For my 50th birthday I got on TRT and started training BJJ. Hahahaha best gift I ever gave myself. At 50 I realized that the majority of days are behind me and not ahead. The reality is that I only have so many more trips around the sun. I can live the rest of those days depressed and feeling like crap or I can optimize them as best I can and squeeze out the best of my potential I can for the remaining years I have.
Born premature - undescended fixed at age 19, sterile (it is what is it) - hypogonadism set in in late 30's unrealized until age 59 - depression, weight gain, anxiety, arthritis, etc... started TRT gel and went from almost zero T (2.6 ng/dl) to 820 ng/dl. Anxiety, depression and arthritis subsided, and weight gain issues = gone with KETO, fasting and weight lifting. It's like the clock was rolled back 20+ years, you don't realize how bad you felt until you don't feel that way any longer.
I thought my drop in energy and motivation was just part of daily life. But then I found out how much testosterone plays a key role in these things, and it made me wonder how I could support my body naturally. I came across a book called You Are Stronger Than You Think by Borlest, which doesn’t just offer theory, but real, practical tips for boosting testosterone naturally. This book opened my eyes and made me look at my health from a new perspective
Being fat and sedentary is bad for your heart too. Quality of life also has to be balanced with quantity. I’d rather live to 75 in a healthy strong body than 80 as a husk of a man.
Similar situation here. Found out I had extremely low T at 47 now almost 50 and look and feel better than I did ten years ago. Wish I would have had my T tested a long time ago and had more energy for my kids after barely making it through my work days. It's crazy to me that doctors don't test T on yearly physicals, or at least every five years.
@@Goon94 I am advising my sons to start testing at 20 to keep an eye on it. I started having symptoms of low T at 45, but they would test and say "you're over 700. you're fine." I wish I knew where I was when I was from 25-40, because I always felt great. I ended up going to a clinic that does the subdermal pellets. I started feeling like myself again when I started maintaining mid 900s. Beard fullness came back, I can sleep again, energy is high, libido is back to normal, lost that chub on my lower belly that had been hanging on for 2 years, clearer head, and I recover better.
TRT was a miracle for me. My mood, energy, sleep, sexual function, and drive to be productive skyrocketed. My migraine headaches also virtually disappeared. I'm doing things I never had the desire to do before, if only I knew I would have started a long time ago. If there are any risks, it's well worth it for me.
I at 36 years old was diagnosed with testosterone level of 103ng (3.9 in UK scale). I thought i was dying of some cancer as I felt drained all the time, depression, anxiety, hot flushes, serious weight gain around waist, wanted to sleep non stop, brain fog, ED, zero sex drive and on and on. I've been on TRT now for 5 years and I can't imagine living like that ever again.
@ I haven’t had any issues from my prescribed TRT. Blood count is fine, blood work is always good and yeah it’s been ok for me over the past five years.
@@Tirelesswarrior I was in the same boat around 41. 230 was my count and ive been on it for a few years now and levels are around 8-900. BBBig difference in everything from energy, healing time, muscle mass, less sleep needed, etc. Its not super cheap, but after approx 3 years of use i havnt seen one side effect. hope this helps.
RBC will definitely raise, along with hematocrit and hemoglobin. Donating blood regularly will help lower it, but then you take the chance on crashing you ferritin levels (iron). I do a blood dump every 35 days at my clinic, 8 tubes of blood. For the most part, this helps. However my last bloodwork, my RBC was mid 6s, and my hematocrit was 57. Granted your hematocrit is only a snap shot, and hydration plays a big factor. If your dehydrated, it will be higher. That being said, i will do an actual donation this month to help lower it more. These are things clinics and drs dont really tell you about, when first starting. Gels arent very good, if shots arent for you, get the scrotum cream. Im currently on 180mg a week scrotum cream, and my free test was 30.9 last bloodwork. When i first started trt, my free T was 8. Does trt fix ED, NO! ED has a separate underlying issue, which most of the time is due to bloodflow (not always though). Does TRT increase your libido.... it can, depending on your balance. Raising your test, also raises your estradiol. They go hand in hand, so you have to find the right dose for you, everyone is different, but they need to be aligned. Will TRT help with lifting and recovery, 100%. My recoveries are just as quick.... if not quicker than my early 20s, Im 40 now. Can it raise your blood pressure, YES. Cardio and hydration help significantly, along with your diet. If your on test, clean up your, maximize your benefits. Even without trt, clean it up and feel better. For me personally trt has helped calm me down. I dont worry or get as irritated anymore. It improved my sleep. I used to wake up all through the night. I still occasionally wake up, but nothing like before. Libido is hit and miss. Some months, i cant leave my wife alone, others i couldnt care less, as long as i got it once a week. Im leaner, and more vascular than i ever have been. I never had veins before. Now i have them on my arms, legs, and chest. Prostate levels, PSA, mine have remained the exact same for 2 years, while on test. No issues with prostate. I do take saw palmetto every night, which helps your prostate stay healthy. My only complaint, i hate worrying about my RBC levels, and trying to manage it. (Ive had 4 sleep apnea test, 2 at home, 2 in lab, all negative). Donating and blood dumps get old after a while. Plus its only a temporary fix, typically it will be back elavated within 4-6 weeks. I injected for a year and a half, 3 times a week, and built up a lot of scar tissue in my love handles, and stomach. To the point it hurt to inject (27ga half inch needles.... very small). I used legs, and delts as well, all Sub Q. Thats why i switched to the cream. Downside of the cream, I do 2 clicks in the morning, 1 click in the evening, 7 days a week. Sometimes u forget, get busy, or spend the night out, and miss a dose. No biggie, just skip it and start fresh at your next dose. Trt isnt for everyone, but is worth giving a try if you need it. You CAN definitely come back off it, its not forbidden, and your body will adust back. If your worried about being fertile, take HCG and the same time. It will keep your testicles firing like normal. If you dont plan on having kids, or dont care about shutting down natural production in your balls, no need to spend the extra money. Hope this helps someone trying to decide.
