Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for general wellness, anti-aging, recovery and as an anti-depressant

[starfire]

TRT for general wellness, anti-aging, recovery and as an anti-depressant

New member here, interested in getting some opinions.

I've had two tests as follows, about a month apart.

Testosterone 30.4 nmol/L (11 - 40)
TSH 1.6 mUI/L (0.3 - 3.5)

Testosterone 21.9 nmol/L (11 - 40)
TSH 1.0 mUI/L (0.3 - 3.5)

I am turning 40, in a few weeks. I'm into high intensity and resistance training. My recovery between workouts can leave me aching for days, which leaves me unable to train as much as I want to.

I rarely get a spontaneous erection during the day for no reason, like in my 20's. Erection strength, I'm guessing is around 60-70% and it takes a long time to finish (if you know what I am saying).

I'm on the anti-depressant: Luvox which has made a tremendous difference to my life and I tried going for a year without it and it was a terrible experience.

I am considering starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) as an anti-ageing treatment, as a natural anti-depressant and to improve libido and decrease muscle aches.

I spoke to my doc about this and have obtained a six month prescription for TESTOGEL SACHET 50mg/5g. The doctor said many guys try it and give it up in about a month. If I felt substantially better after a months treatment then he would speak with an endro to ensure that I was getting the right tests and any additional medication(s).

Now, I'm considering trying this Testogel out, even though I will have to pay $100 a month for it if it helps me with the above symptoms. He said that if I wanted to continue after a month, then PSA tests and so on could be undertaken (no history of prostate cancer in family).

Would you try testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for the above reasons?

 

[Megatron28]

Simple answer - Hell No!

Your Total Testosterone levels are excellent. They are close to the top of the normal range. Using a gel will at best get you back to those same levels. But in reality, it will moat likely get you to a lower level. Gels don't work well. So you are considering paying $100 a month for something that will give you lower T and a whole new set of additional problems?

Check your estradiol. That could be contributing to your symptoms. There are lots of other things than can give you the problems you described.

- Run a full thyroid panel.

- Have you had a sleep study done. Apnea can REALLY mess you up.

- Can you post the rest of your labs? Maybe we will see something there.

- If you are still convinced testosterone is a possible issue, get your Free T checked.

- Take honest assessment of your diet.

- Stress?

Lastly, let me say that it was extremely irresponsible of your doctor to offer to put you on TRT. Your TT is near the top of normal range. Going on it for a month will completely shut down your natural test production. When you come off the gel in a month, you might be able to turn your natty production back on again, but there is a real risk that you will not. It isn't worth the risk in your case.

So let me reiterate... It would be RETARDED for you to go on TRT.

 

[bigben34]

100% agree with Megatron on this one and I will add to that list of possible things to look into: Luvox...As any SSRI will boost your seratonin levels, it will also decrease your dopamine levels, which in turn, will increase prolactin levels....aside from the hormone and brain chemical imbalance that an SSRI can cause. They will also reduce sex drive, increase fatigue symptoms, reduce erection quality, ect (basically the things you described)..I also understand that Luvox specifically, isn't "supposed to" have an effect on sex drive...well, it does...My wife took it and she had extreme fatigue, no sex drive and couldn't get the finish line, which normally isnt an issue for her. Here is one of many studies: Pharmacological causes of hyperprolactinemia

So, I'm in agreement that you should not be doing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), it's not your issue and you're going to cause yourself a new set of issues...I would go to the doc that prescribed you the Luvox and if you truely cant be without the Luvox, ask he/she to prescribe you Wellbutrin to counter the effects the Luvox is having on you. I would be willing to bet you don't have anything medically wrong with you that's causing you the problems you describe, it's simply a product of your SSRI.

 

[Megatron28]

100% agree with Megatron on this one and I will add to that list of possible things to look into: Luvox...As any SSRI will boost your seratonin levels, it will also decrease your dopamine levels, which in turn, will increase prolactin levels....aside from the hormone and brain chemical imbalance that an SSRI can cause. They will also reduce sex drive, increase fatigue symptoms, reduce erection quality, ect (basically the things you described)..I also understand that Luvox specifically, isn't "supposed to" have an effect on sex drive...well, it does...My wife took it and she had extreme fatigue, no sex drive and couldn't get the finish line, which normally isnt an issue for her. Here is one of many studies: Pharmacological causes of hyperprolactinemia

So, I'm in agreement that you should not be doing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), it's not your issue and you're going to cause yourself a new set of issues...I would go to the doc that prescribed you the Luvox and if you truely cant be without the Luvox, ask he/she to prescribe you Wellbutrin to counter the effects the Luvox is having on you. I would be willing to bet you don't have anything medically wrong with you that's causing you the problems you describe, it's simply a product of your SSRI.

Good thought! You can check your prolactin levels. If high, there are ways to reduce it -- and increase dopamine levels at the same time.

 

[starfire]

I really appreciate your thoughts, guys. I think I have been reading too many books on bio-identical therapy recently. I had thought that optimal wellness could be achieved by maintaining testosterone levels in the top 25% as you grow older. The thought of growing old and frail scares me. I see old men in stores struggling to walk and manage their groceries and I don't want that. It sounds like if you start testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) then I could end up with lower test levels than I have right now plus a lot of other hassles.

The Luvox does affect my sexual function and I'll see if there is anything that can be used in combination to help. I'd prefer to be on Luvox even though it causes some issues because it has a significant effect on my overall mood and it seems to act as a painkiller. I was thinking that if I went on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) then I could drop the anti-depressant.

I don't have any other blood work, besides blood count and routine chemistry. I sleep like a log, according to my fitbit.

I really enjoy exercise, but am probably overtraining and not allowing my body to recover. I see some of my fitness 'idols' train almost every day and wonder why my body can't do the same. I have to be realistic about how far I can push my body.

Like Megatron said, I'll look at improving my diet as well.

 

[Megatron28]

Forgot one. Make sure you are getting enough vitamin D. You want to be in the upper third of the normal range. Get a blood test to check it.

Good luck. Hopefully a few small changes in you life will help you feel better. Let us know how you are doing.

 

[LittleJohnny]

I really enjoy exercise, but am probably overtraining and not allowing my body to recover. I see some of my fitness 'idols' train almost every day and wonder why my body can't do the same. I have to be realistic about how far I can push my body.

Bingo! My money is on over training.