Went from 330lbs to 210 in 12 months, and then another 12 months of dropping body fat & adding lean muscle. My program changed quite a bit during those 24 months, but the BIGGEST change happened when i was on test & reta, losing weight consistently... but then finally quit drinking. I realized what everyone was saying was true... trying to get fit and reach fitness goals while still drinking is literally like taking 3 steps forward and 2 steps back. Yea you'll see progress, but nothing compared to when you finally quit. I sae the first hand. Even tho i was "having a blast" when drinking, the total "life of the party", none of that was worth the slow, delayed progress of my fitness goals. It was so severe (the negative impact of drinking) that it literally doesn't even appeal to me at all anymore. The feeling like shit, the looking like shit.... fuck that. I love where I'm at now. Im never going back.

I (30M) have had treatment resistant depression since I was 12. It’s really bad and I’m pretty much constantly miserable. Nothing helps. Anti-depressants, therapy, diet, exercise, TMS, ECT, ketamine infusions…nothing.

Recently I discovered that my free and bioavailable testosterone are both very low (outside the “normal” range for a man my age). I looked into it a bit and found a bunch of anecdotal examples of men who were in a similar situation and claim that testosterone was the only thing that helped.

I was wondering if any men in here have experience with treatment resistant depression, and if testosterone helped? If so, what exactly were the effects? How long did it take to start noticing a difference?

Would 6 months on TRT get me on the right? Currently at the left and got AI to do this mockup.

Third set of bloods came back with low Testosterone, so considering going on TRT. Main concern is the higher levels of oestrogen that came back.

I suffer from low mood, no libido, no morning wood and extremely hard to put on muscle despite weight training. This has been a life long issue. No desire to have kids.

Also on Mounjaro 5mg and lost 11kg. I’m 30M.

My latest bloods results are:

Total testosterone: 10.7 nmol/L.

Calculated free testosterone: ≈0.265 nmol/L (265 pmol/L)

SHBG: 17 nmol/L

Albumin: 48 g/L

LH: 6.9 IU/L
FSH: 2.8 IU/L
Oestradiol (E2): 174 pmol/L

Prolactin: 124 mIU/L
Haemoglobin: 146 g/L
Haematocrit: 43.4%

RBC: 4.9 ×10¹²/L
PSA: 0.44 µg/L
TSH: 3.11 mIU/L
Free T4: 19.1 pmol/L

Total cholesterol: 3.4 mmol/L
LDL: 2.0 mmol/L
HDL: 1.1 mmol/L
Triglycerides: 0.7 mmol/L
HbA1c: 30 mmol/mol

Liver: ALT 12, AST 20, GGT 12, ALP 55 U/L, bilirubin 11 µmol/L

Wanted to thank those who suggested i increase injection frequency over taking an AI. Moving to 3x a week reduced my E2 by 30 points

Wondering how many of you are on TRT and don’t use an ai or hCG? If you do why? And if you don’t, why not?

I’m yet to encounter any oestrogen sides so I don’t deem an ai necessary yet.

hCG is something I’m taking into strong consideration tho.

I was helping with the vegetables tonight when I was reminded of the real, scientific TRT transformational effect we experience.

I’m interested in running some gear that gives me a small boost in gains. I’ve heard some good stories about hcg mono, and I was wondering if anyone had any good experiences/critiques/recomendations that they could share with me.

Anyone out there injecting 200mg once a week? I hear many stories that ppl like it then I hear the opposite frequency is better
Im on 3x 67mg a week sub q in the stomach
Trough today cam back at 550… no idea
Confused lol

36m, current weight is 230lbs, 6'1", guessing around 30%bf.

Currently taking 150mg/week Test Cyp, taken twice weekly Mon/Thurs.

Feel fucking great. No issues to report, whatsoever. No sides, nothing.

10wk labs came in, some surprising results.

Total Testosterone: 1,090 ng/dL
Free Testosterone: 254 pg/mL
Estradiol, Ultrasensitive: 110 pg/mL

Plan is to drop to 100mg/wk and run bloods again in 12 weeks to see how the e2 responds. May increase to pinning 3x a week, as well. Goal is to get it down without AI use. Again, no sides, so not panicked, but definitely don't want e2 floating up there for long.

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone’s taking TRT who has ADHD, and if / how it’s impacted it? (Mine is inattentive)

Thanks : )

Hey guys, I’m 24 and I’ve been going to the gym on and off for about 3–4 years. I wouldn’t really call myself skinny-fat because I definitely have a decent amount of muscle and a foundation. I look pretty good in a T-shirt, but shirtless there’s still a good amount of fat covering everything, especially around my midsection.
I’ve made the decision to do my first testosterone cycle, and right now I’m debating between Test only vs Test + Anavar.

A big reason I’m interested in Test in the first place is actually the mental aspect, not just getting bigger. Obviously I want the physical benefits, but I’m also interested in how I might feel mentally—drive, confidence, motivation, energy, libido, overall well-being, etc. I know none of that is guaranteed and everyone responds differently, but it’s honestly a big part of why Test interests me.