I'm considering TRT and you hit the concerns I have, so thank you. Increasing RBC and Blood Pressure are major concerns for me. I can't handle donating blood every 1-2 months. I'm going to try hCG monotherapy to help with libido and hopefully, a test boost.
You donate every 35 days?! Is that by choice or is your hematocrit actually too high? Ive been on TRT for about 3.5 years and Ive only needed to donate once. I get blood work every 3 months so I know what my levels are.
Throw the 27 ga harpoon in the garbage and use insulin. Needles subq. Studies show it's just as effective if not more than IM injections. I use a 30 ga 8 mm needle. Inject 3x per week with zero pain or scarring
So happy you publish this information. My own doctor doesnt cover everything you do. Only wish I had found this video 2 years ago. Please keep up the great work and important topics.
Regarding prostate cancer, one thing is clear, most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer have low T. Regarding benefits of supplementation, massive benefit for me. I compressed my fifth lumbar at age 25 and have been a chronic back pain sufferer for more than 25 years which is now 98% vanished for the post ten years I've been treating low T. Huge benefit in natural muscle tone which I'm certain is helping to support my spinal column. Great Video! Now subscribed.
I blew out a disk in my back at age 24, I could barely function for about 5 years. Eventually I was able to manage my pain but I’m still very limited. It ended my gym career, I was very strong and muscular and I haven’t been in 10 years. My test back then was tested at 350, I thought it was low for a 24 year old so I chalked it up to the injury. I recently had it taken again at age 35 and it’s 300 now and I’m a good 100lbs overweight. I’ve been seriously considering taking it and after reading it helped your back, it piqued my interest.
I’m 45 and have noticed a massive difference In everything as I am currently natty. Have been holding off as long as possible, but am inching closer towards it.
If you're over 45 you SHOULD be on TRT. It's actually good for you. I go way way over TRT dosage but even then my bloodwork is better. That's not the case when I throw in some other "goodies" lol
@@jnolette1030 NOBODY should be on TRT unless they have low T levels....................you are on steroids............BTW there is NO WAY your hemo and hemat are normal unless you are donating blood
53 years old. I’ve been on TRT FOR 9 months. Starting working out regularly (before I had no energy). I’ve lost 50 lbs, feel great, sleep well, down 6 pant sizes in the waist, and have the sex drive that I did while in my 20s. I feel better now than I have since my mid 20s. I would highly suggest anyone over 50 to have their Test checked. It’s a game changer!
A book that changed my life in ways that I never could imagine is "Secret Testosterone Nexus of Evolution".Drop whatever you're doing right now and go find that book. Trust me after I implemented things from the book my testosterone levels went beast mode
125mg a week for 6 years, my provider does blood work every 4 months. Had every symptom and PTSD. Total life changer!! My mental health has improved so much, 52 years, and in the best shape of my life. I was 191 when I was first tested and now my numbers stay between 900-1050, Do your cardio people! I’ve seen the comments, but let me be clear, being overweight, obese, and possibly diabetic poses a much greater risk to your heart than being on TRT. Take care of your body and mind, it’s the only one you’ve got!
If you're in the best shape of your life at 52 then you're either taking higher than TRT doses or you were doing something very wrong in your 20s and 30s
@@MrRecica I’ve been in shape for most of my life, having retired from the Army in 2010. My 20s were good but filled with deployments to stressful environments, not including my time in Iraq and Afghanistan. The cracks were already forming back then. I discovered that prolonged stress from those situations likely led to elevated cortisol levels, which can harm testosterone and overall health. Now, at 52, I can confidently say I’m in the best shape of my life, both physically and mentally. I don’t take more than what my doctor prescribes for TRT, but having balanced testosterone levels has given me the motivation to exercise regularly and eat right. It’s not just about the medication; it’s about using that foundation to build a healthier lifestyle and prioritize long-term well-being.
