What else to look for other than T-level for low sex drive

[Meth0tica]

Hey everyone,

I've been on TRT for appx 2 years now at varying dosages of Cipionate ranging from 200mg/week to 100mg/wk. I've settled in recently at 135mg/wk over the last 6 month or so. This seems to be a good mix that keeps my hematocrit from escalating too high too quickly (I donate one a quarter) while still keeping T-levels in the 1000 range. My T levels had been in the 90s prior to starting.

I'm also on an AI just to keep Estrogen in check even though I've never had an issue.

Recently however I've been experiencing low sex drive again the second half of the week. I inject on Sunday mornings and have been noticing sex issues around Thurs/Fri. I'm trying to get ideas on what else I should monitor via blood-work. Any tolerance, or other hormone changes typical after being on T for a couple years.

I hadn't had this issue up until the last few months even though I've always administered once a week.

I think I can rule out stress, anxiety, etc. since it usually happens end of the week every time.

I'm going to start twice a week injections to see if it is simply my body learning to metabolise it faster or something, but looking for other ideas.

Thanks!

 

[3J]

on your current dosage what are your test and estrogen levels?

 

[Havasu]

As 3J said it would be good to know your estrogen levels. From what I've read driving your e2 too low can cause libido issues. You are using an AI, maybe you're using too much; but it's all speculation without results of a blood test.

 

[Meth0tica]

I didn't do Estrogen this last time I did blood work. My last T-level was 1249 (normal range 292-1052) and Calc Free T was 34.5 (normal range 4.8-25.0).

It has been over a year since I did Estradiol test, but it was 27 back then (which isn't relative I know).

 

[3J]

time to do bloodwork from the looks of it

 

[Meth0tica]

Yeah, I'm due to hit up the Endo for my check-up in a couple months so will make sure and get Estradiol numbers at that time. Anything else in particular other than T level, Free T, CBC, Estradiol, PSA? Should I also be looking specifically at FSH and LH? Which T test is it that gives you the FSH and LH?

Thanks!

 

[jozifp103]

Could also be the once a week pinning schedule making your test levels drop way down by the time you inject next. Twice a week injections will keep your trough levels higher and less fluctuations. Just a thought.

 

[Meth0tica]

Could also be the once a week pinning schedule making your test levels drop way down by the time you inject next. Twice a week injections will keep your trough levels higher and less fluctuations. Just a thought.

Yep, I've considered this, but it is weird to me that this 'trough effect' would only start happening after a couple years on TRT. Everything adapts over time though, so I'm going to start trying twice a week.

 

[Meth0tica]

Ok, finally got some bloodwork done. Still have same issues:

Estradiol = 52 pg/ml (expected range <=63)
Free T4 = 1.18 ng/dl (0.73-1.95)
TSH = 2.7 uiu/ml (0.5-4.7)
DHEA Sulfate = 625 ug/dl (103-446)
Free T3 = 3.7 pg/ml (2.3-4.2)
Pregnenolone = 112 ng/dl (23-173)
Test = 648 ng/dl (292-1052)
Sex Horm Bind = 32 nmol/l (17-66)
Free Test = 14.5 NG/DL (4.8-25.0)