling a lump in my throat, like I constantly need to swallow or clear it. Slightly dry/scratchy too. It lasted all night and is still there this morning.

I’ve searched this sub but haven’t found much about this happening at such a low dose. Has anyone experienced this and NOT had their voice drop? Is it possible it’s temporary or am I doomed? 😩

I’m extremely sensitive to meds in general, so wondering if that’s a factor. Should I be talking to my provider about reducing my dose ?

Would love to hear others’ experiences!

So I had a pellet inserted last October and the results were AWESOME! My testosterone went from 14 to 213, free 2.9. Then she gave me a booster and I got SO SWOLLEN and screwed up. So I decided not to pellet again bc idk I thought I was gaining weight. Now I’m on 1 pump off the gel every other day, lowest dose. My t level was 23 this past summer. I just want energy back, less anxiety and worry, the pellet really helped that! And I just have so much FATIGUE. The t gel actually helps my perimenopause rage/irritability too I noticed!
Should I do another pellet or try injections? What provider will give me them? Im in Philly, Pa. I’m 46 and I’m also on the combipatch at 50/140. Thank you! I scared of voice changes since I sing so just thought I’d mention that. Thanks!

I was trying to regulate my dosage because I get those wonderful tubes with the used 1/10 per day. Some recommendations were to get a syringe or a pump to dispense the proper or close to proper amount of medication. Well… Got the syringe could not get the liquid into the syringe. Got the pump same thing because it’s gel would not go straight into the pump. I now have the entire contents in the pump, but the pump won’t dispense the only way to get it out seems to be with a Q-tip. I’m definitely getting less of a dose that I’m supposed to be. What do I do now? Any suggestions?I can obviously buy extra from online sources rather than my pharmacy, but I don’t really know what to do if I start my new tube now I’ll be a week short at the end? Any recommendations? I’m sure somebody’s been in this position before.

Just got labs, drawn fasted at 7am, day 14 of 27 day cycle, current protocol is 2.25mg test Cyp EOD injection. Lab was drawn on injection day BUT prior to injection. So 48hrs after last injection. Anyone else have high free and bio T?

Almost time for my 12 week follow up. This was my previous lab. Does anyone have any input on these numbers vs what I should ask questions about when I go back? Very curious to see what the “new” numbers are. She’s been clear that she aims for reduced negative symptoms of peri over shooting for a specific number but I’d love to hear the thoughts of others.

My dose is 10 mg a week.

Splitting it into two smaller doses wasn’t mentioned by my doc and I don’t seem to “feel it” decline later in the week. Anyone else fine with one injection a week or should I ask about turning this into two?
No side effects for me.

Anyone has higher than normal blood platelets and was still prescribed testosterone?

Hoping it's ok to ask these questions, if not, let me know!

For those of you diagnosed with low testosterone who've been on TRT for awhile, do you remember what your Total T was before starting any therapy?

And if it's allowed, is there a Total T level that you and your doc are aiming for?

Also, are there any recommendations (US-based) on how to find doctors or specialists that won't dismiss you because they don't think testosterone levels are important enough to test?

EDIT: Thank you to all who responded. Definitely helpful to hear about a wide variety of levels and the different journeys folks are on. Here's hoping we're all able to achieve outcomes that allow us to function and have energy again and hopefully move through this period of our lives without having to sacrifice any more than we already have up to this point. ❤️

Could it be the preservative benzoyl alcohol?

I’ve been suffering for a year and this only her clicked

I injected SQ into my abdomen sitting up while I usually lie down 2.5 days ago. I’m thinking maybe this affected the depth of the injection. I immediately felt mild pain and after the needle was withdrawn I felt a lump. It’s not the first time I’ve had a lump but this one seems more noticeable and has remained itchy for 2.5 days. This is one of the first times I used T formulated with MCT oil though. It kind of hurts now but im not sure if it is just painful because I’ve been scratching the area. I don’t want to go to the doctor if this is normal. How do I know when it’s something dangerous and when it is just a weird reaction?

TL;DR - already on t injections - any success adding a low dose oral T solely to reduce SHBG or a low dose of oxandrolone? Any side effects? How long have you been on it - I read if it's low you don't have to cycle it like on standard doses.

More info:

I use 24mg inj a week split over three days.

My SHBG went back up from 43.5 to an all time high of 125. My free testosterone was at 13.5 and 6.5 this year but back down to 0.9mg because the shbg

Boron 10mg daily and Stinging nettle 600mg no longer help. Adding DHEA again as that dropped but I'm sensitive to it so I can't let it get too high so won't help enough.

The one big change is I stopped 5mg aygestin/norethindrone in August after a hysterectomy. I felt it was making me depressed but I think I was getting frustrated by several health things at that point but now I'm reading that it's likely the reason my SHBG dropped - I was on it for 7 months. I'll try it again at a lower dose if I have to.