@@MoJoActual everything you said is reasonable but in no way refutes what I said. If you're in your best shape ever, then you were inhibited from reaching your peak shape in 20s/30s, possibly from army and/or whatever dosage your doctor has you on is supra physiologic levels and therefore exceeding your natural prime. Hence why no pro athletes hit their prime at 52.
@@MrRecicaOkay, I never said I feel like I’m in my 20s, and I’ve never been a pro athlete. In my 20s and 30s, like many others, I made choices that probably held me back from reaching my full potential, especially if you include drinking alcohol during those years. It’s a fact that excessive alcohol can impact recovery, performance, and overall health, making it nearly impossible to truly hit your prime during that time. Looking back, I realize how much better things could have been with a focus on consistency, discipline, and taking care of my body. Only now, with the right mindset and habits, I feel like I’m maximizing my potential.
@@MoJoActual I'm genuinely happy to hear how good you're feeling at 52. I'm 42. Although I'm not quite in as good of shape as I was in my 20s, I'm very close and I'm happy with that. Thank you for your army service 🙏🏻
TRT has worked well for me. Nearly lost 2 years of my life to depression and lack of energy and low libido until it was identified that I dropped from about 670 to 270 in my testosterone measures. My family doctor was fine with it, but the recommended doctor didn't like TRT treatments. Immediately changed doctors and found one that works well with me. If you have a doctor giving your "pushback" on the treatments, just drop them and move on.
I got my test on November 8, 836ng of total testosterone. I was initially at 631. I raised it with 6mg of Boron 3 times a week combined with 400mg of magnesium, early sunlight at least 30 minutes before working, heavy lifting combined with calisthenics, and cardio run at least 20 minutes weekly or every two weeks. I am in my mid-30s. I hope my information helps.
@ really??? my dad is 67 years old and is 977ng what about him still in his prime years? He do exactly the same thing I wrote in here because he was the one that show me how to raise my testosterone. He used to be a nurse in the military.
@ahmadchehade5683 right now I'm on 150mg every 14 days. I was on 200mg every 14 days but needed to cut down due to age and other factors such as red blood cell count and BHP. Your dose will be dependent on your needs. Don't use the pellets or Nebito. Gel may work for you but it is a compromise.
@ahmadchehade5683 my doses have changed greatly over the years and was unexpected. I'm 55yrs old and just trying to have the energy , positivity and ability to make it through my week.
@mitchellferre1652 reason being is blood levels drop after 7 days and that's not good for the body. Obviously you would lower the dose. Talk to your doctor
I've been on TRT for two years. When I started the Dr. had me on 150mg per week and I experienced all the great benefits of TRT, but was also getting random chest pain on occasion and high blood pressure. We dropped my dose down to 120mg per week and those negative effects went away. The key is getting the correct dose FOR YOU. Everyone is different.
My low T was diagnosed at age 64. I had no co-morbidities, so my fatigue and brain fog, I just chalked up to age. It took about 3 months of TRT before I began to feel the benefits.
I don't think you touched on hCG, which is often given along with weekly testosterone (cypionate) injections. Higher levels of testosterone cause the body to shut down it's own natural production of testosterone (which can cause shrinking testicles) and also reduce the production of sperm. A small injection of hCG every week keeps the body producing it's own testosterone and it's production of sperm, so if you want to be a parent, you still can. TRT stands for Testosterone Replacement Therapy, but when you take hCG, it really is not a "replacement" of testosterone, but actually an "addition" of testosterone to you system. I have been taking testosterone injections and hCG injections for 6 years now, and it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. People equate increased testosterone to muscle mass and libido, but synthetic testosterone was invented by the Germans in the 1930's and they used it to treat depression. My brain fog and depression lifted immediately when I started taking testosterone, and the increased muscle mass, lower levels of body fat and increased libido are just side benefits to me. I am not a medical professional, so these are just my observations.
Thats great. How old are you? I am going to start cypionate 50mg twice a week. I was told to take clomid also as may want to start a family. 45yr old in new relationship. After a couplle of uears i think i will switch to HCG.
@@frsball I am 58 years old. Cypionate has a half life of 8 days, so it is a good choice. I have tried clomid, but find hCG to be better... just a thought. These days I only use clomid when I travel, because hCG must be refrigerated at all times, which is impossible during long trips for me. This testosterone treatment has been a life changer for me, so I am glad you are going forward with it!
Could you go over why the reference range is so large? Basic logic tells me that someone at 900 ng/dl would be in a different league than someone at 300 ng/dl and someone at 300 ng/dl would be in a similar boat to someone at 275 ng/dl but doctors don’t seem to act this way. Why? Also why do doctors sooner prescribe SSRI’s over TRT?
