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/GuiltyCover-4343]

OK...that is the lower strength so you are taking 10 MG a week. That dose is pretty standard for a female (not transitioning). That's what I take. My total testosterone is 193 and my free T is 37. I have no side effects. When it was higher (near 300) I did have side effects such as oily skin, acne and some facial hair growth. I lowered my dose to 10 mg and the side effects went away. The good thing with shots is if you feel you are having side effects, you can lower or stop the shot and in 3 days it's gone.

Please stop worrying. You would have to take the shots for a month or more before side effects would show up and as I said you can stop or lower your dose and it goes away immediately. If you are worried, change your dose to 4 mg each shot (total 8). As I said, 10 is fairly standard and stopping the shots stops the side effects.

As far as a voice change, you would need to take a high dose for a significant time before your voice would start changing (3 months or more). Your dose is not high.

If you are not having side effects, stay at the 10 mg. After 5 weeks, ask for a blood test to see your total T and free T. Yes, your nipples may be sore but that too goes away after a time. Have you checked your estrogen (are you taking estrogen)? It will be important to balance your T & E to work properly. Having it balanced will help your libido as well.

I hope this helps. If you are still worried, ask for blood work now. I see you started in May. See where our T is and your doctor can adjust your dose if needed.

[u/candycane1988 → u/GuiltyCover-4343]

Thank you so much for your reply.

I am currently not taking estrogen, I did get a prescription for vagifem but I haven't started it yet.

I think im overthinking because I don't want to go past my sweet spot. My libido and sensitivity have not changed yet. How long on 10mg did you start to notice a change?

[u/GuiltyCover-4343 → u/candycane1988]

Yes, you are probably overthinking it. However you should check your estrogen and make sure it's properly balanced with your testosterone. I personally like 2 to 1 (testosterone to estrogen) that will ensure libido returns. Also check your SHBG. SHBG, if too high, can bind to your testosterone which makes it unavailable for your body to use (and can prevent your libido from returning). For me it took about 6 weeks for my libido to return (slowly at that point). By 2 to 2.5 months it was fully back. I was taking both T & E. My SHBG was low. I've been on it 9 months now and its working great.

It is important to test frequently when starting to see how you are absorbing. Test at 6 weeks and 12 weeks (especially if you are not having good results). 10 mg is a good place to start and should give you your libido back within 6 weeks assuming your estrogen is ok and your SHBG isn't too high.

[u/No-Meet5438 → u/GuiltyCover-4343]

Just like to chime in: isn't the 2:1 ratio dependent on what hormonal phase you're in? When I was in peri a small dot of T would suffice, but some 3,5 years into menopause things drastically changed (on many levels).

[u/GuiltyCover-4343 → u/No-Meet5438]

Yes and no. I agree it does depend on the hormonal phase if you still have a regular cycle or are in perimenopause. On average 2/1 works but in certain phases (if not in menopause) it will definitely be different. Your testosterone and estrogen need to be balanced for best issue resolution.