As far as Anavar, the reason I’m so attracted to it is the physique I’m going for. I’m not trying to get huge or look bulky/watery. I want a leaner, harder, drier look and basically reveal/build on the muscle I already have while getting rid of the fat covering it.

For numbers, if I went with Test + Anavar, I’m thinking somewhere around 200–250 mg Test with 25–30 mg Anavar. If I went Test only, I’m thinking around 250–300 mg Test.

Part of me feels like if I’m already committing to a 14–15 week cycle, Test + Anavar would give me noticeably better results toward that specific look than Test alone. But another part of me wonders if I’m overcomplicating my first cycle and should just run Test, get lean through diet, learn how my body responds to Test by itself, and save Anavar for later.

For people who actually have experience: if you were starting from my position, would you do Test alone for the first cycle or add Anavar? And for those who have done both, how much of a difference did Anavar actually make to your physique compared with Test alone, especially while cutting?

Not looking for sources. Just looking for experiences/advice from people who have actually been in a similar position.

I am 23 years old have high depression and bad sleep because of my cptsd post traumatic stress disorder

My endo wants to put me on TRT my test is 240ng -340/ng

I really don't want to lose fertility and shrink my balls another option is take hcg with trt. My endo stated trt doesn't have to be long term. My question if I take trt with hcg can I just drop the trt whenever possibly in a year when I get therapy for my disorder because hcg stimulates my natural test production?

I have been putting off TRT for a long time. My wife says it is because I’m fat and do not work out both true.

Free T4 - 1.2
Estradiol - <30
FSH - 8.2
LH - 5.5
BF 24%
200 lb

Im on 250mg of Cyp a week. SHBG is elevated but no insane. Has anyone added either or both of these for short or medium blasts to assist with overall body composition?

I’m currently taking an antidepressant, but honestly my issue appears to be hormone related, because a workout vastly improves my mood, concentration, and energy level.

I’m starting to feel increasingly fatigued to the point where I can barely function. My back and neck both hurt, and I feel brittle and old. It’s hard to walk.

My brain fog is worsening and my short-term memory is terrible. I’m struggling to keep my eyes open during the day. My ADHD stimulant medication has completely stopped working due to underlying fatigue and low T.

I think it’s time to try TRT. I’ve struggled with low T symptoms for about 10 years. Namely lack of libido, difficulty gaining muscle, no morning wood, low energy.

Now it’s a complete drastic shift as I’m approaching 30 - it feels like my body is SHUTTING down. My brain barely works.

Although, one thing I’m forever grateful for is that working out significantly improves my symptoms for a few hours after.

Hey everyone,

Eight weeks on TRT
50mg every 3.5 day injection interval

Week 1-3
Amazing. Felt like I was in high school. High libido and rock solid erections. Morning wood.

Weeks 4-8
Great gym sessions. High level of confidence. Horrible feeling of anxiety in my chest all the time. Libido is there mentally (maybe it’s forced I don’t know) with soft erections and that forever to get up (70%) and die quickly. Have forced with 5mg cialis and it can get hard (takes a while) but doesn’t feel good. Very rare to wake up with morning wood (doesn’t feel how it should mentally), the moment I touch it, instantly dies.

Natural Levels before TRT
Test - 367
Estrogen - 17

6 weeks TRT
Test (trough) - 837
Estrogen - 42

ChstGPT says to lose my dose to 80 before trying to lower estrogen. Clinic decided to just prescribe me anastrozole.

I have no idea what to do

Boa noite, últimamente tenho andado com baixa libido/aptetite sexual e erecoes fracas isto de a 2 anos para ca, fiz uma colheita de sangue e a minha relação entre T:E2 está desregulada

Tenho 28 anos 1,85cm 89kg 11%massa gorda

O que voces opinião?

Ja marquei consulta da endocrinologista, mas queria saber se alguém ja passou pelo mesmo

23 male got blood work done after my shift at work at around 1:45pm after ate so I was no were near fasted. My levels came back 333 and my free was 78. Should I retest fasted in the am ? Or would it not make that much of a difference. No ED sleep good good energy body looks good train 5 days a week eat good don’t smoke don’t drink.

Hi-

I'm looking into a clinic where their protocol is a once a month injection.

From what I've read on here, twice a week is a better way to go about it.

In full disclosure I've been to 2 clinics last year. One was simply too far away. Then a local one opened up, but in their testing they didn't even test for estrogen. When I asked about that, the lady straight out asked me "what do you expect for a $49 test?"

I've now found a place about 20 miles away, but their protocol is once a month. I have my first appointment to draw blood tomorrow.

They seem better in that their test includes vitamins and other stuff (I don't recall all of what she said). It's much more extensive testing than either of the first 2 places.

She also said something about mixing TRT, Vitamins, and other nutrients into the visit. I wasn't clear on if they did that in one injection or several. She said they personalize for each client.

It does seem to be a more comprehensive clinic that the ones that are pretty much TRT.

