Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Discussion
There’s a lot of bro-science about heavy compounds lifts increasing T levels. Lifting causes a short-lived hormonal spike, but baseline levels may actually end up lower (if they are affected at all). It is far from clear whether or not the short-lived hormonal spike has any real health or hypertrophy effects.
ORD said:
There’s a lot of bro-science about heavy compounds lifts increasing T levels. Lifting causes a short-lived hormonal spike, but baseline levels may actually end up lower (if they are affected at all). It is far from clear whether or not the short-lived hormonal spike has any real health or hypertrophy effects.
Whilst I agree there's a ton of bro-science about in the lifting world, I disagree about heavy compounds not having a hypertrophy effect. Its worked for me and I am not exactly a young guy with raging T levels. Most of the books I've read on the subject seem to agree on it too. Starting Strength, Bigger Leaner Stronger, 531 method to mention a few of the better ones.stargazer30 said:
ORD said:
There’s a lot of bro-science about heavy compounds lifts increasing T levels. Lifting causes a short-lived hormonal spike, but baseline levels may actually end up lower (if they are affected at all). It is far from clear whether or not the short-lived hormonal spike has any real health or hypertrophy effects.
Whilst I agree there's a ton of bro-science about in the lifting world, I disagree about heavy compounds not having a hypertrophy effect. Its worked for me and I am not exactly a young guy with raging T levels. Most of the books I've read on the subject seem to agree on it too. Starting Strength, Bigger Leaner Stronger, 531 method to mention a few of the better ones.Lifting does cause a hormone spike. But I’m not persuaded that the hormone spike has much, if anything, to do with hypertrophy.
Heavy(ish) lifting doubtless causes hypertrophy. The broad consensus is that compound exercises using 60-85% of 1RM are probably best for hypertrophy for most people most of the time. Open question what, if anything, spikes in T levels contribute.
Heavy(ish) lifting doubtless causes hypertrophy. The broad consensus is that compound exercises using 60-85% of 1RM are probably best for hypertrophy for most people most of the time. Open question what, if anything, spikes in T levels contribute.
Some questions about TRT:
Low T can cause hair loss and prostate enlargement. But TRT can also cause hair loss and prostate enlargement. What gives?
It seems the NHS is very reluctant to provide TRT, but is an alternative simply to find a private doctor locally and get private prescriptions?
I don't need TRT AFAIK but I would consider it later in life if needs be.
BarryGibb said:
Scabutz said:
As an aside I also have some wild thyroid readings on my blood tests but with no symptoms the endo said they would monitor with 6 monthly tests but wont treat without symptoms.
Out of interest which of your thyroid readings are out of range?Scabutz said:
BarryGibb said:
Scabutz said:
As an aside I also have some wild thyroid readings on my blood tests but with no symptoms the endo said they would monitor with 6 monthly tests but wont treat without symptoms.
Out of interest which of your thyroid readings are out of range?https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hashimoto%27s_thyroi...
BarryGibb said:
Scabutz said:
BarryGibb said:
Scabutz said:
As an aside I also have some wild thyroid readings on my blood tests but with no symptoms the endo said they would monitor with 6 monthly tests but wont treat without symptoms.
Out of interest which of your thyroid readings are out of range?https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hashimoto%27s_thyroi...
stargazer30 said:
I had my T levels checked about 3 years ago and GP whilst agreeing to do bloods told me straight up even if my T levels were too low she would not prescribe any sort of HRT. Apparently its not considered a priority for men. I had mentioned I was starting gym training though.
Anyway I have a family member who is on permanent HRT for a far more serious and genetic condition and honestly, I'd avoid it if possible. Try the natural route first!
1. If you don't lift then start. Not the girly dumbbells either, learn to do the big compound lifts and do sets in the 5 to 8 rep range with heavy weight. Your body will up T levels if it needs to build muscle and compounds (especially dead lifts) will force it to.
2. If you fat/overweight/skinnyfat (Body fat >22%) then get that sorted too. Cleaning up the diet is essential for this as is #1 above. Dieting without exercise can lead to loss of lean mass. Being overweight actually reduces T and ups Estrogen too.
3. Sleep, 8 hours religiously. Bad sleep will stuff your T levels, gym recovery as that's when your body produces T and fixes stuff.
4. Stress - guaranteed to stuff everything if its not in check.
5. Sex - not sure of the science but it works.
I know that's a pretty tough lot to do, you'll probably find if you fix it you'll fix a lot more then your t levels! From my own personal transformation efforts over the last 3 years these are what I've found helped me the most.
