Low T

[Assman 1830]

I'm 39 years old and this past year I've had a noticeable drop in energy.  I still work out 3x a week but I feel like I'm just going through the motions instead of actually making progress.  I'm also generally tired throughout the day.  I know some of this is just part of getting old, but I decided to get a blood screening since I've never had one.  The results came back and my testosterone is low, but still in the acceptable range.  My doc suggested hormone therapy or a natural supplement.  I'm going to start with the supps first, but I'm curious to know if anyone has had success with either one. 

On a maybe related note, I also had a vasectomy last year, and I've read that there may be a connection between low T and getting snipped, but nothing definitive.  Anyone experienced anything similar?  My sex drive hasn't changed and I check the Demi thread just as frequently as I always have.  I just miss having energy throughout the day.

[South Austin 52431]

You need more Brawndo.

[SHOOTER12 8800]

I had the energy drop about 4 years ago.  One of my routine lab works indicated low T.  When I say low, I mean LOW.  I mean lower than a typical woman.  When I asked my doctor wtf, he asked about Injury history, and specifically testicular injuries.  Well, yes I had two.  The first an employee trying to straighten a piece of broken steel on the job site missed and nailed me with a golf swing with a 10lb sledge hammer.  The second was in ousux when a 3/8" chain broke and nailed me in the goobers again. Doctor said that was probably the problem, but I could use testosterone supplements to correct the situation.  I asked him if it was really necessary and he laughingly told me that technically, with my low T, my wife and I could be considered a lesbian couple.  So I started with injections and feel much like my old self.  The only thing I have had problems with, and have to keep a close eye on is my temper.  I'm much more likely to fly off the handle than I could ever have imagined.

[XYZ 2154]

22 minutes ago, Assman said:

I'm 39 years old and this past year I've had a noticeable drop in energy.  I still work out 3x a week but I feel like I'm just going through the motions instead of actually making progress.  I'm also generally tired throughout the day.  I know some of this is just part of getting old, but I decided to get a blood screening since I've never had one.  The results came back and my testosterone is low, but still in the acceptable range.  My doc suggested hormone therapy or a natural supplement.  I'm going to start with the supps first, but I'm curious to know if anyone has had success with either one. 

On a maybe related note, I also had a vasectomy last year, and I've read that there may be a connection between low T and getting snipped, but nothing definitive.  Anyone experienced anything similar?  My sex drive hasn't changed and I check the Demi thread just as frequently as I always have.  I just miss having energy throughout the day.

Ask your doctor about clomiphene.

[High Plains Drifter 11024]

32 minutes ago, SHOOTER12 said:

I had the energy drop about 4 years ago.  One of my routine lab works indicated low T.  When I say low, I mean LOW.  I mean lower than a typical woman.  When I asked my doctor wtf, he asked about Injury history, and specifically testicular injuries.  Well, yes I had two.  The first an employee trying to straighten a piece of broken steel on the job site missed and nailed me with a golf swing with a 10lb sledge hammer.  The second was in ousux when a 3/8" chain broke and nailed me in the goobers again. Doctor said that was probably the problem, but I could use testosterone supplements to correct the situation.  I asked him if it was really necessary and he laughingly told me that technically, with my low T, my wife and I could be considered a lesbian couple.  So I started with injections and feel much like my old self.  The only thing I have had problems with, and have to keep a close eye on is my temper.  I'm much more likely to fly off the handle than I could ever have imagined.

 

fuck dude

 

[pearlandhorn 3269]

I don't have low t (not that I know of) but due to really taking a look at my diet, I've learned that a lot of what you eat and drink can have an effect on your testosterone levels.  Also, you say you work out 3 times a week.  Have you thought about going more frequently but less time?  For instance, if you're going 3x a week for an hour and a half each trip, go 4 times a week for an hour each time.  Physical exercise has proven to increase resting testosterone levels.  If you are exercising and feeling like you're going through the motions, change it up.

Seriously though, watch your diet.  Diets high in fat (keto for example) can cause decreases in testosterone levels.  Make sure you are eating clean, drinking plenty of water, lay off the booze. 

[Hank Scorpio 17729]

Tell your wife to call me. 

[52-80 19140]

4 hours ago, High Plains Drifter said:

 

fuck dude

 

probably doesnt have the libido to fuck anyone

[Revolution512 1487]

9 hours ago, pearlandhorn said:

I don't have low t (not that I know of) but due to really taking a look at my diet, I've learned that a lot of what you eat and drink can have an effect on your testosterone levels.  Also, you say you work out 3 times a week.  Have you thought about going more frequently but less time?  For instance, if you're going 3x a week for an hour and a half each trip, go 4 times a week for an hour each time.  Physical exercise has proven to increase resting testosterone levels.  If you are exercising and feeling like you're going through the motions, change it up.

