If you have any of these common symptoms, it is recommended you have a proper and thorough set oflabs drawnto help determine if you havehypogonadism.

Testosterone replacement therapyis essential for men with hypogonadism. In these men, full replacement of testosterone is necessary. The amount of total testosterone in men can range from 300 to 1100 ng/ml, while the range for free testosterone is 50 to 250 ng/ml. It is more accurate to utilize free testosterone levels instead of total T levels.

Because the range is so broad, testosterone optimization must be individualized. In general, Dr. Rob aims to provide the lowest dose of testosterone that relieves symptoms and causes the man to be in the optimized zone. All while monitoring testosterone and its by-products for any potential unwanted side effects. There are several delivery method options and Dr. Rob presents the pros and cons of each before a mutually agreed upon delivery method is instituted.

It is also important to note that men should not be started on testosterone replacement without a careful endocrine evaluation to determine the cause of the low testosterone. Serious conditions including pituitary tumors can present with low testosterone.

Women have testosterone too

Men have 10 to 20 times higher levels of testosterone than women. Nonetheless, even this small amount of testosterone in women is important for maintaining sexual function, and healthy bladder and vaginal function.

When used in small physiologic doses with monitoring of testosterone blood levels, testosterone in women is well tolerated. High doses must be avoided as they can cause facial hair, loss of scalp hair, deepening of voice, and acne. Just like men, womenshould not be started on testosterone replacement without a careful endocrine evaluation to determine if it will provide a health benefit.

ReNue Healthis located conveniently in Springboro, Ohio with easy access from Dayton International Airport, Cincinnati International Airport or the adjacent Wright Brothers Private Airport (MGY) for those travelling by private aviation.Click here for directions and contact information.

Only one visit is necessary to perform a comprehensive history, interview, and education. Follow up evaluations, adjustments and balancing of hormones are done by phone or written communications and a return visit to Dr. Rob is not necessary. Ongoing testing and adjustment is mandatory and performed through a laboratory convenient to your home.

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Testosterone Replacement Therapy For Men - Low T Treatment Center

Low testosterone, also known as low-T, can occur as a result of injury, surgery, or chronic illness and cause a host of symptoms that compromise your quality of life. But the most common cause of low testosterone isnt an accident or illness its aging. And the symptoms are no less serious because theyre driven by a natural process.

After a man reaches peak testosterone levels around his late 20s, the body gradually decreases testosterone production at a rate of 1-2% per year. The resulting changes may be undetectable at first. But by the time you reach the age of 40 or 50 (or younger, for some men), you may start noticing a significant difference in the way your body performs. May be due to andropausealso known as male menopause.

If youre struggling with low libido, low energy, and low mood, you may be experiencing the effects of low-T. But before seeking treatment, its important to determine whether low testosterone is indeed the cause of your discomfort. An expert hormone practitioner will thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and complete comprehensive lab testing. If your testosterone levels are low, theyll work with you to create a treatment plan, combining proven medications with alternative remedies as needed. And theyll discuss all the risksand benefitsassociated with the best treatment for low testosterone: testosterone replacement therapy.

As we age, our bodies undergo a long list of changes that may be uncomfortable for both our minds and our bodies. Many of these can be attributed to hormones, like testosterone, and others can be caused by the choices we make every day.

To determine if low testosterone is the primary cause of your symptoms, youll want to discuss everything youre experiencing with your doctor. Some of the most common symptoms of low testosterone are:

Because these symptoms could also be related to other conditions or lifestyle choices, its essential to discuss other possible causes with your doctor before deciding on a treatment. Common complaints like erectile dysfunction and hair loss, for example, may be related to other hormones, lifestyle factors, or a separate health condition.

An expert hormone health practitioner will be able to determine which of your symptoms can be attributed to low testosterone. Through thorough clinical evaluation, theyll help you decide whether treating low testosterone will be the best course of actionand how to treat it.

