I would like to start this post, as a young man who is about to start TRT, by thanking you for the broad spread of knowledge and information that many of you have shared on here - it has greatly helped me with some of my health concerns.
To cut to the chase, I am looking to start TRT and have a couple of questions that regular health-care professionals do not seem to be able to answer.
1 - I’m presenting with fatty liver (non alcoholic).
I eat a low carb diet and am relatively small (small frame and lanky in stature)
I’ve considered purchasing TUDCA / NAC / milk thistle to begin addressing this along with intermittent fasting and changing my carb:protein balance.
Does this sound like a good first approach?
2 - My TRT doc is insistent on me using HCG along with my testosterone; I am not concerned with fertility as such (but would like to restore sexual function which has been impaired by SSRI use) - is the HCG really necessary?
3 - I’m opting to start on 100mg cyp / per week and if needed I’ll incrementally dose up over a period of months > does anyone have experience on starting on low dosages ? My doc says higher dosages can impair libido and actually worsen mood.
4 - Any thoughts on going independent vs going via an established TRT clinic? The clinic would cost in the 1000s per year whereas the independent route would cost in the 100s? I’m leaning towards the latter unless their is a major health benefit to the former.
I would be grateful for any input regarding protocols (I have done my preliminary reading) and would also appreciate if anyone doing this in the UK could share their experiences regarding TRT here (if you are happy to)
Weight loss (visceral fat) will address this not those supplements.
You describe yourself as “lanky” but what is your waist circumference vs height?
I started and maintain on 100mg test cyp and your doc is correct: more is not always better. For TRT.
No comment on HCG.
I can only say that going solo out of gate is a path riddled with pitfalls. The first being: more is better mentality and routine labs. Sure, you can order your own but can you correctly interpret results?
32inch waist, 6ft height - long arms and legs and wide hip bones
So I should focus on losing weight and don’t bother with the liver supplements that people on orals would consider
Regarding the labs, I would be happy to pay a doctor on a consulting basis to help interpret them
I did some biomed classes so have a basic understanding of results but wouldn’t see the nuances that an endocrinologist would I suppose > sounds like at least starting with a TRT doc is your go to advice
When you suggest that the more is better attitude isn’t right what do you mean - that people often ramp up the dose at the detriment of health?
That’s it. Casually comb through these forums and you’ll most commonly see, “Hey yall! Just started TRT at 250 mg weekly. Looking to add some extra tren”.
What’s your weight? I look at liver ultrasounds almost daily and lean, fit people don’t get diagnosed with fatty liver routinely. Unless they are drinking a shit ton of sugar (or alcohol).
I’d focus on reducing visceral fat. Fatty liver is no joke long term regardless the cause. I’ve had 35 y/o patients already progressing to cirrhosis and they don’t drink. Granted, these folks are obese and have been for years. Still…its one of the most modifiable risk factors.
If you start TRT with…whomever, go low and slow. It’s about health. And that extra belly fat will just be helping aromatize test into estrogen.
