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How Much Testosterone is Too Much

Hi, my husband has been on testosterone injections for two years. It has been a pure living hell. The doctors have experimented with him with different levels. He is currently taking 50mg of the testosterone injections twice a week. His total testosterone as of the last lab draw was 750 on the third day. The shots have completely changed his personality, like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He is now really moody and mean and this is not who he truly is. It has been a horrible roller coaster ride. He is going back to the doctor this week to discuss this, but he really does not see that he has any problems with this. Have you seen other people on the shots that have such a traumatic change in personality? What is a good level where a man still has a sex drive but doesn't act like a cave man?
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Avatar universal
I literally cried when I found this thread! I KNEW IT! would give ANYTHING to have my husband go to counseling! He simply refuses to do anything. Reading through all these women going through what I am currently going through makes me so emotional... and so angry! This crap is ruining lives! My family's anyway.... I have been with my husband for over 12 years and he rarely even raised a voice at me.... and then.... trt happened.
I've been strangled on more than one occasion and called  every name in the book. There truly was a stranger in my house and he won't even let me bring up any sort of conversation about the injections. It is all my fault. Name calling... degrading. I can't talk to his dr. Anymore because he took me off the list. he has since left me with my two kids nice out there acting like he is in his early twenties again. there are no words to describe how badly it hurts when the person who is tearing you apart is literally the only one who can make you feel better. I don't even know what to do he simply has chosen the testosterone over his family, & I just want my best friend back
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I know it has been a few years since your post but I am right there now. My husband changed so much with the testosterone shots,  we are going through a nightmare divorce and he blames me and tells his lawyers absurd lies. They are saying it is my conduct which caused this divorce. I cannot believe the man I married turned into this jerk.  I am so tired of going back and forth spending so much money on lawyers. I think it would be better just to have a court date and let a judge decide how to divide everything because there is no way of dealing with him in this condition.
Avatar universal
I've been experiencing the exact same thing. EXACT! I'm glad I'm not alone... but I'm not glad this is something we have to endure. I've asked my husband if he will discontinue the injections. We'll see how that goes...
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Wow...I have been on 100mg weekly injections for 2 months.  It has turned into a nightmare for my fiancée and I.  For 3 days after my injection I will have emotional outbursts and argue constantly with her.  It’s been tearing our relationship apart.  She sent me an article on mood swings with trt and it immediately opened my eyes to what was going on.  I will either reduce my dosage or stop the cyp.  I’m not the same person I was before trt and I desperately want to be normal again.
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Avatar universal
I can't stop crying reading these. I have lost my husband. my favorite thing about him was how calm he was, he never got angry even when there was reason. After a few months month of testosterone replacement he's spent a night in jail for domestic assault, his anger is out of control and it's frightening. Can anyone tell me if he got off of it would he normalize??? Or do I just need to give up?
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I’m not sure. I sure hope so cause mine is very violent now because of it as well. I have never been scared of him but I am now. 27 years down this shitter.
Avatar universal
I am going through a divorce as a result of this. Living with my husband after he started getting the shots was hell, the kids would not be around him. Going through this divorce is a nightmare but the kids and I are safe now. Has anyone here gone through a TN divorce, I am just looking for other peoples experiences, how you survived the increasing legal fees. I believe I just want a judge to decide how to divide things up because the back and forth with this jerk has been a struggle.
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Avatar universal
My husband was taking testosterone behind my back. I knew a guy he worked with was on it, and I saw my husband bulk up extremely fast. Nothing was wrong with my husband's levels, but he started using. He was doing injections at work, but somehow it was transferred to me. Medical professionals are taught this is not possible, but I don't see how it is not when 80-90% of testosterone is excreted through urine, saliva contains testosterone, and I'm sure semen does as well. Maybe it stays in the muscle as well and not all is picked up by the bloodstream, so maybe possible to touch the skin and have it transferred. It seems to be via bodily fluids it is being transferred to me. Anyways, my hair fell out, acne got all over my face, I felt extremely anxious and angry, I started getting frequent uti's and almost got put into the hospital because of it. My husband stopped after this, but his levels dropped and didn't come back quickly in a natural way. He then started back again without telling me, but I could quickly tell. Now if we have a sexual encounter or he gets saliva on me I will have a severe reaction where my heart rate spikes, I can't breathe, I get anxiety times 100 within five minutes afterwards usually. I start jerking all over and it's like you would feel if you were in severe pain all tense and jerking. I know this sounds crazy, but I am a registered nurse, and I feel I am having some sort of allergic reaction to this SYNTHETIC testosterone.

