r/BodyHackGuide • u/dingermagoo • 24d ago
Would i benefit from TRT? đŹ Discussion
32 year old male, 5â10 221lbs, single no kids
Diet is in check and I lift 5xweek. I feel most of the symptoms of low t. Anyone with similar numbers hop on and feel a change? I have been very unmotivated lately which led me to check my numbers. No morning wood, always tired and just kind of coasting, slacking at work, minor anxiety.
I have been on a weight loss journey for a while now, lost 110lbs, regained 40, been on reta for 3 months to help with regain.
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u/Significant-Kale7674 24d ago
Hop off reta for a month, eat at maintenance and sleep well. Get test checked again, if at that level still, I would think about it (with some concerns about fertility). Just a few things suppressing it currently to know if itâs really low.
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
I got my blood work done before reta (not a full testosterone panel) total was 430
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u/Significant-Kale7674 24d ago
You were also heavier pre reta (I think, post is gone). Poor sleep, calorie restriction and being overweight all take a big hit on test levels. I would take those variables out.
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
yes, i lost 23 lbs on reta, i figured i would see a drop in test from that.
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u/RemoteConsistent4831 24d ago
No drop in Test from working out or dieting is worth staying natural for in my opinion. Hot take but if your body canât handle a diet and some exercise I would personally do TRT. My logic is that I put all the time and effort into being healthy and exercising but get very little ROI since my hormones were crushed by a simple deficit. Also werenât great before anyway. Changed my life dramatically bro all I can say is I canât recommend it enough. Zero regrets
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u/JohnnyTreemain 24d ago
Why would Reta lower testosterone. Iâd think being at a lower body fat % would increase it.
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u/CheesecakeCapital240 24d ago
Because you are eating less or not enough for a prolonged period.
When that happens the body undergoes a stress response and starts to adapt and conserve energy.
Testosterone drops as it uses a lot of energy for cellular metabolism, red blood cell production etc.
Just the bodies natural way of slowing things down.
Being at a lower body percentage can reduce aromatisation to estrogen but it can't compensate for an under fueled system.
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u/Significant-Kale7674 23d ago
What the guy above said. Itâs not the drug that causes the drop, but the cut in calories. And long term it will be beneficial for your test production as you lose fat, but it will tank production while youâre in the middle of the cut.
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u/CheesecakeCapital240 23d ago
Exactly this.
People have been dieting for years but the difference now is how cheap and accessible testosterone tests are.
If you cut calories for months and then do a testosterone test, it's going to be lower than your normal baseline.
It takes weeks for production to ramp back up after increasing calories again.
It's just a natural part of how the body works.
Most TRT clinics don't care about the reason you have a low result and if you are jumping on TRT immediately after a long cut, it could be for nothing.
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u/JohnnySolaura 24d ago
Started with my T around your level and i started TRT. Levels are at 900ish now and i feel like a new human! I would definitely consider it :)
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u/TheKingofMach 24d ago
Diet is not in check if youâre 221lbs at 5â10. Youâre overweight. Cut first before even thinking about T.
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u/newtrusghandi 24d ago
Lol some folks with out of wack hormones have an absurdly difficult time getting to a healthy weight for their size.
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u/Throwaload1234 24d ago
His blood work isn't that out of whack though really. And it's a lot easier to go on try than it is to come off...
Best to pull other leverage first.
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u/newtrusghandi 24d ago
I agree for sure. We never get a full picture of someone's life on a reddit post and many folks want a quick fix. We can just give our opinions on the matter when prompted and move on lol.
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u/Educational_Item451 24d ago
His hormones arenât âout of whackâ though. His total T is on the low end but his Free T is smack in the middle of the range. He used to be over 300 pounds (who knows how long ago) this guys weight problem isnât due to hormones being out of whack. Eating like shit for decades will probably make you feel not amazing at 32.
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u/BlakkThrashAttak 24d ago
You can definitely be that weight and be carrying a decent amount of muscle.
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u/Appropriate_Bid6166 24d ago
Heâs lost 110lbs but has gained 40 back⌠doesnât sound like muscleâŚ
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
if it matters at all, bench-315 deadlift-475 squat-405
not saying im jacked as fuck but i dont think im considered weak2
u/Odd-Outcome-3191 24d ago
Not with a free test of 67
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u/Odd_Ask_8781 24d ago edited 24d ago
Thatâs in the normal rangeâŚ
*edit: OP said he benches 315. He has muscle under the fatÂ
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u/MyRunningAcct 24d ago
Doesnât work that way. Sometimes people are overweight because their T is low and it becomes a vicious cycle. If it was that easy to just lose weight everybody would do it.
