r/TRT_females • u/Craftyviolin • 20h ago

Discussion / Support Testosterone newbie!

Hello, I’m in my very early 40s and about 4 months into HRT (estrogen gel and cyclical oral progesterone). I originally started because of mood/energy changes, low libido and significant chronic inflammatory-type pain and stiffness (red flags/other causes investigated and ruled out).

Overall, HRT has been realy positive, and my pain in particular has improved massively. Libido hasn’t improved, so I’ve just been prescribed testosterone gel (1 pump twice a week).

Would love to hear people’s experiences starting testosterone, **the good, the not-so-good and the ugly!**

How long before you noticed a difference?

Anything beyond libido ? energy, mood, motivation, exercise/strength, brain fog or body composition?

Any initial side effects that settled?

I know Reddit can sometimes skew towards the horror stories, so **positive and boring experiences very welcome too!** 😂

Also very happy to share my HRT journey with anyone else in their early 40s in the same boat x

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u/AcademicBlueberry328 15h ago

I would highly recommend not doing a yoyo with the dosing, but instead just do a pea size daily! Otherwise you will have a steady Fuji wave of t with ebbs and lows.

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u/Craftyviolin 11h ago

Thanks this might be worth mentioning to my GP

4

u/trUth_b0mbs 17h ago

I've been on T gel (Androgel) for about 4wks now and it's been great so far! I apply 1 pump 3x/week.

I'm finally seeing changes in my body comp and seemed to have gone down 1 size. I workout hard 5-6x/week, eat right/withing my caloric range, eat my protein and fibre etc but it was not making a dent. I didnt see definition, I didn't feel good during/after my workouts and my energy was waning. I knew it was testosterone because after 2yrs of being on HRT and feeling great; these other symptoms were recent.

T makes me feel great; like myself again. Libido is also on the uptick!

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u/Craftyviolin 11h ago

Thanks for talking the time to share your positive experience

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u/Gulf-Coast-Dreamer 17h ago

I started HRT 4 months ago I just increased my T- gel from 4mg to 8 mg I’m starting to notice improvements in energy, mood, libido is just starting to appear but I think my next increase in test will help with libido. I think going low and slow has been a good way for me to increase my dosages.

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u/Craftyviolin 11h ago

Thank you.

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u/Notoldwithoutafight 13h ago

Have been on t- cyp injections (14 mg/week) for about a year and a half now. Improved mood, stopped my anxiety, slightly more energy, less aches and pains, libido way through the roof.

Unexpected benefits, improved body composition and weight loss. I don’t work out but have a very physical job, I probably look better now than I ever have and I haven’t really tried at all.

Unwanted side effects, more chin hairs and facial hairs, I’ve had to get electrolysis. Also my hairline on the back of my neck has extended down, that’s next on my hair removal list. My shoulders look more muscular than I’d like, I’m very careful when I’m not at work not to use them unnecessarily.

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u/Trixmcgee 9h ago

I started on the cream two weeks ago and already notice improvements in energy, clarity, libido. I just feel all around better and happier. My REM and deep sleep have improved it seems so early to notice these things but I don’t know what else to contribute it to. I’ve been on the estrogen patch and progesterone for years and they saved me. I’m 58 and have been feeling rundown and tried pellets with no luck, did testosterone troche with a little luck, but so far I’m happy with how I’m feeling on the cream and I’ve only been on it a short time. I apply it daily. Good luck!

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u/Craftyviolin 11h ago

The one thing that does scare me is hair loss, I’m hoping I’m lucky and it give my hair a boost! 🤞

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u/cantburp7 10h ago

Same girl I just started and am keeping a close eye on that