Seriously though, watch your diet.  Diets high in fat (keto for example) can cause decreases in testosterone levels.  Make sure you are eating clean, drinking plenty of water, lay off the booze. 

Lay off the booze? Just cut my nuts off then

[Assman 1830]

11 hours ago, Hank Scorpio said:

Tell your wife to call me. 

As one of my favorite posters here, it would be an honor.

[HeHateMe 883]

How low was your free T?  39 here also, 5 years ago I was dragging and feeling like shit and got tested.  I was at 110.  Started the shots once a week and have never looked back.  Never had a side affect and in 2 weeks time, I was feeling more rested and had more energy throughout the day, with the same amount of sleep.  Never thought my sex drive was lacking but it went through the roof after starting therapy.  Also, never got ragey as someone else posted but ymmv.  I’m in AZ but the place I go to has locations around the country so let me know if you want a recommendation.  I also get lab work done at my place every 6 weeks just to make sure no adjustments need to be made.  I wouldn’t do it without the labs, as frequent adjustments are necessary. 

[Nice Guy Eddie 13506]

Before jumping to pharmaceutical help, I would exhaust natural remedies like better diet, exercise and most importantly sleep. If you have to set an alarm to wake up most days, you’re doing it wrong. Go to bed earlier.

nothing wrong with with Pharma help with problems but it should always be the last resort not the first. I would also be cautious if a Low T Center immediately sells you on their treatment. I imagine 99% of the men that walk in the door are told to start treatment ASAP. Go see a doctor (urologist) who works for a reputable healthcare/hospital system and specializes in this area. You can always opt to go buy the treatment at a storefront center if you disagree with the doc.

[Assman 1830]

My free T was 366 iirc. Not super low, but on the low side of the scale.

I’ve never been the type to jump straight to the pharmaceuticals, which is why I’m going to try some lifestyle changes first.  I’m cleaning up my diet, going to do more cardio, and try to go to bed earlier.  I’m a night owl by nature, so going to bed before 11 just isn’t in my blood.

[Errestaurants 2570]

1 hour ago, Assman said:

My free T was 366 iirc. Not super low, but on the low side of the scale.

I’ve never been the type to jump straight to the pharmaceuticals, which is why I’m going to try some lifestyle changes first.  I’m cleaning up my diet, going to do more cardio, and try to go to bed earlier.  I’m a night owl by nature, so going to bed before 11 just isn’t in my blood.

200mg test cy a week will do wonders for you. 

[SHOOTER12 8800]

On 11/5/2020 at 10:13 PM, High Plains Drifter said:

 

fuck dude

 

Well.... Sometimes

[XYZ 2154]

I don’t think doing cardio will raise your testosterone. As far as exercise goes, I think only whole-body heavy weights will do that. Squats, deadlifts, that kind of thing.

[Assman 1830]

14 hours ago, XYZ said:

I don’t think doing cardio will raise your testosterone. As far as exercise goes, I think only whole-body heavy weights will do that. Squats, deadlifts, that kind of thing.

That's pretty much all I do now in the gym.  I think mixing in some cardio will just make me feel better overall, irregardless of the effect on my T levels.

[Errestaurants 2570]

Diet (protein) and exercise will help obviously if you're building muscle regarding natural production of Test. When you did your bloodwork what was your estrogen levels? 

Regarding Test and how hard you workout whether strength based or hypertrophy your natural production of Test will decrease with age. 

Regarding adding test cyp or prop, are you finished having children? This will be the first question you are asked. 

I've spent 20 years working out and hypertrophy/volume has been best for me. I've done gear, prohormones and sarms. Currently run 200 mg test cyp every 7 days. More of a blast vs cycle. 

[Errestaurants 2570]

Also that 366 is your Total T. I imagine your Free T is around 10.

[UDontKnow 10439]

23 hours ago, Assman said:

My free T was 366 iirc. Not super low, but on the low side of the scale.

I’ve never been the type to jump straight to the pharmaceuticals, which is why I’m going to try some lifestyle changes first.  I’m cleaning up my diet, going to do more cardio, and try to go to bed earlier.  I’m a night owl by nature, so going to bed before 11 just isn’t in my blood.

