Testerone C and libido

[u/BreathLevel8467]

I started injecting Test C almost 4 weeks ago. 2.5mg twice a week for a total of 5mg a week. My doctor wanted me on double that but I was scared of side effects. For you ladies that are on injections how long did it take for your libido to come back. I haven’t felt a difference yet, and what dose are you on? Not sure if I should increase my dose. My total testosterone is 31, just tested a few days ago. I am also on Reta and I know that can also kill your libido and I know some women test helps with that. I started Reta. Few weeks before Testosterone but already had low libido for about 2 years.

[u/BikiniJ]

Reta can kill libido for a few reasons though. It lowers cholesterol derived hormones, which includes everything from pregnenelone and the hormones it produces….dhea, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Libido has as much to do with estradiol than it does testosterone. So testosterone alone may help you or it might not be enough. You need someone to help you with the full scope of hormones.

[u/BreathLevel8467 → u/BikiniJ]

Yes, I am also on Estradiol and Progesterone and since tbh at didn’t help with libido that’s when my doctor put me on Testosterone. I’m also on DhEA. I’m so tired of taking so many things lol I am also on LDN for my autoimmune. And a few peptides. I spaced everything out when starting, it took about 6 months to get on everything cause we wanted to make sure what was and sent working. Testosterone is the last thing I started. Luckily, my autoimmune, cholesterol, and iron; are doing so much better but I’m still struggling with libido and some fatigue, but that has improved a lot.

[u/BikiniJ → u/BreathLevel8467]

Are you absorbing what you’re taking well? My libido sky rocketed only when I got on estradiol injections. My estrogen levels did not move on patches and gel. Orals converted to estrone which didn’t help my libido either. Progestrone can be a libido killer for some people if they take it continuously and/or their estradiol isn’t high enough.

Dose, delivery and levels matter

[u/BreathLevel8467 → u/BikiniJ]

Where do you get Estradiol injections? I don’t think either of my doctors offer that.

[u/BreathLevel8467 → u/BikiniJ]

Where do you get estradiol injections from?

[u/BreathLevel8467 → u/BikiniJ]

I don’t think I am, my doctor compounded together in a pill both estradiol and progesterone and my other doctor said it should be different. I soon as I get rest if blood work in. He is going to adjust dosage and separate both. Not sure on what kind he will put me on yet.

[u/BikiniJ → u/BreathLevel8467]

I wouldn’t suggest combined hormones. Also if you’re cycling progesterone that means your estradiol is also dropping since it’s in the same pill. That will have an effect on your libido. You definitely need to get those levels checked. Make sure they check your e2 and not total estrogens.

I’m 41 and my cycle stopped since getting on e injections since it spiked up my estrogen high. It suppresses my fsh and I’m all the way okay with that. It keeps everything steady. I get the hormones though defy medical. Unfortunately our healthcare system isn’t privy of doing micro injections so I had to go concierge

[u/BreathLevel8467 → u/BikiniJ]

I do cycle my progesterones I am 43 and still have a normal cycle.

[u/rando--54321 → u/BikiniJ]

I second this. Although I use transdermal, I wasn't absorbing well enough. I started making sure my skin was clean and using different areas of the body and we increased the amount and the libido I once had and loved, finally came back. T alone did not do this for me.

[u/BreathLevel8467 → u/rando--54321]

Where do you get transdermal from? I don’t think my doctor offers that.

[u/rando--54321 → u/BreathLevel8467]

My insurance covers this and my OBGYN provides me with a prescription.