About to start TRT. Ask me anything

[P51]

I’ll admit I don’t know much about this topic, but it’s for life right? Is there any data on what happens when you’re on TRT for decades? I know there are significant heart risks for older men.

[P51]

There's a good chance it will, even if you take hcg. I heard it takes at least 6 months once you come off it for your sperm production to start going back to normal.
Going on Trt at 29 is ridiculous unless you've truly had an accident to your balls or brain to stop producing a decent amount of test.

Ridiculous for what reason? The fact you can’t have kids? Long term effects?

If his levels are low enough to dictate it, why not?

[Bigdumogre]

might want to pop kids now ( if you want some) before getting on trt..your sperm level count wil go to shiet.

Plenty of people on high doses still produce plenty if sperm.

My endocrinologist prescribed mine and Ive been with her since my thyroid took a crap long time ago. She monitored my test the whole time and waited for it to be at a problematic low levels before going on. Don’t just rush onto trt and make sure you need it. My insurance covers mine so I pay $10 for a 3 month supply.

[soaponarope1]

Why not just actively try to raise it for 90 days and see what you end up with? Cut out chemicals using organic soap and toothpaste, using glass storage containers and drinking glassware, don't drink bottled water, sleep 8 hours, gym high intensity cardio. Lower your stress.

If its still low then get help.

Edit to add- about a year ago I was feeling similar to you with no drive to accomplish goals either. Was stressed and getting like 2 hours of sleep a night for about 2 months straight srs. Got checked and was like 385 or something. I did what I described above and a month or so later was back to sleeping 6-8 hours a night, banging out the wife twice a day and generally just feeling great again. Never got rechecked but im sure I'm right back in the 600-700 range or whatever is normal.

[keyboardworkout]

From recent blood work.

50 mg Test Cyp 2x a week in quads with 1" 25g pin. Sunday morning and Wednesday evening.

Total Test 1,064 ng/dl

Free Test 38.2 pg/ml

E2 57.8 pg/ml

SHGB 29.1 nmol/l

Total Test/E2 Ratio = 18.4

[guest89]

I’ll admit I don’t know much about this topic, but it’s for life right? Is there any data on what happens when you’re on TRT for decades? I know there are significant heart risks for older men.

1. If your vision sucks genetically and you need glasses/contacts, are people like F that if I get them I'll need to wear them for life for 20/20 vision? Or do they get them then think why would I take them off when blurred vision sucks compared to 20/20? TRT is like that. Once you are on the idea of going back to 'natty' levels is unthinkable.

2. Assuming you do TRT right its probably healthier then not doing TRT. I'm not going to say there are 0 risks but the other risks if you don't go TRT is much higher.

Doesn't this make you infertile ? (at least until you come off it)

pls respond, don't want to read 3 pages

There's a good chance it will, even if you take hcg. I heard it takes at least 6 months once you come off it for your sperm production to start going back to normal.
Going on Trt at 29 is ridiculous unless you've truly had an accident to your balls or brain to stop producing a decent amount of test.

This is misinformation. I know at least a dozen guys on TRT with kids. Its possible to cycle off and get your normal production again. If your fertility is affected and you want kids you can restart and have kids. Deciding to have a child should be well thought out plan anyways.




It really just blows my mind every male age 35 or older isn't on TRT. Its crazy to think about. The funny thing is you can literally look at someone and have a pretty good idea of what their T levels are.

[P51]

1. If your vision sucks genetically and you need glasses/contacts, are people like F that if I get them I'll need to wear them for life for 20/20 vision? Or do they get them then think why would I take them off when blurred vision sucks compared to 20/20? TRT is like that. Once you are on the idea of going back to 'natty' levels is unthinkable.

2. Assuming you do TRT right its probably healthier then not doing TRT. I'm not going to say there are 0 risks but the other risks if you don't go TRT is much higher.







This is misinformation. I know at least a dozen guys on TRT with kids. Its possible to cycle off and get your normal production again. If your fertility is affected and you want kids you can restart and have kids. Deciding to have a child should be well thought out plan anyways.




It really just blows my mind every male age 35 or older isn't on TRT. Its crazy to think about. The funny thing is you can literally look at someone and have a pretty good idea of what their T levels are.