The reference range is large because there isn't much correlation between levels and symptoms above 300ng/dl. Most low t symptoms show up below 300. There are also other factors.
Im now 71. I was on TRT for 4 yrs until a yr ago my PSA started increasing and the doctors started going crazy. I stopped TRT, the PSA numbers dropped and the doctors were happy. I enjoyed the effects of TRT but had to balance the PSA.
@ my testostrone was 125 before i started. I used a salve from a compounding pharmacy but i dont know the formula. I took 2 doses at night on my shoulders. My PSA started in the 3 range a few years ago. I started TRT in 2018. 3 yrs ago my PSA started moving up steadily. A year ago it moved up to 5.45 and the docs freaked out. The urologist I was referred to strongly suggested i stop TRT. So i did. My PSA dropped back to 4.3 which made everyone happy. I have it checked quarterly now.
Why do doctors almost never talk about free testosterone? It’s free testosterone that really makes the difference. For example for me my total test was “within range” but had all the common symptoms in my 40’s. Ends up my free testosterone was very low in relation to total. Got on test and life changing
It’s not just hypogonadism anymore there is a low T epidemic in men in their 30s and even younger it’s the atrazine in our drinking water, super carb/sugar rich diets, BPA poisoning, micro plastics and pesticides and preservatives in our food. If you’re feeling low energy and depressed or anxious get your levels checked and if you need it get on a TRT regimen it is life changing
Am nearly 60. Have been doing TRT for about 5 years now. Self injection, 150 mg/every 3 weeks. I hover in the 450-550 range(started at nearly 0). Has helped so much, mainly in the energy area. Am so glad I chose to go down this treatment path. The injections suck, but it’s worth it.
Im 40 and began taking TRT injections. I got more muscular, stronger, slept better, had more energy and my sex drive was through the roof. However, after about 9 months of treatment, I began to have severe acne breakouts on my face, chest and back (yes I suffered with bad acne as a teen). It got so bad that it was painfully uncomfortable to lay on benches at the gym due to the acne on my back. Plus my sex drive also went away because I no longer felt physically attractive which also caused depression. The benefits were no longer worth the side effects for me. I needed my confidence back so I stopped. I've been off TRT now for 10 months. It took me 4 months to clear up the acne, but I now have post acne scarring. I've also gained some belly weight and lost a lot of the muscle mass I gained plus my sleep is back to being abnormal. But I am no longer ashamed or embarrassed for my wife to see me without a shirt not to mention im no longer embarrassed to go places now that my face has cleared up. Everyone will react different but this was my experience with TRT
I had cystic acne as a teenager very bad case and my back is scarred and chest as well. Been on trt for 4 years and lowered my dose to .5 not 1.0 weekly. My acne is minimal and controlled now. Get out in the sun also it cleared my back up almost completely. I guess lowering the dose has worked for me and I don't have severe acne anymore.
I was treated for PCa and since, my PSA has dropped to below 0. I was on Testosterone two years prior to the cancer treatment and never felt better. I am told by my docs that resuming Testosterone is not a problem. Now 72 I cannot wait to resume.
I was on TRT for 8 years until last June. My PSA had elevated to 7.4. I was taken off T, and now my PSA has dropped to 2.4, in the normal range. My T level is now in the 80s. Life is way different now than before. I have all the symptoms now of low T. 😢 I've thought about getting T from a source outside the VA and accept the risks. Better to die the man that I was rather than the one I've become!
I've been on TRT ever since the Traverse study came out. Prior to the Traverse study there was a physician at a cardiovascular institute that gave TRT a bad name due to his under populated studies and sick patient base in his studies..
@@usaman7358 I gained about 10 pounds. Attitude improvement, mental clarity improved, libido is better but not like teenage me thankfully, The key is to take as little as possible to achieve results. As mentioned, over doing it can thicken your blood and create an estrogen imbalance (where roid rage really comes from). For me thats .6cc to .8cc as week with.
At 11:05 you state you should discontinue TRT if you develop prostate cancer. However, in your recent interview about two weeks ago with Dr. Abe Morgentaler, at 13:30 he states testosterone was no more likely than a placebo to cause an existing prostate cancer to grow. Please help me understand this as I started TRT a year ago and my PSA went from 4 to 7 and my urologist is concerned.
This was the best thing I ever did....9 months in, gained 20lbs muscle, lost 2-3 lbs of fat. At 29% body fat from 35%. I started 4 months after major back surgery where I was sedentary for a while and gained 10 pounds pre TRT. I lift weights full body on average 1 to 2 times a week. I am 42, and I feel 30 again. Once I lose more weight who knows where I will be.
Got on TRT in my early 40’s with a T count of 166ng/dl. On a very carefully monitored regime of self administered shots and the difference is indescribable. Try it gents you have nothing to loose.
I was given a prescription by my doctor for 1% gel. I hate it! My blood pressure went up a lot, I have a constant headache, and bad acid reflux. Yeah, I guess I'll try this naturally, lol.