Although low testosterone levels can create a wide variety of subtle or severe symptoms, theres one widely prescribed and highly effective treatment for them all: testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

TRT has been proven to relieve symptoms of low testosterone, increasing libido and sexual function, improving mood, increasing muscle mass and bone density, and improving cognitionall of which contribute to a higher quality of life for men. While its not a cure-all, testosterone therapy may be the key to helping you regain a sense of health and wellbeing.

Testosterone replacement therapy is widely accessible across the United States and comes in a variety of preparations to suit your preference:

For many men, testosterone pellet therapy is a particularly attractive choice, as they avoid the fluctuations that come with shorter-acting therapies and only require re-insertion every few months instead of more frequent dosing.

Like any medication, testosterone replacement therapy can come with a few side effects. And while generally considered a safe treatment, there may be health risks that make TRT inappropriate for some men. Youll want to discuss these possible outcomes extensively with your hormone practitioner before deciding whether or not hormone replacement therapy is right for you.

Some of the common side effects associated with TRT include:

If you have problems with your liver, kidneys, or prostate, or if you are currently trying to have children, testosterone replacement therapy may not be the best choice. Discuss these risks with your physician. Although the most recent research indicates there may not be a connection between TRT and prostate cancer, its still very important that you report your complete medical history (and any family incidences of cancer) before starting hormone therapy. Studies also indicate that TRT could reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and mortality by all causesbut testosterone has previously been associated with an increased risk of cardiac events including heart attack. Men with heart conditions or clotting disorders should consult with a cardiologist prior to starting hormone therapy.

Although testosterone replacement therapy is widely acknowledged as the best treatment for low testosterone, the symptoms you experience could also be caused by lifestyle choices. Rather than replacing testosterone with medication, its best to treat these issues separately by pursuing alternate therapies.

For those who do not qualify for testosterone replacement therapyfor instance, those who experience very mild symptoms or those who have low-T without symptomsthe following options may be viable alternatives or powerful supplements to therapy:

It is important, however, to note that while these alternatives may be effective for some mild cases, they are typically not enough to raise low testosterone levels for most men. As such, testosterone replacement therapy remains the gold standard for treating low-T.

If youve been diagnosed with low testosterone and are taking or about to start testosterone replacement therapy, you may want to pause and examine your options.

On one hand, you could receive standard androgen medications from your primary care physician. They will prescribe a standard dose and help you monitor side effects. But this doctor may not have the full range of experience and training in hormone imbalances and therapies. In other words, you may not receive the highest quality care possible.

You may be better off seeking testosterone replacement therapy from a qualified expert in hormone health. At BodyLogicMD, our expert practitioners are committed to delivering integrative care that takes the whole person into account. They will perform extensive testing to determine your hormone needs, prescribe fully customizable medication regimens for your symptoms, and help you reach optimal wellness through consistent monitoring and careful adjustment throughout the treatment process. They will also listen to your individual concerns and ensure that your treatment plan works for you.

If youre looking to start testosterone replacement therapy under the care of the nations best hormone practitioners, consider partnering with BodyLogicMD.

BodyLogicMD is a network of hormone health practitioners who specialize in hormone therapies and integrative medicine. Our practitioners are among the highest qualified experts in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and dedicated to providing the best care possible. When you partner with BodyLogicMD, your practitioner will create a comprehensive treatment plan that is fully customized to you and your low testosterone symptomsincluding lifestyle consulting and nutrition advice. Start your journey toward optimal health today. Contact a local practitioner in your area or take the BodyLogicMD Hormone Balance Quiz to learn more about the best treatment for low testosterone.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. All content on this website is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases.

Charlotte is a patient care coordinator specializing in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. She is committed to helping patients who struggle with the symptoms of hormonal change and imbalance explore their treatment options and develop effective strategies to optimize wellness.

