I had symptoms of low test for years. I contacted Mike O'Hearn as I saw he has started topics on TRT recently. He helped me get on tren replacement therapy and I feel even worse but I am jacked. Thanks.
Depressed mood, Anxiety, Emotional and exhausted constantly, could be added to the list. TRT changed my life and I am eternally grateful. Fun, Informative and insightful. I give this one 5 stars!
My testosterone was at around 200 before TRT. I went to my family doctor who put me on a low dose that got me barely within a normal range. I went to a TRT clinic and they gave me a higher dosage that got me to 700. I look and feel much better now. The biggest difference I have noticed is in my recovery. I’m 52, and now I can work out hard and feel fine the next day. I’m definitely glad I started TRT. I really don’t mind the injections and the benefits are worth it to me.
Exactly what I was thinking. Some (maybe every?) fitness RU-vidrs are on TRT and they’re treating it like it’s the most normal thing and you should probably be on it, too. Nothing weird about it at all. My wife is a doctor, she has had one patient in 6 years who actually needed TRT.
38 year old on TRT here- One thing I didn't hear ya cover for people who actually need TRT: Be prepared for a long haul before you start seeing real changes with it, and depending on your Endo, to even get on it (my endo tracked my blood work twice a month for 4 months prior to even considering the therapy, where we found out my numbers ranged from as low as 34 to as high as 315). For me it was over a year of titrating dosages, injection frequencies and methods to see what actually worked (produced bloodwork results and reduced symptoms). It's definitely not an overnight fix, unless maybe you get lucky on the first set of everything you try. Two years on it later- When I attempt to make changes to my body composition, I actually see results. Where previously nothing I did, diet or exercise based seemed to do anything, I can now manipulate my body composition and maintain whatever weight I want. Sleep is MUUUUCH better, and gaining muscle, while not trivial by any means, feels trivial compared to the extreme effort I used to have to put in for any minor strength or size gain at all. Overall, for me, it's been worth it.
Just identify as a bull and claim animal abuse if they dont give you test. A chick can slap a dick on her and call herself a dude and get copius amount of trt, so should we.
@@RenaissancePeriodization I was 3 months in at 100mg/wk with a level of 27 Canadian units. Doc declared me normal, but I still felt like shit. Talked to a BB coach who said try 200. I did, and now feel better. Going to be an interesting talk with my doc in 2 months about how I've been shooting UGL gear because my scrip fell short, but I wasn't about to wait another 3 months plus to stop feeling like cold garbage
@@RenaissancePeriodization similar boat as the OP. For me the physical changes on TRT were pretty rapid but the cognitive and positive behavioral changes take months to years. Personally I've got an increased drive to start my own business after 12 months on TRT.
Years of anxiety and depression and brain fog went away after going on TRT. It keeps me in normal range and have been on it for 7 years now. Very happy for doing it. I’ve been only using a daily cream. No needles.
Actually RU-vid was made for people to have extremely indie productions and still be able to share their stuff with the world. It's not anymore, ofc. hasn't been for years, maybe a decade by now. But that's what it used to be. "Broadcast yourself" was the tagline.
I was put on trt by my general practitioner about 14 years ago because my levels were right around 300. But I don't really remember having any symptoms of low testosterone. But I was infertile. I was always kind of laid back and not really very aggressive and that was about it. My libido was fine but not super high. They finally convinced me to start it because I thought maybe it would improve something somehow. It wasn't until several years later I learned that my low test was caused by varicocele and that it probably could have been fixed with surgery. But I've been on it so long now that there is really no point in stopping because I can't make it on my own and plus I'm old so I figured what's the point. Might as well just stay on the prescription and have normal levels of test into old age. But I do wish I had learned more about the stuff before I started and I might have gotten fixed with a simple surgery and still been able to have kids. I discovered I had low testosterone because they discovered I was infertile and tested me to find out why. But instead of finding out why I produced low testosterone they just replaced it. And made me permanently infertile. Even now just writing it it still upsets me. But I did adopt a wonderful son because I couldn't have my own, so at least I got that out of it. I have to admit that part of me is still furious with the doctors for just replacing what wasn't there instead of figuring out what the cause of it was. If I'd gone to an endocrinologist they might have fixed me and then I would have become fertile and I would have had even more kids that I never got to have. So if you guys are going to start trt because you're low, I recommend going to someone that knows what the fuck they're talking about and finding out what the root cause is. It's too late for me but maybe somebody else won't get stuck on this the rest of their life.
If you had gotten fixed you probably wouldn't be looking to adopt. Maybe things happen for a reason? Also you did enjoy more libido from it right? Had many years of enjoyment because of it no? Enjoy the rest of your life without thinking stuff like that. It's only pissing you off. Look at the good points.
Something that blew my mind was an episode of the Iron Culture podcast where they had Dr. Ben House on to discuss TRT. He mentioned a study (Bandari et al. 2017) where 80-85% of men discontinued TRT after one year. That's crazy to me.
I did and I'm glad I did. TRT is hugely beneficial to those who need it. I was misdiagnosed and then over-dosed. Instead of aiming to treat symptoms the clinic I went to aimed at a number. My BP shot up, PSA shot up, a good chunk of the usual unpleasant side effects showed up. Stayed on for two years because I really wanted to believe. Finally came off when my ECG started showing borderline RVH. Did what was basically PCT and made a bunch of lifestyle changes. Test is now comfortably mid range, I'm symptom free, and much happier. TRT is a miracle for those who need it, but there are way too many clinics out there now all too happy to tell you it's low test and take your money. Anyway, that's the other side of the coin.
@@big_chungus73 I'd be surprised if cost was the reason at all. Testosterone is not expensive. At least in Brazil durateston is commonly prescribed for TRT and it costs around 2 USD for a 1ml vial (250mg of test). I doubt the cost in countries like the US are much more expensive, though I guess in the US testosterone cypionate might be more common.
You are the first person on RU-vid who talked me out of trying TRT, at least for a while. Honestly I was mainly thinking about giving it a try, because most of my friends here in Vegas went on it (they are in the 900-1100 range now). Yes I have a bit higher than average bodyfat amount, but no other symptoms yet (45 years, t-level 650). You made it clear for me that the downside would be not worth it for the few gains I could maybe get. Thank you for this amazing video.