I didn’t respond in the ways I wanted on TRT pellets. My test went up to 870 but I gained weight and slept worse. My neck grew thicker, of all things giving me a bit of sleep apnea. Coming off the pellets was miserable. I have other issues now so I will stay off the TRT but forcibly eating less and taking creatine daily has given me the benefits I wanted from TRT which was lower recovery times and some fat loss.
At age 45 I asked to get my testosterone tested. It was 60! And the Dr was not concerned. I had to beg to get treatment. I did testosterone ointment treatment. It only went up to 75. I constantly feel like crap. Unfortunately all the specialist in this field are expensive.
When my red blood counts were elevated on TRT, I found donating blood was an effective way to lower them into mid normal levels. As a side, as an O- dude, I was offering the community a very helpful service.
It your Testosterone is low, it's definitely worth getting on TRT. I couldn't remember sh>t and had no energy prior to starting TRT. The cream is a joke, unless you're looking for a little bump in numbers.
TRT absolutely made a huge positive impact on my health and overall outlook. I’ll stand. By the statement that it saved my life. I saw myself going downhill as far as my health goes and general lack of sense of well being and positive outlook. It took a bit of experimentation with my doctor to get the correct dosage and frequency of dosage (I do the injections of Testosterone Cypionate) to get the most out of my therapy with the least negative effects like elevated red blood cell count, hematocrit levels etc. I get blood work done every 3 to 4 months and we have it down perfectly. I also have my PSA, HCG and AFP levels done. I also went from a dose every 2 weeks to a half dose every week to keep the peaks and valleys at a bare minimum. My T levels went from a dismal 150 to now a good steady 700 to 800 and it made me a new man. Get your levels checked! Fix it if it needs it. It can save your life and make you feel great!
From my exp with 4 years trt Control the conversion to DHT and estrogen 1. Anti estrogen 2. Finasteride If you have BPH get a biopsy and hopefully your Dr is medically progressive.
I’m 60. Been taking it for a few years now. I don’t have a set schedule or an amount but I usually take 200 - 300 every couple of weeks…. I can’t really tell a difference but with a larger shot then the interval between shots is longer. Some times 10 days sometimes 18, just depends how I feel. I’ve experimented with a very consistent schedule - no advantage for me. When I start feeling down then I take it and the next day I’m good again. Before I started taking it my T was 159 so I was really low and it was not a good feeling. If I ever have to stop taking it I’m going to be in trouble 😀 but I’ll burn that bridge when I get to it. I run 10 miles every other day, and go to the gym every other day and I push as hard as I can. 175 lbs @ 5’11” - I wouldn’t be able to do that without T.
When I was in my 20s, I had moderately low testosterone levels. I felt I did it the best way and that was by using a "bio-identical" cream applied to the front of my shoulders. This cream had to be made by a compounding pharmacy. Goes in slowly with no mood swings that may or may not occur using injections. The cream was a prescription. Haven't had any issues since.
I was about to under go a surgery and upon examination I was told to never take testosterone with my family history of prostate cancer. I discontinued my testosterone injections I was getting from my family doctor immediately . 20 years later I was diagnosed with prostate cancer stage one. I’m very thankful that I listened to my surgeon. Not worth the risk!
@ when a surgeon tells me to discontinue something because I have a family history of prostate cancer, I’m not going to question it. It turned out well for me.
@@miked8227 did it? You still developed prostate cancer. And knowledge progresses over time. Not saying you're wrong but you really don't have the data to definitively say.
A lot of guys don't have the energy or drive to do weight training and improve their diet before considering TRT because they have low T in the first place.
@@Jackpot12this is where I am. I’ve had low T for my age for years and need to lose 100lbs. I keep telling myself that I’ll lose the weight and then see what my test levels are to see if I still need it but I’ve been saying that for 5+ years. So that begs the question, would trt give me the spark I need to commit or should I keep down the same path until one day I reach my goal? It’s not like I haven’t had the motivation or willpower in the past, I used to go to the gym religiously for over a decade and had a lot of muscle and strength.
@@Del_Keba exactly my situation mate. I got fed up of saying I’ll start the diet Monday. I can’t afford to waste anymore years. I’ve just started TRT so hoping for that spark soon! All the best.
Had a healthy prostate 10 years ago, normal size 20cc, with 1.6 PSA. Had low T, went on TRT, prostate blew up to 94cc, now have 11.5 PSA. Waiting for biopsy results for prostate cancer.
I've been weight training since i was 18, and I'm now 49... consistently 4 to 5 times/week. I think i have very high testosterone, because I'm quite strong and energetic for my age, and i also have no issues with morning erections. Would there be any benefit in getting my levels tested and looking into TRT, or should I just wait until I feel that my levels are dropping? I wake up almost every morning with an erection and I don't want this to get worse 😅
So I’ve been on TRT for several months now. The biggest risk I had was getting high blood pressure because my body is producing a lot of red blood cells. I have to give blood regularly and I’ve gotten on a low dose BP med. Otherwise, my waste has gotten smaller, arms bigger and my pant size has gone down. I am leaner, but not significantly lighter. In general, I feel better and perform better.