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What Is the Best Treatment for Low Testosterone? | BodyLogicMD

Testosterone therapy is intended to treat male hypogonadism (low testosterone or Low T), a condition in which the body fails to make enough hormones because of a problem with the testicles, pituitary gland or brain. A number of prescription testosterone products are available to treat hypogonadism.Testosterone productscome in different forms, including gels, injectable solutions, patches, pills and pellets implanted under the skin.

Once a patient starts testosterone therapy, the patient usually undergoes lifelong treatment. Doctors will monitor the patients hormone levels every six months to a year. Depending on the patient, the checkups may be more frequent.

Fast Facts: Use of Testosterone Therapy Over the Years

Testosterone can be administered in skin patch, skin gel, pill or cream form or as an injection, a solution applied to the armpit or a patch or a buccal system applied to the upper gum or inner cheek.

While many testosterone products areavailable only with a prescription, some drug stores and health food stores sell them over the counter. A few of these products also claim to be all-natural.

Testosterone gel is a prescription medication applied directly to a mans skin on the shoulders and upper arms and/or abdomen, depending on the brand. Testosterone gel can inadvertently transfer from your body to others and can lead to serious health reactions. To avoid such contact, apply testosterone gel to clean, dry, intact skin that will be covered by clothing. Wash your hands right away with soap and water after applying. Once the gel has dried, cover the area with clothing and keep it covered until you have washed the area well or have showered.

First approved in 1979, Depo-testosterone is one of the older drugs of its kind on the market. Its a liquid and is designed for injection deep into the gluteal muscle. The active ingredient, testosterone cypionate, is a white or creamy white powder mixed with other ingredients to make a solution. The drug is available in two strengths, 100 mg and 200 mg.

Testosterone transdermal patches, including Androderm, come as patches to apply to the skin. Patches work best when applied around the same time each night and are left in place for 24 hours. Testosterone patches are meant to be worn at all times until replaced with new patches. Androderm patches should be changed every 24 hours. The old patch should be removed before applying the new one. You should apply the patches to different spots each night and wait at least seven days before re-using a spot.

The testosterone capsules Methyltestosterone and Android have been discontinued but have been used in men and boys to treat conditions caused by lack of hormone, such as delayed puberty, and in women to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Methyltestosterone is a man-made form of testosterone. It can affect bone growth in boys who are treated for delayed puberty.

Manufacturers of testosterone boosters like Testofen have touted their products as means to increase muscle mass, strength and sex drive in men. Among the most popular testosterone boosters are products that contain some combination of tribulus terrestris, DHEA, zinc and d-aspartic acid. These ingredients have been associated witha number of side effects, including aggressiveness, breast enlargement, cholesterol changes, prostate problems and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Makers of testosterone products use two types of hormones:

Bioidentical HormonesAndroGel and a number of other products contain bioidentical hormones. Scientists create bioidentical hormones in a lab to chemically match the hormone naturally made by the body. In theory, this results in fewer side effects.

Synthetic HormonesSynthetic hormones are altered from the original chemical makeup, so they do not match those made by the body. These types of drugs typically have more side effects.

Unusually high or low levels of testosterone can significantly affect a mans physical and mental health. Men typically use testosterone drugs to address a medical issue like Low T or erectile dysfunction or to enhance their physical performance

Testosterone levels in men start to spike during puberty and drop on average by 1 percent every year after age 30. Lack of this key sex hormone in older men can cause health issues, including osteoporosis, loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), and psychological symptoms. Doctors prescribe testosterone drugs to treat these symptoms.

While declining testosterone levels tend to be part of normal aging in men, others experience the dip because of disorders of the testicles, pituitary gland and brain that cause hypogonadism. Other factors such as injury to the testicles, cancer treatments, chronic diseases and stress can also contribute to low testosterone production.

TheFDAapproved testosterone as replacement therapy only for men who have low testosterone levels due to disorders that cause hypogonadism. However, the agency has said testosterone is being widely used to try to relieve symptoms in men who have low testosterone for no apparent reason other than aging a use for which the benefits and safety have not been established.