Kudos to not be driven to make an emotional decision. As he stated you likely wouldn't have reaped many benfits and just had your natural production crushed. Supraphysiologic levels of testosterone can be achieved with steroid use and your health can still be good. It takes a lot of monitoring and you will probably have side effects like hair loss, acne, etc. - pretty much everything Dr. Mike mentioned.
Great video! I just cracked 50 and my levels are in the mid 300s. But I feel fine and I still have all my hair. I think I’m going to just ride this out
41 yo. Ive been extremely exhausted lately as well as lots of brain fog and recovering from workouts has been brutal among other things. I had my T checked by my doc and it was at 93! I just started TRT today. Super excited to see where this takes me.
@@xbenxwilsonxhighlights7879 Low test and hypogonadism are two different thing. Yes, you can do things to improve low test. But you can't cure hypogonadism any more than you can cure Type 1 diabetes (you will need insulin). However, in all cases you can do a lot to manage these conditions.
What's the 93 number? I just had mine checked and I got Total T (536), Free T (36), and Bioavailable T (79). I feel like TRT would help me a lot but all this talk about injecting shit and potentially messing up my lifespan and natural T production has me nervous.
As a 46 year old male that has been tossing this around, thank you Dr. Mike!! I can put the subject away and not have to even rethink it, since I don’t suffer the symptoms you described. I had testicular cancer when I was 20 and always worried that I’d have less testosterone due to only having one remaining restocks. This video helped put to rest any lingering concerns I had.
Have you had a blood test done? The reason I ask is because I was also very curious, despite not showing any symptons of low test. I'm 44 now, and turns out my levels were through the floor. I mean I may as well have a vagina they were so low. Since starting TRT I feel like I did when I was 30! I am on 200mg a week and have not felt this good in years and years.
@@omg_wtf Hi, i started TRT just over a week ago. 100mg cyp per week. Inject subQ 2x per week but decided to shoot 0.25ml every 3rd day for consistency. I'm running hcg too, 0.2ml 2x week. Can i ask you a question what is your T levels on 200mg/week. It seems high to me but i'm in the uk. My levels came at 286ng/dl and i was symptomatic. I feel different already and only done my 4th injection this morning. I feel more self aware, mood slightly better and i've noticed changes in my vision, kinda weird as in i notice more detail etc when i look around. If this is week 1, jesus i can't wait for week 52 and i'm only on 100mg. That is cypionate 200 btw
@@omg_wtfhe should check gis blood, am 44, 2 years on it, feel great... This guy's opinion might no be applicable to all humans, also, this guy has probably done everything for years... He probably allready fked up hehe
@@omg_wtf 200mg per 7d? That's insane!!! You do know that's those top of the scale doses dr Mike talked about, right? My bro is on 90mg. I hope you workout a lot, otherwise you'll likely need estrogen blockers after a while on that dose (could be a month, could also be 2 years, it variate a lot)
For some absurd reason we actually had a lesson about that in school 2½-3 decades ago. So the lesson was in short: There's sort of a sleeping part of each nut. If one nut is crushed or torn off, the sleeping part of the other one would wake up and pick up the slack. The one left will psychically get a permanent "bump"
I started TRT about 2 years ago. I'm only 40. I had weird anxiety, extreme lethargy, and was losing muscle mass and increasing body fat. Low T was the only blood marker that was off in my blood work. Really strange but I feel like it's working for me so I'll continue indefinitely.
I was exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals over the last 30 years, and that caused a slow and steady drop in test levels. I tried to fight through it for 5 years to get my natural production back up, but to no avail. I felt horrible for those 5 years. TRT was a life changer. I wish I wasn't so stubborn in my efforts to avoid it. If you really need it, do it.
@@BlackxOpsxSoldiers I've owned a cabinet shop for the last 25 years. I used to do a lot of the finishing, so I was exposed to xylene, acetone, polyester, etc. All atomized. I always wore respirators, but they don't filter out everything.
@@TiredOx7536 Some peoples' bodies do a lot more with a lot less testosterone because of higher sensitivity of their androgen receptors. Vice versa, some people produce a lot of T, but because their androgen receptor sensitivity is lower, it doesn't act like it in the real world. I don't think science fully understands why there are these differences, and why some peoples' bodies are a lot more or less efficient in using the testosterone they produce. This, btw, is not even factoring in free vs bound testosterone, as that is a whole other subject that needs to be considered as well. I'm not any kind of expert in any of this though. Might be helpful to do some real research into this topics.
I have Hypothyroidism and have been treating that for years but never understood why treatment didnt help my depression and brainfog, i recently had my test checked and im at 150. I havent started treatment yet, but this video has been very insightful, and im glad to see that I may be able to finally feel normal again.
Love this discussion. I've had my levels checked in the past because I have a few of the LowT symptoms but my levels are totally average. I've definitely been tempted to push my doctor harder about TRT, but all of the things Mike points out are floating in the back of my mind telling me to leave it alone. Thanks for saying all those things out loud so I can put that decision to bed for good.
I'm 68 and work out 5 days a week for 2 1/2 hrs each time. Got my Testosterone checked last month and it was 472, but down from 572 just 3 years ago. I was thinking about TRT but having watched this awesome vid Im convinced that's the last thing I need. Thanks for the great insight.
That's great, but it sounds like a lot. The body isn't made to sustain intense workouts hours on end almost every day. I did that like a maniac for a decade and, while having great results, I was stagnating for the greater part of that period and accumulating weird small injuries. Being natural, I was running myself down. Halving my training regiment did wonders for my sleep, appetite and growth. I feel better now and my legs absolutely blew up in the process, which I thought couldn't get any bigger. Maybe you should try to incorporate more rest and monitor your T at your next visit see if it can have a positive impact.
@@alrbredwall Don’t get name wrong I’m certainly not complaining about my T level at age 68. I’ve been a gym rat my whole life and have actively been lifting weights regularly for 54 years now. The long workouts are actually quite relaxing. :)
Thanks, man! As a 49 yr old male who has heard tons of commercials regarding TRT, your explanations are very valuable. They make it sound like getting some TRT everything will be great. I appreciate everything you are doing for the fitness community, your videos, and your approach is both enjoyable and knowledgeable.
