Am I a candidate for TRT?

[aspalmat48]

I would appreciate some feedback on whether or not you think I would be a good candid for TRT.

Background: 54 yrs old, 5'6", currently 146 #'s
Fitness Goal: Add 4 - 5 lbs of muscle mass

Lab Results:
Tests done at Quest Diagnostics
Total Testosterone: 495 ng/dL, Range: 300 - 1,000
Free Testosterone: 55 pg/ml, Range: 35 - 155
Estradiol: 23 pg/ml, Range: Below 39
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin: 57 nmol/L, Range: 10-50
Luteinizing Hormone: 1.5 mIU/ML, Range: 1.5 - 9.3
Follicle Stimulating Hormone: 5.1 mIU/mL, Range: 1.4-12.8
DHEA Sulfate:64 mcg/dL, Range: 32-279

A little more background. I do significant cycling during the spring/summer/fall, with some lifting for muscle maintenance. Then focus on lifting during the winter with light cycling for cardio maintenance.

My test levels are within range, but on the low end, and my free test is at approx 1% of total test, which lower than optimal from what I read.

What I have noticed in the last year.

1. I just don't seem to recover like I used to.
2. I just have a general sense of tiredness and fatique, even when I sleep well.
3. I sleep generally well, but spend more time awake then I used to.
4. I'm making some progress building muscle, but it is slow going.

I have attached a picture to show my current physique. In full disclosure, this was after a work out, so there was some "pump" working. Regardless, I'm far from looking big and muscular.

Thanks for taking the time to take a look.

 

[CJ]

It's VERY highly unlikely that you'll qualify for TRT, unless you find a shady Dr.

 

[snake]

Per a Drs. requirements these days, No way. Your TT is what they look at and you're mid range. It's not like it was 15 years ago, most GPs won't even script you if you had a TT of a woman, they may push you off to Endocrinologist that will tell you you're fine.

Beyond that I can say this; there's a reason a cyclists doesn't look like a natural bodybuilder and a natural bodybuilder doesn't look like a cyclist. Your body can not serve two masters for any length of time. Pick the one you enjoy and make the other less important. You may be able to be good at both but at the cost of being great at one.

 

[aspalmat48]

It's VERY highly unlikely that you'll qualify for TRT, unless you find a shady Dr.

Thanks for the feedback. Not looking for a shady doctor, nor do I want to do something that is not in my long term best interest.

 

[aspalmat48]

Per a Drs. requirements these days, No way. Your TT is what they look at and you're mid range. It's not like it was 15 years ago, most GPs won't even script you if you had a TT of a woman, they may push you off to Endocrinologist that will tell you you're fine.

Beyond that I can say this; there's a reason a cyclists doesn't look like a natural bodybuilder and a natural bodybuilder doesn't look like a cyclist. Your body can not serve two masters for any length of time. Pick the one you enjoy and make the other less important. You may be able to be good at both but at the cost of being great at one.

Understood on the serving two masters. It's likely I'll never give up cycling, too many good friends and guys I ride with.

Thanks for your input, appreciate it.

 

[Thrawn]

Look good for 54. I'm not a doctor and if I were My license would probably get revoked. In my opinion anybody 45yr and above with less than 600 test should inquire about it.
First is there a possibility you are experiencing depression? Depression and low t signs and symptoms are similar.
In my experience your best bet would be your GP with those numbers. I would plant the seed and mention your signs and symptoms.
I would also consider networking with some of the cyclists to see if they're on TRT along with their experience with prescribing doctor. The average GP would probably not check LH and FSH so there is a possibility to manipulate your numbers
Another thing to consider would be do trt doses on your own and see how you feel.

 

[aspalmat48]

Look good for 54. I'm not a doctor and if I were My license would probably get revoked. In my opinion anybody 45yr and above with less than 600 test should inquire about it.
First is there a possibility you are experiencing depression? Depression and low t signs and symptoms are similar.
In my experience your best bet would be your GP with those numbers. I would plant the seed and mention your signs and symptoms.
I would also consider networking with some of the cyclists to see if they're on TRT along with their experience with prescribing doctor. The average GP would probably not check LH and FSH so there is a possibility to manipulate your numbers
Another thing to consider would be do trt doses on your own and see how you feel.

Thanks.

I never considered depression. My knee jerk is no, but, I'll have to think about it.

I do have an appointment with my primary care doctor in a couple of weeks. I guess we'll see what he says and take it from there.

