TRT

[PANDFAN]

testosterone replacement therapy, anyone here on it or have experience with taking it? what form? what was your experience?

 

[PANDFAN]

feel free to pm me if you don't want to discuss openly, thanks!

 

[PANDFAN]

figured this would have gotten some traction

 

[T Town Tommy]

I take T injections once every two weeks. I have my wife administer the shots. I used to have the pellets inserted into my thigh and that lasted around six months before I had to go back. I actually preferred the pellet to the shot as it was just twice a year and you tend to forget about things. The reason I got off the pellets was due to it becoming more expensive and my insurance company was wanting me to move to the injections. I would still be on them if I was covered.

The reason I got my T levels checked out was the fact that one day I woke up and it was like I had zero energy or drive. It was a shock at first as I didn't know what was going on. A friend of mine suggested I get my T level checked and when I did it was so low the Dr said he didn't know how I was functioning. I ended up getting on the pellets and could tell a difference in my energy levels. It wasn't like a miracle drug however. I simply felt like doing things again that before my body would tell me no.

There are some side effects to taking T but if your Dr is really good and can find a way to maintain and stabilize your levels, then it may be worth checking out. I do have to donate blood every time I am eligible as it does cause my triglyceride level to be higher than normal.

As with anything, don't expect it to be the wonder drug that you hear on the commercials. At least for me it isn't. But I can tell a difference and that is why I continue the injections. Plus, as I stated, my Dr is very good at keeping my levels correct. Plenty of research on the subject and as always, find the right Dr to inquire for your specific needs. Hope this helps and if I can help out with any further info just hit me up.

 

[PANDFAN]

I take T injections once every two weeks. I have my wife administer the shots. I used to have the pellets inserted into my thigh and that lasted around six months before I had to go back. I actually preferred the pellet to the shot as it was just twice a year and you tend to forget about things. The reason I got off the pellets was due to it becoming more expensive and my insurance company was wanting me to move to the injections. I would still be on them if I was covered.

The reason I got my T levels checked out was the fact that one day I woke up and it was like I had zero energy or drive. It was a shock at first as I didn't know what was going on. A friend of mine suggested I get my T level checked and when I did it was so low the Dr said he didn't know how I was functioning. I ended up getting on the pellets and could tell a difference in my energy levels. It wasn't like a miracle drug however. I simply felt like doing things again that before my body would tell me no.

There are some side effects to taking T but if your Dr is really good and can find a way to maintain and stabilize your levels, then it may be worth checking out. I do have to donate blood every time I am eligible as it does cause my triglyceride level to be higher than normal.

As with anything, don't expect it to be the wonder drug that you hear on the commercials. At least for me it isn't. But I can tell a difference and that is why I continue the injections. Plus, as I stated, my Dr is very good at keeping my levels correct. Plenty of research on the subject and as always, find the right Dr to inquire for your specific needs. Hope this helps and if I can help out with any further info just hit me up.

appreciate you sharing, I'm 39 physically fit and for about the past 2-3 years something just felt off and i chalked it up to getting older. fast fwd to the past year, i just seem to be depressed at times for no real reason, cognition seemed slowed down and overall just could feel something wasn't right. sex drive was plummeting and i thought it was just stress, 4 kids at the time and now a baby added on top...doctor had me get my testosterone checked and was 162 which was on the very low end....just got prescribed androgel 40mg daily....luckily my insurance covers it because it costs like 600/month...just glad i was able to find the root cause for some of my issues and hoping this helps

 

[FDNYIrish1]

I did not fit into the low range, but the range is so wide. I started to take DHEA first, then pregnenolone. They have helped with some of the very symptoms you listed. At some point I will move onto the shots I’m sure, but I want to postpone as long as possible.

 

[BobbyMac]

This is going to sound silly but I kinda dig the lower sex drive of being (assuming) low T in my 50's. I wasted far too much time on that shiit after getting divorced in '07. Now, crack an IPA, work on one screen, IE on another. Sweet life.

That said, I'm going to have them do an full assessment on that and other 50 year old concerns because I want to run a marathon next winter plus a Ragnar event with my AZ Bears fan friends and RAGBRAI in Iowa..

 

[yankeehater]

This is going to sound silly but I kinda dig the lower sex drive of being (assuming) low T in my 50's. I wasted far too much time on that shiit after getting divorced in '07. Now, crack an IPA, work on one screen, IE on another. Sweet life.

That said, I'm going to have them do an full assessment on that and other 50 year old concerns because I want to run a marathon next winter plus a Ragnar event with my AZ Bears fan friends and RAGBRAI in Iowa..

Doesn't comedian Orny Adams have a bit similar to what you are saying? "Nothing ever good happened when I was on High T."

 

[Irishize]

I take T injections once every two weeks. I have my wife administer the shots. I used to have the pellets inserted into my thigh and that lasted around six months before I had to go back. I actually preferred the pellet to the shot as it was just twice a year and you tend to forget about things. The reason I got off the pellets was due to it becoming more expensive and my insurance company was wanting me to move to the injections. I would still be on them if I was covered.

