u/SnooChipmunks5873

Started TRT a year ago. I’m 8 weeks off now. The first 6 months were great @ 160mg split 3x per week. Then, the anxiety started and my hematocrit was high(54) and my ferritin was low (12) so I could not donate. Took an 8 week break, went back on at 120mg split 3x per week. Bloodwork got better during the break, but the anxiety was killing me. That is gone now that I am off of TRT again. It was like I was way too amped up. Also, to be clear - I had bloodwork every 8 weeks and all other numbers were normal including Estradiol.

I want to get back on and try and even smaller dose , but one thing I can’t shake is that in the last year, my hearing and hair have taken a VERY obvious hit. My hearing is tracked through my job annually. They noticed a severe decline and so have I. I have read a few articles that say fluctuations in hormone therapy can damage your hearing. I can write off the hair loss, but hearing is another story.

Has this happened to anyone else?

I have a great career of 19 years as a fire fighter where I make 200k per year. Unfortunately, my hearing has declined over the last 5 years and I may no longer meet the minimum standard to remain employed so I could be retired.

I need to think about the future and hopefully replace my 200k per year with starting or buying a business to support my family. I have 150k saved and can buy or start a business with it. Is there anything that jumps out as a safe and great idea? I don’t really have any other specialties as I’ve done this since I was 20 years old. It kills me that I could lose this career but I have to prepare for the worst.

I currently also sell real estate and have done so for 10 years. I have made decent money doing that(extra 70-90k per year) but with the current market and huge influx in real estate agents … it has became hard to stay above water with it.

Any input is appreciated. Thank you