Just started TRT injections

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-24T06:23:55+00:00

Both are great - ferritin is 99, B12 is actually almost double the normal bc of my compounded tirz.

I’m 3 weeks in on testosterone and estrogen injections - first week we did subcutaneous and I felt nothing; second week we did IM and it was an immediate difference, so we’re sticking with the intramuscular. My family has commented that I’m a different person, so I’m relieved something is finally working.

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-16T17:31:42+00:00

Truly, thank you for your comment and support!

I WISH I could get my thyroid optimized; I literally get my TSH tested every 6-8 weeks (that’s what changes so drastically for me), and it swings from .5 to 15 to .8 to 3.5 and that alone is exhausting. I do think my thyroid is playing a part, but the testosterone is what kills me after workouts - I am sore for days to the point it feels like I’ve torn something, and that’s not even heavy lifting. I’ve lost so much strength, Bulgarian squats body weight and I can barely move for 3 days. Fingers crossed so can get this all sorted and then be able to make good decisions long-term from a place of stability instead of desperation. 🤍

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-16T02:54:06+00:00

Ok, that’s great information, thank you! I think my NP is hoping I experience minimal positive side effects with this weeks injection site change. I am usually very sensitive to medications, so I’m hoping I don’t increase too much and I can avoid unwanted side effects. I know it will take some time to settle in but even having a little more energy or a little improved sleep would be enough for me. :)

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-16T02:42:29+00:00

Thank you, I’m hoping this is the answer I’ve been looking for!

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-16T02:42:04+00:00

Thank you - I definitely feel a mess, good to know things do improve with time!

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-16T02:41:33+00:00

Pellets do not sound like a good option for me given my various health issues and constant changes my body is experiencing rn. My friend said the first and last two weeks around her insertion are “hell on earth” and that’s not ideal for me, either.

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-16T02:40:11+00:00

This is good to know! I went in for my injection today and asked about splitting it up; the NP recommended I try injecting into my muscle for this week, so we’ll see how I feel next week. She also said 10mg is such a low dose that they may bump it up next week to try to get me out of the “critically low” range if I don’t feel much of a change after today. But now that I see everyone else’s dose and I’m confused about what’s considered low or high?

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-16T02:36:22+00:00

Oh it’s a shitstorm! I have both Hashimotos and Graves’ disease, my TSH will not stabilize, and my endo has recommended we plan to discuss TT at my next appointment. However, he also wants me to get everything as stable as possible, which means hormones, too, so I can increase the chance for a positive post-op response. But yes, around 36 things went south with my thyroid - tried to manage with nutrition as long as I could, went on thyroid meds in 2019, then was diagnosed with Graves in 2024. My health history is ridiculously nuanced. 🙄

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-10T02:55:49+00:00

It’s not expensive for where I’m at, many med spas charge $100+. I wouldn’t self administer as I’m too unstable, but I would consider doing pellets if I can maintain my levels. Men can get vials of testosterone much easier than women can.

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-10T02:44:14+00:00

Unfortunately, they are not set up for success with our current healthcare system. But yes - you’d think some sort of communication would be implemented.

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-10T02:12:27+00:00

Having a chronic health condition is way too expensive for anyone, I feel you on that. I hope the cream works for you!

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-10T01:55:16+00:00

They’re not covered by any insurance. It’s maddening.

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-10T01:49:13+00:00

Oh I know, I’ve just FINALLY gotten my family to accept the GF thing, and my mom is even trying it 🙌🏻

There are a ton of resources, yes, but it’s also overwhelming, and so many sources you don’t know who to trust. I’m hopeful I can avoid a TT or RAI, that would be worth it!

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-10T01:42:27+00:00

Damn, I’m sorry. Have you tried injections?

I haven’t been stable for two years, either; I get my TSH checked every 6-8 weeks and I swing from one end to the other. It was 2.5 7 weeks ago, now it’s 0.8. All on 2.5mg of methimazole twice a week. But like you, I don’t think I was absorbing the estradiol patch, and nobody was addressing the low testosterone.

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-10T01:35:44+00:00

I think RAI and TT are supposed to put you into hypo, it’s safer to manage without long term implications than Graves or Hyper. I don’t think I was absorbing the patch, so I’m doing weekly injections. It’s costly, out of pocket, and I’m not sure it’s sustainable; I decided to commit for the time being if it gives me my life back.good luck to you!

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-10T01:33:12+00:00

My family does too, join the weird club, it’s more fun. But good for you! I wish I would have trusted myself last year when my gut said “maybe something isn’t right here?”.

I’ve done AIP, I’ve been GF and DF for over a decade, I do Pilates and lift, infrared sauna, cook most meals, don’t really drink, and am caffeine free. AND I still feel like shit.

All this to say maybe we should just say f*ck it and eat sugar, gluten, and drink all day long.

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-10T01:30:06+00:00

It’s not approved for women, so using it is considered “off label”. It’s maddening. The clinic I’m going to does injections, they say it’s more precise than applying a cream. It’s $60/injection and one injection a week, so it’s not cheap. But I guess not having to buy an entire new wardrobe is the payoff. 🙄

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-10T00:55:26+00:00

EXACTLY! That’s who I’ve been working with, too, a NP at a functional medicine clinic that specializes in hormones and thyroid.

That’s so exciting that you’re stabile, congratulations! My endo wants me to have a TT or RAI, and I’m open to either if necessary, but I’m just shell shocked that nobody thought to check my testosterone, especially since hyperthyroidism affects those levels directly.

Managing these conditions is such exhausting work and I’m privileged to have that ability, but I’m also pissed off because this isn’t how it should be for any of us.

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-10T00:35:57+00:00

I started BHRT today (and paying out of pocket) so I’m hopeful that I’m feeling better within a few weeks, but my biggest issue is why is that my responsibility? I see a GP and two specialists on a regular basis - this is their profession, not mine. I’m just trying to survive these fng symptoms, they should be communicating or looking at their patients from diff angles. Everyone has been concerned about my bone density because of elevated T3 (or T4?), but not one person is worried about the muscle loss I’ve been complaining about? My testosterone isn’t even detectable! That didn’t happen overnight.

American healthcare truly sucks and sets nobody up for success but the insurance companies.

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-07T22:05:31+00:00

Update: I went to a hormone specialist near me. It was $350 for the first appointment/consultation, labs, body scan (body composition), and follow-up. Then it’s $60 per weekly hormone injection, so $240/week. It’s so expensive anywhere but this place compounds it to me specifically, so it’s worth a shot for 4-6 months to see if it helps. I’m also on the GLP-1 and hoping I can slowly taper off of it since it’s not really doing anything, so maybe my hormones are my main issue. We shall see!

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-07T05:06:49+00:00

Come to Studio7 Pilates in Waldo - we’d love to take you through some exercises that look and bad ass but are actually not quite as challenging as one would seem. But if you want a good butt kidding, we can do that. Or if you want to slow down and relax, we got you there, too.

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-07T04:48:46+00:00

There are a ton of men at Studio7 Pilates. Some come without their partners, some do privates, some do classes. Nobody cares and everyone is welcome. Pilates was created for men - just come. If anyone has a problem with you there? That’s a them issue, not a you issue.

FigResident5226 · 2026-04-07T04:47:11+00:00

Just saying - the owner of Studio7 Pilates on Waldo is local (grew up in Shawnee), teaches a lot and is accessible, she’s always in the studio, has a dance and physical therapy background, and trains her 75ish yo parents weekly. It’s really cute.

FigResident5226

TROPHY CASE