The reason I got my T levels checked out was the fact that one day I woke up and it was like I had zero energy or drive. It was a shock at first as I didn't know what was going on. A friend of mine suggested I get my T level checked and when I did it was so low the Dr said he didn't know how I was functioning. I ended up getting on the pellets and could tell a difference in my energy levels. It wasn't like a miracle drug however. I simply felt like doing things again that before my body would tell me no.

There are some side effects to taking T but if your Dr is really good and can find a way to maintain and stabilize your levels, then it may be worth checking out. I do have to donate blood every time I am eligible as it does cause my triglyceride level to be higher than normal.

As with anything, don't expect it to be the wonder drug that you hear on the commercials. At least for me it isn't. But I can tell a difference and that is why I continue the injections. Plus, as I stated, my Dr is very good at keeping my levels correct. Plenty of research on the subject and as always, find the right Dr to inquire for your specific needs. Hope this helps and if I can help out with any further info just hit me up.

Thanks for sharing T. I am in the same boat. I complained to my PCP that I had no energy despite being pretty healthy for a 49 y/o. My PCP ran a full panel of bloodwork. In addition to low T my Vitamin D was pretty low as well. She prescribed T injections bi-weekly and prescription strength Vit D. My wife is an RN so she can give me the injections. I’ve noticed an improvement.

 

[PANDFAN]

Thanks for sharing T. I am in the same boat. I complained to my PCP that I had no energy despite being pretty healthy for a 49 y/o. My PCP ran a full panel of bloodwork. In addition to low T my Vitamin D was pretty low as well. She prescribed T injections bi-weekly and prescription strength Vit D. My wife is an RN so she can give me the injections. I’ve noticed an improvement.

i was def willing to do the shots but doctor ordered the gel instead...any side effects you noticed or still notice?

 

[yankeehater]

Thanks for sharing T. I am in the same boat. I complained to my PCP that I had no energy despite being pretty healthy for a 49 y/o. My PCP ran a full panel of bloodwork. In addition to low T my Vitamin D was pretty low as well. She prescribed T injections bi-weekly and prescription strength Vit D. My wife is an RN so she can give me the injections. I’ve noticed an improvement.

My primary care told me most Americans now have extremely low levels of Vitamin D. Even college kids. They did a study of UC Irvine students and their numbers were at half of the minimum level. It was attributed to that generations tendency to stay in and play/game/work on the computer. Plus over the years we are being taught the sun is bad for you.

Just by increasing your Vitamin D levels that should help with your mood and energy levels.

 

[Southside Sully]

i was def willing to do the shots but doctor ordered the gel instead...any side effects you noticed or still notice?

Have you noticed a difference in depression, energy, etc since you have started it?

 

[Southside Sully]

This is going to sound silly but I kinda dig the lower sex drive of being (assuming) low T in my 50's. I wasted far too much time on that shiit after getting divorced in '07. Now, crack an IPA, work on one screen, IE on another. Sweet life.

That said, I'm going to have them do an full assessment on that and other 50 year old concerns because I want to run a marathon next winter plus a Ragnar event with my AZ Bears fan friends and RAGBRAI in Iowa..

Just did my second Chicago Marathon this past October.. I am 38, and I can tell you from 33 (my first one) to 38 my second, I def could tell the difference in my body. Marathon training is the best and the worst things. The day of there is no way to explain what you go through mentally and physically.
I also had torn my tricep last year so I was behind the ball training. Let me know about Ragnar if you guys are adding teammates!

 

[BobbyMac]

My primary care told me most Americans now have extremely low levels of Vitamin D. Even college kids. They did a study of UC Irvine students and their numbers were at half of the minimum level. It was attributed to that generations tendency to stay in and play/game/work on the computer. Plus over the years we are being taught the sun is bad for you.

Just by increasing your Vitamin D levels that should help with your mood and energy levels.

Holy hell. If you aren't getting Vitamin D in the OC, where you gonna get it?

 

[Wild Bill]

A colleague of mine in his early 40s and a friend of mine in his late 30s are both on them right now and have said good things. My friend abused steroids for years so I'm not sure he has much of a choice in terms of increasing his levels. The other guy should have probably tried to lose weight, lift some weights and change his diet a bit.

I definitely started feeling more sluggish once I hit my mid 30s but I changed my diet a bit over the last couple of years and it's helped quite a bit. Hyrdration, sleep and eating bullshit after dinner are my three biggest issues. The hydration should be easy - just drink more water stupid. I just stay busy during the day and forget to drink. I don't drink anything else during the day except coffee so I just need a better routine. I've always functioned well on about five hours or so but could probably use more. For the most part, I stopped eating breakfast, drink about four servings of kefir for lunch and eat a normal dinner, protein and veggies and try to eat read meat a few times a week. My problem is after dinner I'll eat some sort of bullshit laying around the house. If I could somehow get my wife to move out, I wouldn't have shitty food in the house to eat.

I started lifting reguarly again and hitting a heavy bag about five months ago and that really helped. I'm not throwing around heavy weights but still stick with squats, deadlifts, bench, pull ups, dips and I've been using a kettlebell quite a bit. I've been bogged down by this covid stuff but will get after it again once we're back to "normal". I'm still holding firm on my cardio policy - fuck that.

