Why Am I Having My Period?

[Guest J-Walker]

I've been on testosterone since December. I took my shot last tuesday and I just went to the bathroom and I'm bleeding. The only time I've ever had this problem before was after my initial shot when I was a week late to get my second one. What's going on? Did I not inject properly and my T didn't disperse in the muscle? Should I reinject or would that be a bad idea? I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary when I administered my last shot.

Help? I'm freaking out.

[Guest StrandedOutThere]

Don't freak out! I know this is the most uncool thing in the world, but it'll go away eventually.

It takes between 3 and 6 months for "it" to go away. From what I'm told, it depends on your dose and your other hormone levels. I started T on October 22, 2008 and still got 2 more visits from the evil red lady. She hasn't been back since late November, but I'm not positive she's down for the count.

This might be your last one though. Hopefully it won't be bad and won't hang around long. My last one didn't.

I thought the same thing as you about my shots not working. Since I'm a little chunky, I kept thinking it was in the fat and it wasn't working. Nope. It just took a bit to ramp up. Apparently it is pretty hard to screw up with the shot. Martin said it still works even if you happen to inject into fat.

[Guest Zabrak]

My endo says it can take up to six months(maybe more) for some people. Depends.

[Guest Zack L]

If it works when injected into fat why is it necessary to put it into muscle? Fat is much easier, I give myself injections into fat at least three times a day...that would be a helluva lot easier I would think.

Wish I had more to say, but I have a lack of T and thus a lack of personal experiance on the topic. XD;;

[Guest Drew]

yeah, it can just take a while to go away for good. i know mine did.... i know it sucks, but it's just something you have to wait out. and yeah, it is really hard to mess up on the shot, so i'm thinking it wouldn't be a good idea to re-inject. that would just mess up your hormone levels and would do nothing about the period.

it sucks, but eventually it will be gone. just hang tough.

...sorry i don't have more productive advice.

Drew

[Guest Jackson]

The injection will work whether injected into fat or muscle. Per my physician, studies are currently underway looking at injecting it subcutaneously (with a insulin needle which is 5/8"). The only issue with injecting into the fat instead of the muscle is that the T is in an oil. It may take a little longer for the T to be released from the fat tissue and get into the muscle and blood stream. That's all.

[Guest J-Walker]

The problem is that I would have pretty much been 3 months late for my period if that were the case. I know it was surpressing it instantaneously because I was due the week I got my first shot, but it was cancelled out until I became late for my next shot. I appreciate the... support? Or at least the general "that sucks".

In any case, I talked to my friend and he gave me what I believe to be the answer- I'm not injecting enough. My endocrinologist has had me on ************ ever since I started T and has not upped the dosage. From my research, most guys take from ** to *** ccs after the first few weeks. I'm not going to diagnose myself and start pumping random hormones into my body, but I do intend to call the doctor on Monday. My "freak out" is something I do whenever I get this unfortunate woman problem, which I have been lucky enough to be without for 3 months. I just start assuming that the estrogen is spiraling through my body and instantly reverting my body. I lose pretty much all rationality when this happens. XP

Thanks guys. I'm not as worried anymore, just really peed off.

[Guest Jackson]

Just to forewarn you, usually the way the physicians will decide if the dose needs to be adjusted is to actually do a testosterone level in the blood. I just wanted to let you know so you weren't surprised if the endo wants you to get a blood draw. Oh, and the blood level needs to be done the day your dose is due, but before. This is called a trough level. It'll tell the endo what your lowest level of testosterone is in your body. Sorry to get so high tech, but I have to deal with trough levels of other drugs all the time.

[Guest Zack L]

The injection will work whether injected into fat or muscle. Per my physician, studies are currently underway looking at injecting it subcutaneously (with a insulin needle which is 5/8"). The only issue with injecting into the fat instead of the muscle is that the T is in an oil. It may take a little longer for the T to be released from the fat tissue and get into the muscle and blood stream. That's all.

^---- That just made my day. ^^ A short delay can be compensated for with timing adjustments, like with Lantus insulin. I have a huge needle phobia, giving myself my insulin shots is really really hard. I've been dreading hearing from the doctor that I have to use a really long needle. But I KNOW I can do it if it's the size of needle I use now. ^^

If they're still doing this study when I'm able to start T I wonder if they'd let me be a test subject or whatever...

And J, I'm glad you're not worried anymore, I can see how frustrating and startling that would be. >_<

[Guest Zabrak]

I go in for blood tests every three months but maybe thats because its free in canada? Not sure.

@Zack

I use to be scared of the needle until I started to inject myself(I wont let the doctor do it to me anymore - forced myself to get over my fear). Even if you do have to use the needle, Zack, I'm sure you'll get use to it.

[Guest Jackson]

The way my physician made it sound is that you can just as easily use an insulin needle for T as well as insulin. I decided to go for the IM injection just because I have a bit of nerve damage in my right thigh. When I was using the insulin needles, I was getting a lot of burning in the nerves of my thigh. I think it had to do with the preservative in the T and not the T itself. Since I have a box of insulin syringes, I may just go back to them once I use up my other needles and syringes.