I Need some general insight on Testosterone Replacement Therapy.

[SIG9NAL]

I'm 29yrs old. I'm aware that's young for TRT but my job is insanely stressful and has caused my cortisol levels to be higher than normal, which from what my Dr. told me has had an effect on my testosterone levels. I had a blood test done last week and was at 442 test level. My doctor says that is really low for my age and would like to see me in the 1400-1600 range. She suggested TRT. I have a few questions.
1) What is a good range for someone that is doing bodybuilding type workouts 4-6x a week? My main desire from increasing my testosterone is to gain mass. However I don't wish to do it illegally. 2)Will I see the same results I can obtain legally at a 1400-1600 test level as I would on something obtained illegally?
3)The only TRT clinic nearby me only does bioidentical pellet implantation. I'm wondering if anyone has used the pellets or why injections seem to be most common?

First post here, thanks for any replies/insight

 

[Megatron28]

SIG9NAL -- welcome to the 'Ology testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) forum. You have found a great place for help from guys who have been through the same things you are going through. Now your questions:

1) The average male at 29 years of age has approximately 600 ng/dL of Total Testosterone -- see left hand side of chart below. Either you misheard your doctor or she wants you to run a cycle and obtain supra-physiological TT levels. Being at 1400-1600 would be considered running a cycle.

View attachment 554102

2) No, you would obtain better results since you would be over 2X the average testosterone level for your age. The normal range for Total Testosterone generally runs from about 350-1200 as you can see in the chart.

3) I have never heard anything positive about pellets. VERY expensive and VERY painful. You can watch videos on Youtube to see what the procedure is like. Injections are a lot easier and a lot cheaper. Injections provide very good and predictable results.

Let me ask you a few questions now:

-Why not just address your cortisol problem and see if your testosterone improves.

-Did your doctor diagnose you with Primary or Secondary Hypogonadism? If secondary, a "restart" might be possible to get your natural T back. Did you discuss this with your doctor?

- Can you post your lab work results? That will help us see what issues you are dealing with.

- Have you checked your thyroid?

- Have you checked Vitamin D?

- Have you had a sleep study done to make sure you don't have sleep apnea?

--> Being at 483, you are low for your age. But I would try everything possible to get my Natty T back first before hopping on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) at age 29.

 

[Spunkey71]

SIG9NAL -- welcome to the 'Ology testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) forum. You have found a great place for help from guys who have been through the same things you are going through. Now your questions:

1) The average male at 29 years of age has approximately 600 ng/dL of Total Testosterone -- see left hand side of chart below. Either you misheard your doctor or she wants you to run a cycle and obtain supra-physiological TT levels. Being at 1400-1600 would be considered running a cycle.

View attachment 554102

2) No, you would obtain better results since you would be over 2X the average testosterone level for your age. The normal range for Total Testosterone generally runs from about 350-1200 as you can see in the chart.

3) I have never heard anything positive about pellets. VERY expensive and VERY painful. You can watch videos on Youtube to see what the procedure is like. Injections are a lot easier and a lot cheaper. Injections provide very good and predictable results.

Let me ask you a few questions now:

-Why not just address your cortisol problem and see if your testosterone improves.

-Did your doctor diagnose you with Primary or Secondary Hypogonadism? If secondary, a "restart" might be possible to get your natural T back. Did you discuss this with your doctor?

- Can you post your lab work results? That will help us see what issues you are dealing with.

- Have you checked your thyroid?

- Have you checked Vitamin D?

- Have you had a sleep study done to make sure you don't have sleep apnea?

--> Being at 483, you are low for your age. But I would try everything possible to get my Natty T back first before hopping on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) at age 29.

Megatron hit the nail on the head, listen to what he and other like halfwit have to say, they know
their shi*!

 

[SIG9NAL]

Thanks for the response.