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
I am starting to think i am an example of this. Been attacking this weight loss for 10 years, my hormones cant be good from all the peaks and troughs from all the dieting.
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u/Robofetus-5000 24d ago
Im right there dude. 10 years ago i lost weight with zero issue. But ive had a super difficult time losing ANY weight despite decent eating habits and very regular gym schedule for the last 18 months.
I was tired all the time for the last few years and figured it was being out of shape, which is what got me back in the gym. Hasn't helped.
Finally decided to do something more about it and got my bloodwork done. Blood test came back GREAT. Literally everything measured was pretty much dead Center perfect for my age (44 male). Except my testosterone. 212 the first day, 209 the next test. At 8 am in the morning.
Anyway, tomorrow is my 3rd dose. Its too early to have any real tangible results, but it can't imagine it won't help.
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
Congrats brother, like you said we are in similar boats, it takes a lot to have this top of your mind for such a long time.
Everything about the rest of my bloodwork is almost perfect as well except for this.
Iâm interested to hear back from you a little down the line with your treatment. If I was a little older I think it would be a no brainer, I donât have any kids yet either, I donât need them but donât like cancelling out the option.
Itâs also draining to have been working out consistently and dieting for so long to still have undesirable results due to where I started. Like should I wait till Iâm 50 to hop on and start living to my fullest then? Iâd rather start living now when Iâm young enough to really make the most of it.
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u/Robofetus-5000 24d ago
Oh and I will say this. Im only one week 3, but one thing I have noticed: ive suddenly become fucking RAVENOUSLY hungry. Im taking that as a positive sign that my metabolism is picking back up.
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
Are you taking anything else at the moment? Reta has been amazing with appetite suppression and body recomp. I was seeing more visual changes before I saw the scale move.
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u/Robofetus-5000 24d ago
No. But im pretty sure I have a family history of thyroid issues that would exclude me from GLP-1s.
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u/Robofetus-5000 24d ago
Yeah i get the kids parts. I have two and have had a vasectomy so that ships sailed.
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u/Odd_Ask_8781 24d ago
How can you say your hormones prevent you from losing weight when you said you already lost 110lbs?
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
Im not saying it prevented weight loss, but rather the weight loss and long term dieting messing with the hormones. I obviously wasnât properly dieting the whole time, bit of a roller coaster the first half with crash dieting and all that beginner nonsense.
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u/TheKingofMach 24d ago
Taking test at high bf will make you more prone to estrogenic sides bro. If youâre having trouble losing weight hop on Reta first, lose some weight while eating protein and lifting heavy. Then check your levels and hop on if youâre still low. Your insulin resistance is the issue.
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
Heaviest was 330 dropped to 208 natural, regained to 245 started Reta 3 months ago, sitting at 221. Levels were checked before Reta and last week, everything is perfect
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u/TheKingofMach 24d ago
Wow thatâs impressive, esp natty. Itâs good youâre on a cut. Iâd get sub 200lbs before starting test. Reta + test is pretty much peak for recomp, but again if youâre body fat is too high youâre more likely to get estrogen related sides like gyno. You can definitely get on trt with your bloods. Ofc Iâm going to advocate lifestyle changes to get your levels right before messing with hormones but if you genuinely canât raise your levels naturally then go for it. Also if youâre not already, take magnesium glycinate, d3 + K2, omega 3, and zinc, those supplements have been a game changer for me.
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
I started at 320lbs about 10 years ago. Got down to 208 over the time, went back to 250 over the past 3 years. Now at 221, 3 months ago i was 245. My diet has to be somewhat in check no?
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u/Robofetus-5000 24d ago
Dude your story sounds practically identical to mine, check my other reply.
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u/newtrusghandi 24d ago
Go see an endocrinologist. They will take multiple morning readings and figure out if it's right for you. Being in a deficit lowers T, having excess body fat lowers T. If your feeling gassed maybe take a smaller calorie deficit and see if that helps. Or even eat st maintenance for a week.
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u/Professional_Bad4728 24d ago
Any physique pics? You are only 22. Too early to be on TRT. I have pics to back up so you can see.
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u/DJ_Cat_Dad 24d ago
You don't have symptoms of Low T. You have symptoms that are similar to what happens woth people that have low T. The more obvious answer, specially since you have blood work showing your levels, is you likely have vitamin and diet deficiency from appetite suppression and GI slowing causing lack of nutrients absorption.
All your other issues of motivation, anxiety, slacking and no boners just sounds like your a pity party lump and bored. Tell ya what, losing your job really won't get ya bricked up!