Doctors analyze testosterone levels in two categories: total testosterone and free testosterone. Most testosterone is attached to a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHGB). A small amount of testosterone is free, and a small amount regularly attaches and detaches itself from a protein called albumin. Any testosterone that is not attached to SHGB is considered free testosterone.

Some men turn to testosterone to increase sex drive and treat erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the inability to get and keep erections. In fact, according to an article published by Harvard Health Publications, some doctors used it to treat ED beforePfizerreleased Viagra in 1998.

Its well established that testosterone by itself, for men with sexual dysfunction that includes erectile dysfunction, can improve erections in the majority of men who take it.

However, only about 5 percent of men experience ED solely from low testosterone. Low testosterone levels can be a contributing factor to ED but are more likely to reduce sexual desire than cause ED. Many doctors wont consider prescribing testosterone to a patient unless he presents certain other symptoms, too.

Dr. Abraham Morgentaler is an advocate of using testosterone for treating men with sexual dysfunction, including ED.

Morgentaler does admit that some men may require testosterone andViagra, however, in order to have adequate erections.

Because testosterone allows men to increase muscle mass and performance, athletes and body builders use testosterone-boosting supplements and drugs to increase strength and improve recovery time. The practice of using these drugs is called doping. Athletes use both synthetic and bioidentical supplements. Body builders in particular are known for their use of synthetic hormones to rapidly increase muscle mass.

Testosterone can help increase muscle mass in a much faster fashion. Athletes who use anabolic steroids may find that theyre able to increase their endurance and their strength by doing the same amount of training as they would otherwise, Dr. Anthony Yin, an endocrinologist at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, told SF Gate.

However, using performance-enhancing drugs, testosterone included, is illegal in most sports. While the drug is helpful to men who are clinically diagnosed with Low T, men who abuse these drugs solely to boost performance face a number of possible side effects.

As use of testosterone therapy has increased so has the amount of concern surrounding these products.

Some doctors say that in reality, few men are actually diagnosed with clinical hypogonadism, and that many symptoms are just a normal part of aging. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism shows record numbers of men in the U.S. are turning to testosterone therapy simply to increase their sex drive and energy levels.

Critics say that Low T is a conditionmarketed by drug companiesto increase profits. Doctors are concerned that the long-term effects have not yet been properly studied and feel there should be more agreement about what constitutes a normal testosterone level. Because testosterone therapies are not proven treatments, they caution that risks may outweigh benefits forhealthy men.

Dr. Lisa Schwartz, a professor at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, wrote a paper on drug companies marketing these hormone therapies.

Were giving people hormones that we dont know they need for a disease that we dont know they have, and we dont know if itll help them or harm them.

Over the years, men havesued the makers of testosterone productsafter using the therapies and suffering from heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. Meanwhile, researchers have conducted studies to better understand the effects of testosterone therapy.

Researchers for a year studied the effect of testosterone treatment on cognition, bone health, anemia and cardiovascular health in 788 men aged 65 or older who had low testosterone levels that couldnt be explained by anything other than age.

According to the findings, reported in February 2017 in JAMA and JAMA Internal Medicine, testosterone treatment did not have an effect on memory or cognitive abilities, though it appeared to increase hemoglobin levelsin men with anemia and improve bone density. In addition, a clinical trial found one year of testosterone treatment in men aged 65 or older with Low T was associated with a significant increase in coronary artery plaque, a risk factor for heart disease.

Studies have linked testosterone products to serious side effects, prompting the FDA to take action in recent years towarn the publicof the potential dangers of these products.

Testosterone therapy is associated with an increased risk for these health problems:

Testosterone therapy for men can be dangerous to women and children if they come in contact with the drug by touching the patients skin. This usually occurs when men use testosterone gel and the application site is exposed. Anyone who comes in contact with the application site is at risk of developing side effects.

Women can experience acne or hair growth, and if they are pregnant, the unborn baby may be harmed.

