Low Testosterone and TRT

sniffer66

I used to be a pretty regular poster in this sub forum but have had a hell of a year personally (divorce, moving, money issues etc).
Because of the above I haven't engaged in any regular exercise for ages, have put on some weight and alongside that have been feeling very lethargic. I've also had some libido issues.

I put the way I was feeling down to all the stress and lack of exercise but as it didn't.seem to be improving over time I went to see my GP. Seems I was lucky to get a sympathetic GP and he spent quite a while going through everything with me and ordered up a full panel of blood tests.
The tests came back a few months ago and although most levels were fine my Test levels were below the bottom end of the range for my age. Given the issues I had been having the GP referred me to an Endocrinologist on the NHS.

I saw the Endocrinologist a few weeks ago and she ordered up more blood tests for which i had the results last week. All confirmed again that my T levels are low and she has advised I start Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).

I've been prescribed a sachet of Testogel, applied to the skin every day, with a review after 3 months to see how I'm feeling and how my blood levels look. At that point I can move to an injection every 6 weeks if I prefer the idea.

TRT wasn't something I was familiar with and thought Hormone Replacement Therapy was just done for menopausal women.

Been doing some reading and looks like the benefits could far outweigh any risks. Although, it does look like I'll be on it for life once I start.

Just wondered if anyone else has any experience of TRT themselves and wanted to share ? It's early days and not noticed anything significant as yet, but I'm hopeful

Charlts

No experience personally but glad to hear you're on the up and up.

shodan

There are certain foods which are also known to boost testosterone levels. And exercise can also help to boost it...

sniffer66

Thanks. Was very into my fitness up until a year or so ago and used to research a lot. Have tried adjusting diet already but it's a vicious circle on the weights. My levels are low so I don't feel like working out, therefore my levels stay lower

The TRT therapy isn't designed to massively boost test levels, just get them back to normal. I'm hoping that once it kicks in I'll have more energy and will feel like getting back on it again.

At one point I was doing weights 3-4 times a week and cycling up to 100 miles. Would like to get back to that stage as I felt really good in myself

shodan

It's a vicious circle, but as you know, the only way to get back to it, is to get back to it! Motivation can be tough but you have a reason for doing it so that may help to motivate you in itself. Personally, when I don't fancy gong to the gym, I try to make it a personal challenge so I go and get it done.

swiftpete

If you're on testosterone, it would be a crying shame not to use it to lift heavy weights and have sex with women. Good luck with both endeavours!

sniffer66

Yeah, I thought the same . I'm just on a low dose of the gel at the moment but should start on the injections in a couple of months.
I'm back in the gym now so fingers crossed

sniffer66

If anyone is interested I've now had a couple of weeks back in the gym. Keeping it simple, with some steady treadmill work and a full body workout twice a week with as many compounds as possible.
First two weeks I hurt like fudge two days later, even on much lighter weights than I used to lift. But good aches, if you know what I mean

stoomc

Good for you Sniffer. Are you still working out at home?

sniffer66

Cheers mate. I will be properly soon. Had to move house due to the divorce so all my kit is in the garage, with no space to setup until I have a clear out. Have the elliptical, dumbells and pullup bar in the conservatory so been able to do some bodyweight and light stuff every few days. Probably a good thing, so I can ease back into things gently. I'm 50 now so need to pace myself a little

This was me 1.5 years ago and if I can get back to this I'll be happy enough