I'm no more active than in the last couple of years, and I just can't shake the tired/fatigued feeling. Slept fairly well last night, my Garmin watch says approx.7 1/2 hours of sleep. And based on when I went to bed and how often I was awake, that seems about right. Got up, lifted, showered and got to work(working at home). And I'm just tired and unmotivated.

Need to try to figure this out .....

 

[Thrawn]

Bare with me, Im going to search the hay. Do you sleep with another human in bed? Have you been told you snore or hold breath? Deveated sputum, sinus, nasal polyps, or allergys, or have had an allergy test?
Have you cycled recently in a new place? Did you catch COVID? If so how long ago?
Work from home, how often do you have live social interaction

 

[aspalmat48]

Bare with me, Im going to search the hay. Do you sleep with another human in bed? Have you been told you snore or hold breath? Deveated sputum, sinus, nasal polyps, or allergys, or have had an allergy test?
Have you cycled recently in a new place? Did you catch COVID? If so how long ago?
Work from home, how often do you have live social interaction

Thrawn,

I do not sleep with anyone, I have the bed to myself. Yep, wife says I snore. I have some seasonal allergies, the fall ragweed season being the worst. No allergy test. No nightly Pulse Ox readings are generally 95% or higher.

Been cycling withing an hour of my house recently, or on the indoor trainer. It's cold and snowy where I live, so fat bikes are what we have been riding.

Yes, to Covid, but it has it's been at least 8 months or so. Went through the entire summer cycling season, and it didn't seem to be a problem.

I work at home 2 days a week, in the office 3 days a week. I see the "boys" for group rides a couple times a week, but usually only once in the winter. My adult kids come for Sunday diner every week. I'm married, so I'm with my wife daily.

Honestly, I think I just need some time off. Looking at my training calendar, the last time I took 2 consecutive days off with out a ride, walk, or lifting session was August. And I think that was because I had a cold and didn't feel good.

I do believe I have an addictive personality, and exercise is my thing. Very hard to take days off. But, I think I'm due for some time off. I may(if I can do it), take a few days off and see how I feel.

 

[Thrawn]

So I was branching out in a bunch of different directions with my questions since quite a few things can mimic low T symptoms. Only other question would be test your TSH T, t4 and antibody exposure.
Snoring does not equal sleep apnea but most people who have apnea snore. Your BMI it's not a risk factor but other factors lead to apnea as well and that could definitely mimic sleep issues, recovery, lethargy. If you snore and have allergies it is definitely worth doing a sleep study. You just put something in your hand and finger at night Mail it back the next day. Probably would not hurt to see an allergist there may be something you're coming in contact with. Have ENT check out your sinus cavity a lot of ENT and allergists, and sleep docs are the same office. That would be my next step since you're test levels pretty good for your age.

 

[Disciple of God]

I don't think a regular doctor through your health insurance would prescribe you TRT, you have good test levels for your age.

 

[white ape]

I think Thrawn is on the right path. I don’t see a doc putting you on TRT. Get a sleep study, review your nutrition, check vitamin D levels, etc

 

[GreatGunz]

Look into T nation if you want to do trt…….
I have friends that use them very easy

 

[GreatGunz]

Also how much do you eat?

 

[Jonjon]

I may get roasted for this, but at 54, why settle for low end of what sick people consider normal?

Test is a great thing and my only regret was waiting so long

I had a well known urologist prescribe me, and encourage me to get on test with 480 total t at 36 years old. It was a great decision

Takes time and patience to get dialed in. You’re a great candidate. You’re not a slob so you will have very low chance of sides

 

[white ape]

I may get roasted for this, but at 54, why settle for low end of what sick people consider normal?

Test is a great thing and my only regret was waiting so long

I had a well known urologist prescribe me, and encourage me to get on test with 480 total t at 36 years old. It was a great decision

Takes time and patience to get dialed in. You’re a great candidate. You’re not a slob so you will have very low chance of sides

Not sure why anyone would roast you for those comments. My thoughts on it would be much more roastable. TRT has been touted as this magical cure all and I don’t think that’s true.

There’s most likely things OP could adjust in his daily life to feel better and not have to deal with TRT. TRT is a hassle and personally I don’t feel a difference (except higher BP) whether I’m at 300 or 1200 so I think there are other factors that are just as or more important than test levels.

I would urge OP to explore all possibilities in his quest for a better life. Not only test levels. But hell, at the end of it all it may be just a low test issue. Won’t know until he explores the possibilities.