You can tell by looks because isn’t low T associated with being overweight? Why not push for people to lose some pounds and build muscle before signing up for a life long treatment?

[Deathstroke]

in on updates


getting to the age range where I feel like I need more test in my system boyo

Same first time I seen this thread

I’m at that range now.

[ChaoticReignPbt]

This is misinformation. I know at least a dozen guys on TRT with kids. Its possible to cycle off and get your normal production again. If your fertility is affected and you want kids you can restart and have kids. Deciding to have a child should be well thought out plan anyways.

Anecdotal of course but I'm on TRT and my wife was pregnant in the first month of us trying. Similar story for friends in similar positions. Some people have issues but there are plenty of protocols out there to get count back up. I don't know of a single case where someone was made permanently sterile.

I will say that some people aren't great candidates for TRT simply due to lifestyle. Generally speaking the poor decisions that often lead to issues with T also make TRT harder to manage. Poor diet, excess weight, lack of exercise are all going to cause issues trying to dial in a good TRT protocol. That said, we're on a bodybuilding forum so for those that want the perks and have the consistency and willingness to make the commitment it's awesome.

I go through a private clinic and it's relatively inexpensive ($100/month plus labs a few times a year). Most PCPs lack knowledge in this area and prescribe terrible protocols. Additionally insurance often has very specific testing requirements to cover it and very specific criteria with follows ups to continue doing so.

[Orracle]

might want to pop kids now ( if you want some) before getting on trt..your sperm level count wil go to shiet.

Don't wanna bring kids into this clown world anyways

29 needing TRT? and you say your diet is good? what is your bodyfat % ?

Something you aint telling us.

I still workout regularly (lower motivation to workout hard lately tho). I'm about 12%. If anything I've lost weight due to reduced muscle mass

OP you taking finasteride or SSRI's? If yes that's why you have low t issues, etc.

No drugs, all natty. Only on Mg, creatine, and Vit D3 tabs every night

[Orracle]

Im clueless on this, so good thread.

For a while now Ive thought at my age(late 40s) go to the doc and get on HRT/TRT, are they the same thing? I thought you'd get prescribed a cream, not having to jab yourself multiple times a week?

The doc does your bloodwork and checks if you're a candidate for TRT. You can get creams but blood serum levels are more stable with injections

Doesn't this make you infertile ? (at least until you come off it)

pls respond, don't want to read 3 pages

Not necessarily. A lot of people are still fertile even while on TRT or large steroid cycles. People with low test issues who hopped on TRT and try to come off to have kids likely had issues with fertility prior to going on

I’ll admit I don’t know much about this topic, but it’s for life right? Is there any data on what happens when you’re on TRT for decades? I know there are significant heart risks for older men.

It's very safe if you monitor your bloodwork and stay within the physiologic range. If anything, low T is correlated with higher risk of heart and brain issues as you get older

[CanardMedic]

Don't wanna bring kids into this clown world anyways


I still workout regularly (lower motivation to workout hard lately tho). I'm about 12%. If anything I've lose weight due to reduced muscle mass


No drugs, all natty. Only on Mg, creatine, and Vit D3 tabs every night

All good then, if you don't want kids, go full send on the trt then.
Good luck to you, don't expect to look like the rock but I'm sure the gains at the gym and social life will increase.

[Orracle]

Why not just actively try to raise it for 90 days and see what you end up with? Cut out chemicals using organic soap and toothpaste, using glass storage containers and drinking glassware, don't drink bottled water, sleep 8 hours, gym high intensity cardio. Lower your stress.

If its still low then get help.

Mine is likely due to work-related stress, and that won't be going down in the next few yrs. Test levels begin to drop after 30, so I would have to go on TRT sooner or later anyways. No point in delaying the inevitable and being miserable in the meantime.

All good then, if you don't want kids, go full send on the trt then.
Good luck to you, don't expect to look like the rock but I'm sure the gains at the gym and social life will increase.

Thanks brah

[Nonsense916]

What’s trt

[jdboyd78]

I've decided to do all I can do without TRT injections. The cardiovascular risk is way overblown I think, the big study was in males with significant risk factors other than TRT.

[AriesTH]

Tips:

Get all your levels tested BEFORE TRT including DHT, E2, SHBG, PSA, Hematocrit, RBC, prolactin, cortisol, lipids. It WILL be a struggle dialing in and having your natural baseline is absolutely necessary.