Not cardio, unless it's interval training.

Weights. And lower body. Get a trainer if you can afford it. If you're in Houston, I'll recommend you a gym. In addition to cleaning up your diet, start supplementing with zinc (non-oxide form), L-arginine, L-citrulline, and L-carnitine. Try to develop exercise stacks and meal plans to help meet your goals. Happy to discuss more with you via PM if you're interested.

[Gil Bang 25907]

 

On 11/5/2020 at 7:40 PM, SHOOTER12 said:

I had the energy drop about 4 years ago.  One of my routine lab works indicated low T.  When I say low, I mean LOW.  I mean lower than a typical woman.  When I asked my doctor wtf, he asked about Injury history, and specifically testicular injuries.  Well, yes I had two.  The first an employee trying to straighten a piece of broken steel on the job site missed and nailed me with a golf swing with a 10lb sledge hammer.  The second was in ousux when a 3/8" chain broke and nailed me in the goobers again. Doctor said that was probably the problem, but I could use testosterone supplements to correct the situation.  I asked him if it was really necessary and he laughingly told me that technically, with my low T, my wife and I could be considered a lesbian couple.  So I started with injections and feel much like my old self.  The only thing I have had problems with, and have to keep a close eye on is my temper.  I'm much more likely to fly off the handle than I could ever have imagined.

Dude, you should change your handle to "Ow my balls"

[Assman 1830]

5 hours ago, UDontKnow said:

Not cardio, unless it's interval training.

Weights. And lower body. Get a trainer if you can afford it. If you're in Houston, I'll recommend you a gym. In addition to cleaning up your diet, start supplementing with zinc (non-oxide form), L-arginine, L-citrulline, and L-carnitine. Try to develop exercise stacks and meal plans to help meet your goals. Happy to discuss more with you via PM if you're interested.

I have a pretty good workout routine, just lack the actual energy to execute it some days.  I know cardio isn’t the answer for Low T, but I don’t do any cardio in general and just need to add some in for overall health.  I already take citrulline and used to take a supp that had arginine and carnitine, but it was a creatine based supp that I didn’t like.  Now I just stick to citrulline and protein shakes.  

[T’Boo Ted Marshall 2730]

200mg test cy a week will do wonders for you. 

And just about everyone. Except the ladies.

[pops 6980]

On 11/8/2020 at 2:30 PM, Assman said:

My free T was 366 iirc. Not super low, but on the low side of the scale.

I’ve never been the type to jump straight to the pharmaceuticals, which is why I’m going to try some lifestyle changes first.  I’m cleaning up my diet, going to do more cardio, and try to go to bed earlier.  I’m a night owl by nature, so going to bed before 11 just isn’t in my blood.

Dude.... that's really low. I'm not going to pretend to be a doctor or anything but what is considered "normal" is silly. Your body quits producing test as you get older, but obviously it all depends on the individual as to when and at what rate. 

I'm 44 and have been cruising on about 200 mgs of test cyp every week for about 5 years now and the changes were almost immediate and pretty profound. I was at 250-350 when I started

Zero negative sides at that level for me. Get my bloods done annually and I'm around 750 T. 

Obviously injecting synthetic test into your body is a big decision,  but I will never look back. 

[0xdeadbeef 1645]

Getting old Sucks.

My latest physical came back with testosterone in the mid 200 range. Urologist is having me start on testosterone injections.   

The web pages describing what to expect are like a wish list.  If I get half the benefit describe on the web it'll be like a fountain of youth.

 

 

[Bodhi 1123]

Just had my labs done and not sure how to interpret the results.  42 5'8 (the only person below 6'2 on Surly I believe) 165 work out 5 times a week, eat clean, sleep plenty.  My total appears to be ok but Free seems low.  I am not that educated on this at the moment and PCP isn't interested in helping.    

Testosterone, Serum 556 ng/dL

Free Testosterone (Direct) 10.6 pg/mL

Estradiol 17.6 pg/mL

Sex Horm Binding Glob, Serum 39.8 nmol/L

 

[lmao 178]

On 11/5/2020 at 8:18 PM, pearlandhorn said:

I don't have low t (not that I know of) but due to really taking a look at my diet, I've learned that a lot of what you eat and drink can have an effect on your testosterone levels.  Also, you say you work out 3 times a week.  Have you thought about going more frequently but less time?  For instance, if you're going 3x a week for an hour and a half each trip, go 4 times a week for an hour each time.  Physical exercise has proven to increase resting testosterone levels.  If you are exercising and feeling like you're going through the motions, change it up.

