TRT was a mistake

[Nathan74 (imported)]

I went on TRT therapy a little over 6 months ago. I had gained weight, my sugar level was borderline high, and my cholesterol was as well. My other issue was some really mild brain fog and some marked fatigue. This was after a few years with very little testosterone. After 6 months they got my hormones dialed in. I'm on 1ml of testosterone per week along with an E blocker tablet that I take every other day. The fatigue is gone and my strength came back. I've lost 15 pounds after gaining over 40 since chemical castration and CACL injections. I take a pill for my blood sugar and I haven't seen a change in anything else since going on T. After my doctor successfully dialed my hormones my sex drive has been that of a teenager and I'm plagued with non stop erections. It's been a big change and since this big change I was reminded why I wanted to be a eunuch in the first place. Testosterone, erections and a sex drive are definitely not for me. I'm rather miserable from it and I really miss my previous asexual state. I'm in the process of setting up an orchiectomy with my urologist. Once that's over with I'm stopping the TRT and I'm going to be a natural eunuch. I plan on making some life style and diet changes to see how it goes. I'm also going to try a low dose of estrogen if I have problems going natural but I'm never going on T again.

I can't wait until to go back to normal.

[Paolo]

As for blood sugar, be aware of HIDDEN sugars. If you are buying processed foods, canned, etc., read the labels!

Just because it says "0 added sugars" doesn't make it safe.

It's been played to death, but the adage of "if it's white, don't bite", which came from the Atkins diet thing, holds true.

For me, and again, YMMV - grain products are a real kicker for blood sugar and weight gain. Most bread is loaded with added sugar, so the grain isn't all to blame. Even some canned veggies have added sugar. Pasta sauces are another one, and for me, regular milk was off the list. Even almond milk and the like is full of added sugar.

It doesn't help with prices for things like meat and eggs being utterly ridiculous right now. I've gained back some of the weight I lost, but I can live with a 33-34" waist. Even when I was down to a 30", snug, I still weighed about 150. Those who know me know that I'm not that big. I guess I just have packed molecular density? That's all I can think of.

I know that food is quite pricey now, and I've given up on eggs! I don't eat breakfast anymore, unless I'm on a road trip with certain people. You know who you are! The thing is, meat/proteins were a huge part of my diet, and I can't afford that now.

We won't go into the whole gluten-free thing here. But it is a fact that all grains will raise blood sugars quickly, resulting in a crash later that triggers hunger, thus more eating, and weight gain.

If you are worried about the blood sugar issue, here are things I try to avoid:

Wheat, and any grains, for that matter. There is low-carb bread out there, but it's pricey.

Grains, but - long grain/brown rice isn't so bad as wheat and corn.

Milk. If you need milk, try Half-and-Half or dilute heavy cream with water.

Sugar, of course. And let's not open the artificial sweetener can of worms here!

Added or "sneaky" sugar - read the labels! Watch out for any added "syrups", or anything staring with "Malt-"

Fruits - not all fruits have the same sugars and same effects. Do a search for low glycemic fruits.

Potatoes - just don't. I found that sweet potatoes and carrots were about the only root veggies I can handle.

I'll indulge in French fries now and again, but I pay for it!

You will also want to keep a close eye on your blood sugar. Unfortunately, the sure sign of frequent urination isn't a sure sign when you get to be a certain age!

While a low-carb diet sounds very restrictive, it really isn't, once you learn what you can substitute. You pay more for stuff like non-wheat pasta, but it's worth it. At least, it is for me. And there are products out there with little to no added sugars. You just have to look for them.

Eggs, cheese (check the label), any "dead animal", plants that grow above ground, and certain root vegetables are what I mainly eat. I do have some brown rice from time to time. And if you're going to indulge in something that you probably shouldn't, plan for it. If I'm going to mow the yard with the push mower, I'll have that donut right before I do! I just don't have one every day.

[Valery_V (imported)]

I always ate everything that was given to me .

(Especially when he was on business trips).

I have never followed any special diets!

(Also, I didn't monitor my testosterone levels.)

It seems to me that a healthy human body should be able to adapt to those food products that are available to it.

If only there was clean drinking water.

The main thing is not to overeat and that the food is varied and balanced enough: proteins, fats, carbohydrates + vitamins.

I still love chocolates .

My weight is 78 kg (172 lb), height is 178 cm (5'10").

[Nathan74 (imported)]

I'm happy to report that I have lowered my dose of testosterone by half and I'm starting to feel better. I'm still not perfect yet because I still have it in my system but I'm weaning off of it. Hopefully it won't be more than 2 weeks before I start on a low dose of estrogen. I should have started on HRT not TRT 8 months back.

[Losethem (imported)]

I'm happy to report that I have lowered my dose of testosterone by half and I'm starting to feel better. I'm still not perfect yet because I still have it in my system but I'm weaning off of it. Hopefully it won't be more than 2 weeks before I start on a low dose of estrogen. I should have started on HRT not TRT 8 months back.

I'm very happy you're getting your hormone situation sorted out. It can take a while.

For the record, they're both a form of HRT. Estrogen and Testosterone are both hormones, which is the H word in HRT.

[Nathan74 (imported)]

I'm very happy you're getting your hormone situation sorted out. It can take a while.

For the record, they're both a form of HRT. Estrogen and Testosterone are both hormones, which is the H word in HRT.

It sure is HRT but the guys felt the need for a new term, and now we have TRT because they had to be different. My orchie is scheduled for the 17th, 9 days from now. I should be on estrogen by then. I'll still have T in my system when I start and I'm concerned about how the transition will go? I'm worrying about feeling like crap for a week until my body adjusts.

[justapup (imported)]

Full transition can take years. Being on a low dose estradiol, you will probably not notice anything for 1-2 months. Your nipples will get tender and your skin will start to soften. Depending on your age your changes may not be super noticeable unless you start doing things that accentuate the feminine form. Sticking to men's clothes will not change your outer appearance much.

[Nathan74 (imported)]

Full transition can take years. Being on a low dose estradiol, you will probably not notice anything for 1-2 months. Your nipples will get tender and your skin will start to soften. Depending on your age your changes may not be super noticeable unless you start doing things that accentuate the feminine form. Sticking to men's clothes will not change your outer appearance much.

Yesterday was my first dose and I'm officially off the testosterone. I'm still have trouble sleeping and I feel tired either way since I dropped my T dose by 60 percent in a week. Now I'm going to near zero and I'm replacing it with estrogen, so it will be interesting to see how long it takes to adjust and feel good again. I'll likely improve a little each day for a while. I might add a micro dose of T back in at some point under a doctor's care. I want some feminization but I want it to come on really slow. My soul identity if female but this body has been on male hormones for too long to be really passable. And at 49 that's too much personal reinvention for me. I don't have it in me.

[justapup (imported)]

I didn't notice anything until my estradiol dosage went up to 2 2mg estradiol pills by mouth daily. It has helped me feel better as well. Clear thoughts, a little horny again and feminization. I plan on going up to 3 2mg pills in June unless my Dr suggests other forms of estradiol ie. Patches or injection.

[sftineun (imported)]

My orchie is scheduled for the 17th, 9 days from now. I should be on estrogen by then. I'll still have T in my system when I start and I'm concerned about how the transition will go? I'm worrying about feeling like crap for a week until my body adjusts.

Hope you are recovering well after the orchie.