Wasted a year on TRT chasing libido. Found out I need DHT in the upper range, even if my test levels are 1200 my DHT stayed mid-low range. The solution was to continue injections and rub a small amount of test cream on my balls where you get the highest amount of DHT conversion. Within two weeks my libido was raging...like a dog humping air. Complete game changer. Most guys get high DHT with just injections - I didn't. Always have DHT checked.

It's best to introduce one new item at a time, start with just testosterone.

DO NOT start on an AI. Even if you get sensitive nips in the beginning they'll go away as your body naturally balances your hormones. 90% chance youll get sensitive nips first week, don't freak out. AI = limp dink. If you do need an AI start with the lowest possible dose possible. The main goal is to not use an AI. Estrogen is not the enemy. Wish I knew this in the beginning. My libido, energy, gym gains are best when E2 is high. If I take an AI and estrogen drops too low it feels like I have the flu and dink is like a gummy worm.

DO NOT start HCG in the beginning. It's best to introduce one thing at a time to gauge your body's response. Add it in later.

Injecting quads and delts is easiest. 2x a week works for me. SHBG determines how often you need to inject. If yours is high, inject 2x week. If it's low, you may need every day or every other day.

Free test is all that matters. Get to the upper range.

Good luck.

This is a VERY informative and accurate post, and important for anyone else not on just TRT.

[Ephedra]

Defy Medical is a good telemedicine clinic for TRT. Very knowledgeable and they treat the symptoms, not the numbers. If they see your total test is 1200, but free test is perfect they'll understand free test is all that matters so they won't freak out at the high total test like normal docs.

They're based out of Florida and use Empower Pharmacy of Texas for compounding your test. Everything is shipped to your house within 5 days. You pay out of pocket and it's relatively inexpensive.

When you first start you call and they'll have you fill out paperwork online and do labwork with quest or labcorp. When they get your results you'll do an hour phone consultation with one of their doctors. If eligible they'll prescribe what's best for you and your specific situation. In 3 months you'll get your blood taken again and another consult to see if any adjustments need to be made. Once you're dialed in you do a lab/consult once every 6 months. Rinse and repeat.

If you ever have any issues they're available to make adjustments to your protocol. They prescribe everything male related: test, hcg, AI, viagra, Fin etc.

I use them because my normal doctor doesnt know chit about male hormones.

[guest89]

You can tell by looks because isn’t low T associated with being overweight? Why not push for people to lose some pounds and build muscle before signing up for a life long treatment?

Part of it is looks part of it is more then that. A male should be lean, muscular, athletic, energized, etc. Being sloppy, fat lethargic, lazy, etc is a pretty big indicators your hormones are fugged. Its not as simple as just being over-weight and losing weight. A life-time of soft/modern living pretty much destroys masculinity. Its really just impossible to understand unless you've had your T levels in the 1100-1500 range.



I think a man should wake up every day and leave his house ready and looking to fight males and fukk females... It sounds kind of primitive. And it is really. But when your testosterone is really high. You just feel strong, confident, energetic, horny, etc. at all times.


Honestly man if I'm standing close to or am talking to an attractive female I can feel a stirring in my dick. Even if its in public. Even if I'm not even trying to seduce or fukk. Its to the point where my girlfriend notices. Pretty sure other girls notice too. It can be to some random gym girl we're talking to while working out. Or one of her friends, coworkers, etc. I just pop semi's all the time when in close proximity to HBBs especially at the gym/when it sweats. My girlfriend gets a little jealous but definitely has learned to deal with it. Now she will always point out a gym HBB with a juicy azz to get my attention.

[jtaylor2010]

You can tell by looks because isn’t low T associated with being overweight? Why not push for people to lose some pounds and build muscle before signing up for a life long treatment?

I agree with this to an extent and think people should always try a few approaches before jumping in. Poor sleep, poor diet, alcohol, and being sedentary are all things a person should dial in before exploring other options. Plus, if you have all of those issues and start trt you won’t get anywhere close to the benefits of someone who has cleaned up all of that before starting. That being said, there is pretty much a full on assault against our hormones levels from the environment. Tons of chemicals and xenoestrogens are wrecking test levels in men so honestly we were designed to walk around with much higher levels than most men see. Of course, that is also designed to happen naturally and the body is the most complex machine we know of in the entire universe. So it’s not as simple as saying “ok I added test so everything is good now”. Your body will adjust and a person should do lots of research before jumping in so that they know how to optimize the benefits while minimizing any drawbacks that can arise from the supplementation.