I realize some people will need test but it seems best to exhaust other options before you start them. That's just my opinion.

 

[PANDFAN]

Have you noticed a difference in depression, energy, etc since you have started it?

Just got prescribed today

 

[yankeehater]

Holy hell. If you aren't getting Vitamin D in the OC, where you gonna get it?

The kids actually have to go outside every once in awhile to enjoy the benefits of the beautiful So Cal weather!

 

[SonofOahu]

What the hell, you old geezers? I'm in my 40s and work a desk job... I can still throw around weights and manhandle (surprised) dudes who are significantly younger and prettier. Eat your meat and veggies, lay off too much deep-fried stuff, and get enough sleep.

Also, if you're looking for one of those "crunchy granola" supplements that really seems to boost my testosterone, I take maca root. I throw a tablespoon (powder) into a smoothie every other day or so. This is anecdotal, of course, but that thing really kicks in.

 

[NDohio]

A colleague of mine in his early 40s and a friend of mine in his late 30s are both on them right now and have said good things. My friend abused steroids for years so I'm not sure he has much of a choice in terms of increasing his levels. The other guy should have probably tried to lose weight, lift some weights and change his diet a bit.

I definitely started feeling more sluggish once I hit my mid 30s but I changed my diet a bit over the last couple of years and it's helped quite a bit. Hyrdration, sleep and eating bullshit after dinner are my three biggest issues. The hydration should be easy - just drink more water stupid. I just stay busy during the day and forget to drink. I don't drink anything else during the day except coffee so I just need a better routine. I've always functioned well on about five hours or so but could probably use more. For the most part, I stopped eating breakfast, drink about four servings of kefir for lunch and eat a normal dinner, protein and veggies and try to eat read meat a few times a week. My problem is after dinner I'll eat some sort of bullshit laying around the house. If I could somehow get my wife to move out, I wouldn't have shitty food in the house to eat.

I started lifting reguarly again and hitting a heavy bag about five months ago and that really helped. I'm not throwing around heavy weights but still stick with squats, deadlifts, bench, pull ups, dips and I've been using a kettlebell quite a bit. I've been bogged down by this covid stuff but will get after it again once we're back to "normal". I'm still holding firm on my cardio policy - fuck that.

I realize some people will need test but it seems best to exhaust other options before you start them. That's just my opinion.

About 2.5 years ago I got really sick for about two weeks. It was just a stomach bug but I wasn't able to eat or drink much. Since I was already sick and not dealing with my body being all screwed up anyway I decided at that point to change my eating habits. The biggest change I made, and the one that has biggest effect on me, is I changed what I drink. I now only drink water and wine - I do not drink any caffeine anymore and I limit the types of alcohol I drink. I was a huge iced tea drinker - I would have 8-10 glasses of tea a day. My energy level is way up drinking water all day and I sleep better. I'm 53 and I needed that change.

 

[Irishize]

i was def willing to do the shots but doctor ordered the gel instead...any side effects you noticed or still notice?

No side effects that I’ve noticed. A buddy of mine (same age) was on the gel and now prefers shots b/c the gel is so messy. If you have someone who can give you the shots or you can self-administer, it’s more convenient IMO. Just set a calendar reminder on your phone for every 2 weeks.

Another thing that slowed me down was that I was diagnosed w/ slight sleep apnea. No offense to anyone, but I wrongly assumed that sleep apnea was due to obesity...I was wrong & learned my lesson accordingly. The C-pap has helped and I notice a difference in whether I feel rested or not. It wasn’t an instant improved feeling like I heard so many people tell me. I was expecting to feel like a new person immediately. Doc told me that my condition was slight enough that I wouldn’t notice right away. Lo & behold, I traveled w/o it and felt the effects of not using it.

Anyways, I think you will see a difference w/ the TRT. There is no cookie cutter approach for us. Find out what your deficient in and go from there. I think this pandemic has reinforced one thing for me: it’s extremely advantageous to be healthy. I believe obesity is the #1 risk factor to COVID-19...not age. IMO, obesity is more of an epidemic than any virus but luckily obesity isn’t contagious...LOL.

 

[Wild Bill]

About 2.5 years ago I got really sick for about two weeks. It was just a stomach bug but I wasn't able to eat or drink much. Since I was already sick and not dealing with my body being all screwed up anyway I decided at that point to change my eating habits. The biggest change I made, and the one that has biggest effect on me, is I changed what I drink. I now only drink water and wine - I do not drink any caffeine anymore and I limit the types of alcohol I drink. I was a huge iced tea drinker - I would have 8-10 glasses of tea a day. My energy level is way up drinking water all day and I sleep better. I'm 53 and I needed that change.

Caffeine is my drug of choice. I have two cups of coffee a day, usually before 10am and I'm all good. Really don't drink anything else, except water. I drink less and less booze as I age. A glass of wine or a beer once or twice a month. A bit of bourbon or cognac even lesss frequently. I live an exciting life.

Booze will kill that test level.