In 2009, the FDA issued a warning about adverse effects in children exposed to testosterone gels through contact with application sites. Symptoms included abnormally large genitalia (penis and clitoris), advanced bone age, early puberty and aggressive behavior. Young boys may even develop enlarged breasts. A doctor should be contacted right away if these symptoms occur.

Pets exposed to testosterone can become violent and aggressive and develop enlarged genitals.

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Testosterone Therapy Treatment Types, Uses & Risks

Benefits of Testosterone Therapy

The testosterone therapy potential benefits have been considered to be remarkable and have changed the quality of life for those dealing with a testosterone deficiency (also called low T). Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a form of treatment where a patient will get a full service program including:

All these elements listed above are imperative to be in place in order for a patient to reap safe and legal testosterone replacement therapy benefits. A reputable TRT clinic will not just dole out medication to patients who want it. The only way to get the best health benefits testosterone therapy is to be a part of a full service program that abides by the law. The clinic should make sure that everything needed for successful testosterone treatment is provided to each and every client.

The benefits of testosterone therapy when a person is a part of a professional, caring and compassionate team of professionals will happen quicker and more powerfully when a person trusts the clinic with which they work. When a patient knows that the TRT clinic has a successful past track record, that all of their doctors are fully trained and licensed and that their clinical advisor are all qualified and compassionate, this knowledge can certainly help with the treatment process. When a patient knows that he or she is part of a team of the finest professionals for TRT, this will be in part what will give them the best testosterone replacement therapy benefits.

Testosterone therapy can benefit both men and women in many ways. Treatment with the accurate testosterone prescription can help:

When most people think of testosterone replacement therapy, they immediately think of a man who wants to increase his muscles, spark his sexual drive and improve his ability to perform sexually. However, there are actually many more benefits of testosterone for the body and this goes for men and for women. Women need less testosterone in their systems than men do, but they do need this hormone for optimal health as well.

The following are the most popular physical benefits of testosterone replacement therapy:

The following are the most popular emotional benefits of testosterone replacement therapy:

The following are the most popular mental benefits of testosterone replacement therapy:

The following are the most popular sexual benefits of testosterone replacement therapy:

There may be other benefits of testosterone replacement therapy that are not mentioned above; however, feeling generally healthier and happier is the main overall benefit of TRT. This would be the most practical outcome when physical, emotional, mental and/or sexual health improves and testosterone replacement therapy can make this a reality.

The best way to get the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy is to follow your doctors prescription exactly how it is written and to live a healthy lifestyle. Taking your testosterone injections is only part of the battle to help keep your testosterone levels plentiful and long lasting. The other part of your therapeutic plan should involve the following:

There are many foods that have been proven to increase testosterone levels and to help a person to find relief from the symptoms of a growth hormone deficiency. Some of these food choices are:

The foods mentioned above are high in protein, zinc and vitamin D. The nutrients have been proven in medical studies to help the body to produce testosterone naturally.

Eating well and properly removing refined sugars and too much of the bad fats found in certain foods can help with the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy. It is important to remember to eat each food in moderation and mix them up. For an example, make sure not to eat too many egg yolks or beef if cholesterol levels are a problem for your health.

It is important to give the body the proper amount of physical activity each day for optimal health and hormone production. Studies have proven that plenty of high intensity exercise and strength training with weights can increase testosterone production. Cardiovascular activity is vital for hormone production and for heart health.

Experts say that at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per evening is vital for optimal health in all ways. Most testosterone is naturally produced within the body during deep sleep as shown in studies that measure testosterone levels upon first waking in the morning (they tend to be at their highest).

Keeping calm and without tension or stress response is important for good health. Stress is detrimental in all physical, emotional, mental and sexual ways and certainly does not help with the production of testosterone. Keeping stress low is also very important to reap the best benefits from testosterone replacement therapy.

If engaging in alcohol consumption, always drink responsibly. An alcoholic drink once per day can have its health benefits, according to many studies, but abusing this vice can be dangerous. Drinking too much alcohol can impede upon the natural production of testosterone.