Seriously though, watch your diet.  Diets high in fat (keto for example) can cause decreases in testosterone levels.  Make sure you are eating clean, drinking plenty of water, lay off the booze. 

I don't follow any exclusionary diets but I thought the benefits of keto was that it increases testosterone? 

[lmao 178]

On 11/15/2020 at 6:07 PM, pops said:

Dude.... that's really low. I'm not going to pretend to be a doctor or anything but what is considered "normal" is silly. Your body quits producing test as you get older, but obviously it all depends on the individual as to when and at what rate. 

I'm 44 and have been cruising on about 200 mgs of test cyp every week for about 5 years now and the changes were almost immediate and pretty profound. I was at 250-350 when I started

Zero negative sides at that level for me. Get my bloods done annually and I'm around 750 T. 

Obviously injecting synthetic test into your body is a big decision,  but I will never look back. 

Do you experience any hair loss (if you're not already bald)?

[0xdeadbeef 1645]

18 minutes ago, Bodhi said:

Just had my labs done and not sure how to interpret the results.  42 5'8 (the only person below 6'2 on Surly I believe) 165 work out 5 times a week, eat clean, sleep plenty.  My total appears to be ok but Free seems low.  I am not that educated on this at the moment and PCP isn't interested in helping.    

Testosterone, Serum 556 ng/dL

Free Testosterone (Direct) 10.6 pg/mL

Estradiol 17.6 pg/mL

Sex Horm Binding Glob, Serum 39.8 nmol/L

 

My Primary Care Physician wasn't much help either other than a referral to a Urologist.  The Urologist could actually answer my questions that the internet was unclean on and suggested a plan of action.  I'd highly suggest going that route.

 

 

 

[T’Boo Ted Marshall 2730]

Just had my physical today and curious to see where my numbers come back.
In ‘17 I was still over 700 at 42 yo.

[Bodhi 1123]

13 minutes ago, 0xdeadbeef said:

My Primary Care Physician wasn't much help either other than a referral to a Urologist.  The Urologist could actually answer my questions that the internet was unclean on and suggested a plan of action.  I'd highly suggest going that route.

 

 

 

My PCP basically laughed me out of the office.  Said my symptoms were just a part of getting old and he wouldn't bother ordering any tests.  He is no longer my PCP.  I ordered the labs on my own and trying to determine if free T is low enough to warrant a trip to see a specialist?  Trying to avoid the Specialty Clinics as I am pretty sure they will prescribe anyone regardless of results. 

Edited June 10, 2021 by Bodhi

[pearlandhorn 3269]

44 minutes ago, lmao said:

I don't follow any exclusionary diets but I thought the benefits of keto was that it increases testosterone? 

Keto most definitely can with all the increase in cholesterol you get while on it.  It's a trade off though.  While higher cholesterol can lead to an increase in heart disease, it's supposedly increases testosterone levels. 

The main benefits of Keto is rapid weight loss due to a restriction on carbs.  Your body burns through fat much quicker when it's deprived of carbs.

[pops 6980]

1 hour ago, lmao said:

Do you experience any hair loss (if you're not already bald)?

I started on low Propecia (10 mg/day) when I started taking test just to be safe and haven't had any additional hair loss but I don't know if it's the Propecia or genetics. 

[pops 6980]

1 hour ago, Bodhi said:

My PCP basically laughed me out of the office.  Said my symptoms were just a part of getting old and he wouldn't bother ordering any tests.  He is no longer my PCP.  I ordered the labs on my own and trying to determine if free T is low enough to warrant a trip to see a specialist?  Trying to avoid the Specialty Clinics as I am pretty sure they will prescribe anyone regardless of results. 

It's a tough call. Most PCPs don't know shit about TRT and the specialty clinics will give it to anyone.

I was pretty nervous at first but had enough anecdotal evidence from friends that were on it so I decided to give it a go (specialty clinic)  and am glad I did. 

I only do the long esters now because shooting up 2 or 3 times a week on test e didn't appeal to me. I now only shoot up every 8 to 10 days and I can deal with that. 

[Assman 1830]

28 minutes ago, pops said:

It's a tough call. Most PCPs don't know shit about TRT and the specialty clinics will give it to anyone.

I was pretty nervous at first but had enough anecdotal evidence from friends that were on it so I decided to give it a go (specialty clinic)  and am glad I did. 

I only do the long esters now because shooting up 2 or 3 times a week on test e didn't appeal to me. I now only shoot up every 8 to 10 days and I can deal with that. 