THIS is the video is what I had been looking for. An honest, straightforward, scientific essay of the actual effects and side effects is what fellas like me have been searching for. I just started going "on the needle" a couple weeks ago, thanks to you (and my GP who suggested we do a few blood panels). In all actuality, I should've started a long time ago. I started feeling the effects of hypergonadism 7 years ago, in my late 30's. I always hated going to the doctor, and along with my friends and coworkers would brag "it's been X many years since I'VE seen a doctor and I feel fine." So, over the years I attributed my falling mood, lack of sexual intrest, unexplained weight gain and loss of muscle mass, hightening anxiety to the point of panic attacks, worsening bouts of depression, and plummeting energy to just being stressed and overworked. Of the handful of antidepressants I tried, none of them actually helped with depression at all. One even made it considerably worse! I could go on and on, but the point is that if I had not been such a dumbass and gone for yearly checkups and blood panels starting in my 30's they'd have caught my dramatically falling T levels and I wouldn't have had to go through YEARS of no longer feeling like myself. I don't have the words to sufficiently express how much I appreciate you making this video to put out there. The first things that pop up when doing research on TRT are the gym bros who're only concerned with the "gains". I give ZERO F's about gains. I just want to feel human again, and thanks to you and my doctor I can feel everything starting to turn back around. I know it'll take several months to tweak the dosage just right, but I can already see glimmers of my old self starting to come back.
I started TRT with my Doctor in Canada 1 week ago. Almost 50 years old. My blood test showed I was in the normal range but the last 5 years especially the last year I have been almost chronology tired. Zero sex drive and zero motivation to do anything. Very bad sleep. Putting on fat but no muscle even when in the gym 3x a week doing weights. I am receiving 100mg a week and I am already feeling better in every way. Brain fog was gone after the first shot. More energy, more lust for life. Can already see I am putting on muscle and losing fat. To me this is a miracle drug. Can't wait to see what I will be like in 5 weeks from now. I feel like a new person.
How did you convince a doctor here to prescribe that after a year of asking mine finally did the bloodwork but said it’s low but for your age it’s what happens and from takin to many people no one can get it
@@darrylmartens2361 you might have to try a different doctor. I told mine how I had no energy and so on. I think most doctors don't want to give it to patients.... they simply don't understand how low test affects the make body.
I was so excited when I saw my test levels at 43yo were in the 170s (very hypogonadal). I was like yay, I have a legit reason to do steroids! It’s been 8-9 months and wow. What an incredible difference. I believe I’ve always been hypogonadal (relative to age). I have been working out steady for a year and have a manly physique for the first time in my life. It’s awesome. I do 150mg/week split into two injections (Saturday/Tuesday)
Dr. Mike does a great job in this video explaining that T levels alone should never be used to put someone on TRT or disqualify them. Symptoms are what matter. I just took my 3rd dose of Test Cypionate at 42yo. I never felt clinically depressed, but I was always tired, extremely unmotivated, overweight, etc. My sex drive wasn't low, but I had all other symptoms. I feel like a new person after only a couple of weeks. I did extensive research myself on all the risks, benefits, dosing strategies, etc. I'm going to get my own blood work done every 3 months, I donate blood to keep hematocrit down as I already have high blood pressure controlled via medication. Leading up to my start of TRT I was fixated on wanting my levels to 800-1000, but I've come to realize that really I don't care what my test levels are. Honestly I'd just prefer it's as low as possible while I continue to feel great. More test, more side effects so why not just feel good and stop there? That's my new philosophy. After my next round of blood work I'm going to talk with my doctor about trying subcutaneous injections with test cypionate every 3-5 days. The injections are painless and easy, but I understand subcutaneous injections could lead to some skin rashes and discomfort. I'm honestly wanting to flatten the trough. I feel great, but my sex drive 4-5 days after my 100mg injectsions (intramuscular) has become a bit annoying to me and especially to my wife. Lol. Not a bad thing, but I want to compare my experience with smaller injections just a few times more per month than what I'm currently doing. Do your research and find a good doctor. Also learn about SBGH, free test, etc. Sometimes you may not need more total testostone and can benefit with other therapies. My SBGH was 14 - very low and my total test was 208, 203, and 98 for 3 separate blood tests. I was a perfect candidate for TRT and it has already made me feel like a new person in a few weeks.
30 years ago my level was 114. Started replacement therapy then with the gel and moved onto injection. I'm living in the 550 to 600 range with an injection every 2 -3 weeks. Seems comfortable even though ego says try and increase to 750 range. My doctor took me off testosterone for 60 days because he questioned my psa prostate numbers. It was hell after 30 days. My numbers went back to normal. The Urologist gave me the thumbs up to go back on .And man I'm now happy again, Staying within the norm is fine. It's truly the wonder drug in my world.
If you ever can get the vial yourself, you should do much more frequent injections. Even the same thing split up weekly will lead to more even serum levels. Doing this will help mood and alleviate side effects like hair loss.
I started at 135 when I found I had low T. After TRT, steady levels around 500, all blood panels look great, way better mood, drive and energy. Over time, body composition changed for the better. A few mild symptoms and hair loss. Definitely weigh things out before you take the leap. Great video!
Struggled for 2 years with 9/10 symptoms, balancing on 300ng/dl. Everything is in check life-wise, so I jumped on 67mg/week -> I am now in the 600s and I feel WAY better. Not high school level but feeling great. I recommend starting slow, inject twice a week. great video, all the questions/factors mentioned are on point. Love your content Dr!
I was depressed, damn near impotent, tired all the time, fat as F, bad blood work, and low bone density. I am 46. I got on TRT and all that is improved if not cured.
You laid that all out perfectly. I had questions myself wondering if my “low T” of 375-390 was enough for me to go on trt. Now I know that without any of the symptoms and feeling pretty good there’s no f’n way I’d want to at this point. Great info as always, Dr. Mike.
Whats your free testosterone level? From watching seemingly knowledgeable people talk about the topic (no interest in using, just curiosity) it seems like free testosterone level and SHBG level are just as important as the total T level.