Clomid is not for TRT. I do not know why doctors try this approach but it's an awful way to go about it. Find a decent mens clinic and get on legitimate HRT/TRT.
You describe low-T as below 300. Is this measurement of free-T or total-T? Have always heard optimal levels are around eight to nine hundred (total) so a bit confused.
It's total T. The 2 comments about free are correct. The only issue with free it is an estimation based on albumin and SHBG and total, sometimes free T can be off and tenda to be reported as higher than it actually is.
Thank you for this info Doc! I have been on TRT since I was 36 and I’m now 44. All my levels seem to be good so far but all this has been a concern for me.
As somebody who was on the to testosterone treatment gel patch I was having issues with my blood getting too thick and my doctor recommended me coming off the treatment no did it work, yes plus my health insurance to stop covering the treatment
Hello Dr. Malik. I recently saw a pod-cast you did with Dr. Abraham Morgenthaler where you and him stated that TRT was safe and beneficial to men. Stating the side effects and the possible consequences of TRT. However, these side effects and consequences you guys mentioned were not as serious as the ones you have described in this video. So, I am a bit confused as to what your stance is on TRT. Is it safe or is not ?
When i was in my teens, everytime i was with a girl it would never get hard, i began to think and accept that i was gay. Then in my late 20s i began growing boobs, i had like no body hair, a very small penis that i knew was progressively getting smaller, and realized my testicles were almost non existant. When i was 34 i saw a endocrinologist to be checked for diabetes, when she was checking me out she was feeling my testicles, and told me i had hypogonadism, and ordered me a testosterone test. It came back my testosterone was around 80. When she told me that i asked her if that could make me think im gay, she was so gentle and caring, she told me that its normal to feel your gay if you have never experienced an erection with a girl. I asked her if that answers why i have thought im a gay bottom girl and all i thought about was being a bottom gay? She replied if you dont know what it is like to experience an erection, she believed its normal to fantasize of being a bottom gay. She started me on testosterone shots once to 2 times a wk to start, then after a month or so she made it once a week. Then the magic happened, i experienced my first morning erection, then i started getting them at anytime. I went through puberty in my mid 30s, i started masturbating and also dating girls, and had erections whenever needed with a girl, i lost my second virginity at age 35 because of that great Dr who i forever grateful. Testosterone is a VERY GOOD THING if needed
In addition to my previous comment I had an appointment for surgery to remove my boobs (gynecomastia). My endocrinologist made me cancel it, which I did. She told me that it would not be a bad thing having little boobs and that I might like it, she went on to say that the gynecomastia will resolve itself, and I would lose my boobs in time. I actually asked her if I could keep them if I wanted.
Thanks for the great information Dr. Malik. I heard about 2 other downsides to TRT I don't know if you mentioned. First, on TRT your testicles shrink significantly and produce even less T than before treatment. Also, if you decide to come off TRT for any reason your testosterone levels will be lower than before you started TRT. Am I correct about this?
Testosterone gel doesn’t deliver enough of a dose for men. Should be injected. Gel will work for women. And you need to talk about total and free testosterone
I am 52, last year blood test showed 366 T level which isn’t as low as some in comparison but I have pretty much all the symptoms and some are getting worse than others. Is 366 really that low? Is there any other test that confirm the need of TRT?
Ya it's pretty low. I was around 400, and went on TRT a few years ago. I do 30mg 3x per week (cypionate). Massive difference. I feel 20yrs younger. 51yrs old now.
I'm a 61 y/o male, was very athletic, retired paramedic/police officer. I'm married to my wife 4 1/2 years, she 24. I had some cholesterol problems, but my cholesterol and my weight dropped 50 percent. But I have low libido, no energy, some erectil problems on occasion, my muscle mass is dropped, no energy like I had 4 years ago, and had vasectomy 26 years ago. Last testosterone level done 2 years ago was 240. All these doctors around Virginia, will not write it, they say it's age. I know my body well, was Critical Care Para, do I know my body. Who can check my blood and I can see to give me TRT. I went to urologist in Radford, VA, says my exam was normal, but no blood work, cause she do t write scripts for testosterone.