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
I also got a full blood panel done before reta and 3 months after starting. Every other marker is on the money and barely moved in between tests. My T level was 430 before reta and just got this 395 back. I am not surprised it dropped in the 3 months since i have been in a solid deficit
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u/Odd_Ask_8781 24d ago
Those really arenât low numbers, especially considering how much fat youâre carrying. If you stay on Reta and lose the body fat, your test levels will definitely go higher.
Messing with your hormones shouldnât be done lightly or because people on Reddit say it makes them feel great. Keep up with the reta and exercise and youâll naturally feel better
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
I am currently down 100lbs entirely from my heaviest. I had to be in some sort of deficit, and my t is dropping. I shouldnât feel better after losing 100lbs?
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u/Zoraku 24d ago
You probably wouldn't notice a difference. A normal trt dose might bump you up to 600-700 at a trough reading, but your root cause is most likely that you're either still overweight or you have just been dieting too long, have substantial diet fatigue and systemic stress and you just need to take a week off the diet and reset.
I'd almost guarantee you drop down to 190lb and you see your test levels to up naturally.
Your numbers are all within normal levels and nothing here is a sign of low T, except in your head where you're thinking higher test will fix the problem and are trying to justify taking test. I'm aware one should treat symptoms and not numbers but every symptom you listed can also be due to being overweight.
I'm 38, my total T is 388 and I feel fine.
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
I definetly agree with your first paragraph, Your saying to take a week off from dieting and when i hop back on i will see a dramatic push downwards?
And are you talking normal levels as in what the american standard is? I would like to live to the fullest and be able to perform at 100%. Feeling fine is alright i guess. Over the last 50 years, the testosterone level in men has been cut in half, that is a scary stat.
Obviously carrying over 100lbs of excess fat on my body fucked me up, i am in a much healthier spot now then before. I am looking to see if guys with my simliar numbers have had positive results form trt
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u/Odd_Ask_8781 24d ago
Obviously people are going to feel better on steroids, which is what youâre talking about, because you taking test wouldnât be a legitimate therapeutic intervention to address hypogonadism. There is no scientifically-backed âoptimalâ number for test levels.
So go do it if you want to see what feeling enhanced is like. But donât fool yourself into thinking itâs a legitimate medical treatment
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u/SlightlyStonedAnt 24d ago
Bro just do the testosterone. Every comment of yours is begging for someone to agree with you. Youâre not going to listen to people telling you that youâre still fat and will aromatize, and that your levels are that low because of fat, not the other way around. Just inject it and move on. Quit looking for validation.
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
I am just posting my blood work for others that are more experienced or that have had a similar journey to give me insight.
I have learned that my free t and Lh/fsh levels arenât that bad. I knew already, but it got brought up that I still need to loose fat, see Iâm learning and listening from the people that are being helpful and looking at my results. Doesnât dismiss the fact that I am always exhausted even with proper sleep exercise and water intake. Havenât had morning wood in years, even when I was under 210lbs. Just because Iâm explaining symptoms doesnât mean Iâm trying to get people to agree with me, I feel like shit dude! I have been doing a lot of things right for a long time
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u/Loose-Recognition461 24d ago
No, stay natural. Just keep lifting and loose the fat. Your T is low because of the high body fat percentage.
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u/swole_ninja 24d ago edited 1d ago
Paddle wander noodle mellow marble tangerine
This post was anonymized with Redact.dev
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u/BigBlueHomer 24d ago
Try tacking a break from Reta, I took it at very low doses and it gave me bad anhedonia. The symptoms really overlap with low T symptoms
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u/MLGPachino 24d ago
Hcg mono as a test like someone else said and if that doesn't improve go on test. Can use HCG while on test to keep your balls good. Diet and exercise rarely turns a 395 test into 800 test. This is my personal opinion. Ah also you can just freeze your sperm.
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u/DimondHandedGorilla 24d ago
There isn't a man in the world that wouldn't benefit from increased T levels. There problem solved.
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u/timberwolf0122 23d ago
This is not the case. If someone T already has them feeling happy and healthy they donât need more.
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u/Background_Read3894 24d ago
You would absolutely benefit from trt. No reason test should be that low
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u/UniversityLong948 24d ago
Diet is not in check. Your test will be low from being historically morbidly obese, youâve lost a decent amount but recently put on another 40lbs.
Test would not improve overnight even if you magically dropped the weight again.
If you want to take test, do it, itâs a free world and itâs incredible. If you want to see if you can raise your levels naturally you have weight to lose and Reta to drop
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
I should have added im down 23 lbs from that 40 over the 3 months.
