HCG killing Libido ?

[coz]

I originally started my TRT with test cyp injections + clomid for anti e. Libido etc improved & I was quite happy.

As recommended on here I began HCG 250x2 before next injection. After which my libido & erections dropped significantly. I got some tests done & DHT was quite low. Total test, bio test & estradiol all looked ok.

I stopped the HCG after about 3weeks. About 3-4 weeks after stopping it, my libido & erections picked back up again. I had some more tests done which showed my DHT had gone up slightly (although estradiol had also increased).

The first test were done day of shot, whereas the latest test were done day after shot - so a straight comparison is not the best.

My question is, I assume the HCG is doing something to alter hormone levels (and prob not jus T & E). I want to try starting the HCG again to see if it has the same effect and for atrophy, although I would like to get blood tests done before and after to compare.

What test would you guys recommend ->
DHT
Estradiol
Total T/ Bio T
pregnenolone ?
progesterone ?

Any others which may be beneficial ....

Thanks

[SWALE]

Clomid is not "anti-E". Controlling estrogen is properly done by preventing its production, with an aromatase inhibitor.

You woul dbe the first person I have heard of who had libido negatively affected by HCG. I wonder if it rather has something to do with the Clomid.

[mxim]

swale brings up a great point. clomid is an anti e at certain area;s of the body and an estrogen agonist at other parts. take away the clomid and see what happens. if estrogen is a problem,a small amount of arimadex is the way to go. remember,you NEVER want to lower estrogen too much. that will kill your libido and send your cholesterol level through the roof.
mxim

[Kroms_laugh]

Originally Posted by SWALE

I wonder if it rather has something to do with the Clomid.

When I was on my clomid therapy prior to moving forward with pursing TRT, my sex drive was absolute shit, doc. I think you're absolutely right. I was a moody bitch, and sex was the farthest thing from my mind (worse than my low libido without the clomid). My testosterone (free) was 1107ng/dl out of a normal range of 380-820ng/dl. Which was 'neat'... but I felt like crap.

[DavidZ]

Originally Posted by mxim

...if estrogen is a problem,a small amount of arimadex is the way to go...

IMO, Indolplex/DIM should always be tried before Arimidex. Indolplex/DIM is a way better E2 management tool, if it works for you.

[coz]

Thanks for the reply guys. However I feel it's not the clomid that is causing the issue. I have taken clomid from about 2 weeks after I started Test Cyp & felt great on it.

I take the clomid as I had sensitive nipples (Nolvadex & Evista did not work), but clomid did. My E2 did not show high & therefore using an AI was not appropriate.

The problem with low libido started within a day or so after starting HCG & dissapeared about 3-4 weeks after stopping HCG. Everything else had remained constant throoughout the entire time.

I know this is not the normal response for those adding the HCG, hence why I want to investigate what is happening. A list of any blood test's that could pinpoint what my body is doing would be greatly appreciated.

[DavidZ]

Originally Posted by coz

I take the clomid as I had sensitive nipples (Nolvadex & Evista did not work), but clomid did. My E2 did not show high & therefore using an AI was not appropriate.

According to Swale, E2 tests while taking Clomid are unreliable. IWO, that E2 test is meaningless.

Originally Posted by coz

The problem with low libido started within a day or so after starting HCG & dissapeared about 3-4 weeks after stopping HCG. Everything else had remained constant throoughout the entire time.

I know this is not the normal response for those adding the HCG, hence why I want to investigate what is happening. A list of any blood test's that could pinpoint what my body is doing would be greatly appreciated.

It's possible that the drop in libido could be caused be E2 going too high. But with everything you're taking, I wouldn't know how to go about figuring out if that's your problem.

[coz]

David, E2 was originally tested BEORE taking any anti E, to determine whether an AI or SERM should be used for the nipple issues..

I don't beleive it was E2 being hi, as blood test didn't show it high, and also the way I felt (nipple size/firmness, not emotional etc)...

What I'm really looking for is a list of possible blood tests to investigate if the HCG is causing a strange hormone balance in my body... I would like to get them done before & after I start HCG, as I want to find any possible cause..

[zadok]

Can injecting HCG prevent your body from producing its own LH?

[coz]

Originally Posted by zadok

Can injecting HCG prevent your body from producing its own LH?

I'm taking test cyp, which will have already stopped production of LH