@@koleary1798 both are within range. I had my free and total T, SHBG, estradiol, and lsh/fsh tested by Marek Health a couple months ago and all looked fine.
The best video/article on informed TRT I’ve seen. You answered the question that have I never seen answered ‘what if I come off it.’ Thanks Mike, very informative as always.
Thanks Mike i needed this to show my buddies at bjj. Theres a group of under 35s that are slowly talking each other into getting on trt. They dont hit the weights, sleep and eat like shit, have high body fat and party too much i try to tell em fix that shit first but that takes time and ppl are impatient. As a clinical psychologist i can also say that a lot of these symptoms can be psychological. I have a urologist that funnels me a ton of business because a lot of ED is psychological. Like you said depression must alway be ruled out too. Im 40, and i settled into a happy healthy life around 30 and its my beleif that health and happiness is the best for maintaining health. Just did fertility testing last week cuz we want another kid. Test is at 690 and based on my numbers doc calls me the sperminator which sounds fucking hilarious in his German accent. If yall are younger than 40s and are considering this i implore you please make sure you get the health behaviors and psych shit in order before hitting injections you may not need. Thanks again mike...with the proliferation of trt nowadays we need some honest takes on it.
Yep i just turned 36, and been thinking that I may have low T, but in the last year ive been really anxious and depressed and feeling down, and I think if I get rid of that and start hitting the gym again I will go back to normal.. coz some days I'm perky as
What kept me from jumping on the TRT train is the fact that it can inhibit your ability to have kids if you want to later on in life. This way when my kids ask me why I’m still small I’m gonna blame them.
Not true. If you take HCG while taking TRT, you will maintain the ability to have kids... Even doing PCT will will reactivate your balls if you don't take HCG
1st of all you wont get big from TRT, 2nd You can always get your swimmers frozen and kept for the time you gonna need em. We Dont live in a Stone Age my man 👍
@@johnskupczon1885 who knows how great that really is. If its needed because of a problem, ofcourse i respect it. But to have to freeze your swimmers for getting on TRT (before trying nofap, eating fatty fish, working out, getting enough sun, all the other natural ways to improve your t) makes no sense
What a waste of money. Having someone save your future kids for you. And have you ever defrosted some frozen vegetables? I'm sure the kids are not gonna be the same as regular kids😂. There gonna be limp just like the frozen vegetables
Omg I've watched a ton of videos with various medical doctors explanations and it's just confused the hell out of me! Came away from it all with no understanding at all! 😡 Now watching Dr Mike's explanation has just totally clarified everything for me! Thank you soooooo much 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
I'm exactly the guy Mike explained. Healthy level of test. And decided to go on trt. I got off very early. I was exactly how Mike said moody anxiety irritability and the anger I had over small things. Etc someone taking a while to park a car. Anyways I'll stay natty live a healthy lifestyle and a great sleep cycle
I was misdiagnosed for years. A guy at the gym noticed I was losing weight, but not getting noob gains. I was 36 years old. He told me to get my TEST checked. Turns out I have a growth on my Pituitary gland that stopped production. I was at 277 NG/DL. As I started TRT I noticed a huge difference between 400-700, and feel even better from 700-1000. I love being around 700-1000 at my lowest. NO HCG. No Estrogen blockers. I sit around 75 For Estrogen. I went close to 10 years without TRT and felt horrible. TRT saved everything. If I'm over I'm over, Doctor is cool with it. I dont care. He agrees treat the symptoms and not the number. Markers are in check. Ill do this until the day I die. Never felt this good in my life.
I am 38 and started TRT in January (it’s now April). I have been taking it along with HCG, and I can say so far it has been a net positive. Physique is transforming quickly and have gone from about 30% to 23% body fat in that time along with increased muscle mass. I haven’t actually lost any weight overall even thought I’ve cut 7% body fat or more. Sex drive was very low, only had sex once every couple of weeks and my wife is gorgeous. Now thanks to the HCG, we found out yesterday that she’s pregnant. 🤷🏼♂️ HCG makes you way more potent so that’s something to keep in mind. The shots twice a week suck big time and I travel a lot (HCG has to be kept cold). TSA doesn’t give you a hard time though ever. Just tell them it’s medicine. Hope this helps someone. The correct testosterone dose is different for each person. Bloodwork can really help to figure out what’s best for you.
I came in right at 300 and had all the symptoms of low t. Im glad my dr had the sense to talk about trt as an option. We did low dose trt and im so happy i pulled the trigger on starting trt.
@@user-xe8er2kc7j at 100mg/ml per week, my t levels went up to 800. My performance in jiu jitsu shot up. I still had to put the work in. But what i was doing with low energy levels almost overnight translated into better jiu jitsu but because i was already doing the work.
There is NO other video that gives you a good "talkin' to" other than this. You spoke to us in a language that makes sense on all levels. Thanks again for another useful and informative video.
I tested at 191 / 201 at 29 with 2 seperate morning test months apart. Started test and got up to around 500 typically and I feel great. At the same time, I had 3 kids so I wasnt too worried about the going sterile part.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. I went to a new MD earlier this year who is a former body builder, he knows I do a lot of weight training (same gym), I had blood work done and my T was at the low end of the normal range. He's tried a couple of times to convince me it would help, with my goals, I've been on the fence, now I know I don't need TRT. Really, really appreciate this thorough video about it's pros and cons.