I'm assuming this is in some doctor's office or the like and not some at-home insulin injection-like kit?  What do the injections cost you?  Feel free to PM if you want.  I started this thread back in Nov and haven't really gotten anywhere with diet and exercise.

[pops 6980]

3 minutes ago, Assman said:

I'm assuming this is in some doctor's office or the like and not some at-home insulin injection-like kit?  What do the injections cost you?  Feel free to PM if you want.  I started this thread back in Nov and haven't really gotten anywhere with diet and exercise.

I inject at home. I would never go anywhere that made me come in for injections. 

I think I spend about 30 bucks a month on test. And I get syringes at my pharmacy for 50 cents a piece. 

[Nice Guy Eddie 13506]

4 hours ago, Bodhi said:

My PCP basically laughed me out of the office.  Said my symptoms were just a part of getting old and he wouldn't bother ordering any tests.  He is no longer my PCP.  I ordered the labs on my own and trying to determine if free T is low enough to warrant a trip to see a specialist?  Trying to avoid the Specialty Clinics as I am pretty sure they will prescribe anyone regardless of results. 

This has been my opinion as well. I can't imagine the Low T clinics are turning men away.

My PCP was willing to order testosterone lab work but I had to pay for part of it (all?) out of pocket. He didn't seem interested in prescribing anything from the results.

[dcbc 14464]

I was 128. 47 years old. PCP wrote the script I started shots in March. Feeling much better

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[Baboontyme 2809]

There's gotta be an internet clinic for something like this, no? I got my medical card a few weeks ago with a 5 minute zoom call with a "doctor" who understood that I just wasn't comfortable coming into the office because of Covid, even though things are opening back up and I may or may not have been fully vaccinated back in like February. Anyway, my neck pain is already much better, thanks for asking.

[DCA_HORN 725]

Nobody does the gel pump?

[Herbie Hancock 7341]

There's gotta be an internet clinic for something like this, no? I got my medical card a few weeks ago with a 5 minute zoom call with a "doctor" who understood that I just wasn't comfortable coming into the office because of Covid, even though things are opening back up and I may or may not have been fully vaccinated back in like February. Anyway, my neck pain is already much better, thanks for asking.

100% legal and 100% digital.

https://hhwpalmbeach.com/pages/contact-us

[dcbc 14464]

Nobody does the gel pump?

According to my doc, harder to get insurance to cover it.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[pops 6980]

9 hours ago, DCA_HORN said:

Nobody does the gel pump?

I did the gel for a bit but then you have to wash your hands like crazy and separate laundry and blah blah blah. So much easier to stick a pin in my thigh. 

[T’Boo Ted Marshall 2730]

I'm 46, Total was 554 and Free 56.3. Not too bad

[XYZ 2154]

Is it common to test total AND free testosterone? I’ve gotten tested a few times and it was always total, not free. Is my doctor a dumbass?

[dcbc 14464]

20 hours ago, XYZ said:

Is it common to test total AND free testosterone? I’ve gotten tested a few times and it was always total, not free. Is my doctor a dumbass?

If you test in normal range for total testosterone but still exhibit symptoms of low testosterone, a doctor might test for free T levels.  But if you test low or below range for total, it seems logical that your free T also would be low.

So, it depends

[Nice Guy Eddie 13506]

My PCP ordered a testosterone test during my normal physical. Came back just north of 500. The MyChart page shows the normal range as 250-825 so I guess I'm averagely normal.

[dcbc 14464]

On 6/15/2021 at 12:00 PM, Nice Guy Eddie said:

My PCP ordered a testosterone test during my normal physical. Came back just north of 500. The MyChart page shows the normal range as 250-825 so I guess I'm averagely normal.

Seems like it.  I think if mine were solidly in the range, I would have put off TRT.  Got my 3 month labs back last week.  Resting T is 728, but estradiol is 101.5.  So looks like a blocker is in order.

[Nivek 16916]

I thought T levels spiked and fell throughout the day?

[Sandman 3403]

I've been on TRT for a few years now. My initial test results were around 250. My Dr at the time put me on 0.5 ml, then increased to 0.75 after a while. Then he went up to 1.0 and man, I was rock hard pretty much 24/7 and I wasn't having ED before I started this. This just turned it up to 11. My wife was not amused. Then my Dr quit and I got a new one, he had me do bloodwork and I was at 1100. He dialed my dose back to 0.5 and now I'm running smoothly, wife is happy.