42 years old, considering TRT for the first time. Looking for some advice
I'm 42, 6'1", and have been lifting weights on and off since I was about 17. I've always enjoyed the gym, but over the years between raising kids, running businesses, and life in general, I got inconsistent with training and put on quite a bit of weight.
About three months ago, I decided to get serious again. I started at 258 lbs, and my total testosterone was 530. Since then, I've been hitting the gym about five days a week, cleaning up my diet, making sure I'm getting enough protein, and taking Reta 3.5mg/week to help with weight loss. I'm down 18 lbs so far, sitting at 240.
I also had a DEXA scan done, which put me at 28% body fat.
I had a full blood panel done last week, and my total testosterone actually went up to 602.
Here's where I'm at. I've been prescribed 200 mg of testosterone per week by a provider, but I haven't started it yet. My main concern is that I'm still carrying a decent amount of body fat, and I'm worried about increased aromatization and estrogen elated side effects. ( my estrogen levels are normal )
I've never taken testosterone or any other PEDs, so this would be completely new territory for me.
My goal isn't to become a bodybuilder. I want to drop another 25–35 lbs, maintain as much muscle as possible, build some additional size, and get back to feeling strong and athletic.
One thing I've noticed since getting back into training is that my recovery isn't what it used to be. I'm also not getting the same energy and drive in the gym that I remember having when I was younger which is to be expected as we get older.
I realize my natural testosterone levels are actually pretty decent for my age, which is part of why I've been hesitant to start. At the same time, I'm interested in the potential benefits for muscle growth, strength, and recovery.
I would like to start Testosterone and maybe even a cycle when I get to the point. As of right now im not sure what I should do next. Should I lose 30lbs and then start a TRT or do you think it would benefit me to start TRT right now to help strip fat? Thanks in advance guys..
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Just quick evaluation of what you’re saying above; you have to understand the gravity and commitment involved with TrT and AAS; especially the commitment part. It is a lifestyle and it has consequences. Unless you are planning to cycle and gain mass substantially; you are better off staying natural with your current metrics. Keep doing what you are doing, lose alittle more weight, get bloodwork down the line again, see how things progress; reevaluate in the future. But at this juncture; jumping on TrT might be ill advised. Just my 2 cents.
At 530 id stay natty. Keep up on bloots etc and switch when you have to. 530 is big for a dude
Thanks for the input.. I don't mind staying natural for a while but like everyone else in this forum I would like to have an impressive physique. I feel like this will be an uphill battle without having some help down the road.
If I may? TRT changed my life at 57. I'm currently on Test Cyp 200 mg 2 injections per week. Monday A.M/Thursday P.M .60ml per injection. My trough Thursday moring prior to injection showed me at 850ng. By Saturday I was 1100ng
Yes slightly high to some but it's working for me. Blood work every 8 weeks for now to keep ldl and hemo in check. 1 pint of blood donated every 3 months to insure rbc in check. (Monitoring iron levels)I would suggest a low does (.25ml) twice a week and ride it for 60 days. See what this does for you. Just remember slow and steady to find what works best. TRT will also increase metabolism to help with weight loss. Not a DR just 2 cents.
How in depth was your last blood panel? Even though 602 total test is GREAT for your age, its not the total picture. If everything is in good standing, I could see a small trt regimen aiding your fat loss goals. That said, 200mg a week is probably too high for "trt" if you are already at 600 test. What was your free test at?
Definitely continue to lose fat for now before even considering cycles. But test only may be what you need to get that extra drive back. One other thing, and I should led with this, is get your diet completely dialed in. Youve lost 18lbs which is great, but on reta I think you can do better than that over 3 months.
I had a full blood panel done, and everything looks good. My free test is at 87.
What would you consider a low dose TRT regimen? Since I’ve never taken testosterone before, my understanding is that even a small dose will suppress my natural testosterone production. With that in mind, what do you think would be a reasonable starting dose?
I plan to monitor my bloodwork every 40 days to keep an eye on any markers that might become elevated or fall outside the normal range.
Also, do you think I would need to have an AI on hand, or is that something you would only consider if my estrogen levels become elevated?
And you're right, I probably could have lost more weight. However, I was concerned about losing weight too quickly, so I intentionally slowed down the pace to make sure I was doing it in a sustainable way.
You don't need an ai on hand, if you need it, it's a cycle, not trt.
I started at 120 a week, split in two doses. 6-8 weeks, run labs. Went to 160. 6-8 weeks, run labs, was sitting mid 600s, so went up. Everyone is different in their response.
I'm no expert and just in this for half a year now, more experienced guys around here will probably have better advice. All I know is go slow, it's one of the best decisions I've made, but I was also was sitting low 3s and had no sex drive, which was my main motivating factor. I enjoy making the wife happy...
That's pretty much what I was thinking. I wanted to start low, take things slow, and monitor my bloodwork to see how my body responds. My biggest concern is that my natural testosterone is already around 600, so I don't want to shut down my own production just to end up right back where I started. I'm glad to hear it's been working well for you, though. Definitely encouraging to hear from someone who's had a good experience.
So your free test is kinda low, not dire.
One big thing to consider. Once you start TRT, are you willing to stay on it for life? It will shut down your natural test. So you need to decide if you want to stay on forever or not. Theres no hurry, since you are making progress, just think about it.
What I usually tell people is start with 100mg a week, then get blood work done in 6 weeks. On trt, I like to keep my test in the 750-800 range, which puts my free test just under 200. But youll obviously want to watch what E2 does. Also, hematocrit will be an important marker. Note where it is now vs in 6 weeks at 100mg.
Now if youre a good responder, and say your test levels come back over 1000 for example, you can lower that weekly dose. Also, doing daily microdosing can keep your levels steady and concentration higher on an even smaller dose. But as a first timer, id start out with the 2x a week schedule.
I'm willing to start TRT and stay on it for life if it means better recovery, muscle gains, strength, and energy levels. My biggest concern is that my natural testosterone is already at 602, so I'm hesitant to shut down my own production just to end up right back around the same levels.
If I started TRT and got my testosterone into the 750–800 range, would I realistically notice much of a difference compared to my natural 602? Would the benefits even be worth it?
Long term, once I've lost the extra weight and have been on TRT long enough to understand how my body responds and keep my bloodwork in check, I'd potentially be interested in running a blast to put on some additional mass.
I'm not looking to rush into anything, but I also don't want to waste time spinning my wheels. If you were in my shoes, with naturally decent testosterone levels but wanting better recovery, more muscle, and more strength, how would you approach it? Once again I appreciate your input.
Your natty levels should improve or at least maintain as you continue to lose fat. In theory anyway. If you could somehow raise your free test naturally, you might feel a difference. What was your SHBG and E2 at?
My SHBG is at 39, and my E2 is at 20. I'm hoping that losing another 20 pounds will help increase my testosterone levels even further.
I guess I'm just feeling a little lost about what direction to take. On one hand, I see the benefits of maintaining healthy testosterone levels naturally. On the other hand, I'd really like to build more muscle mass.
I know I can accomplish that naturally, but I was also looking forward to potentially getting some additional help from certain compounds down the road. I'm just trying to figure out the best approach for my health while still achieving my physique goals.
Honestly, with those numbers id stay the natty course a bit longer. Drop some more bodyfat then revisit the question. Youre in a much better spot as far as hormones go than most guys in their 40s, especially impressive since you were overweight. I know it feels like youre running low on time, I get it, im 47, but you still gotta do it right. Keep pushing on the fat loss goals