I lost all my lower body hair, I was immensely tired, had no interest in sex and had injuries that would not heal, was sore for days after gym and the list of negative symptoms such as feelings of impending doom and minor life issues feeling insurmountable. I was also lacking confidence and suffering brain fog etc... and the list of negative symptoms could still go on further. My testosterone levels were barely within the low-end of the normal range and my lutenising hormone (LH) was 31 times normal levels and my follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was 15 times normal levels...you bet I needed TRT. I was pleased that the presenter provided potential downsides of TRT and mentioned primary hypogonadism as a condition whereTRT is warranted. This is not always done by other peesenters. However, there was no discussion about other hormones involved in the pituitary gonadal axis. Elevated LH and FSH will provide much important information and help with diagnosing primary hypogonadism. During most TRT discussions, these 2 hormones are rarely mentioned. A primary hypogonadal diagnosis is not purely based upon total testosterone levels. Other hormone levels, such as estradiol and shbg, are important too. For me, since starting TRT, life has been infinitely better. 21:44 I have no acne, no (head) hair loss, more body hair (but less than I had before). More interest in sex, more muscle mass, less body fat, more confidence and injuries heal etc. The testosterone of choice where I live is testosterone undecanoate, of which I receive 1000 mg 7-8 weekly. I am also on low dose anastrazole to keep my estradiol levels in check. I was getting sore puffy nipples....so, yeah, TRT can potentially cause gynocomastia. That is the only negative side-effect I've had. As the presenter said, don't take TRT if everything is working, but if you are suffering symptoms like I had, therapeutic TRT will likely make you feel a whole lot better.
So I'm a teacher, I've worked in middle and high schools around the Cleveland area, I wish I could show the kids this video during health class because I have repeatedly overheard these conversations for years. Mind you, it isn't the cursing in the video, there's a huge barrier based on what we're allowed to show in class. Thank you for making this video.
1060 at age 43. Do cold showers or cold plunge making sure to get your balls cold and then workout. It will bump up your luteinizing hormone and testosterone. Avoid the exogenous crap that will leave you dependent on it.
Lucid and transparent!! I'm 29 years old and my test levels range from 260-350, before Covid I remember having levels of 450-560, however during Covid my depression increased and sexual symptoms showed up, so I had bloodworks and they came back at 280-350 . I went to a psychiatrist and started treatment, thank God it got better, I'm in remission and several symptoms improved: mental, morning mood as you mentioned, erection improved. However, others do not, such as the absence of morning woods, low libido and testosterone levels byself. I'm changing my eating habits, physical exercises aiming lose fat to test again... I don't want trt at my age, and about sleep despite sleeping well, I don't follow the circadian rhythm and I need to change that too before making the decision. I'm afraid that after stopping treatment my depression returns, and one of the factors for this is low test, so I want my test to be at better raange to relieve consciousness. I will save this video for later.
38YO male, Test was around 300. I've been on TRT for only 6 weeks and i noticed an IMMEDIATE improvement to anxiety (panic attacks), improvement to my confidence, i quit drinking and abusing amphetamines, the Testosterone made me desire a good workout, started working out and have never missed a day (never worked out before), i sleep well, have a clear mind and have become funnier somehow.
Really informative, thank you. Am really frustrated with my slow muscle growth and have been kicking this around in my head for a few months now(I’m 55) but you put across a really honest view from both sides of the debate and I feel a lot happier now for listening
I started at 55, 58 now. Your dosages will need to be increased slightly over time. Your nuts will shrink and your loads reduce to a few drops.. this is the reality. What I do is come off every 3 months for 4 or 5 weeks and run a vial of hcg and some supplements for this duration. The supplements that work (and they do work) are Tongkat Ali, Fadogia Agrestis, and Shilajit.
Ive been on TRT for 30 years. My body said no more T for you at 40 years old. Ive had all types of treatments from gels to patches to injection and Im on injection now. My doctor dropped my dose from 1 to .75 and within a 14 days my range went to 98 ng/dl ...!! Personally I feel good at about 600 to 800 so he put me back on 1 every 14 days. The roller coaster is real...!
I'm 32, levels were 208. I weight train 5 or so times per week, eat health aka I use the RP Diet app. My doctor has officially started me on TRT today and I am so excited to seeing the results and feel better again.
I went and got tested almost hoping my test was low I was 41 at the time). Didn't really feel bad, but man my test was in the basement! Like damn near zero. So, doc hooked me up and the worst side effect was definitely back pimples, but I feel great and the acne is long gone, and all my lifts are up, fat is down. It's all good. 👍💪
I’m one of those rare one-offs. I got into a car accident 5 years ago on my way home from work because I fell asleep behind the wheel in traffic. No amount of caffeine or energy drinks would work. I’d sleep for 8 hours or more waking up as if I never slept at all and start falling asleep the next day, had no sex drive or real drive for anything even when not working. After the accident my wife says something is seriously wrong you need to get yourself checked. My first testosterone test was 285, one week later next test was 292, my next test was 195, then 92. So after a myriad of tests and screen for cancer, doctors checked all of my blood work and my thyroid, prostate and pituitary thinking I had cancer, as what else could possibly make me stop producing testosterone all together. No cancer, thank you God! But doctors and my urologists don’t have an answer. My body just stopped producing testosterone at 41 years, my muscles started to atrophy, my stomach started growing larger while the rest of my body shrunk, and I began aging very quickly. Doctors got me on medically prescribed trt, and within a year, my life was transformed. Now at 46, I have to apply 4 pumps a day and 1 injection a week because my body doesn’t make it, but I can now drive safely, I have no more sleep apnea, and my acid reflux is completely gone. My love life is way better than it has ever been and I actually have a desire to get up and go. Thank you LORD! I’ve never met anyone with my condition, most of the people i meet that go on trt, it’s because they used hard steroids and killed their body’s natural test production. As Dr. Mike says, if your numbers appear low but everything is seemingly well for you physically and intimately, don’t mess with what’s working. You don’t need it.
44 and had all the symptoms of low T. I was within range, but barely. All of those symptoms have been alleviated and I’m fortunate that I don’t suffer from negative side effects. It is definitely a commitment, but it’s truly changed my life and I’m very grateful.
I've been debating starting trt for years, I am 41 years old so a good age to start it really, but after watching this video I've completely changed my mind, my test levels are in the 400s I feel okay and I'm still doing well in the gym, il look into natural ways of bringing them up I.e good nutrition, thanks for this video this had a huge impact on me.
@@owcarniaI was on TRT but the problem is you go up and down and so does your mood as it fluctuates on injections. I have been taking Tongkat Ali with Fadogia Agrestis in it and that has given me the energy, recovery and motivation I need daily without the fluctuations. Honestly it’s about the same price but I prefer the 3 tablets a day instead of the massive needle and the mood swings.