That's what these men don't get. This is MAN MADE testosterone. Any time you use a synthetic form of a substance you risk adverse reactions. Second, yes you feel good. It's the drug's purpose. Should I go take some hydrocodone or coccaine to make myself feel good, maybe lose weight, and have more energy? No, because it's a drug. I understand if you have cancer and don't make testosterone on your own anymore, but if you have simply gotten older, levels dropped from poor diet, then you need to look into natural remedies instead of drugs for a fix which could affect your whole family. My husband strangled me on this drug. We have been fighting everyday, and he is now addicted to sex. We have fought multiple times, because he demands sex everyday. We have three kids, a busy life, etc. I don't deserve to have a tantrum thrown and cussed out because of his hormones raging like a 15 year old boy. If you want energy and to feel better, then put some effort into it. Work out, eat healthy, buy an herb or two; However, don't resort to a drug as your first resort. There are consequences, and this is not the safe "drug" you think it is. It's addictive with side effects including mood and personality changes, prostate issues, along with adverse events such as blood clots and heart attacks.

One last thing, men's testosterone naturally drops when he has children. This is a natural reaction which helps the man be a better father and husband. There have been studies showing an increase in testosterone alters your judgement and causes you to be less fatherly or a worse husband. You need to decide what is important to you: feeling good on a drug or your family?
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Avatar universal
I have lived this nightmare for 6 years now. As a former Paramedic, I have tried to have the talk with my husband that this stuff is making him rage to which he responds "I NEED it" and " You're not an MD you have no clue what you're talking about" (couple this with combat related PTSD). Talking to his Dr. is laughable, especially since it is a VA Dr. This junk drug has created it's own private hell for me. Everything in our home is a target and I live in a war zone. The screaming temper tantrums, verbal and emotional abuse are to the point of being unbearable. Oh, and I'm the one with an issue, and I'm crazy since he NEEDS it.
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Avatar universal
Welcome to my world.  My husband is only 2 months in using injections and our marriage is falling apart.  He's distant, angry, and not even very interested in sex with me.  Not sure what to do.  He is not the person he used to be.  And when I try and tell him that he does not want to hear it.  He has lost is sensitive, loving, caring side.  I just don't know what to do.  
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Campc123,

After my (necessary) orchiectomy  it did take some time for me to find the testosterone dosage that fit me while both keeping me sexually alive but not pushing me over the edge and becoming aggressive. My wife described it as going through puberty. Eventually, things got settled and I was able to live my life as a normal male.
Avatar universal
I wish I had an answer!! My husband has been on testosterone gel and shots for 2 yrs. The gel is every day and the shots are once a week. Not sure how much he is on but I know it's a lot. His levels were a 210 and they are now a 260. They haven't increased much and his dr increases his doses every few months. He works out everyday but his body hardly changes. My husband also has major mood swings and everything else that was said. It is like walking on eggshells at times. He looses his patients with the kids and me! He then apologizes and acts like everything is fine. It's so tiresome dealing with his games of emotions!!! He never was like that before! Plus he is the worlds biggest procrastinator and is always so tired! We have been married 8 yrs. He did get a vasectomy and after doing research found I believe that to be the cause of his low low t levels! He had a 580 I believe before. The way we found out about his low levels was he had a heartattack at 31 yrs old. They did the blood work and shortly after started him on the cream! He was told he would have to be on t crap for the rest of his life. Well now his dr increased his shots and it is really affecting my body. I now have hyper and hypo thyroid, barely any sex drive, acne breakouts which I hardly ever get a zit, gained 10lbs, and I'm a mess. I think I have toxcitity now from him.I haven't noticed ANY differences with the increased shots from him only me!! But he thinks there is, now how do I get him to realize there is no difference! I have came close to a divorce also because he is not the man I married and I don't see a light at the end of this tunnel. Being his levels barely moved in 2 years and he has to be on this the rest of his life supposably! Reading what everyone else wrote helps me know I am right and not crazy! Just wish I could find answers! My family needs him!