[gmenfan40]

How much should TRT cost if your insurance doesn't cover it? (Ded fkn Srs)

[Ephedra]

How much should TRT cost if your insurance doesn't cover it? (Ded fkn Srs)

Roughly $1200-1500 per year if you include the medication, bloodwork, consultations.

[gmenfan40]

Roughly $1000-1500 per year if you include the medication, bloodwork, consultations.

Interesting. That's literally probably cheaper than what people pay for the sketchy sh!t, to include sarms and andros to take year round. (Ded fkn Srs)

[Ephedra]

Interesting. That's literally probably cheaper than what people pay for the sketchy sh!t, to include sarms and andros to take year round. (Ded fkn Srs)

Some people get it cheaper but I'm estimating that's how much I pay from my provider.

[ChaoticReignPbt]

Some people get it cheaper but I'm estimating that's how much I pay from my provider.

This is pretty typical. Same boat. I pay $230 every 10 weeks plus another $100 every time I run labs. Not a huge amount of money when you consider the benefits along with having actual medical oversight vs. the people out there rolling the dice on underground labs.

[Paul Kreul]

It’s for life and it won’t fix all of your problems. I started at 40 and wish I would have tried other things. It was a big improvement don’t get me wrong, but sticking yourself with a needle once a week gets old.

What other things would you have tried?

I’m 44, on topical test (no injections) for about 3 yrs now. Libido is not as good as I would like, & it’s getting a bit too easy to pack on the fat these days if I’m not constantly working out...also I notice if I go 3+ weeks w/o my hair starts to shed like crazy lol.

[SazabiBrah]

Been on TRT for about 9 months now. Ironically, since I’ve been on, I haven’t been working out as hard (went from about 4-5 gym sessions per week before TRT, to 2 now on average, albeit doing more cardio now).

That being said, I look better than I did before TRT and my arms are over 16” now, which they pretty much NEVER were before TRT.


Cracks me up when roidcels who are taking 3x the amount I’m taking claim “roids don’t do the work for you”. That is a complete scam and complete cope that roidcels tell themselves LOL

[keyboardworkout]

How much should TRT cost if your insurance doesn't cover it? (Ded fkn Srs)

https://www.goodrx.com/testosterone-...ype=popularity

10ml of 200mg/ml one vial at Walgreens $39.69 (10-20 weeks depending on dose)

https://www.lifeextension.com/lab-te...nel-blood-test

Male comprehensive hormone panel $299.00 (twice a year)

Doc visit to go over bloodwork and scripts $175.00 (twice a year)

BD syringes and needles ~$50 a year

[Paul Kreul]

Why not just actively try to raise it for 90 days and see what you end up with? Cut out chemicals using organic soap and toothpaste, using glass storage containers and drinking glassware, don't drink bottled water, sleep 8 hours, gym high intensity cardio. Lower your stress.

If its still low then get help.

Edit to add- about a year ago I was feeling similar to you with no drive to accomplish goals either. Was stressed and getting like 2 hours of sleep a night for about 2 months straight srs. Got checked and was like 385 or something. I did what I described above and a month or so later was back to sleeping 6-8 hours a night, banging out the wife twice a day and generally just feeling great again. Never got rechecked but im sure I'm right back in the 600-700 range or whatever is normal.

Dude if you ever lost the hair you & the wife would be a spittin image of Bill Burr & his woman lol.
No hate bro..you two look good.

[scythiss1]

Started my First shot. Been snoring like a mad man according to the old lady. Would snore occasionally before but not insanely loud. Wondering if I should put it on hold until I get a sleep study done. 100% sure I have sleep apnea.

[Orracle]

Started my First shot. Been snoring like a mad man according to the old lady. Would snore occasionally before but not insanely loud. Wondering if I should put it on hold until I get a sleep study done. 100% sure I have sleep apnea.

Def get a sleep study but I don't see any reason to stop the test. How much are you taking per week?