Would you recommend TRT for someone specifically for the purpose of avoiding age-related testosterone decline?
Is there some reading (not too heavy - I've tried digesting a few of the studies and I end up spending more time googling for meaning) to educate myself on the matter?
No. Unwarranted TRT can cause hypogonadism through Leydig cell atrophy. You'll lose your GnRH pulse, your LH pulse and your FSH will drop to zero (no fertility.) You'll also lose the natural pulsatile rhythm of testosterone release (no more high in morning/low at night.)
He's not suggesting its unwarranted...he's suggesting that it's low T secondary to age. This will always depend on the combination of lab levels and symptoms. GnRH, LH and FSH do not drop completely to zero, as evidenced by the fact that androgen use does not cause 100% of patients to become infertile (so, FSH a is obviously NOT zero in these folks).
If the numbers suggest a benefit, and you don't have fertility concerns (don't want any more kids), then restoring testosterone levels may actually have health benefits... Improving body habitus and disease risk (prostate, metabolic, cardiovascular, etc.)
He's asking about use for the purpose of "avoiding" T decline, not to replace a decline that already occurred. He didn't say that he has low testosterone.
I take "avoiding age related decline" as meaning "TRT"... OP is this what you mean? Or do you mean starting TRT before T declines (which means treating a condition that doesn't yet and may never exist)?
Indeed, I take it as said decline is in place.Originally Posted by Ari
Regardless, you have still over-stated the effects of replacement level androgens on the HPTA. Otherwise, we'd be touting "birth control" as another benefit of TRT...while many become infertile, many do not...
You don't take TRT to avoid testosterone decline, doing so will create low testosterone decline, and TRT for life. Many men do very well with lower than normal testosterone, and live happy lives.
They live long and happy lives if their testosterone (functionally and medically speaking) is normal. I haven't met too many patients who have a great quality of life below normal ranges of testosterone (since "normal" is often defined as 300-1000)...
Again, a lot of bad advice above.
Many people don't realize, especially men, that showing the old age is in a direct correlation with the low testosterone levels. So yes, if your blood work shows decreased levels o testosterone, you can talk with your physician about starting a TRT program. As long as you keep under control your cholesterol levels, you should be fine. But it's essential to do this with the help of an endocrinologist, mainly because you can't find out on your own how much testosterone do you actually need.
I am curious, what are side-effects?
As in a lot of cases a doctor would be the first place to go and then a specialist to determine if you do have low testosterone and then take the advice they give in regards with what to take.
If you try what they say and it doesn't appear to be having the desired effect then I'm sure there will be other ways to try later on.
I have been on TRT for 3 years now. Best thing I have done. Tried the solutions, rubs etc. Only injections work the best. I have done it all via my Doctor & all I purchase is lidgit from my Chemist. I do "Sustanon 250" injection of 250mg every 3 weeks, Finasteride, 1/4 tab, 3 x per week & Arimidex, 5mg tab, 1 x per week. I get my blood work done every 3-4 months. I have been told I have Hypogonadism (my balls don't work anymore). I could go on in life with out it but the benifits of being on it are great. No cold or flu in 3 years, dont get sick, sleep well, wake up great, muscle mass is best it has been at 43 years of age, my head is very clear & all is good. On the testo scale of 300 to 1000, I was at 174. Under empty! Glad I found the cause of my constant illness & neverending sickness.
Reply With Quote