Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for "normal" test levels??? Advice needed.

[Rooter]

TRT for "normal" test levels??? Advice needed.

I'm new to this forum and this is my first post. Two weeks ago I turned 41 and, based on the recommendation of a friend, decided to go to an anti aging clinic to get some bloodwork done and see about the possibility of HRT. My reasons: the usual complaints of aging: low libido, weak erections, general fatigue, poorer workouts, and terrible insomnia, a decrease in the ability to gain lean muscle, and steady gains of fat around my midsection.

Some background: I have always been very active and have been an avid weight lifter for 20+ years. I run 12 miles a week. I'm 6'1 and average around 200lbs. That used to be very lean muscle, but although my diet and discipline in the gym has gotten more rigorous, it's not all lean muscle weight anymore. Over ten years ago I did a cycle of test cyp @ 600mg/week for 12 weeks. Had incredible results and ended up at 235lbs of lean muscle. Since then I've become more wholistic in my ideology, steering away from any sort of enhancers, eating paleo, etc.

Anyway, test levels from the blood test came back at 631 ng/dL total test, 11.4 pg/mL free test. According to my reading, these levels are normal and possibly even higher than the average 41 year old male. However, the doctor recommended putting me on 100mg test cyp a week because he said my levels are not optimal.

So I'm posting here today hoping to find someone else who also had "normal" test levels but decided to get on TRT. And I'd like to know what sort of benefits I can expect at such a low dose (relative to the cycle I did). Any input is greatly appreciated and sorry for the long post.

 

[Megatron28]

631 is a perfectly normal TT number. It is good number. No way I would sign myself up for the expense and inconvenience of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to increase my TT a little bit. I highly recommend you don't do it. And keep in mind, the longer you take exogenous test, the more likely you will permanently shut yourself down. And you likely will have to take other medications to control side effects that come with taking exogenous testosterone. and donate blood every 56 days to control your hematocrit.

TRT isbanlife saver if you need it. But nearly all of us would love to not have to be on it.

There are many other things that can be causing your symptoms. Work with your GP to get to the bottom of it.

-Get a sleep study done. Sleep apnea can really mess you up.
-Get a FULL Thyroid panel run. Not just TSH.
-Run an anemia panel (including B12).

Start there and see if that turn up anything. There are other things you could look into.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

 

[riprockwell]

631 is a perfectly normal TT number. It is good number. No way I would sign myself up for the expense and inconvenience of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to increase my TT a little bit. I highly recommend you don't do it. And keep in mind, the longer you take exogenous test, the more likely you will permanently shut yourself down. And you likely will have to take other medications to control side effects that come with taking exogenous testosterone. and donate blood every 56 days to control your hematocrit.

TRT isbanlife saver if you need it. But nearly all of us would love to not have to be on it.

There are many other things that can be causing your symptoms. Work with your GP to get to the bottom of it.

-Get a sleep study done. Sleep apnea can really mess you up.
-Get a FULL Thyroid panel run. Not just TSH.
-Run an anemia panel (including B12).

Start there and see if that turn up anything. There are other things you could look into.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

This is great advice. That is a great Total Test level. I wasn't at half of that number at 27 years old. So I definitely wouldn't touch testosterone at this moment. Definitely get a thyroid panel as that is what stood out to me with your symptoms. testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is something that takes some time, money, and research and a lot of dialing in. I would be happy with those test levels at your age. Good luck.

 

[Megatron28]

I forgot to mention that you should get cialis. It makes your erections stronger. Your wife will notice. There are several other benefits too that you can search for on this website.

 

[Rooter]

Thanks, guy, I appreciate that advice. My practical side agrees with you totally--however, there's another side of me that wants to jump on the availability of testosterone to do a sort of mini-cycle. This is not something I know a whole lot about, so I guess my question should be focused more on the possibility that I'd make some of the same benefits from the test as being on a cycle? The doctor even suggested he'd up the test done to 200mg/week.

 

[sfw]

Talk to someone who specializes in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and sexual optimization. My doc, Thomas O'Connor changed my life. I feel great. Trt and sex meds

 

[halfwit]

Thanks, guy, I appreciate that advice. My practical side agrees with you totally--however, there's another side of me that wants to jump on the availability of testosterone to do a sort of mini-cycle. This is not something I know a whole lot about, so I guess my question should be focused more on the possibility that I'd make some of the same benefits from the test as being on a cycle? The doctor even suggested he'd up the test done to 200mg/week.

If you want to cycle, that's completely different. I'd hop over to the AAS forum if you want to discuss that facet of the hormone game. I can't agree enough with everything Megatron and Riprockwell have said in this thread. testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) will always be there (hopefully); you may be one of the lucky ones and never need it - but if you do, you can always revisit this topic and reevaluate your situation in the future.

My .02c