Testosterone and long-standing hunger or appetite problems during transition

Can you describe the physical and mental effects more? Is it mainly that 6000 calories feels wrong on principle, or does the volume itself cause discomfort?

Jumping from 73 kg to 80 kg in just days from intense binge episodes leaves anyone miserable. Weeks or months of gains vanish and the climb back begins, creating an endless loop of slow gains followed by rapid setbacks.

Thanks for the extra detail. The weight swings were not obvious before. Your forward progress appears deliberate even if uncomfortable, while the rapid reversals feel involuntary.

I believe the issue is being read differently than intended. The aim is to regain normal eating patterns so hunger does not persist after adequate nutrition, to reduce constant food thoughts, and to advance in training without interference.

Did these patterns exist before the current level of dietary restriction? Have higher-fat meals been tested for any change in binge tendencies?

Every approach has already been attempted.

If appetite control is the main target, the choice of 8 mg reta is puzzling. What prior research led to that amount? Reta tends to produce weight loss under proper conditions yet is known to need an added suppressant. Switching to tirz would be the better option here.

The discussion is not assuming hypogonadism. Most young men posting here or on similar boards already had normal testosterone and seek higher values. Younger users are often least equipped for frequent lab checks, and steroid communities generally discourage 21-year-olds starting testosterone. Therapy perspectives note that coping methods can become problems over time, and professional input helps avoid self-diagnosis pitfalls. Sometimes solutions lie outside the obvious problem area. Peer support sessions exist as well.

Appetite effects were not the initial focus because all GLP-1 agents were assumed to act similarly through the same receptor. The potential calorie burn from the glucagon part appeared advantageous. Individual differences in response and tolerance are now clearer, pointing toward trying another agent. Studies were reviewed for comparative appetite data but lacked direct statements, making personal extrapolation difficult. The frequent mentions of tirzepatide for appetite control provide added confidence to test it.

Baseline labs were done before starting, with follow-ups at week six and planned every three months unless compounds change. Ongoing education and precautions are in place to stay responsible. Awareness exists that many at this age feel fully informed yet may later face corrections. The input is still valued.

That was not the intended meaning. Current weight is not low; the goal is maintaining athletic condition without constant food preoccupation. Additional weight gain is unnecessary. Sustained intake of 6000+ calories far above a 2600 TDEE for over ten days is not sustainable.

Activity patterns likely play a role, especially constant high burn versus short exercise bursts. Studies on hunter-gatherer groups and athletes show differing calorie use.

The comment purpose is unclear given the stated TDEE of roughly 2600. Sustained 6000-8000 calorie intake over ten-plus days would produce about eleven pounds of fat gain, leading to extreme lethargy.

GLP-1 resistance now has a genetic label involving the PAM gene.

Does a study actually document this?

The experience differs from most here, which explains some resistance especially given age. After reviewing the full thread the self-awareness stands out and decisions do not appear rushed. Similar lifelong food noise led to early dietary restrictions like vegetarianism to remove tempting categories, predating any compounds. Therapy has been attempted extensively without success, with some professionals deeming it unsuitable. Medication trials also failed to help.

The intent is to discuss whether a young athletic individual on elevated hormones who reports strong calorie cravings is suited for weight-loss medications or if other factors warrant attention. No personal stake exists, yet the topic merits exploration to clarify the best path forward or identify possible self-contributing elements like BED.

Same here.

What exactly was stated about therapy resistance? The topic can move to DMs if preferred. Self-awareness has been cited before as a barrier. DBT was tried briefly without fit.

Profile views can be disabled. As a public space some prefer limited visibility, though search functions can still locate activity.

ADHD history also factors in and has not received recent professional oversight. It is described as a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition.

BED occurs frequently alongside ADHD. Appropriate management might offer relief.

Additional ADHD support is under consideration after four years without regular medication.

Forum threads repeatedly note weaker appetite effects from reta compared with alternatives, prompting additions or switches. Single reports carry little weight, yet the pattern across many users suggests real individual variation. Observational patterns emerge from aggregated statements. A remaining question is whether any GLP-1 dose can curb overeating urges without triggering weight loss, especially since reported BED benefits have occurred mainly in those who needed to lose weight.

