Curious how drastic the benefits really are? My goal to optimize, not just settle for 650 test, there is plenty of evidence suggesting that top of the normal should be the goal
what to expect, how drastic are the effects actually going to be and when? I’m leaving on vacation tomorrow for 2 weeks, not sure if I should start today or leave it until I get back – is there any initial adjustment period with negative sides?
hair loss – if I am going to lose hair, when will it start happening? My wedding is this summer
is the hCG under dosed? Also, I’ve seen mixed things on if hCG actually makes the overall experience better
You’d be OK running around at 488 at 29 with free T at the low end of the range?
My urologist had a great quote. “You didn’t come here because of numbers: you came here because of symptoms”
So per your question, if given the choice between NOT having to be reliant on medication for the rest of my life vs having better numbers, yeah, I’d pick the first one. But if symptoms were worse, I’d put in more consideration.
I noticed you didn’t answer the question I did about a medical professional. I get the impression this isn’t TRT, but, instead, low dose steroids.
I’ve gotta script from my MD who started me at 160mg split into 2 does/week, with the hCG to maintain fertility with repeat bloods in 12 weeks targeting 900
I think seeing such a decline and not feeling my best warrants at least consideration, but that’s just me, I’ve pondered this since 2023 on and off again
100%. That’s what we’re doing right now: considering.
In turn, I’m laying out the cons here: having to become reliant on a medication for the rest of your life. You’re only 29. That’s a LOT of life left.
I am so thankful this medication is available. It was literally life saving for me. But I also wish I never needed it in the first place. When I started taking it, my testosterone was double digits. And not even high double digits. Today, 400s feels absolutely incredible. Which is why I say to consider symptoms rather than numbers.
I agree about the medication for life and that’s been the primary hold up, however, I am starting to accept some things can really enhance life and maybe it doesn’t make sense to resist them
I want to feel my best and feel optimal; not just acceptable
I am not sure how many more times I can say “symptoms, not numbers”.
What I go for is no longer feeling like a robot, being unable to emotionally connect with my own family, not tearing a new muscle every 2 months, having the food I eat actually move through my guts, and not being so exhausted that, when I got home from work and see the trash cans at the end of my driveway, I have to psyche myself up to wheel them back to the house.
When I feel that way, and then go get my labs drawn and it says “450”, I think “great”.
I do not feel that what you are looking for is TRT. I believe what you are wanting is steroids.
Right, but do you try to get to 800+? Maybe you feel even better there? That’s what I’m asking. If 450 is optimal for you that’s great.
I know that 480 is not optimal for me
My goal is be at my best and know that at 800+ I felt like a different person, I would like to be that or better without going to some extremes where sides quickly start to compete benefits. I have no intention of adding anything beyond hCG, no plans to cycle on and off, and want to take the least amount to get the desired result. If that’s steroid usage vs TRT, that’s fine, I have no problem calling it what it is.
Right, but do you try to get to 800+? Maybe you feel even better there? That’s what I’m asking.
And it’s what I keep answering.
If that’s steroid usage vs TRT,
It is. That is what I am meaning to communicate. Your question was “what to expect on TRT”, and the answer is: not the outcome you are seeking. TRT is a treatment for hypogonadism. It’s intent is to return someone from hypogonadal numbers back to normal. The function is to make someone normal again. Because, when you’re sick, normal feels awesome. That’s how medication, in general, is supposed to function.
TRT addresses a hormonal disorder, similar to how insulin is given to diabetics because of a hormonal disorder. Insulin isn’t give to diabetics so that they can intake MORE carbs in order to build larger amounts of muscle, like how bodybuilders abuse it.
To achieve the outcomes you are looking for, it would be something beyond TRT.
What was your test number when you were 18? 22? 25? The thing is and it’s what @T3hPwnisher is driving at, you should only seek help if you have symptoms. Even then, it doesn’t mean you necessarily need to go on drugs. Most guys don’t get their test checked when they’re 18 and feel awesome. You don’t really know what optimal is unless you’ve been getting this bloodwork done a long time. For all you know you’ve been 480 your whole adult life.
The first time I got checked was at 37. I was tired, emotional and started having some ED. Total 343, free 11. Since then I’ve made some changes, sleep was a big one. Recently tested everything again at 39, total 457, free 12. I feel better, but still have times where I feel like absolute shit. For me at the moment the consequences still outweigh the benefits. I’ll take the shit days, and tougher time in the gym over being dependent on meds for the rest of my life. Talk to me in 5 or 10 years and it could be different circumstances. The pendulum may swing and I might need TRT. Just don’t take this decision lightly at 29 years old.
Or if you’re just looking to do a cycle, that’s a completely different conversation.