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4 Comments
I am so glad to read that I am not alone in this.  My husband had testicular cancer 7 years ago, and he has been on Testosterone since then.  He currently has pellets injected every six months.  He has bad mood swings, gets mad when we don't have sex enough (which is a complete turn off), and I swear that's all he ever thinks about. Even when we do have sex, it's all about the sex and not the intimacy/love anymore.  It is very disheartening.  I feel like he just loves me for my body now (which I work very hard to look good at 49 by working out and eating right), but what I am lacking is his love.  I have even contemplated divorce, but this is my second marriage, and I want to work on it.  I just wish my husband who I married 14 years ago was still the same sweet man. I still love him with all my heart, but my patience is waning. Stuck in a rut and heartbroken.
And let me clarify that he cheated on me 7 years ago, and I cannot bear for that to happen again, which is the only reason I would ever leave him. He was caught and swore he would never hurt me again.
I am in the same boat. My husband has only been doing the injections for about 2 months and he is a completely different person.  At first he was VERY interested in sex, but in the last month or so things have changed, and I'm not sure why (makes me think he's getting it somewhere else).  I'm 41 and he's 47, and I'm in excellent shape, which makes me wonder even more.  He used to want to hug and just cuddle together, and now he wants no part of that.  Why??  He gets angry so easily, and could care less about my feelings.  I'm just not sure what to do.  I can feel our marriage going down the tubes more and more every day.  How is your relationship now?  
I need help. I have noone to talk to about this.  
I am so glad/sad that I found this thread. I swear I thought I was going crazy. My husband has been taking injections for 4 months. At first I was leary of it. It was not prescribed by a dr. He is getting them from a friend. So with that being said- he has not had any levels ran since starting them. A few years ago- his dr said he was slightly low T count, but would not prescribe Testosterone. (Prob because he did not need it) I have told him a few times that he is being snippy and short. It is getting progressively worse. In December he embarrassed me in front of my family (something he has never done in 9 years) I spoke with him about it after and he out right denied that he was being rude. My family was beyond a doubt put in tan awkward position. Lately I have been going through my own personal issues- one of my children has moved across the world to teach. I have been sad myself- and he was not ever attentive or responsive to my crying or sad mood. While he has had these mood swings, I have not made a big deal out of it. No arguing or anything on my end. Out of the blue last week he says he wants a divorce. Reasons: He has been getting fed up for the past 2 years with bickering, nagging and arguing. I asked him to please give me an example- Nothing. He says he still loves me- but wants to be single. He swears up and down hes not cheating... Nothing makes sense. I have begged him to please speak with a counselor. This literally feels like a gut punch. He says he will go- but hes NOT changing. I am wondering what happened to the man that I use to know. When I bring up the injections- he just laughs at me. He said he will stop doing them- I told him that we need to see a Dr so that he stop the appropriate way. I am really relying on my faith and patience to get me through this.. I do not want to walk out and give up this easily... But the emotional abuse is almost more that I can handle.
Avatar universal
Testosterone injections are destroying my marriage as well. We are now separated.  My husband has been on t therapy for almost 2 years and we were that couple that you could say had a wonderful bonded marriage.  My husband has been through risky crazy behavior, acted like a total ***, been rude, crude, devious and acted like a crazy teenager!  He has ruined his relationship with many around him.  He has done it all since t.  His behavior has been unfathomable.  So truly out of character.  I am astonished that his incompetent doctor still hasnt looked further into this matter after what he's been told!  I am sad for all of you.  I found great resources.  Here are some http://taylorhooton.org/personality-changes-caused-by-low-t-therapy/, http://testosteroneaddiction.com/happy-anniversary/, http://drugabuse.com/library/steroid-abuse/, https://tsnmco.wordpress.com/tag/is-testosterone-addictive/.  I have spoken to Lisa Shaughnessy personally many times about her flight with T therapy.  She is the founder of the testosterone addiction link/website!  Great person to reach out to.  Good luck!  
