HRT and bloat

[trig1967]

I have been on HRT for almost 2 years now at a dose of 300 mg every 2 weeks of test cyp without any time off. I have regular checkups/blood work and everything is normal (bp, cholesterol, PSA, etc). I have gained about 30 lbs in the two years (althought I'm not as lean) for pretty good progress without raising any suspsicions.
However, it seems like I'm gradually getting more bloated, in my face and especially in my gut. I ate all kinds of junk food over New Year's weekend, but even after several days of eating clean, the bloat isnt going down much.
I had always thought that with the very low does of test used in HRT bloat would not be a problem, but now I'm wondering if I'm just going to slowly keep getting a more distended gut.
Any thoughts?

 

[shoestring]

Sounds like fat.. Maybe since your body has gotten used to this dose of test, you can't get away with the diet that you got away with before. After holiday eating I have some chest fat & I had a gyno freakout. lol.. If you are worried have your docter check your estrodiol level. Estrogen is what causes bloat from test use. But imo it is prolly just some fat & you need to adjust your diet.. Good luck..

 

[glennds]

this comes up all the time what do i do i am bloated from test!!!!

here is a an ancient chinese secret: get off your ass and do a little cardio.

 

[trig1967]

My first thought was that maybe I had gained a little more fat. But I had my bf measured and it had not gone up very much. And usually when I start to put on fat, I gain it in the lower portion of the belly and in the love handles. Now, my waist is about 35" (I'm 6', 220lbs), but if I measure my mid section about 2" above my belly button, it's 42"!
So maybe I should have my doctor check my estrodiol level. I have not tried any diuretics yet as I thought that might throw off my system and eventually make things worse.

 

[ATLpecs]

"my waist is about 35" (I'm 6', 220lbs), but if I measure my mid section about 2" above my belly button, it's 42"!"


Trig, you must look like you swallowed a bowling ball!

 

[JKurz1]

My first thought was that maybe I had gained a little more fat. But I had my bf measured and it had not gone up very much. And usually when I start to put on fat, I gain it in the lower portion of the belly and in the love handles. Now, my waist is about 35" (I'm 6', 220lbs), but if I measure my mid section about 2" above my belly button, it's 42"!
So maybe I should have my doctor check my estrodiol level. I have not tried any diuretics yet as I thought that might throw off my system and eventually make things worse.

test at that dose will 99% of the time NOT BE THE CULPRIT.....In my opinion, or theory.....you are getting fat. Plain and simple. Not a flame bro, but 42" is HIGH and is def. a gut........I'm going to wager your belly hangs over your belt when you sit....cut back on the cals, or increase the activity......fat isnt a bad thing, as I'm sure you are strong too, but if you want to reduce the "bloat" check your diet first.

 

[trig1967]

OK, its seems the people have spoken. I didn't think that this low a dose of test, even at a longer period of time, would cause much bloat. I'll try cleaning up the diet and adding another cardio session and see if my gut goes down.
Anyone else have anything like this while on HRT for an extended period of time?

 

[Triple J]

couple of things about hrt -

you want to keep blood levels even. if your blood levels are all over the map, as a result of not injecting twice/wk or more, you may be getting some big estrogen surges which can lead to bloat and fat gain, even at a rather modest or low dosage (in terms of mg/wk). if the estrogen is present, the bloating can be dramatic as per what type of diet you eat as well.

most men over 35 or 40 should probably be using an anti-aromatase with their HRT programs or even if they are still natural in order to decrease estrogen, increase natural T levels, and specifically increase free T levels. i hate to mention a specific age as this will vary from person to person with genetics and condition (the leaner the better). it is a fact that as a man ages he will start to convert more T to E. only blood work can provide firm answers. but remember if you are on hrt and not injecting frequently, your values will vary dramatically depending on if the testing is done the day after the shot, or three days, or five.

 

[trig1967]

Interesting, Triple J, as I've been wondering if I should be injecting more frequently even before this recent bloat/fat issue. I'm 44, and I've been injecting only once every two weeks the entire time I've been on HRT. I havent noticed that I feel poorly or more tired or that my strength in the weight room is less on those last couple of days before I inject again, so I just assumed the long time between injections wasn't a problem. I'll mention this to my doctor next appointment (in a few weeks) and see what he thinks.
Do most men over 40 on HRT also use an anti-aromatase? I didnt think they did, but maybe its more common than I know.
I'll admit I ate a TON of junk food for several days in a row starting on New Years Eve and continuing through the Rose Bowl; much more than my normal once in a while cheat meal. But it did seem my midsection got bigger in just a short period of time.

 

[Triple J]

bingo - don't fret over what your doctor says I am here to tell you, you need to inject at least twice a week. a once every two week injection protocol is going to have your blood levels all over the place and that is the issue to address first. then proceed to modifying diet and adding an anti-aromatase if still needed (verify through blood work)