Hey guys 35 years old looking to get in best shape I can at 35 my T-levels are:
Free test 447.8pm op/L
Testosterone (abbot) 20.2 (not sure what this one means)
SHGB 31.5nmol/L
Main goal add some some muscle and prob drop around 5 percent body fat, just wondering at what stage or level it’s worth trying trt.
You can increase testosterone by eating healthily and working out. The 20.2 is mostly likely nmol/L which converts to 583 ng/dL and this is healthy.
You don’t need TRT.
Apologies, yes nmol/l
Not 100% familiar with those measurement units but I think you’re fine, no need for TRT
You can’t make an assessment based on Total Testosterone, it’s a meaningless measurement when it comes to symptoms of low T.
I’ve never seen that unit for Free T either, but with your TT and SHBG where they are, I would guess your Free T is below average but not completely shot, maybe around the 35-40th percentile.
You don’t describe any symptoms of low T (fatigue, bitch behavior, low sex drive, etc…), so it’s hard to say whether your T levels are worth optimizing given the hassle that TRT ends up being for a lot of men.
If we’re just talking muscle building ability, shooting your Free T to the top of the range will absolutely make a very significant difference, provided you know what you’re doing in the gym. And even if you don’t, honestly.
Thanks man.
I don’t have hugely noticeable symptoms… a tiny bit of gyno, bit of an aggression/competitive drop. And abit of excess body fat, but could be lifestyle related (sleep etc).
My training knowledge is pretty good, I think. And generally knows what my body responds to nutrition wise. But to be honest my test knowledge is really low. And t-nation is usually my go to source of info.
I’d really like to make this one of the best years physique wise and just wondering where the point that trt would really make a
Difference…. If this all makes sense?
Gyno is genetic and is an imbalance of DHT, testosterone, estrogen and prolactin.
You’ll know, erectile quality, libido and energy will be to the point where everyday life is difficult.
Thanks!
Amy guidance to get rid of gyno?
Ideally you would have both glands removed, or Tamoxifen which can partially or fully resolved your gyno flare up.
It all depends on how you define need. TRT is an option or elective, maybe even a lifestyle choice. Most considering testosterone are looking to increase energy levels, improve libido and sexual function, lose fat, gain muscle and strength. Most that take testosterone have levels that are within “normal” ranges.
I’m pretty keen to give it a crack. Now must fully immerse in the research!
Yea but should they? I bet of the “most” you refer to less than half need it.
Don’t be. Chemically controlling your hormones when you don’t need to is unwise.
I do not know. I suppose it would be determined by whomever decides what need is.
I’ll give you an example of my personal experience. I know (3) guys personally well that are on TRT. Have known them a long time before they started. The first is a trainer friend of mine but he’s 60. He’s on it for anti aging / muscle gain with baseline T in range - need… no. Second guy is a gym buddy of mine that is 56 and also on it for anti again / muscle gain with baseline T in range - need… no. Third guy I know is only 40 and he’s on it to gain muscle with a baseline T well within range - need… no. I ‘know’ many others but don’t have a good enough background with them to make a judgement call. I just feel this is the case with most.
I understand. You are deciding what they need. Testosterone is an option and utilization is based on the individual’s desires, goals, and, if you will, needs. I don’t know, but maybe you’re coming from a position of since they do not have an illness, they don’t need it. I would agree that most do not have an illness.
Your friends have their reasons for taking testosterone, and presumably they are happy with their decision, even though you do not approve of it.
There are times when I will make the effort to talk someone out of TRT. It usually does not work.
I’m trying not to… but yet it is my opinion. The older guys, its an elective. Not sure it should be, but it is. The younger guy isn’t even seeing the benefits. Why? Because his levels were well within normal before. He saw my results going from low T to upper range and thought ‘wow, i want that’. I tried to convince him not too… but as you said…
Ditto.
The two older guys are, the younger guy thought it was like legal steroids. He didn’t change a bit despite his labs shown a marked increase in TT/FT.
Like others have said I think TRT can either allow someone with hypogonadism to better enjoy their lives but it can also be a lifestyle. There’s not a right and wrong answer it’s personal choice.
Issue is, if you have good natural levels you won’t see the same positive relief and contrast between before and after as someone who is truly suffering with low T prior to treatment.
I speculate that many the men that complain of lack of libido and erections are the same men who have had the luxury of having decent levels and experiencing full sexual function naturally thus they have something to compare their current selves with.
A man who was on dire straits will see a far bigger relative benefit and probably less likely to be unsatisfied with treatment.
At the end of the day, if your balls and brain are working in harmony there’s not a chance you’re going to come close to simulating that incredibly intricate real-time feedback system by injecting a couple time per week and testing your blooda couple of times per year. The benefits will be limited and motivation would have to be quite specific I.e for muscle growth.