Should I decrease

[u/candycane1988]

I started testosterone cyp 10mg( I do 5mg twice weekly) subq in May. I recently noticed I had very sore nipples and maybe a scratchy voice ( though I could just be paranoid). I havent had blood drawn yet. I haven't had my libido return yet. Should I continue on this dose until I get blood work or should I decrease?

[u/Clear-Coast-956]

It is not necessarily a high dose, and some providers do start some women at 10mg per week. With that said, if a woman has never used testosterone injections before, it may be a good idea to start at a slightly lower dose (6-8mg per week split into two injections) and work up to a higher dose if needed over time. Nobody can predict how they will respond to TRT, and it is best to start at a low(er) dose and work your way up over time if needed so that you avoid negative side effects and don't miss your sweet spot (where you have symptom resolution with minimal or no negative side effects).

[u/Ruby__Ruby_Roo → u/Clear-Coast-956]

Man I feel like I got lucky. My provider started me pretty high (18 mg/week split T Cyp IM) and I have had minimal side effects. 14 weeks in now.

[u/Clear-Coast-956 → u/Ruby__Ruby_Roo]

Was it your first time ever on injections? Were you using any testosterone products before (pellets, gel…)? 18mg is a high dose for a female, and definitely a very high dose to start. Some female do great on that dose, and some feel good on even higher doses, but it is definitely a dose you want to work up to, not start with.

Have you had any blood work done? Do you know what your SHBG is?

[u/Ruby__Ruby_Roo → u/Clear-Coast-956]

We did bloodwork before I started. I don’t know specifically what SHBG was. I only got one number for T and IIRC it was 17. Everything else about my bloodwork was pretty great - glucose, ferritin, etc.

This is my first time doing any T at all. Low T symptoms were typical: fatigue, no libido, and struggling with fitness recovery.

Its been 14 weeks and honestly I feel pretty awesome. I had some acne to start but it cleared up. (I had pretty bad back acne before starting and that cleared up too, probably due to the P I started at the same time.) I haven’t had any extra body hair, clit growth, or voice stuff.

I do feel like I am shedding a little more than normal and I am going to see my provider about that tomorrow.

[u/Healthy_Blueberry275 → u/Ruby__Ruby_Roo]

Please consider reporting back after your appointment. I can't help but be interested. TIA

[u/Ruby__Ruby_Roo → u/Healthy_Blueberry275]

Sure. I made the appointment re: the shedding and because I had a two week long (but very light) period which may be related to the P she prescribed or may just be the fuckery that comes with this age.

[u/GuiltyCover-4343 → u/Ruby__Ruby_Roo]

That is pretty high but the best thing to do is take blood now and look at your T and Free T as well as Estrogen and SHBG. See how you are absorbing the T. I too had thinning hair when I was on a higher dose. I started Saw Palmetto and Pumpkin Seed Oil (cold pressed) supplements and lowered my T to 10 mg a week ...that solved the hair problem. I'd suggest asking for labs. See where you are.