I'm on TRT. At age 43 my total testosterone levels were at 160 ng/dl. I've had years of issues with depression, low sex drive, brain fog, and it felt like it didn't matter how much I worked out, it just made me tired...for no muscle gains or weight loss. After being on therapy for about 3 months now (100mg injection, biweekly), I'm testing just above 300. And even with that small increase it made a huge difference for me in mood, the ability to think, and to actually see results from working out, and libido. My doc is doubling the dosage with my newest Rx, and she wants to see me get above 500 ng/dl for my next test. I admit, I don't think I'd mind if I could talk my doctor into pushing me closer to 1,000...but I still have a full head of hair, and I'm vain. So that might be dangerous. lolol
Fixed my depression, gave me motivation and i feel like a whole new person. Better than any antidepressent pills i was described in the past. Im 37 but my levels were like 312 which technically was on the low end of rsnge. My dr looked at all my syptoms from the depression, erectial issues needing viagra, no motivation excess fat storafe etc, working a night shift where my sleep schedule is not normal etc prescribed it and it has been a life changer.
I was at 400 and had most all the symptoms in spades. Only looking at ranges as the guide doesn’t tell you enough. For over a year I looked at lots of other potential causes for my symptoms before doing TRT. Sleep and energy are tremendously better now. Alternatively I could have started a regiment of sleeping pills and stimulants taken daily.
This is correct I was 33 when I started. I was at 500 with all the symptoms. I would sit in my desk and almost dose off like I was on heroin. Got on TRT up to 1000 and my life changed for the better. Ranges aren't the end all be all.
TRT changed my life. But my test was 430 when i got on it. But i had it tested for a medical reason when i was 23 and it was 870 then. 15 years later it was 430 and i felt awful (Ate decent and trained 4-6 days a week). TRT changed it all for me and i'm super happy now (Currently around 900 total test). anyone could clown me for not being below 300 when i started. But my kids notice a huge difference and that matters more than anything anyone could say.
I had been having several of the symptoms for a few years but no issue with libido or sex drive so I didn't think TRT would be for me. Then about 4 months ago I was tested and had a t-level of 312 and was put on 140mg/week and after around 5 to 6 weeks in I noticed relief from all symptoms. I am on week 16 and feel great. Recovery from workout is great sleep is better than it has been in years, and depression is gone. My latest bloodwork was at 652.
I've been on trt for about 5 years. Levels were like 290. I'm currently 47yrs old. I didn't really have symptoms but decided to do it anyway. I'm definitely leaner and slightly more jacked. I didn't really need trt but wanted it anyway. Now I'm having regrets, this is forever. The point is to make good decisions because chances are there's no going back.
Uh switch to hcg, and cycle off and it's not forever. The hell 😂 Most people can get much higher test from having more muscle mass, being active, good rest, good meals. Your test could be higher now than it was previously. The longer you're on trt the less you'll recover.
14 months on TRT, and i haven't experienced the extremes Mike speaks of. It hasn't been for me super great but there have been some rewards such as less depression, better recovery from physical stress ( weight lifting and work). Also my lipid profile has improved quite abit. At 67 it is a pro health practice for me.
I'll maybe hop on the TRTrain when I'm significantly older. I'm in my 20s, my T levels are fine, so I don't need it right now. I'm willing to bet that this is the common opinion for most men in their 20s.
im 28 and i think that’s the general view for men in their 20s. the only reason i’m on TRT is i had ball cancer when i was 17. I only have one testicle left and bc of the cancer drugs i took, it’s ability to produce testosterone is pitiful
@@supitschillbro Fuck cancer man. Just lost my grandma (basically my mother) because her doctor didn't catch the cancer that was probably eating her away for 2 years. She was diagnosed with bone cancer and died three months later. I love hearing from people who beat cancer. Your a warrior man.
@@supitschillbro damn dude. How the hell does that even happen? Did you have an accident when you were younger? That sounds terrible. Sounds like you are doing great though. 👍
@@akbananachucker2441 apparently i had an early cell phone that had a manufacturing defect that caused it to emit like 500 times higher radiation than normal. i kept it in my right front pocket, and it irradiated my right ball. i’m like one of the youngest people ever to get my type of cancer (usually found in men over 50) that’s the theory that my doctor gave me. i don’t now how true it is, all i know is i’m better now, but was hella depressed and low t until i got on trt
@@supitschillbro wow dude. That's terrible to hear. Hope you got a lot of cash for that. I know cash isn't a ball or everything you lost but what else can they do to make it up to someone. I'm not keeping my cell in my pocket ever again.
38 y/o who just went on TRT here and 4 months in: In general, unless some large event causes a shift in hormones, it seems to come in waves as you get older. For background I've never tried hormones/anabolics/precursors/ect of any kind prior to TRT. Since I started lifting in 2013 my body responded to the gym quite quickly. I was able to go from a 155 lb to 335 bench and 185 squat to 405 squat in less than a year. I lost 45 lbs of fat in 2011/12 and put nearly 30 lbs back on in muscle in a year. I knew my natural test was probably high because of this but never had it checked before. 2019: I noticed a protracted dip in sex drive and motivation so I went to have myself tested. Natural test came in at 799 ng/dL. I decided to adjust diet, exercise schedule, and returned to therapy to see how well I could manage myself since it appeared my test was well above average by all acounts. Jan 2022: had another but more pronounced large dip in sex drive and motivation plus a friend's suicide attempt and the aftermath of it. I figured there were confounding factors but I went to have mine tested again anyway. Results: 685 ng/dL. I kept on with diet and exercise routines and tried going all organic to hopefully help with nutrient density. Also tried things like tribulus and mant "natural" non-steroidal libido/test boosters with minimal effect. Sept 2023: I noticed some weight gain despite dieting and precipitous drop over about 3 months in motivation and endurance in the gym and with my regular cardio/running. I went and got tested again and the results were now 444 ng/dL, almost half of what it was 4 years prior (with a depressed mood and libido all three times). I went to a men's clinic instead of my doctor since my GP wouldnt even bat an eye at my precipitous fall until it was below 200. Im now on 150 mg of cypionate a week and it was like a light switch came on and continue to come on slowly. Hematocrit came up so I can run actually run 5-10 miles again at a reasonable pace. My muscle mass also feels like it has come back to about my peak strength/size I've ever had. The needles are already tiresome 4 months in though. I had a slightly elevated blood pressure in the beginning but that has come down to normal range since. Acne flaired once as well but is only very slightly above what it typically was. The improvement in quality of life has been worth it to me.