1. I do live pretty religiously anyway, i currently do the Boring But Big 531 program which i'm enjoying.Anyway I have a family member who is on permanent HRT for a far more serious and genetic condition and honestly, I'd avoid it if possible. Try the natural route first!
1. If you don't lift then start. Not the girly dumbbells either, learn to do the big compound lifts and do sets in the 5 to 8 rep range with heavy weight. Your body will up T levels if it needs to build muscle and compounds (especially dead lifts) will force it to.
2. If you fat/overweight/skinnyfat (Body fat >22%) then get that sorted too. Cleaning up the diet is essential for this as is #1 above. Dieting without exercise can lead to loss of lean mass. Being overweight actually reduces T and ups Estrogen too.
3. Sleep, 8 hours religiously. Bad sleep will stuff your T levels, gym recovery as that's when your body produces T and fixes stuff.
4. Stress - guaranteed to stuff everything if its not in check.
5. Sex - not sure of the science but it works.
I know that's a pretty tough lot to do, you'll probably find if you fix it you'll fix a lot more then your t levels! From my own personal transformation efforts over the last 3 years these are what I've found helped me the most.
2. I'm currently at 218lbs and 14% bodyfat.
3. I sleep 8 hours but it's not a solid 8 hours as my sleep can be disturbed a couple of times by trips to the toilet. This i've been told can be a sign of low testosterone as well.
4. Bit stressed with issues going on with the girlfriend, she's not been well for a good few years now.
5. See above.
Just to update everyone as been a while since i've replied on here but i had a blood test last week that will pretty much cover all of my hormones and also cover food/micronutrient deficiencies as well so i can check if my Vitamin, iron, zinc, etc levels are low, these should all be fine with my diet being solid. I've got a telephone appointment booked for Friday afternoon to go through the results of the blood tests, all of this has been done privately so it was £140. As i've read more and more stuff, it really does seem horrifying some of the stories i've heard of GPs just prescribing stuff like anti-depressants and Viagra when it's obviously low testosterone.
Got to see what they say on Friday.
Hmmm, I notice that my thyroid is out of whack as well, TSH of 5.8 and T4 of 10.6, t3 was normal.
This reading is similar to my last blood test 6 months ago, doctor did not seem too bothered and said he would monitor. Just started looking into this and it does appear that this is something more important than he is making out?
I might need to have a word.
This reading is similar to my last blood test 6 months ago, doctor did not seem too bothered and said he would monitor. Just started looking into this and it does appear that this is something more important than he is making out?
I might need to have a word.
ORD said:
A rue 14% at 218 pounds is better than pretty good. It’s exteaodinary. The vast majority of big guys are more like 20%, if they’re lucky.
I’m 6’5” so just end up looking a bit skinny, have no goals at all regarding weight and bf but I want to keep sub 15 and start to actually look like someone who is strong. Reading what a lot of people say regarding going on TRT, I’m expecting a boost in strength but lots of water retention as well as my hormones stabilise.Regiment said:
but lots of water retention as well as my hormones stabilise.
Not sure you'll get that much test off a Dr 
And even if you were on the equivalent amount of testosterone that might constitute a reasonable AAS cycle there's some very safe anti aromatisers/estrogen blockers you would be prescribed.
Regiment said:
I’m 6’5” so just end up looking a bit skinny, have no goals at all regarding weight and bf but I want to keep sub 15 and start to actually look like someone who is strong. Reading what a lot of people say regarding going on TRT, I’m expecting a boost in strength but lots of water retention as well as my hormones stabilise.
yeah,one of mynephews is the same build, he probably has less bf (he practically has none), he started out rake thing, but thanks to the gym he is slowly building thickness.this guy, Tom Delauer
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC70SrI3VkT1MXALRt...
and this guy, Chris Walker are good youtubers for tops on boosting hormones
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTA1AuuXSVk0u2iXK...
Interesting stuff..
I asked the doc to check my t levels a year or so ago due to some unexplained symptoms they apparently came back fine but I didn’t get told what they were.
Last few years I have issues with anxiety and low mood with no real reason also I feel my upper body feels weak and chest muscles disappearing, I do go to the gym but not hardcore weights and I have a pretty physical job.
Wonder if it’s worth another test?
I asked the doc to check my t levels a year or so ago due to some unexplained symptoms they apparently came back fine but I didn’t get told what they were.
Last few years I have issues with anxiety and low mood with no real reason also I feel my upper body feels weak and chest muscles disappearing, I do go to the gym but not hardcore weights and I have a pretty physical job.
Wonder if it’s worth another test?
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