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2 Comments
Same thing happened to my husband on testosterone we are now divorced bcs of it! Doctors should be held accountable for ruining marriages and families! This has truly become a testosterone addiction epidemic. I am in contact with Lisa on Facebook please join her Facebook group! I feel so bad that so many women are going thru the same exact thing with their husbands. Testosterone is a mind controlling drug and we need to get it banned!
I am going through this right now and for the last two years. He doesn’t believe me about anything, obsessed about sex,  it is never enough,  he is inconsiderate and down right rude. He is mean now and doesn’t trust me. We are going to be married 20 years this year but I do t think we are going to make it to 21.   This is awful.
Avatar universal
My husband took his third shot of 100cc on Thursday.   I had noticed a huge change in his personality after the first shot.   He started obsessing about sex and being crude.  He didn't care what he said about people or that they could hear what he said.   We had a family get together Saturday night and everyone was drinking a little.   Add alcohol to the T and you have one hell of a roid rage!!  My husband spent the night in jail for assault.   The Testosterone is in the trash.  Our marriage was in jeopardy.   After 18 years, my sweet husband turned into a monster on this stuff.   And he was like others said, everything was someone else's fault, when he was the one being the a$$.   I care about sanity in my life more than having a raging, sex obsessed, a$$hole husband.   Pharmaceutical companies are making a killing on making people think that is the "fountain of youth" as my husband referred to it as before he started using it.   He would rather be sane and not spend the night in jail again.  
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Avatar universal
I am so happy to know I am not alone, and that these mood swings and verbal/emotional abuse can be attributed to the testosterone. I was just told today that the reason he is nasty to myself and the kids is because I don't have enough sex with him. That if I just f***ed him, everything would be fine. We had sex twice less than 2 days ago. Then he took his injection. All of a sudden you would think we hadn't had sex in 6 months. He yells at the kids for minor things, then turns on me when I point out what he's doing. I've even asked that he stop the injections. It's going to destroy our marriage. I won't raise my daughter to believe it's ok to be treated like this, nor will I raise my son to believe it's ok to speak to or treat women like this. Either the testosterone issue gets resolved, or I'm gone. He's told me over and over that I'm not worth it anyway, so why the hell should I stay? I would love to tell him about the aromatase inhibitor or oral testosterone, but how do I get him to listen when his automoatic go-to is blaming everyone else for his ****** attitude?
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My husband, on injections for close to 4 years now, blames MY PMS.  He is in a complete state of denial.  I just found this site and am quite emotional reading through the stories and information.  
Avatar universal
I have been googling & reading as much as I can regarding testosterone replacement therapy & personality changes since 2012. First few years, found little to no patient/fmly member complaints,but slowly thru past few years have found such complaints as this thread describes. Yes, I too, am a wife on this rollercoaster ride!!! After 18 years of marriage, my even tempered, compassionate, spiritual husband turned into somebody that I did not know after begining testosterone therapy. Though, still short periods of the man I once respected & adored so much still peak in now & then, I'm am tired of holding on to just a memory of the man I married. These "personality changes", mood swings, etc.can devastate a family. My husband even had an affair after 6 months of testosterone; something that literally SHOCKED everyone that loved & knew him. I suspected, the T-therapy from the beginning, & now have connected with a few other women going thru same. Most important reason for posting this, is to let you know he never used injections, only gels!! So, please don't think that switching from injections to another route of therapy will be an absolute solution regarding the issues testifyed on this thread.