Good day Rena. Hope U & ur mom are well! As always a very comprehensive evaluation! My concerns are the lack of large-scale studies needed for the efficacy of: more extensive, high-quality randomized controlled trials which I think are needed to definitively establish the impact of TRT on mortality in different populations; such African Americans & Caribbean men of African ancestry! That's the other potential downside that might be aggravated by not being diligent concerning a regiment of after wellcare unlike the application of same for Wmn's reproductive health ( although there's been a noticeable drop in Wmn & wellcare visits after Covid). Thank you have a day as beautiful as you!❤ PS love the red surgical scrub attire. You always look as quaffed as you are professionally prepared!♀️👠🩺⚕️👩⚕️
If you are diabetic and/or generally unhealthy low test should be seen as a symptom of that. Wouldn’t you treat general health with diet exercise first and see if your hormones repair naturally? I’m 60yo and went carnivore 2.5 years ago. Lost 8kg of fat, got abs, got a lot of muscle. I lift heavy weights and mostly do 12000 steps a day. That’s it. I feel the same as I did in my 20’s and look amazing. No extra drugs at all. Modern medicine seems to treat symptoms not causes and it is criminal.
For my 50th birthday I got on TRT and started training BJJ. Hahahaha best gift I ever gave myself. At 50 I realized that the majority of days are behind me and not ahead. The reality is that I only have so many more trips around the sun. I can live the rest of those days depressed and feeling like crap or I can optimize them as best I can and squeeze out the best of my potential I can for the remaining years I have.
Born premature - undescended fixed at age 19, sterile (it is what is it) - hypogonadism set in in late 30's unrealized until age 59 - depression, weight gain, anxiety, arthritis, etc... started TRT gel and went from almost zero T (2.6 ng/dl) to 820 ng/dl. Anxiety, depression and arthritis subsided, and weight gain issues = gone with KETO, fasting and weight lifting. It's like the clock was rolled back 20+ years, you don't realize how bad you felt until you don't feel that way any longer.
I'm 52 and my doctor put me on the gel and test levels went down....SMH just crazy so I'm going to injectables.
maybe it was the keto, fasting and weight lifting. lifting weights is a great way to increase testosterone, as well dropping all the glucose.
@eddieteabagify nope, unfortunately. All that was done prior to TRT
@@brianpulley8652I love injections. T went from 90s to 1300 on 120 mg a week.
Great news for you! So glad it worked out for you.
I thought my drop in energy and motivation was just part of daily life. But then I found out how much testosterone plays a key role in these things, and it made me wonder how I could support my body naturally. I came across a book called You Are Stronger Than You Think by Borlest, which doesn’t just offer theory, but real, practical tips for boosting testosterone naturally. This book opened my eyes and made me look at my health from a new perspective
how much were you able to increase your testosterone naturally?
Can you provide a brief summary? Eat clean foods, sleep well, mitigate stress, drugs and alcohol; exercise, etc.?
I’m 59 and 4 years on TRT looking better than I was 40, libido perfect, mood perfect, will keep going as long I can.
HEART PROBLEM
Being fat and sedentary is bad for your heart too. Quality of life also has to be balanced with quantity. I’d rather live to 75 in a healthy strong body than 80 as a husk of a man.
@@jodiehighroller9820did you even watch the video?
Similar situation here. Found out I had extremely low T at 47 now almost 50 and look and feel better than I did ten years ago. Wish I would have had my T tested a long time ago and had more energy for my kids after barely making it through my work days. It's crazy to me that doctors don't test T on yearly physicals, or at least every five years.
@@Goon94 I am advising my sons to start testing at 20 to keep an eye on it. I started having symptoms of low T at 45, but they would test and say "you're over 700. you're fine." I wish I knew where I was when I was from 25-40, because I always felt great. I ended up going to a clinic that does the subdermal pellets. I started feeling like myself again when I started maintaining mid 900s. Beard fullness came back, I can sleep again, energy is high, libido is back to normal, lost that chub on my lower belly that had been hanging on for 2 years, clearer head, and I recover better.
TRT was a miracle for me. My mood, energy, sleep, sexual function, and drive to be productive skyrocketed. My migraine headaches also virtually disappeared. I'm doing things I never had the desire to do before, if only I knew I would have started a long time ago. If there are any risks, it's well worth it for me.
What was your testosterone levels prior to starting?
Heart problems
@jodiehighroller9820 Do cardio every day. Problem solved.
I think there’s a connection with estrogen imbalance and migraines honestly. They are much more prominent in women and low t men
What dose did they put u on?
I at 36 years old was diagnosed with testosterone level of 103ng (3.9 in UK scale). I thought i was dying of some cancer as I felt drained all the time, depression, anxiety, hot flushes, serious weight gain around waist, wanted to sleep non stop, brain fog, ED, zero sex drive and on and on. I've been on TRT now for 5 years and I can't imagine living like that ever again.
Any side effects to watch out for?
@ I haven’t had any issues from my prescribed TRT. Blood count is fine, blood work is always good and yeah it’s been ok for me over the past five years.
@northernsegageorge6510 Many thanks, sir
@@Tirelesswarrior I was in the same boat around 41. 230 was my count and ive been on it for a few years now and levels are around 8-900. BBBig difference in everything from energy, healing time, muscle mass, less sleep needed, etc. Its not super cheap, but after approx 3 years of use i havnt seen one side effect. hope this helps.