@@jacoblas1371 Yes, for the most part. Motivation, happiness, and desire to engage in almost all aspects of life are so much better. The only thing I'm trying to dial in right now is dosage. I recently switched to 2x doses a week and lowered the overall total weekly dose from 150 mg to 2x 70 mg (140 total). More isn't always better since pushing more testosterone can cause higher estrogen turnover which can then wreak havoc on other hormones and things like libido. My doctor has prescribed an AI compounded with my test and that seems to be changing something.
@@Di66en6ion In January this year, my testosterone levels crashed after I went on a cruise and lost weight due to not eating much as I was constantly sea sick. I lost about 8 pounds in 10 days. No doctor has been able to explain to me why losing weight could impact my testosterone levels so much. I only realized it was the weight loss as my testosterone levels started to recover after I started gaining black the weight. I am still far from feeling normal like before. Have you considered medications like HCG and clomiphene to help boost your natural testosterone protection?
Great vid. I'm 60 and was curious, so I asked my doc. Put simply he asked "do you feel like shit?". Nope. Stay away from TRT then. I liked your comment "it's a medication and you will be tied to it". Very well put. Much like a Type 1 diabetic and being tied to exogenous insulin I guess.... I imagine that sucks. Thanks for the straight talk.
Most thoughtful and best informative analysis on the TRT trade offs. Being very low on testosterone due to pharmaceutical therapies, I went on TRT after a very in depth analysis with my endocrinologist. After 7 weeks on the treatment I can not only confirm to have experienced all the good and the less good swings that come with it and particularly across the injection aftermath, but i actually feel very much relieved that an eloquent and honest voice such yours is describing it for what it actually is. I would stress that after a while you have to check that FSH and LSH if you are eager to avoid having mini nuts for the rest of your life. And if i may i would kindly ask a question. I experienced a very healthy immediate response on every marker. Still is it possible that should one with a fat % let’s say above 35% (to make an extreme) go on TRT and stay a) completely sedentary b) no calory deficit compared to pre TRT would actually end up with a worse body composition. i.e. all else being equal: a large obese person going on TRT could have an adverse response in terms of fat mass vs muscle mass? probably this is a very stupid question and i apologise, together with the length of the comment. Thanks for the awesome analysis!!!!
I topped out with a total test of 229 at its highest after several tests, after getting dialed in, I found that hovering around 600-800 is "Optimal" for me as far as performance goes, 400 is acceptable, but I do not feel the best performance wise. I found that pinning 3 times a week sub-q has been the best method for me. Thankfully, I did not get any of the harsh sides when I started with the exception of acne on my back the first month or so and some wild body hair growth including beard improvement and needing to fucking shave more. The only downside now is having to donate blood once or twice a year, which I have found that next to nobody making these videos bothers to talk about.
@@Seek.Failure Most people will need to yes, because the increase in Test makes your body produce more red blood cells than normal. Some are more sensitive to it than others.
@@Seek.Failure Depends of your blood test results. Testosterone stimulate the production of hemtatocrits and as a result, makes your blood thicker which makes your hearth work harder. Donating blood prevents your number from getting over the healthy limit. It's also free and it's for a good cause, so why not do it even if you don't need to?
I just took my 3rd dose (100mg cypionate once per week intramuscular) and already feel great. I want to try more frequent subcutaneous injections using the same Rx - 400 mg/month) to see if I notice any differences. A lot of people recommend sub-q, but it's not widely discussed and my doctor didn't think it was necessary. The main reason is I'd prefer to keep my levels more steady to reduce potential side effects. I have noticed that my sex drive is annoyingly high 4-5 days after my weekly intramuscular injections.
@Mark Lasco byproduct of high testosterone is very thick blood and higher risk of clotting. It isn't uncommon to need to get a semi regular medical phlebotomy to thin out your blood. that is why men on high TRT doses need to be diligent about getting blood work drawn and analyzed by a PROFESSIONAL.
@@clipperbob960 I wanted to add that it does not have to be high doses of trt to make this a problem, everyone reacts differently to differing doses of test.
If you have a good clinic they should be keeping an eye on all of this but you’re right there should be more awareness as some clinics are just med farms
I’ve been on the stuff for going on 2 months, Dr prescribed. I was at 4.5/170, so pretty dang low. I had a Dr tell me 11-12 years ago I was low and ignored it. I’m 53, with some plenty of the mentioned symptoms (fatigue, depression, low drive, etc…) but had always blamed it on exposure to the WTC stuff that other first responders got back on 9/11/01, as I have several illnesses and ailments attributed TO that, as do many of my former colleagues (NYPD, FDNY, etc). Matter of fact, my old partner is very ill right now, and Dr gave him 6 months, after having brain tumors multiple times over the past decade and a half. So many guys and gals are sick, and many have passed on, from illnesses directly related to 9/11. So it was easy for me to just blame it on THAT and my age. In the 2 months, I’ve felt significantly better. Better mood, better drive, better sleep, better focus, and yeah, fairly noticeable improvement in the gym. My only cancer is, I’m hungry AF all the time….Ive put on 8-9 lbs in 7-8 weeks!
Tbh I have several symptoms that I think TRT could help/solve but it scares the crap out of me so my doctor and I are working on other ideas, I'm glad you mentioned androgen sensitivity because I'd love to explore that. Might you ever do a video or even a members vid on androgen sensitivity?