Smoking is toxic, plain and simply put. The toxins in cigarette smoke have been proven to deteriorate the body and all of its systems. This will include the endocrine system; responsible for the natural production of testosterone. Smoking will also get in the way of receiving the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy.

For more information about the benefits of testosterone therapy and what you can do naturally increase your levels, please reach out to us. We provide you with a simple online contact form to fill out or you can call us as well. Our experts are ready and waiting to help you change your life as you raise and balance your testosterone levels safely and legally.

Originally posted here:
Benefits of Testosterone Therapy Treatment

Testosterone Replacement TherapyMale Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is treated by many doctors as taboo. This is mainly due to under-education on the topic, stigma from the public, and fear of litigation in todays society. Due to liability issues, a large percentage of doctors are not willing to even educate themselves on the matter. In reality, TRT is a valuable treatment modality that can greatly increase quality of life for many men, with minimal risk in otherwise healthy individuals (as long as some precautions are followed). A competent doctor will focus on treating symptoms and root-cause, not numbers on a blood panel.

This compilation intends to provide the most up to date information on all things TRT. Bare in mind that this research does not look into supra-physiological use. It is also not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition, please talk with your physician if you suspect you are a candidate for TRT.

Testosterone preparations come in various forms (injectable, cream, pellet, etc). My number one recommendation is always injectable as you can more safely and accurately tailor the dose to your own body. Testosterone is generally bound to an ester in injectable form. The type of ester yields vastly different speeds of absorption. Fast acting (short-acting) esters such as Propionate produce higher blood levels much quicker, but also come at the risk of more side-effects.

One such side is the aforementioned erythrocytosis. This is why longer esters such as Cypionate or Enanthate (or in the future Undecanoate) are typically used for TRT. Benefits of these long-acting esters include decreased side effects/risks as well as the requirement for less frequent injections. Another way to mitigate red blood cell production (and estrogen conversion) is to inject smaller doses more frequently to produce smaller blood level spikes of testosterone. Blood panels to monitor hematocrit are of paramount importance during TRT. Luckily, a therapeutic phlebotomy can take care of the issue of erythrocytosis should the need arise. The trick is regular monitoring to catch this before it becomes a significant problem. In many following a TRT dosing protocol, this is never an issue.

When monitoring estrogen, especially in men, I recommend an E sensitive test rather than the standard test. Standard estrogen tests can give false values as they can be altered by C-reactive protein. E sensitive tests take this into account and provide a more reliable reading.

All graphics credited to their respective authors.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18160461

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28526632

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29933385

https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(17)30824-8/fulltext

http://www.societaitalianadiendocrinologia.it/public/pdf/bellastellanovembre2017.pdf

Testosterone Therapy Coronary Plaque and Calcium Score

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29542875

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29978359

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29974886

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28202344

https://www.nature.com/articles/ijo2016242

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27488887

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4913536/

http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/970750

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28241244

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14779072.2018.1510314

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6299269/

https://www.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/japplphysiol.00165.2018

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Testosterone Replacement Therapy - Maui Athletics

328 ng/dl.

Finally, I had received the lab results to confirm what I had suspected all along: Low Testosterone.

The last few months, Ive noticed my quality of life dropping. Not a sudden drop but rather slowly going downhill.

The reason I got this Testosterone blood test in the first place was because the symptoms of Low Testosterone became almost unbearable.

I am not exaggerating when I say that I would take a 200mg caffeine pill and then have a window of about an hour during which I would function OK.

OK doesnt mean optimal and it simply meant I was getting a bit of work done. Either that or I could use that hour to go to the gym.

Either way, after that hour, it was GAME OVER.

When I say, GAME OVER, I mean it.

I would spend the rest of the day lying in bed watching YouTube videos or sleeping. I would always be in a state in which I couldnt focus on anything, was super tired but not tired enough to actually go to sleep.

Nothing would get me out of that state.