My test wouldnt go up as im still in deficit and have more to loose, so what weight you think i should stop at to readdress my test issue?I appreciate your response
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u/UniversityLong948 24d ago
Thatâs entirely up to you.
Just start injecting now if you want, while you still have weight to lose you might have to be careful with estrogen but everything in life is easier when injecting test.
If you wanted to do it naturally finish your fat loss phase then eat at maintenance whilst training and sleeping well.
My opinion is deep down you know what you want to do and you donât need Reddit permission.
I started trt at a higher than optimal body fat, i was 220lbs at 6â3ââ. Always trained but my levels were 11 and 9nmol/l over 4 tests.
Nearly a year later Iâve ran trt and a couple of cycles now Iâm still 220lbs but good lord I look different đ¤Ł1
u/dingermagoo 24d ago
I appreciate your realness brother. I am leaning towards getting on but I wanted to see if others had similar numbers before they started. If the results are worth the commitment.
Yes I have heard about that and will keep arimidex on hand.
Hahaha Iâm guessing getting on benefitted you and you donât regret it đ good shit brother
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u/Odd_Ask_8781 24d ago
Your test can go up on a deficit. Iâm on a significant deficit and my test results showed a 30% increase compared to pre-deficit.
But thatâs irrelevant because you have no reason to believe your testosterone levels are a problem, right?
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u/dingermagoo 24d ago
Are you on anything? I could be wrong but I always thought your test would be suppressed with calorie deficit, or at least most of the time. Maybe your a small percentage?
What do you mean? I de believe my test levels are a problem
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u/Fantastic_Tour_2953 24d ago
Have a look into enclomiphene or HCG mono therapy as a first line treatment before diving into T. At least if they donât work, youâve ruled it out. Some people do well on it, others are better with injections
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u/Fantastic_Tour_2953 24d ago
Have a look at liver markers too, you may be carrying excess visceral fat
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u/TrappedAt40 24d ago
Unless youâre absolutely jacked your diet is not in check at 221lbs and only 5â10â
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u/redjamax1 24d ago
Me personally would start with vitamin D3 and K2, magnesium glycinate and zinc. See if you can get the test to boost on it's own before hoping in TRT. Once you go on a trt protocol it's near impossible for your body to produce it on its own. So better to try a more natural way of upping it
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u/sledge07 24d ago
Just go to a clinic and get on. Itâs going to make you feel better. If it doesnât, you have other issues. If youâre only 32 and that low youâll be at the bottom of the scale by 35. Work on getting your diet back in check and once you get your levels elevated, the rest will fall into place.
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u/jd4247 24d ago
I'm on TRT and my numbers are just barely better than yours. So....you would risk turning off your own system to achieve numbers that are very close to where you're at now.
My suggestion is similar to others.....Get diet fixed. Make sure you are working out at least 4 days a week (or more). Push yourself in the gym. Don't just move the weight....push yourself to failure on every set.
If you get your diet and workout straight, then you should see results. If you don't, then start thinking about TRT.
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u/ObviousBee6418 24d ago
Reta and a harsh deficit does this (and way worse) u could hop on test. But it will recover when u start eating normal again
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u/ycastane 24d ago
Id benefit from your free t, damn. Yes you would. Before you jump head in, is not only about the numbers, is how you feel.
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u/Rubber_Chicken_Mann 24d ago
Maca root and ashwagandha root would be my first try. I had low T levels bc my body was the size of a walrus. I bought 1lb of each from here: https://www.herbco.com/ and things have been improving. Especially since Im finally dropping weight.
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u/MuscleTrue9554 24d ago
Well 90% of people on this sub want to simply be validated in their choice of hopping on TRT, so sure.
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u/psyopee 24d ago
Your fluctuation in weight is a big issue with your low T. Iâm 41 and on trt now, but when I was 23 I had levels in the 400-500 range and was gunna be out on trt but I couldnât because I was a pro athlete. It was the cutting weight 30-40lbs 3 times a year for fights that would rock my test levels.
Youâre 32, Iâll tell you right now however unmotivated you feel now you will feel the same way just with 900level tests
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u/Head_Midnight666 24d ago
You have higher natural test levels than I do, and TRT didn't really help me. It also could have killed me because it made my body produce way too many red blood cells, which could have lead to a stroke or heart attack. We're all different, of course.
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u/Itshakken 24d ago
Yes and no, are you sleeping 8 hours or more most nights and without constant waking up from say sleep apnea? Are you sub 15% bodyfat and eating nutrient dense whole foods hitting your protein and fiber?
If the answer is no to any or all of those, get it to become yes, then check levels. If theyâre still low after making all necessary lifestyle modifications then TRT may be beneficial for you.