Dude is 💯! Started trt at 636 on recommendation of a clinic because I was having low t symptoms. 5 years of trying every protocol and dose in the book I came off and guess what other than feeling slightly less strength and energy (obviously after having 1100-1500 test levels) I feel almost exactly the same back in the 600 levels. Also found out I have sleep apnea soooo was waste of money time, side effects and shrunken nuts for no reason. Yes I built slightly more muscle but I wasn’t focused on that. Focus on optimizing your stress, supplementation, b12, vitamin d, nutrition, thyroid function, sleep and excerise before even considering trt
I understand your point of view and everyone should consider their own health. It is an absolute individual decision. For me I was secondary hypo at 585ng/dl. I had all the symptoms low libido, losing muscle mass, slight depression, and I couldn't hold my wood up. First I tried all the natural supplements and everything else. I know how crazy that sounds but I researched a lot and followed the breadcrumbs. It led me to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals which, we all have been exposed to. It literally changed my life and I'm in my mid 40's. Don't just jump into it. Research, research, research, and then do more research. It should not be taken lightly because it is not without risks.
"How do you feel?" If you asked me before I started TRT I would have said "normal" because I felt how I did every single day. After getting diagnosed (~200ng/dl) and starting treatment I got to experience what normal could actually be. Sure, now when I've had to stop (because the insurance company wants me to periodically prove I still have the problem) I can say I feel terrible because I have something to compare it to.
What? They make you stop to prove you have the problem? How is that ethical? Of course when you stop taking it your test levels will crash to the floor wtf
I know a urological surgeon who told me "Men with low testosterone die early from all causes". We had this discussion because I tested around 230 and had a history of low grade chronic depression, periods (6 months at a time) of low sex drive, etc. It was that comment that helped me decide that I should go through with TRT. When I started it, my urologist asked me how I felt and I told him "Its like a sphere of peace is suddenly all around me". He said, "People don't realize how much of an impact testosterone levels below 300 have on feelings of well being in men". So there you have it. I've been on TRT for probably 15 years now and I can also report that if my T is anywhere between 400 and 1200 I dont really notice a difference. There may be some difference in red blood cell count and endurance but I dont notice it. When my testosterone was above 2000 (when you start taking it the dosage can be too high or low, ive had both) anything with a curve, even the roof of a car reminded me of the female form and gave me a hard on. It was cool and weird at the same time. Not something i would consider a long term desirable outcome though.
I think another big point is age to consider. Myself being 41, I was 392 and felt low T symptoms. TRT has mad a huge improvement in my life. At my age naturally it is only going to go down.
Funny how differently these things are looked at. I'm 40 and my T's been as low as 288 and around 350 at the high end and no doctor thinks it's a problem. Even with symptoms.
@@RenaissancePeriodization Yeah, but not too surprising when habits, lifestyles, and environmental conditions of late are getting less and less healthy. Junk and fast food, partying too much, limiting attitudes/mindsets, overly sedentary/gaming too much, plastics surrounding us, weird/extreme stuff that is highly stressful happening in society like school and mass shootings, hormones/antibiotics/pesticide residues in food, etc Kind of a perfect storm. I could easily see or believe that T levels tended to be collectively higher in the earlier 1900's to before. The only thing we got going for us now, is better medicine and a greater amount and variety of food.
I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by a former Doctor. For the last year I thought I may have some time of terminal disease. Extreme fatigue to the point some days I could barely get out of bed. Extreme depression some days. I had to change Doctors recently. I was lucky enough to get a younger Doctor. He ran a bunch of labs. My Testosterone was 180. He told he thought that was my problem. He started me on a low dose. I was a little upset thinking this wasn’t enough to help. After watching this video it makes total sense what he’s doing. He’s obviously just trying to get me back to a normal range. Not the top of the normal range. Thanks for shuck a great explanation.
Another thing to consider is the validity of the testing itself. I've heard that different labs, and even different times a day, and on different days the test numbers were all over the place.
I know. Perhaps I was a bit unclear as I was mentioning all the variables at once. Different labs were had different results at the same time of day. On different days the test levels were different. Finally test levels can vary through the day. So even if you take many tests a few times a day over a few days different labs are going to have different results. If you take only one test we'll that seems pretty worthless. Then add to that just because you are in the normal range that might not be normal for you.
@@alexanderheyworth3242 Of course. However, it still brings into question the validity of the testing. As the numbers from one lab to another could be wildly different. Putting the same person well in or outside the normal range. Different testing procedures from different labs? Different levels of quality control at different labs? Or is the technology just not yet at a level to be truly reliable? 🤔
I can tell you from experience as an ovarian cancer survivor, TRT for women is legit. I feel like myself again after enduring surgical menopause. Low dose TRT takes all the menopausal symptoms away. Look up Dr. Louise Newsom's podcast 😉
Mike, youre amazing! Every video is spot-on. You've become my favorite channel! I'm 62 and have been on TET for over 20 years, and did cycles once a year for 15 years prior. Sustanon/Deca was my fav..My first cycle I was 21 and it was a disaster. Now my doctor gives me whatever I want because she says I know more about this than her! I'm the OG (Original Guinea Pig) 🤣 Here's the dealio. I take a mix of around 1100, every five days. When you reach my age, and have been juicing 30+ years there are almost no side effects except for polycythemia. Rage, anxiety, acne, hair loss,? Nope. I get blood tests monthly, sometimes twice a month and give blood monthly. I'm on it for life, however, I knew this going in. To me its worth it. If I could go back in time I wouldn't change a thing. If i go past 6 days I can feel the lower test. Also, the sliver bullet for us older guys is adding Proviron to the mix. I highly recommend it. Fwiw, my TET is 500 of enanthate, or cypionate. I trade off to keep receptors fresh. EQ @ 500 and Primbolan @100. Proviron 25-50. Then take Anastrozle once a week. Since I get so many blood tests I see whats going on with my body. If I test the day of injection my test is close is in the 3000 range. 5 days later I'm around 2200. My SHBG is very low so sex drive is like a kid. No one ever believes I'm in my sixties, and I'm loving it!
This is good stuff to know, because I’ve been in the 400’s for total, although my free test is at the top of the lab range. I was considering getting TRT just to get my levels higher, but now I realize that may not happen, along with inciting many disturbing side effects, and inconveniences, not to mention cost. You may have just saved me some serious issues.
I had many of low T symptoms before I started lifting. And then I started lifting weight at 44 years old, all the symptoms slowly goes away. So I guess lifting weights is my trt😅
I have tried TRT not worth the money and time. I'm lifting weights now and I feel great. I don't have any romantic partner so I wouldn't even care about its benefit of sexual enhancement.