The diet I was (and am currently) following was very healthy already. I was taking additional supplements such as a multivitamin, Vitamin C, Magnesium

There was no obvious reason for me to feel that way. I was working out regularly; on paper (blood test), I looked healthy (except Low T).

I also noticed that taking stimulants (caffeine) started to work less and less to the point at which sometimes I would take 300mg caffeine and go right to sleep.

The day after I got the lab test back, I knew I had to take action.

Still, going on Testosterone Replacement Therapy isnt an easy decision. It (usually) is a lifetime commitment.

In the years prior to that, I had given it a thought but eventually decided against starting TRT. After all, things were not THAT bad.

This time, it was different. I had reached my personal threshold.

I had a few realization in the following days:

This was the primary reason for me to start TRT.

Every day that I am performing at 30%, I am literally wasting my potential in terms of income, making progress in the gym and enjoyment of life.

I knew that I was in this low energy state (feeling like a 105 year old) for the last 2 years, yet, still I was ableto build an entirely passive online business from scratch netting me over $10,000+ per month.

I was thinking, Holy cow! I have achieved that while feeling like absolute crap, whats possible if I perform at my best?

Testosterone Levels are only going to drop as I age.

Meaning, TRT is inevitable anyway if I want to feel energetic and reap all the benefits of optimal testosterone levels.

Looking at it this way, I realized the question was not whether or not I should start Testosterone Replacement Therapy, but rather when.

I dont think Ill ever be happy being average.

Whether thats in regards to lifestyle, online business or my physique.

I just cant talk myself into being average (trust me, I have tried). I want to tap my full potential.

To be clear, I dont want to be a massive bodybuilder, but I am not OK with having an average body with little muscle mass either.

Prior to starting TRT, I had also met with a professional bodybuilder to hear what he has to say and find out what (in his opinion) is possible as a natural athlete. (I trust his opinion; he himself looks great and has coached hundreds of naturals and enhanced athletes.)

This is when I learned that a truly great physique (top 1%) just isnt possible unless you are a true genetic freak.

I am no genetic freak, which means floating around in the normal Testosterone range, Im not ever going to have a great body.

I know this because in the years prior, my diet and training had always been on point. I was taking the right supplements to close any possible deficiencies. Sleep was good.

Yet, still, I wasnt able to put on any muscle or make progress in terms of lifting heavier weights in the gym. Any weight gain (however slow it was) would go directly to my belly area.

The only thing for me to change and expect drastic changes from that was left was my hormones: Testosterone.

The tiredness I was experiencing was gone right away.

I wasnt tired anymore. I could get work done, go to the gym and wouldnt even need coffee or music to motivate me. This was really profound.

During the day when walking around I didnt yawn (as Id usually do), or feel really exhausted mentally. I felt good, steady energy.

I would also say that I was more emotionally resilient. In the sense that I wouldnt overthink, ruminate too much or be emotional about petty things, such as feeling like I am missing out on something, wondering if others are having more fun/a better time

In the last few years, I literally couldnt get myself to go to the gym or work out more than a few minutes without consuming a large amount of coffee first.

These were the first profound changes Ive noticed right away. And these were things that clearly werent subjective.

The things that were subjective: very little rumination or negative thoughts. Feeling more positive.

Before the first injection, the clinic I went to did another blood test to get my baseline. Turns out my Testosterone was actually 580 (just a few days after a blood test that showed 328).

I was confused as to how this could possibly be?Are the Testosterone tests inaccurate?

The doctor explained that I also have high prolactin. Ideal is 10-12; mine was at 25. Prolactin is a barometer of stability of the system. High prolactin, as the doctor said basically means one day I am feeling good, the next day not so much.

Testosterone can be 580 one day, then 328 the next day. Massive ups and downs. Still, even if it were steadily at 580, that wouldnt be good enough for me and what I expect from myself.

To get my prolactin down, I had to take Cabergoline.

