Because of this ONE issue I am considering stoping TRT. Help?

[Atlaz]

Hey bros,

Ever since I started TRT lat year( Clomid,Tamoxifen then eventually Cypionate ) I have experience stomach bloating. With the doctor we tried different dosage and keeping in check E2 but nothing seem to work. This kinda bums me out because now everything seems to going good except for my out of place bulging stomach. The rest of my body is getting nice and tight except for my stomach which looks inflated with air. I have read that hormones can trigger this side effect with some people but that not much can be done. Im really happy of my decision to start injections but fuck me I look pregnant. Anyways maybe someone has a clue or tip? Any feedback is appreciated.

These are some of the things I tried to fix my bulging stomach but with no result:

1. Vegetarian diet ( 30 days in )
2. Drink lots of water ( makes it worse )
3. Reduce salts
4. E2 in check ( tried different levels) AI
5. Lots of cardio
6. IM injections or SubQ ( I always slip the dose in two )
7. Probiotics, enzymes
8. No booze

------------------------------------------------------------

Bloods

BASELINE ( April 2015 ) :


Total Testosterone : 6.3 ( 6.1-27.1) nmol/L

Free T : 196 ( 110-660) pmol/L

Bio-available T : 4.4 ( 2.8-15.5) nmol/L

SHBG: 11 ( 13-84) nmol/L Low

Estradiol : 78 (40-160) pmol/L = 21 pg/ml



LH: 2 ( 1.0-9.0) IU/L

FSH: 2.1 ( 1.0-19.0) IU/L

Free T3: 5.4 (3.3-6.0) pmol/L

T4: 11.9 ( 9.0-19.1) pmol/L




February 2016



Total Testosterone : 22.3 ( 6.1-27.1) nmol/L

Free T : 750 ( 110-660) pmol/L HIGH

Bio-available T : 17 ( 2.8-15.5) nmol/L

SHBG: 12 ( 13-84) nmol/L Still low as fuk

Estradiol : 116 (40-160) pmol/L = 31pg/lm



LH: 0.2 ( 1 -9.0) IU/L Low

FSH: 0.2 ( 1.0-19.0) IU/L Low

Free T3: 6 (3.3-6.0) pmol/L

T4: 13.9 ( 9.0-19.1) pmol/L



Protocol: 100mg cyp/week

 

[cbburrr]

I get a bit of bloat too, but consider it a side that is manageable.... no, I mean tolerable.
I have not found the cure for bloat, and like you it stays if e2 is hi or low. Interested to see what others say.

 

[TheResearcher]

Are you sure can directly attribute stomach bloating to starting/using a TRT protocol?
Nothing else has changed in your diet or stress levels?

Also, describe the bulge in your stomach...do you ever feel gassy? Indigestion? Anything else?

 

[Atlaz]

Are you sure can directly attribute stomach bloating to starting/using a TRT protocol?
Nothing else has changed in your diet or stress levels?

Also, describe the bulge in your stomach...do you ever feel gassy? Indigestion? Anything else?

I get daily regular healthy bowel movement and no more gas than usual and also have lost weight since stating TRT. On the other hand my stomach has gone bigger and feels like air is trapped inside. My diet is even more on point than ever while avoiding the types of food that may make it worse. In my case this is definitely hormone related.

 

[TheResearcher]

I get daily regular healthy bowel movement and no more gas than usual and also have lost weight since stating TRT. On the other hand my stomach has gone bigger and feels like air is trapped inside. My diet is even more on point than ever while avoiding the types of food that may make it worse. In my case this is definitely hormone related.

Not here to argue, but, attributing HRT to your gut without a battery of gastro and additional tests is silly.
It could also be cortisol, food allergy, or any number of other contributing factors.

 

[Milton]

Hows your sugar intake? What drinks are you drinking? Sweet foods?

 

[Roush]

your on TRT an injecting exogenous test, yet your T levels are middle of the road. Why is that? just curious. Your levels are just average yet your dealing with side effects and blaming it on the testosterone? Like post #5 says, its unlikely the test and more to do with something your sensitive to (heck, maybe its vegetables)

you say your diet is in check, yet you've been eating 'vegetarian' for 30 days. IMO, thats the worse diet you could do. All the fiber can F up your gut big time, and your being deprived of essential nutrients (but thats a diff topic).

have you been tested for gluten intolerance? tested for any other food allergies? Instead of switching to an extreme diet, like vegan (which will cause problems) have you just tried the simple process of removing certain foods from your diet one at a time (milk, broccoli, pasta, etc.)

oh yeah, and SUGAR .. have you tried to completely eliminate sugar all together? What about Carbs, have you tried going 4 weeks with NO carbs (instead of 4 weeks with no meat lol). Carbs are more likely to cause leaky gut syndrome and a host of digestive problems compared to meat.

 

[Atlaz]

your on TRT an injecting exogenous test, yet your T levels are middle of the road. Why is that? just curious. Your levels are just average yet your dealing with side effects and blaming it on the testosterone? Like post #5 says, its unlikely the test and more to do with something your sensitive to (heck, maybe its vegetables)

you say your diet is in check, yet you've been eating 'vegetarian' for 30 days. IMO, thats the worse diet you could do. All the fiber can F up your gut big time, and your being deprived of essential nutrients (but thats a diff topic).

have you been tested for gluten intolerance? tested for any other food allergies? Instead of switching to an extreme diet, like vegan (which will cause problems) have you just tried the simple process of removing certain foods from your diet one at a time (milk, broccoli, pasta, etc.)

oh yeah, and SUGAR .. have you tried to completely eliminate sugar all together? What about Carbs, have you tried going 4 weeks with NO carbs (instead of 4 weeks with no meat lol). Carbs are more likely to cause leaky gut syndrome and a host of digestive problems compared to meat.

See thats another thing. My Total testosterone is mid range but my Free T flares up. My doc reduced my dose because he doesn't like it when Free T is high but at the same time when I asked him about it but he thinks its all fine.

Im definitively not eating shit loads of fiber ( fruit, vegetable) or even sugar.

 

[Atlaz]

Not here to argue, but, attributing HRT to your gut without a battery of gastro and additional tests is silly.
It could also be cortisol, food allergy, or any number of other contributing factors.

Yeah could be.

 

[Rockya!]

I have read good things about MSM powder and stomach issues, it may help.

 

[TheResearcher]

Yeah could be.

Try adding coconut oil to your diet. I have a tablespoon or two in the morning with my coffee....good for digestion, overall gut health.
You may also want to try adding some fish oil and a probiotic to your diet.

I'm in my late 30's now, but in my early 30's (Before HRT)...I had some gastro issues, went in for tons of tests...docs couldn't find anything. I ended up "fixing" myself with a regimen of vitamins, minerals, and a Polquin style diet (green veggies, fats, and protein).

 

[Milton]

Try adding coconut oil to your diet. I have a tablespoon or two in the morning with my coffee....good for digestion, overall gut health.
You may also want to try adding some fish oil and a probiotic to your diet.

I'm in my late 30's now, but in my early 30's (Before HRT)...I had some gastro issues, went in for tons of tests...docs couldn't find anything. I ended up "fixing" myself with a regimen of vitamins, minerals, and a Polquin style diet (green veggies, fats, and protein).

That coconut oil may be able to break down and aid in reducing it.

 

[IMT staff]

Just lower your T. You have plenty of free.