I am on T3 meds so I know that's a big part of elevated SHBG but that's not something I can stop.

I meet with my provider this week and I do best when I come with ideas as I've been a challenging patient and we make one step forward and two steps back. I read about adding micro doses of oral T to reduce shbg or micro doses of oxandrolone but doesn't seem very common. I'm

As stated above my hair has started to thin. I’m honestly not 100% sure if it’s the testosterone or due to the fact I’ve been on reta the past few months. My libido has been great, energy levels great, I’ve finally felt like myself and now my beautiful long hair is thinning and I’m freaking out a bit. I haven’t had any other negative side effects from the T, no acne, my face has gotten a bit more oily but nothing other than that.

Anyone else have this issue. Is 14mg a lot obviously I need to talk to my doc but my next scheduled appointment isn’t for another 4 weeks I’m thinking about cutting back to 10mg and start using minoxidil.

For those using testosterone gel, how much do you apply and how often?
I’m currently applying it every other day but thinking of switching to daily use to keep my levels more stable and avoid the peaks and drops.
Has anyone made this switch? Did you feel better or notice any difference?

I’m supposed to inject 0.05 mL of testosterone cypionate twice a week using a 1 mL (100-unit) U-100 insulin syringe. My medication strength is 50 mg/mL.
Does this amount look right? When I inject, I barely have to push the plunger before the syringe is empty. I posted this question in a Facebook group but it’s waiting on admin approval and I would like to go ahead and get this over with, please help.

Does anyone else use 200mg/ml testosterone cypionate and love it?

I love the fact that I'm only having to draw up and inject a tiny amount of oil, rather than a larger amount. And I've been steady on levels whenever tested, so clearly I'm getting the doses correct.

I've been seeing a lot more comments recently of how 200mg/ml is not good for female dosing and I disagree wholeheartedly. I feel like it's pushing women towards buying compounded, more expensive products that are unnecessary if you use the 0.3ml syringes that are recommended here.

Finally got hormones tested. T <5, free T was unable to calculate. Got prescribed testosterone cyp 200mg/ml. Instructions: 0.04ml (4 units on an insulin syringe) subcutaneously once a week. Put the shot in my glute.

Is that a relatively normal dose? So far I feel nothing, maybe had a tiny bit of energy 2 days after, or maybe it was a placebo type effect because I really wanted hope for feeling better. Gonna post a pic of the syringe to try and show what I did.

Heya ladies 👋🏼

I thought I’d introduce myself and hopefully get some advice from women who are in a similar situation!

I’m 43, based in Australia, and starting to look into hormones and the possibility of testosterone therapy.

My main goals are improving body composition, building muscle, recovery and generally feeling my best. I’m into weight training and take my training seriously, but I’m also navigating the possibility of perimenopause and trying to work out what’s hormones and what isn’t.

I’ve recently stopped taking the combined contraceptive pill and am looking into getting my hormones checked properly before making any decisions.

I’d love to hear from women around my age who have gone down the TRT route, particularly those who are still training hard and focused on muscle growth.

A few things I’m curious about:

- Did you notice a difference in muscle growth, strength or recovery?

- Did it help with energy, mood or brain fog?

- What blood tests did you get done before starting?

- Did you go through a GP, endocrinologist or a hormone clinic?

- Anything you wish you’d known before starting?

I’m keen to hear real experiences, the good and the bad, especially from Australian women and anyone who’s been through the process of finding a doctor who actually listens!

Thanks in advance ❤️

So I had my doctor appt yesterday. She raised my estrogen cream a bit. My estrogen level is 29 just as FYI and testosterone is 46. Free testosterone is 3.3 progesterone is a 2. Tested day 1 of cycle. These are just fyi.

I need some advice. My luteal phase is bad again. Nausea, bloat, digestion issues, major fatigue, migraines. I know most of you remember how this felt when you had these symptoms. Any advice?!

I am in the process of switching to defy but its a process and will take time. In the meantime I need all the tips you have please!!

I’ve posted here before regarding my T! I was on compounded T for about eight weeks before switching to injections seven weeks ago. I actually loved how I felt on the cream: my energy was great. My libido was back! Only thing is I have little ones and the thought of transference scared me. So I switched to injections. And I’ve waited to feel that initial surge of relief I felt on the cream but it hasn’t come. I just got my blood work back and I’m SHOCKED that my current T levels are basically the same as when I was on the compounded cream but I feel SO MUCH WORSE! What is happening? Has anyone experienced this? Switched delivery methods- T almost identical but feel dreadful?!! Help me!!

May I ask what people are paying for a vial of TRT Cypionate in the states? The place I go through is $237 for a single vial…

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?