By the way, high prolactin also means you have a longer refractory period after sex.

Anyway, this was my first week on Testosterone Replacement Therapy.

On the last day of the first week, I noticed that some of the symptoms I was complaining about had come back.

Definitely not at full force but I noticed a slight increase in rumination and generally not feeling as positive as during the 6 days prior to that.

It couldve been random.

Perhaps sleep was off?Perhaps the intense leg workout the day before?

However, if it really were related to sleep or external circumstances, it would be a bit odd for the reason that I didnt sleep much the first week and generally felt great nonetheless.

Anyway, I will continue to keep track of changes.

At the beginning of week 2, I came across the topic of NoFap and semen retention and did further research.

The following comment sparked my curiosity:

Whats interesting about this comment is that it was posted by a guy who had done steroids in the past and knows what supernatural Testosterone levels feel like.

In other words, this isnt coming from some scientist doing a study; this is based on first-hand experience.

Notice the super boost your Testosterone levels?

Ive tested this and found that on day 3, the sexual arousal (horniness) became so unbearable that I had to ejaculate.

The normal NoFap protocol would be to simply refrain from masturbation/ejaculation.

The super-boosting-Testosterone protocol (mentioned in the comment above) says you should masturbate or have sex but refrain from ejaculation.

Thats precisely what I did.

Heres the good and the bad:

Given enough practice, I guess the increased sex drive can be channeled as to not be a distraction.

Of course, there is a connection between sex drive and testosterone but its not as simple as saying high testosterone equals high sex drive or vice versa.

You see this a lot inNoFap communities.

Guy doesnt masturbate for a few days, feels higher sex drive and attributes it to heightened testosterone.

If you research masturbation testosterone, you find studies stating that masturbation does not affect testosterone levels.

Other studies claim that abstinence can increase testosterone, but that T levels go back to their baseline after day 7.

Noticing higher than usual sex drive, but that could just be a normal fluctuation.

Ive noticed that sex drive is higher on an empty stomach not sure, it might just be that digestion requires a lot of energy/blood flow and sex drive is automatically put on the back-burner.

Right before I received the first Testosterone shot of week #3, a blood test was done.

Total testosterone turned out to be at 1251 ng/dL (which is just outside the normal range).

Estradiol (E2) is also optimal at 26.9 pg/mL

Estradiol should be kept in the 20-25 pg/mL range, otherwise you might experience some nasty side effects such as acne outbreaks, mood swings or weight gain.

High Estradiol (E2) can causegynecomastia, but the same can be said about high prolactin. My doctor has said that by keeping Estradiol in check, you also automatically control your prolactin.

That might be the case with most men, but didnt apply in my situation. My Estradiol was already in the normal range, yet prolactin was out of range.

I used to think that gynocomastia can happen so quickly that you can wake up the morning and realize its already too late.

I can only talk about my experience, but thats totally not the case at all. First, you notice increased nipple sensitivity; at worst a minor burning sensation.

At that point, you can still take action and no damage is done (yet). Lower Estradiol and itll all be good.

Anyway, back to the Testosterone test results I mentioned

The fact that my Testosterone levels were measured right before I got another shot of Testosterone Enanthate is reason to believe that my testosterone levels were much higher in the days prior.

When you inject Testosterone, plasma levels rise quickly only to drop steadily in the days after.

This drop is why another injection is required to keep plasma levels somewhat stable.

When it comes to injectable Testosterone, there are different esters you can choose from.

Testosterone is Testosterone, however, the ester dictates how quickly the Testosterone is being released to the body.

As is the case with many other drugs, there are versions of the exact same compound with quick or slow release.

The faster-acting the ester, the more frequent the injections should be.

I am using 125mg of Testosterone Enanthate per week injected twice per week (62.5mg each time).

My first month on TRT is $440.

That price includes everything from the injections, to ancillaries and blood tests. I expect the monthly costs to drop sharply in the months after.

Read the original here:
TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) - My Journey 2019 ...