New to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) concerned about DHEA vs HCG

[Gerod]

New to TRT concerned about DHEA vs HCG

Hello and thanks in advance for help.

I have been on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for 5 weeks. I feel amazing but in a subtle way. Like no one would notice unless they knew me. I had to do some very stressful things I believe that I would have crumbled under without the therapy.

A couple of things: My T-Level was 535 to start and I am waiting for my first lab test to come back since starting right now.

I am taking 140mg T injected once per week.
.5mg of Anastrozole, generic for Arimidex (estrogen blocker) on the day of the shot

I am also taking DHEA 50mg once per day.

Now I was told that taking DHEA would help my adrenals continue to stay active and healthy while on therapy. This way if I ever came off of T-therapy my adrenal glands would be more likely to be healthy and more active when I stopped. I haven't seen anything on this forum to support that, in fact it seems like everyone is using Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) for things like that.

Additionally I have notices very mild testicular atrophy. Just that they seem less substantial rather than smaller. I know that may be a distinction with out a difference but I was wondering what, if anything, I might do about it.

Thanks!

Gerod

 

[lifter204]

People just run Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) to avoid atrophy - it should also help you recover a bit quicker if you want to stop testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for any reason. I run 250iu x 3 times / week.

Anastrozole should be taken every 2-3 days due to it's half life. I'm not sure on the dose, or if you even need it on 140mg/week. I actually prefer aromasin as it's easy on the lipids, but a bit tricky to dose as you need to take it every day.

If possible I'd probably try to shoot every 5 days minimum to keep blood levels more stable.

Someone else might be able to help with the DHEA question, I have never taken it.

 

[Gerod]

Thanks Lifter. I talked to the people at my doctor's office and they are starting me on HCG. I would still like to know what is DHEA and why am I taking it? lol

 

[1693]

DHEA is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. This hormone is a precursor to other sex hormones. In addition to having its own hormone effect, it results in a shift to an anabolic or protein building state. It reduces cardiovascular risk by increasing lipolysis or breakdown of fat. It also stimulates the immune system, restores sexual vitality, improves mood, decreases cholesterol and body fat. Recent studies point to DHEA as an anti-stress hormone, reversing the effects of stress on the immune system.

 

[Gerod]

DHEA is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. This hormone is a precursor to other sex hormones. In addition to having its own hormone effect, it results in a shift to an anabolic or protein building state. It reduces cardiovascular risk by increasing lipolysis or breakdown of fat. It also stimulates the immune system, restores sexual vitality, improves mood, decreases cholesterol and body fat. Recent studies point to DHEA as an anti-stress hormone, reversing the effects of stress on the immune system.

Ok so the reason i am supposed to take it is to reduce my cardiovascular risk specifically while on testosterone? Are there any other reasons specific to testosterone enhancement or replacement as to why i should tqke it?