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Avatar universal
Wow, I finally found others who are suffering the same way I am. My husband was on the T shots (once a week) for 4 months. In that time he became very emotional crying a while to getting angry and then laughing at me as if it was a game. In just the short 4 months of being on it he accused me of having an affair, wearing another man's ring, taking pictures of my naked body and sending to the affair person (he made up), calling me a compulsive liar.....to the latest....having a sex toy up my bottom which he still thinks is there. He was looking like a mad man, I even went and talked with the man at the LowT Center who basically blew me off letting my husband know he can do what he wants. I had to get him to a Doctor for help and they wanted to label him as a schizophrenia. They sent him to a psychiatrist who put him on meds (which he took for 2 months) to help him sleep because he had stopped sleeping in the bed with me. For 2 months I was alone in a king size bed....he said I kept him awake  playing with this sex toy (which I do not have) and he could not sleep. He now refuses to go back to the psychiatrist and take any more meds, for that matter no more doctors but he is getting better......almost back to himself.....been off those @#%$#@ shots for 4 months now but it has been a living hell and emotional rollercoaster that I almost lost my best friend......even the kids had seen a bad change in him. Ladies that stuff is bad and I hope it's not to late for some of you, sorry for those who suffered for years because 4 months plus 4 more months trying to get him back to normal almost did me in and it's not over yet.
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2 Comments
I am having difficulties with my husband who has been injecting TC for 3 years now with little follow up care by a doctor to test levels in the past year he has assaulted me twice which is uncharacteristic of him after 23 years of marriage. I feel like I'm living with a hormonal teenager. Just a few days ago the second assault occurred much worst then the first last year I know this behavior is result of the TC injections 200mg a week.
My boyfriend and I just broke up after his second psychotic episode I am convinced was caused by testosterone shots. Right after he gives himself the shots he completely changes Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde. Im so glad you got out! Im curious if he ever admitted he had a problem or not?
Avatar universal
My husband has been on the testosterone shots for 4+ years now. They do work for him although I have noticed a difference these past 6 months. Within 24 hours of him receiving the shot he becomes very moody will argue and get upset over anything and lately leads to him becoming abusive towards myself and the 2 young children we have. shortly after his blow up he will apologize and admit he was wrong for the things he said or does and doesn't know why he says or does these things. For the next 13 days everything is great and normal again. I will have him talk to his Dr and his next appointment to see if there is something to be changed to stop the sudden mood/personality change.
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Avatar universal
The best description I can offer is it's like going through puberty every month. When you first get the shot there is too much testosterone in your system. Then, toward the date of the next shot you are low on it. That produces mood swings; highs and lows best described as feeling one's oats followed by possible depression. My wife saw this early and convinced me to switch to oral testosterone. That stopped the mood swings. The patch and topical testosterone such as Androgel are better alternatives IMO.
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Avatar universal
There are options. Oral testosterone and patches are available. I found from personal experience either of those is better than shots because it's a steady dose not like injections where there are severe highs and lows. He needs to discuss this with his doctor.
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Avatar universal
Unfortunately, your story is my exact story in a nutshell. Damn those testosterone shots!
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Avatar universal
i am a low T male, just had a holy crap moment this weekend, screaming rage of anger, thought it was my medication but until reading this site I can see its the test inj I have been taking. now to talk to the doc's and see if this can be changed. as a male taking the injections I can tell you its a big difference when you get your levels up. before I was depressed, no energy, and that was getting to me bad, now I guess im on the other end of the spectrum and need to retreat!
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Avatar universal
He needs to have his dosage adjusted. Perhaps a shot every week or go on the patches. I've been on both and the patches are easier to deal with. No mood swings.
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Avatar universal
Wow! I am so amazed at the similarities I have been experiencing with my husband of 22 years!!    He is 50 and has been acting crazy angry and everything is about sex, even though we have great intimacy (when he is not an ***). Today I was contacting attorneys to prepare for divorce.
Then I discovered a STASH of testosterone and needles. I do not know where he got it, but not thru a doctor, just self administering.  I kept thinking he was going crazy, our teen daughters will not speak to him and want us to divorce.
I have noticed he has been very energetic and chatty with everyone.  He has always been very muscular, hairy and sexual so I have no idea why he would mess with his T levels.  I'm sure he heard a radio commercial or something on the internet.  Nothing speaks about the anger and mood side effects.  It has been a nightmare.  He has threaten suicide to the point of having a gun.  It was awful, but I had no idea that he was using testosterone.