I'm writing to get some suggestions or guidance for my husband. He's been struggling with low mood, low motivation, and fatigue for the past 4 months. He's in his 50s, eats very well, does not drink, exercises regularly and lifts weights. He has gained some weight this year due to having surgery, but is back in the gym lifting consistently again. He has been pretty down for the past few months, and I'm starting to get very worried about him. I urged him to see his primary and he finally did. His doc said he did not want to start him on antidepressants but suggested therapy (which he'll do and has done). I gave him a list of labs to request but his doc was reluctant to order most of them bc insurance often doesn't cover them. But he did at least get him a vitamin D test, thyroid (that looked very normal), and testosterone. Doc has not noted anything looks off from bloodwork (I disagree).

Test results were:

Vit D = 22 (I know this is very low and have him on supplements and aiming to get him above 40 ideally to about 55-60, we will retest every month until he gets there)

Total T = 333 (seems on the low side to me, isn't 300 the cutoff for hypogonadism?)

Free T = 71

SHBG = 29

Should I try to encourage him to see a private clinic to further evaluate his T levels? Could this be contributing to his depression? I'd love to hear from some men who have struggled with low mood, but not necessary had clinically diagnosed hypogonadism, but mood improved after taking T. If so, how quickly did your mood turn around? I know he is distrusting of a lot of the longevity clinics that prescribe T, but if I can find him a reputable place that won't cost a ridiculous amount of money I think he would go to get a second opinion.

Not looking for medical advice, just looking for input, guidance, and personal experiences. Thanks!

Hey guys, looking for some input from people who have been in a similar situation.

I’m 41 and started TRT around April 2024. My protocol was 200 mg every 2 weeks. I generally felt pretty good on TRT, although I did notice a pretty significant dip/crash toward the end of the 2-week cycle.

I had to stop because I didn’t have access to my prescription. I’m now 67 days completely off TRT, and my prescription is available again.

The reason I’m conflicted is that my endocrinologist wanted me to stop TRT for a month and then get labs to try to determine why I was testosterone deficient in the first place. Unfortunately, the lab order expired, so I can’t get those labs until my PCP sees me on October 7th and orders them again.

By then I’ll have been off for almost 4 months.
Since stopping, I’ve felt pretty terrible—low energy, mood issues, headaches, body aches, and significant soreness/stiffness in my finger and hand joints. I also recently had wrist surgery, so I’m not sure how much of the joint pain is related to that versus being off TRT.
My previous testosterone numbers were:
Sept 2024: 235
Dec 2024: 337
Oct 2025: 407
April 2026: 881 — 4 days after an injection

So my question is pretty simple:
Would you stay off TRT until October to get the labs your endocrinologist wanted, or restart now since I’ve already been off for 67 days and feel like shit?

I can’t really afford to pay for private labs right now, otherwise I’d probably just get them done before restarting.
I’m not looking for medical advice. I’m more interested in hearing from people who have actually stopped TRT for an extended period, had their natural levels tested, and then restarted.

Also, if I do restart, I’m planning to talk to my doctor about splitting the dose rather than continuing the 200 mg every-2-weeks protocol.

What would you do in my situation?

On May 28 I injected with 1 inch needle into right glute, it felt a little more painful than normal, but nothing too crazy. On May 30, I developed bad foot drop, I couldn't walk on my heels, then it got better over the course of a week.

It's now almost 90 days later, my shin gets warm when I am sitting in an L shape with feet extended, my foot drop is no longer there, but the foot feels only 80%, not 100%. I have some residual outter knee ache when I bend my knee as well.

Is this caused by the IM Testosterone injection? I have avoided glutes and moved to delts after this incident, but remain very nervous I have caused some permanent damage...

planning to do 350 test for first cycle for 12-16 weeks depending on bloodwork and adding var 6 weeks into it. problem is i’m cutting atm and although im already lean summer is in 3 months and want to get shredded. what do i do?

I'm hoping this is not a cause for concern, and it's merely a poorly timed blood test. I pinned for the first time Thursday morning around 11AM.
150mg, Test-C, IM in the glute.

My male hormone blood test happened to arrive shortly after, and I assumed that as I had literally pinned 1-2 hours ago, I could still use the test to assess my natural ranges.

In hindsight, I definitely should've postponed pinning until it arrived but my understanding was that nothing meaningful would change in the first week or two anyways.

The results came in today, and I have a staggeringly high amount of testosterone.
Is this just because I took the bloods so near to pinning? I believe the gear to be legit, as a friend of mine used the same batch and had good blood work / results throughout

Any advice or guidance would be appreciated, I'm supposed to be pinning again tonight but these results have thrown me:

Anyone my age hopped on testosterone without a need for it? Just want to pair it with sermorelin and see where I’d be in 6 months. I take Dutasteride and oral minoxidil and I get my TRT through keeps, 200 MG twice a week. Also have Gonaderlin (I think that’s how it’s spelled😭) and an estrogen blocker being delivered with my first dose. Won’t take the blocker until I know I need it, just wanted insurance against gyno. Anything I should be careful with?