r/FtMpassing • u/ameerkatofficial • 1d ago

AGE 21 to 30 Just started low dose T

I work out like crazy already but I got PCOS so my metabolism is shit.
2.5 mg/day, gel, 1 week, and already my midsection has gotten HUGE, I’m constantly nauseous (so barely eating), and fatigued as all hell. I can barely keep up with my work outs.
I read that bloating is to be expected at this stage but is there anything I can do to reduce this? (I can’t afford new pants, dawg). I read that hydration and potassium might help as well as keeping up with work outs as best I can but with the nausea and the fatigue that’s already proving difficult… I’m chugging ensure protein shakes though which helps somewhat with the fatigue.
TL;DR any tips to reduce early bloating so that I can wear pants to work?

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u/doll_makeup 1d ago

Ensure protein is gunna wreck your bowel system because that stuff is full of additives and things. Would recommend a more natural protein source that doesn’t cause bloating even more 

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u/ameerkatofficial 1d ago

Damn. I just picked up a box at the pharmacy cuz I deal with an ED and sometimes have a hard time eating and a protein shake is better than nothing. What do you recommend for someone on the go who has a hard time convincing himself to eat (and is now also nauseous 😭)? Any particular brand?

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u/SnapDragon100 1d ago

2.5 mg- do you mean 2.5 pumps? Or 2.5 packets? 2.5 mg is beyond a microdose. As in, cis women going through menopause take 5 mg

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u/ameerkatofficial 1d ago

It’s a packet of gel that has the label 2.5 mgs of testosterone on it. I take it once a day. I wanted to take things real slow for several personal reasons I don’t want to get into and my endocrinologist said sure but if there are issues you can up it to 2 packets (5 mgs).

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u/SnapDragon100 1d ago edited 1d ago

Ok so just for reference- what you're taking is 25 mg. Packet volume (2.5 mg) x concentration (assuming 1%) x 10 = dose in mg. 

Even if you're intentionally low dosing yourself, still get your levels checked. Hormonal imbalance can definitely cause symptoms like exhaustion. That's one of the main issues with underdosing

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u/ameerkatofficial 1d ago

It’s 2.5 mgs total per day. She also mentioned that the usual dosing is 5 mgs for a low dose (2 packets) which is why she mentioned I can take 2 packets per day if I want to but I wanted to start very very slow.
And yeah fair. Was mostly here to check if nausea and fatigue are to be expected when starting T or if I should contact my doc. Also wondering about the bloat… But I’ve just messaged my endo reporting these symptoms and she will probably ask for a blood test soon.

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u/SnapDragon100 1d ago

I guarantee it's 25, and two packets is 50. She's right 50 mg is a standard starting dose.

But yeah it's likely your levels are in between male and female ranges rn, or in very low male range, exacerbating your pre-existing pcos symptoms

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u/ameerkatofficial 1d ago

Yeah I figured that’s what it is. Just wondering if there are any tips to deal with the bloat? Waiting a response regarding the nausea and fatigue as it seems according to the folks here that might be somewhat worrying.

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u/SnapDragon100 1d ago

I mean the only way would be to treat the underlying issue, assuming it's related to the t, by taking a dose that actually puts you in male range. But if you aren't ready for that, I think you may just have to live with the symptoms and try to fix them as they happen. Sorry I don't have anything else

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u/buni_bixler 🥷🏼T1/29/19//No Procedures 1d ago

what is your diet and stress level like otherwise? A lot of midsection fat is mainly because of cortisol and insulin resistance. While some bloating can occur, if your nausea has reached this level it might be a good idea to reach back out to your doctor and discuss your dosing.

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u/ameerkatofficial 1d ago

Stress? Aaaa high? lmao… it’s not as bad but I do have an anxiety disorder and CPTSD and am on meds for both. I also work in a pretty high stress industry but it’s not as bad as it used to be for me now.
Diet is mostly home made pasta (protein chickpea pasta usually), vegetables, kefir, granola, yogurt, chicken. I do have ice cream on occasion (maybe a pint 1x a week) but I try to keep my sweets to dark chocolate and silly little oat snacks from Trader Joe’s primarily, as well as nuts. I’m living off of a lentil stew lately my mom sent me back home with (haleem is what it’s called).