Although I have to say the sex was good, but absolutely not worth the hell if  his daily quota was not met, he would go into a rage screaming at me.  Then of course who wants to be with a man like that.  Then a week later he would be so sweet and charming.  I am assuming it was due to the T levels.  This post has given me hope that he will return to the NORMAL man I love,  not that he is perfect but never so mean and angry.  We have always been best friends and work together successful everyday, so it has been so sad.
Of course I disposed of the evil drug, sounds like it may take awhile for his system to restore.
Praying for him and our family!
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1 Comments
I understand what you are talking about my husband has been taking it for a year and he has been moody and mad and four day ago I went to see my parent and he told me he want a divorce and he want to be alone and single after 13 year of marriage he willnt talk to me are anything and I don't know what to do but he want to be friend  I'm lost on all of this  
Avatar universal
I am 31 years old, I have been on TRT for 2.5 years now and have not had any of the problems that are being described in here.  The only side effect I've really had to deal with is a bit of acne here and there.  

What I suspect a lot of you are dealing with is related to one of two things:  One could be the injections are not frequent enough so there is a roller-coaster effect of highs and lows depending on how far from the injection the man is.  I take 50mg twice a week and I am stable and so much happier than I was with low T.  The other could be that the doctor is not properly (or at all) managing estradiol levels.  Testosterone is converted to estrogens through a process called aromatization.  Some men require an additional drug called an aromatase inhibitor to help keep estrogen levels down.  One thing that can drive this need is excess fat.  Fatty tissue is loaded with aromatse enzymes so more fat = more estrogen.  I am pretty lean and do not require an aromatase inhibitor on my dose.  

The main thing that you really need to be doing is getting bloodwork done and staying on top of this stuff especially in the early going while things get dialed in.  Best of luck to everyone.  Testosterone therapy has been a major improvement in my life and I'm sorry that it is not working out as well for many of you!!  
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1 Comments
I'm 9 months into a live in relationship with a man I am in love with deeply. He has been on testosterone for many years and the week of the injection I walk on egg shells. He is on a 2 week regiment. He is verbally abusive and tells me he can't stand to look at me. In the 9 months 3 big arguments and his answer is to walkout on the relationship then decides he's been an *** . In devedtsted. As a highly educated woman with a high profile career I have never encountered such abuse from a hormone.
Avatar universal
Hi Miles. Thank you so much for posting this! My husband is a different person since being on the T therapy. How long have you been doing it this way? Long term effects? Also have heard it doesn't absorb as well when injected into the fat. Thanks so much for your help.
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Avatar universal
I never wanted my husband to start testosterone therapy.  He had low t but was starting because he wanted a better work out. It has turned into 3 years of nightmares. Married almost 22 years and I just found a least 4 ****** he's been having an affair with all at the same time, including a secretary 15 years younger than him at work. I had no idea why he was acting the way he was. He was screwing them in the back of his work van that his daughter and I were in all the time. He refused to get tested at first standing by all his ****** saying they didn't give him anything.  He finally got tested...he gave me stds. I think he still feels justified in all he did, that he deserved these ******. Meanwhile our children and myself are shattered. He refuses to talk about any of it. He continues to lie and keep his secrets. I talked to 2 of the married ****** that placed ads on craigslist and got my husband. He told them he loved them and was with them all for a long time and told them he was only with mr because our youngest of 4 needed both parents. They all thought they were the only one.  News flash! I thought I was the only one. I know I have to file for divorce because he just wants me to keep my mouth shut and move on like nothing happened all while he had loads of fun. He's off the testosterone since April but it took months to get out of his system.  He was injecting 3/4 ml every week. He was taking naked pictures and sending them to all these ****** that he screwed. He was still secretly with them up until August but telling me there wasnt anyone. He should have left me! That's what I tell him. I had no idea he was in love with all these people. I was a good wife. Testosterone ruining our life and made a good man a scumbag.
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Im so sorry my husband has not gone that deep into rabbit hole but if he doesnt stop soon I can see it..
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