Anecdotally 10 mg reta provides no appetite control for me. The sema add-on was reinstated, and removing it each time leads to intense hunger.

A ten-year international project from Stanford Medicine identified PAM gene variants in about 10 percent of people that lower GLP-1 drug effectiveness. The findings appeared in Genome Medicine in April 2026.

Weren't you just on sema by itself for ages?

You're not hitting the top end of TRT. I can tell you won't land in range if you're running 250mg split daily. Some get prescribed that weekly amount but it's uncommon and not meant for daily shots. Daily use keeps levels above range on every test. High prescriptions usually come from bad schedules and test timing. Check your levels and you'll see you're out of range. You're ignoring things that are still feeding the hunger. More is happening but the test is definitely adding to it. Dropping the dose would ease things even if that's not what you want to hear.

Gas station reta or just a bad attitude, kidding. I added sema or cagri to reta for the same reason at times, but now 5+ mg reta alone works fine for me. Back on tirz I had the same problem around day five so switching to five day shots helped.

Yep. Dropped from 225 end of October 2024 down to 180 by June 2025 then got impatient with a stall and added reta in June 2025. Pulled my notes to confirm the dates just for you. That's about five and a half pounds a month over eight months. Sitting at 145 now, was down to 140 early June but had to stop all glps and stay mostly inactive for medical reasons over a month. Just getting started again. If you want a laugh my first dosing mistake on return was 2.5mg sema instead of point two five.

Nice work.

I'm always a bit of a brat, that's just how it is. My schedule is odd too. I pin reta every five to seven days depending how well I remember on day five and use sema mostly as a booster when needed.

I'm literally at the upper TRT limit of 250mg. My bloodwork is supraphysiological though. Stop jumping to conclusions just because it fits your view. I've felt zero hunger increase from the 250mg test, why is that so hard to accept? If you think it's a major factor just stop replying because it's annoying and not helping at all.

I'm on exogenous androgens and this plan comes from Justin Harris for enhanced athletes. Fat in the diet comes from lean sources and the sheet shows added fat so intake never hits zero. With exogenous androgens I don't need fat for hormone production but still require some, less than a natural athlete though. Tried many diet approaches and fat isn't the problem. I can eat a whole jar of peanut butter and still feel hungry.

I'd try sema or tirz. Both hit the GLP-1 receptor stronger which is what affects hunger and cravings. Studies are looking at sema for addiction. A low sema dose might be simplest and cheapest way to test direct receptor action. If workout inflammation or side effect worry is an issue go tirz. Since weight isn't the goal I'd pick the one less likely to cause loss. I'm basically sema's biggest fan. If diet or other med changes aren't on the table then one of those two would be my next move.

You're not in range. You want to act like you've tried everything but you're skipping obvious factors. It makes no sense that test isn't raising hunger yet reta isn't suppressing it while you're on test. You definitely need bloodwork on testosterone. Other issues like thicker blood can show up too. From how defensive you get I'd bet your estrogen is up as well.

That just weakens your argument and says more about you than the person you're replying to.

I think he meant the physical and mental shifts that happen when men on TRT don't control estradiol properly. OP said 250mg and at his age that seems high. The reply suggested bloodwork because that dose can lead to estradiol aromatization. Mood swings, more irritability, anxiety, emotional sensitivity or sudden sadness can occur.

What's your weekly training load, body fat level and actual calorie intake? Wondering if low energy availability or a restriction binge pattern with highly rewarding foods might be playing a role separate from how well you respond to reta.

I know the implications. Been on TRT longer than most here. Suggesting bloodwork because 250mg exogenous T might raise aromatization is reasonable. Claiming someone must have high estrogen just because they're defensive is different. Defensiveness isn't a clinical sign of high estradiol, it's just a sexist stereotype.

How did that turn out? I tried my first .25mg sema dose last month and realized fast it was more than I could handle. Now I do .125mg twice weekly and this week tried three times to test a slight increase. Also on reta.

The poster asks for help but acts like they know everything and nothing applies to them. That's a sign of something.

Whatever it is there's no need to lean on stereotypes about women to make a point.

Men can be cranky too.