lose weight instead of starting T?

[mickott]

I've got a total T of 232 (labcorp range: 348 - 1197 ng/dL). I've also got at least 50 pounds I should lose. One doc says it'll be really hard to lose the weight without supplemental T, my other doc says that my T levels will recover when I lose the weight. Oh, and I'm really symptomatic (ED, brain fog, joint pain, lethargic, etc. etc. etc.).

Looking for advice on which way to go, especially from folks that have had the same choice.

Thanks,

Mick

 

[miller98b]

I killed myself for six months and lost 50 pounds when I first started to feel what I would later learn were the symptoms of low-t 2 years ago. It didn't help. Losing weight while having low-t is a killer struggle, but it can be done. Me personally, I've been more energetic, more positive and already seeing results after being on T for a month. I'm still not in the clear, but things are improving far more quickly since being on T injections then they were after losing all the weight. Its seems as though, for me, that the damage was done and the T wasn't coming back. Its always good to try, non testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) possibilities if you can, but if it doesn't work, look at other options. Good luck man!

P.S. My T was between 50 and 150, extremely low, so don't take my advice as Gospel. I was 305 at 6'3ish with an endo frame. I was msucular, but fat nonetheless. At my lowest, I was 249 with 210 pounds of lean muscle mass.....putting me at 15.66% BF. I looked good, but I didn't feel that much better. I was still always tired and the gym was a slog. Eventually, the depression kicked my ass and I gave up.....that's what the T has helped me with.

 

[riprockwell]

I've got a total T of 232 (labcorp range: 348 - 1197 ng/dL). I've also got at least 50 pounds I should lose. One doc says it'll be really hard to lose the weight without supplemental T, my other doc says that my T levels will recover when I lose the weight. Oh, and I'm really symptomatic (ED, brain fog, joint pain, lethargic, etc. etc. etc.).

Looking for advice on which way to go, especially from folks that have had the same choice.

Thanks,

Mick

Well the question is, why is your T level low. It can work both ways. For example, you can have low T levels and have primary or secondary hypogonadism and that in itself make make you more susceptable to weight gain. Or you could have had decent test levels but ate like shit, drink too much booze, etc. and all of that lowered your T levels and increased your estrogen levels, etc. Honestly, depending on your age and how you feel and if you are ready to take the plunge and be on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for life, then do so. Meaning, if you are 19 years old and have those T levels, then find out why they are so low. If you are in your in 40's or 50's, then it is probably time to get on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and start feeling better. Having adequate T levels can help with weight loss. Just make sure to do your job on your end and eat healthy and make some lifestyle changes in the mean time. Also, if you do go on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), make sure it is injections and not the creams/gels.

 

[300winmag]

I think its a balance. I had low T and started on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and didnt lose chit. I wouldnt say I had the greatest diet either but I wouldnt say I was drinking alot or had frequent flyer miles at mcdonalds or anything. But what I did notice was that my weight flucuation stopped now it stays within 2-3 lbs vs going 5-10lbs. But the more weight you gain the more fat equals less T and more E. Also when i started on T i could tell my composition did change a little bit i could tell my fore arms, legs and other areas felt more firm, so maybe I didnt lose weight but my comp did change. Although this past month I finally got all dialed in and got past the holidays and have decided its time drop the 30lbs I need to see go. And so far Im down about 6-8lbs, so well see what happens.

 

[mickott]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm in my late 40's. Diet has been been pretty clean, very low alcohol usage, usually a glass of wine with dinner 2 - 3 times a week, though my doc says my blood sugar is in pre-diabetic range.

I'm not looking for a magic bullet, but would really like to get my dick back and my brain working again. I got no problem trying to stick it out for a few months with diet & exercise..but if I'm going to be going on T for the long term anyways, I'd rather start earlier rather than later!

Thanks

Mick

 

[mickott]

So, given my age and overall condition I'm going to start testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Doc is pushing
a compounded cream, though it seems everyone else is using injectibles. I've
heard bad thigs about gels, but what about creams?

Doc is not into injecting, so if creams are not worthwhile trying out, I'll be
shopping for a new doctor.

Thanks,

Mick

 

[Megatron28]

Tell him you don't to transfer the cream or gel to your spouse / girlfriend / kids. It would be irresponsible to use it around them. And injections are cheaper.