Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) at 18?

[1235]

TRT at 18?

I'm 18 and I have low testosterone. My total test level is 298 and free test is 9.9, and my LH and FSH levels are low-normal. My endocrinologist gave me a prescription for testim but I'm not sure if I should take it. I suggested trying HCG or other drugs to stimulate the pituitary gland but he said that he only does it to restore fertility and does not put people on it permanently because of side effects. My sex drive etc is normal; my main symptoms are low energy and poor results in the gym. My question is if anyone has experience with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) at a young age and whether I should go through with it, wait, or try some other drug...

 

[Nordic11]

Low T levels, along with low LH, could indicate you are secondary. This could point to a pituitary issue. Have you had an MRI?

 

[1235]

Low T levels, along with low LH, could indicate you are secondary. This could point to a pituitary issue. Have you had an MRI?

yes, MRI came back clean.

 

[Nordic11]

How are your thyroid markers?

 

[1235]

^^ all fine

 

[Nordic11]

If I were you, I would avoid Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) at all costs. Some young men go on it but a lifetime of the inconvenience and expense is not cool.

If you don't already, you should work with 3J on diet. He will have you seeing gains in the gym without a doubt.

 

[cjw2021]

Get your doc to prescribe you injections. If he doesn't, find a new doc. You are too young for Chip to treat most likely. But I cannot imagine anything worse than having a 90 year old testosterone level at 18. Perhaps try HCG alone first if your doc is willing to prescribe it. Everyone is afraid of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) at a young age, but I'm afraid of those people developing every disease on the planet because they have no energy to get out of bed let alone fight an infection.

 

[MoparMuscle]

I'd try some restarts first, if it does not work then you'll probably need to look into TRT. A lifetime of the cost and hassle is nothing to look forward to (pinning weekly or using a patch/gel, buying the supplies, blood tests twice a year, donating blood, long term use effects: not sure what they might be). I had low t for years before starting Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) at 30yr old, only 5 months in and while I love the life benefits I hate the hassle and cost. So IMO try other roads first (diet, lifestyle change, restart protocol etc).

Have you used roids?
Are you overweight?
What's your diet consist of?

Good luck....

 

[cjw2021]

TRT is not that big of a hassle IMO.

 

[Nordic11]

I think testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a hassle but well worth it for those with no other choice.

For an 18 year old going on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for 60 years or so, that would mean...
8,760 injections (T and HCG E5D)
$162,000 in expense ($225/mo estimate)

 

[1235]

my doc did not want to put me on HCG. is that a better alternative than testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)? it was hard enough trying to find a doctor who would take my low test seriously... and ive never juiced, never been overweight, diet is clean with high protein (might be too little fat though). I have been tested for low testosterone consistently and in 12 months i have never had any significant change in levels, even with varying diets, lifestyles, etc...

 

[Nordic11]

Since your symptoms are mild, I would see what you can do with diet. Check in with 3J and get his opinion.

How well do you sleep?