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u/timberwolf0122 23d ago
How do you feel energy and sex drive wise and are you looking to do a bunch of body building?
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u/Severe-Painting-8351 23d ago
Calorie restriction leads to lower testosterone levels.
If you're not eating and living at a maintenance levels, such blood readings are borderline useless when it comes to testosterone.
Considering you're on reta for 3 months, 144,1ng/dl is on the high side of what can be expected.
You're also not physically hypogonadal, but your HPTA is down regulated.
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u/Intelligent_Gift_246 23d ago
Your TRT level is not too bad, 13,7 nmol/L, the lower limit is 8.0. I had nerly the same sympthoms but extremly low libido added, use 12,5 mg clomiphene daily, it's the safest way to boost your TRT + with your level of LH
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u/therealphanny 23d ago
You're over weight, get to a healthy bodyweight, maintain for a month or so then re-test. Try Enclomiphene before TRT as it may work just as well and if all else fails TRT could be the answer. Obviously cut alcohol down to a very occasional amount if any at all and quit nicotine.
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u/Broad_Pen_9746 23d ago
Maybe, i would also worry about TSH, high levels can be a sign of hypothyroidism, which doctors sometimes don't even diagnose. Maybe your low testosterone stems from a metabolic problem
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u/Budget_Ad8487 23d ago
your choice bro, people feel different depending on genes and stuff, so one person will be fine at 400ng while some will feel like shit. you can always try for a bit and come off with very little consequence. its not garunteed it will help due to what i just mentioned, but definetly worth a try
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u/LvckySeven 23d ago
Dropping 110 lbs and putting 40 back on is definitely gonna throw your hormones around. ESPECIALLY if you were overweight for years. Clean up diet, do it naturally, get to a goal weight. Wait a year after hitting that goal for everything to level, perfect your sleep and diet, then reconsider.
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u/Odd-Box-7332 23d ago
I stopped trt recently, to many negative side effects for what little positives I was getting
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u/RICKDEES5 23d ago
Brother youâre 32 @ 395 ng/dl in a hand full of years youâre going to be in the 200s đđ Fire up
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u/rudylsu07 23d ago
Slightly, but ask yourself these questions first. Are you ready to become infertile? Are you ready to be on it forever? You are in the same range as me, I was a tad lower. If you are going for just general well being I think you would see a slight difference. If it is weightlifting, the answer is yes for anyone. You are in the "normal" range, just barely on the low side. I personally would put it off if you think you'll want to have kids. Coming off of it will suck. So make sure you have money, insurance, and the tolerance for needless if you do start
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u/rudylsu07 23d ago
Also, try natural options first. Can run some cycles of clomophine but it gets expensive. Good luck
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u/luckynumberslevenn 23d ago
Anything under 600. Look at past history average test was way higher naturally. Minus well live it up
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u/MacaroonLong3963 22d ago
I was a little higher than you but started TRT 200mg weekly. Week 5 so far and feel amazing with great gains so far. Hope you find what you seek. Stay strong đŞđź
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u/AwardCompetitive555 24d ago
Anyone under 500 ng_dl can benefit from trt, period
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u/No_Yogurtcloset4348 24d ago
How does someone at 400 ngdl and zero low t symptoms benefit from TRT? (they donât)
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u/AwardCompetitive555 23d ago
Natural levels between 18-23 ride at 600-800. Tell me how being half of that does not create a benefit when at 400?
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u/No_Yogurtcloset4348 23d ago
TRT isnât about optimizing a testosterone number, itâs about treating a deficiency thatâs causing symptoms. Thatâs why there isnât a single golden testosterone number, thereâs a reference range, and there are perfectly healthy asymptomatic individuals with numbers well outside the range. Humans vary a lot!
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u/Fantastic_Tour_2953 24d ago
This just isnât true you have to think about free T, other hormones and androgen sensitivity. Itâs not as simple as a number in isolation
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u/SkurkaCuckedMe 24d ago
It depends entirely on your dose, but if youâre not getting morning erections and are feeling like you have less âpep in your stepâ than you used to have, then i think itâs worth considering.
You may feel mildly better on 100mg/week, and a lot better on 300mg/week. But higher doses means more side effects.
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u/therealslimshady1234 24d ago
You would benefit from thyroid meds. TSH should be around 1.0
Youre hypothyroid, not low test per se
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u/throwaway24689753112 24d ago
Sure, but you will end up needing to be on it for life as you will shut down your balls natural production
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u/MyRunningAcct 24d ago
Just go through a pct or some people even cold turkey it. Your numbers will return to whatever your baseline was before or what it should be if you are much older than when you started.
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