I don't have a primary care physician. I've just never been one to go to the doctor. I haven't had anything to go to the doctor about in 15 years or so. I tore my ACL and had reconstructive surgery back in July. Right after the surgery I started rehab for it. The rehab re-ignited my desire to workout.
Previously I had worked out through high school and played college football. But I had gotten more slack over the years. I never was in bad shape, just average. However I noticed when I began working out again after my knee surgery I'm not able to gain muscle like I used to as quickly. I began researching supplements to assist me and one thing led to the next. I found symptoms of low T and realized I have most of the symptoms somewhat. I went in to a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) clinic to have my blood tested because I doubt any general MD would even test a 29yr old for low T. The testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) clinic ran a blood test and called me with the results today. If I choose to go back they will run a full panel of 6 different tests before prescribing the pellets. They are suggesting the testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) but they only offer the pellets. Something about pellets being "bio-identical" and not as many side effects or hard on other organs as high doses of synthetic T. It's the only testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) clinic I can find even remotely close in my area so if I don't go with them I'm not sure where else to look.
I'll be honest. The other improvements on overall health are nice, but the main reason it interests me is because I'd like results in the gym. I work out hard and eat very well and just want something to give me an edge. I'm currently at 203lbs at 5'11" and around 14% bf. However, going the illegal route for obtaining T is not an option for me. I want something legitimate and prescribed by a doctor.
One more question. How high are T levels when people are on injection cycles? Anyone provide their test levels when doing a cycle for bodybuilding? I can't seem to find an answer to that question anywhere online. If 1400-1600 test is not going to effect my results in the gym, it's not worth the money ($3k yr) to me.

 

[BigRussT]

I may be mistaken, but I dont think any doctor is gonna prescribe injectable T. Or atleast nothing in a high potency. In my opinion you will get great benifit and results by running a 12wk Test E cycle. Its cheap and not to hard to come by.. Again my opinion, im sure others will chime in. Good luck either way

 

[Megatron28]

Try IMT. They are the board sponsor for TRT. A lot of guys on this forum will vouch for them. You will see their ad to the right of your screen.

Don't do pellets. You will not be happy.

 

[Rastas]

I'm under the impression that you can do everything online. You don't necessarily HAVE to be a walk in patient at a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) clinic, just have an endo who oversees the treatment. They can mail you your test and you self administer. It's all legal and above board. This doesn't happen in my country but as far as the US goes, I'm almost certain this is feasible. Someone with better knowledge in this field, maybe even a patient who operates this way will chime in shortly I have no doubt.

 

[Megatron28]

I may be mistaken, but I dont think any doctor is gonna prescribe injectable T. Or atleast nothing in a high potency. In my opinion you will get great benifit and results by running a 12wk Test E cycle. Its cheap and not to hard to come by.. Again my opinion, im sure others will chime in. Good luck either way

My doctor prescribes injectable Test Cyp for TRT. That's what most docs prescribe for TRT. Gels are popular too despite not working well.

 

[Rastas]

Try IMT. They are the board sponsor for TRT. A lot of guys on this forum will vouch for them. You will see their ad to the right of your screen.

Don't do pellets. You will not be happy.

Beat me to it!

 

[thefantom1]

Cortisol is a stress hormone. The best way to relieve stress is the one thing most of us here hate to do.....Cardio. Get your butt on a treadmill and work up to 30 minutes, 4 times a week. I don't know how much of a runner you are, but shoot for 10 minute miles, which is not too difficult. Granted, depending on your cardio level, you may have to build up to it. Once you start the cardio and stick to it, you will find that you sleep better, ("A happy dog is a tired dog") which will let you recuperate better and most likely raise your test levels. Make sure you are taking a Vitamin D3 supplement (I take 5000 IU's a day) and fish oil is always a good thing. That is what I would try first before going the route of T replacement. Just my thoughts.....

 

[bbbjames]

I may be mistaken, but I dont think any doctor is gonna prescribe injectable T. Or atleast nothing in a high potency. In my opinion you will get great benifit and results by running a 12wk Test E cycle. Its cheap and not to hard to come by.. Again my opinion, im sure others will chime in. Good luck either way

You are mistaken, many doctors prescribe injectable T and that is the best route in my opinion. If a restart isn't possible then go with that. Megatron is right, IMT is awesome and I can personally vouch for them.