4 Best Supplements for TRT Users
Using testosterone replacement therapy? While it's generally safe, it does mildly increase the risks of certain health problems. Here's how to combat them.
Steroid users have more in common than big muscles. Health-wise, they all risk high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, heart attacks, strokes, liver and kidney damage, and more. Users of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) usually don't have to worry much about these things, or at least not worry any more than non-TRT users.
Having low testosterone is unhealthy: muscle loss, fat gain, depression, fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, etc. But having high-normal testosterone carries its own set of potential risks. These risks aren't exceedingly high, but you do need to tread carefully. If you're a TRT+ guy ā someone who takes his prescribed dose plus a little extra ā things get dodgier.
Here are the complementary supplements to help manage the risks:
1. Resveratrol
Some of that testosterone you're injecting can get converted into estrogen via aromatization. High estrogen levels lead to water retention, gyno, female body fat distribution, prostate problems, erection issues, low libido, elevated blood pressure, and mood swings, among other things.
Studies show that resveratrol acts as a potent aromatase inhibitor, reducing the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. This can help keep estrogen levels in check when using TRT.
What to Take: Take 600 g of active pure trans-resveratrol daily. This is the type and amount required for an effective dose. Rez-V High Absorption Resveratrol (Buy at Amazon) contains this amount delivered in a formula that increases bioavailability.
2. Zinc
Zinc also inhibits aromatase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. It does this by downregulating the CYP19A1 gene that encodes aromatase, and via other mechanisms.
Also, for men already prone to acne, increased testosterone levels can stimulate sebum (oil) production. Zinc regulates the activity of sebaceous glands, reducing sebum production.
What to Take: Take 30 mg of chelated zinc daily to ensure absorption. Elitepro Vital Minerals (Buy at Amazon) contains this amount along with other minerals that most people are deficient in.
3. Fish Oil
TRT may stimulate red blood cell production, which can thicken the blood (elevated hematocrit) and increase blood pressure, raising the risk of cardiovascular troubles.
The omega-3s in fish oil have mild blood-thinning effects, reducing the risk of clots associated with elevated hematocrit. Fish oil, if you take enough, also improves overall lipid profiles and reduces vascular inflammation, lowering risks of heart attacks and atherosclerosis.
Omega-3s also support the liver's ability to metabolize and detoxify excess estrogen, promoting a healthy testosterone-to-estrogen ratio. And fish oil's anti-inflammatory effects support prostate health. As a bonus, fish oil also helps control acne and keeps your mood stable, just in case your T levels fluctuate too quickly.
What to Take: Take 4200 mg of high-DHA fish oil daily. Use a formula containing caprylocaproyl polyoxyl-8 glyceride (Labrasol), a delivery technology borrowed from the pharmaceutical industry to increase absorption and utilization. Flameout DHA-Rich Fish Oil (Buy at Amazon) contains this amount of Labrasol-enhanced fish oil per three-softgel serving.
4. Curcumin
Curcumin's ability to reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, modulate estrogen, and improve recovery makes it highly effective for men on TRT. Regular use can enhance the positive effects of TRT while mitigating potential side effects:
- Curcumin has aromatase-inhibiting properties, which reduce the conversion of testosterone into estrogen.
- Curcumin binds to ferric acid in the digestive system, reducing hemoglobin levels.
- Curcumin neutralizes free radicals, protecting blood vessels and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
- Curcumin enhances nitric oxide (NO) production, promoting healthy blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
- Curcumin lowers LDL cholesterol, counteracting potential side effects of TRT.
- Curcumin reduces prostate tissue inflammation and may inhibit the growth of prostate cells, protecting against BPH.
What to Take: Take 400 mg daily using a formula containing solid lipid curcumin particles. This form produces 95 times more free curcumin in the bloodstream than standard curcumin with piperine. Biotest Micellar Curcumin (Buy at Amazon) contains this form in the proper dosage.
