Pantalones
New member
You think you need to cycle? Does your thyroid check out?
Opinions and experience? I'm stuck
- Thread starter Pantalones
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lakers0812
New member
No, I doubt it. I just recently started on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) so I doubt I need a break from it. I have hypothyroidism but have been taking naturethroid for that and it is completely under control. That should not affect the exogenous testosterone. I do find it strange, however that there is a level of e2 where my body was actually utilizing the test. This gives me a lot of hope. I think the best thing to do is to talk to people at increasemyT. There could be a reason that I am completely unaware of that is causing this.
You bring up an interesting point about the androgel. Maybe that will work for me.
You bring up an interesting point about the androgel. Maybe that will work for me.
Daniel_IMT_Staff
New member
The esters in Testosterone will not matter as they serve as a "transporter" and nothing else. It's a chain of carbons that have nothing to do with the testosterone action. The way you can look at it is the ester is a vehicle of speed. If you have 200(mg) Testosterone Cypionate it will deliver 100mg of testosterone in 6-7 days to the blood stream where the testosterone has a different half-life of an hour or two before it is metabolized further. This is in regards to injectable testosterone with an ester. Gels/creams are a little different but follow a similar principle in regards to release but isn't subject to the esterase enzymes.
With gels/creams you are going to have a difference in absorption than injectable testosterone and the metabolism will be slightly different in regards to DHT/estrogen conversion. Keep in mind that DHT binds strongly to the androgen receptor in libido specific regions, the skin and CNS as a result of enzyme location. In muscle tissue it is broken down very quickly which is why DHT doesn't offer much in regards to muscle strength/gains.
With gels/creams you are going to have a difference in absorption than injectable testosterone and the metabolism will be slightly different in regards to DHT/estrogen conversion. Keep in mind that DHT binds strongly to the androgen receptor in libido specific regions, the skin and CNS as a result of enzyme location. In muscle tissue it is broken down very quickly which is why DHT doesn't offer much in regards to muscle strength/gains.
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Pantalones
New member
Is it possible that some guys lake the esterase enzymes necessary for cleavage of the ester? I've heard that theory thrown around. I do believe there is a decent correlation between supraphysiologic testosterone levels and diminished thyroid function. I need to get a free T3 done to really know. Also, are orange fatty-looking stools indicative of anything? I also have excessive gas that has gotten worse lately.
Megatron28
Moderator
I am sticking with my tape worm theory. 
Pantalones
New member
I am sticking with my tape worm theory.
Are you serious? I can't tell lol
Megatron28
Moderator
I am joking.
But in all seriousness, getting tested for parasites is easy to do and it could explain your symptoms. Stool issues, gas, weight loss, etc. Sometimes the simple explanation is the right one. Parasites can actually make you feel full because of the gases they emit as a bi-product.
But in all seriousness, getting tested for parasites is easy to do and it could explain your symptoms. Stool issues, gas, weight loss, etc. Sometimes the simple explanation is the right one. Parasites can actually make you feel full because of the gases they emit as a bi-product.
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Pantalones
New member
Would that be a stool sample most likely?
Megatron28
Moderator
Yep. You usually need samples from three consecutive days since some parasites only have eggs once every three days. It is a little gross, but easy to do. And may put your mind at ease. Anyone can pick up parasites. Unfortunately, lots of people don't wash their hands after taking a shit. There are other ways to get parasites, but that is one of the main methods for transmission.
Pantalones
New member
Do you think a doc would be on board if I mentioned it?
Megatron28
Moderator
Yeah. They love running tests. More money for their practice. Maybe a place like labcorps does them too. Might save you a few bucks. Not sure though.
If you run into problems, tell your doc that you were out of the country and have had a lot of diahrea since getting back.
If you run into problems, tell your doc that you were out of the country and have had a lot of diahrea since getting back.
Pantalones
New member
Wouldn't I more than likely have an iron deficiency if there were parasites in my intestines?
Megatron28
Moderator
I don't know. Do all parasites crave iron?
Pantalones
New member
Touche. I'm no parasite expert, but I'm assuming they all have different preferences. Thanks though Megatron, its helpful. Do you think its worth asking for a free T3 while I'm at it?
I was also, maybe regrettably, trying a cycle of tren to see if I could shake this funk and maintain some gains. Do you think I should hold off on this and wait to get to the bottom of things?
Megatron28
Moderator
Based on what you said below checking your T3 sounds like a good idea.
If you haven't started the Tren cycle yet it might be a good idea to hold off a bit longer instead of introducing another variable into the equation.. If you have started already I'm not sure what you should do.
If you live in the US, haven't traveled to 3rd world foreign countries and don't eat from dives and street vendors all the time, you most likely don't have parasites. But it could explain your situation so it is probably worth checking out.
If you haven't started the Tren cycle yet it might be a good idea to hold off a bit longer instead of introducing another variable into the equation.. If you have started already I'm not sure what you should do.
If you live in the US, haven't traveled to 3rd world foreign countries and don't eat from dives and street vendors all the time, you most likely don't have parasites. But it could explain your situation so it is probably worth checking out.
totalburnout
New member
Sounds like you're finding out that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn't the fix all. At some point, you're going to get accustomed to the treatment and you're not going to feel the same way. You can't always chase the dragon. It sounds like your expectations will only be met by running a cycle. You put on 40lbs. Count your lucky stars - you essentially got a legal cycle.
I'd look to clean up your diet, workout and sleep schedule if you haven't already. Gains aren't always exponential and its the law of diminishing returns. The initial gains are the easiest, everything after that is going to become tougher and tougher.
I'd look to clean up your diet, workout and sleep schedule if you haven't already. Gains aren't always exponential and its the law of diminishing returns. The initial gains are the easiest, everything after that is going to become tougher and tougher.
Pantalones
New member
I would be satisfied, and I was for a year, but the gains diminished. If this was an issue of a plateau I wouldn't be here searching for answers. I look twenty lbs lighter and run higher in body fat. There's something else going on. If everything was optimal, my testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) would be PERFECT right now. I had a greater appetite when I was hypogonadal than I do now with a T level of 1,000. There is something off, I just hope it doesn't turn out to be too bad..
Pantalones
New member
Okay, so if I have already ordered the tren, how long could I keep it before it goes bad assuming I figure all this out?
totalburnout
New member
Your body is constantly changing, you will eventually lose gains if you don't eat the calories to keep them and continue to use a progressive weight routine.
I'm sure you're not 20lbs lighter and I'm sure the bodyfat isn't that much higher. I would examine other factors before freaking out. Your blood work looks good. You don't have a parasite or some rare disease.
Pantalones
New member
Do you believe the body compensates by increasing cortisol and lowering thyroid function when testosterone is raised? That's the only explanation I can come up with. Its a pretty big difference, but no not twenty pounds, more like 10-15, but it still doesn't explain why my appetite is shot..
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