How many units a week do you inject?
RBC will definitely raise, along with hematocrit and hemoglobin. Donating blood regularly will help lower it, but then you take the chance on crashing you ferritin levels (iron). I do a blood dump every 35 days at my clinic, 8 tubes of blood. For the most part, this helps. However my last bloodwork, my RBC was mid 6s, and my hematocrit was 57. Granted your hematocrit is only a snap shot, and hydration plays a big factor. If your dehydrated, it will be higher. That being said, i will do an actual donation this month to help lower it more. These are things clinics and drs dont really tell you about, when first starting.
Gels arent very good, if shots arent for you, get the scrotum cream. Im currently on 180mg a week scrotum cream, and my free test was 30.9 last bloodwork. When i first started trt, my free T was 8.
Does trt fix ED, NO! ED has a separate underlying issue, which most of the time is due to bloodflow (not always though). Does TRT increase your libido.... it can, depending on your balance. Raising your test, also raises your estradiol. They go hand in hand, so you have to find the right dose for you, everyone is different, but they need to be aligned. Will TRT help with lifting and recovery, 100%. My recoveries are just as quick.... if not quicker than my early 20s, Im 40 now. Can it raise your blood pressure, YES. Cardio and hydration help significantly, along with your diet. If your on test, clean up your, maximize your benefits. Even without trt, clean it up and feel better.
For me personally trt has helped calm me down. I dont worry or get as irritated anymore. It improved my sleep. I used to wake up all through the night. I still occasionally wake up, but nothing like before. Libido is hit and miss. Some months, i cant leave my wife alone, others i couldnt care less, as long as i got it once a week. Im leaner, and more vascular than i ever have been. I never had veins before. Now i have them on my arms, legs, and chest.
Prostate levels, PSA, mine have remained the exact same for 2 years, while on test. No issues with prostate. I do take saw palmetto every night, which helps your prostate stay healthy.
My only complaint, i hate worrying about my RBC levels, and trying to manage it. (Ive had 4 sleep apnea test, 2 at home, 2 in lab, all negative). Donating and blood dumps get old after a while. Plus its only a temporary fix, typically it will be back elavated within 4-6 weeks. I injected for a year and a half, 3 times a week, and built up a lot of scar tissue in my love handles, and stomach. To the point it hurt to inject (27ga half inch needles.... very small). I used legs, and delts as well, all Sub Q. Thats why i switched to the cream. Downside of the cream, I do 2 clicks in the morning, 1 click in the evening, 7 days a week. Sometimes u forget, get busy, or spend the night out, and miss a dose. No biggie, just skip it and start fresh at your next dose.
Trt isnt for everyone, but is worth giving a try if you need it. You CAN definitely come back off it, its not forbidden, and your body will adust back. If your worried about being fertile, take HCG and the same time. It will keep your testicles firing like normal. If you dont plan on having kids, or dont care about shutting down natural production in your balls, no need to spend the extra money.
Hope this helps someone trying to decide.
I'm considering TRT and you hit the concerns I have, so thank you. Increasing RBC and Blood Pressure are major concerns for me. I can't handle donating blood every 1-2 months. I'm going to try hCG monotherapy to help with libido and hopefully, a test boost.
@@a3marketing991 If you keep your total T levels under 800 you shouldn't have any Hematocrit /Hemo issues
You donate every 35 days?! Is that by choice or is your hematocrit actually too high? Ive been on TRT for about 3.5 years and Ive only needed to donate once. I get blood work every 3 months so I know what my levels are.
Throw the 27 ga harpoon in the garbage and use insulin. Needles subq. Studies show it's just as effective if not more than IM injections. I use a 30 ga 8 mm needle. Inject 3x per week with zero pain or scarring
You don't need to donate. This is an old, unnecessary, remedy from the early days of the trt boom that unfortunately has stuck around.
53 and shiftworker for 35 years. Trt has a saved my life
So happy you publish this information. My own doctor doesnt cover everything you do. Only wish I had found this video 2 years ago. Please keep up the great work and important topics.
Regarding prostate cancer, one thing is clear, most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer have low T. Regarding benefits of supplementation, massive benefit for me. I compressed my fifth lumbar at age 25 and have been a chronic back pain sufferer for more than 25 years which is now 98% vanished for the post ten years I've been treating low T. Huge benefit in natural muscle tone which I'm certain is helping to support my spinal column. Great Video! Now subscribed.
I blew out a disk in my back at age 24, I could barely function for about 5 years. Eventually I was able to manage my pain but I’m still very limited. It ended my gym career, I was very strong and muscular and I haven’t been in 10 years. My test back then was tested at 350, I thought it was low for a 24 year old so I chalked it up to the injury. I recently had it taken again at age 35 and it’s 300 now and I’m a good 100lbs overweight. I’ve been seriously considering taking it and after reading it helped your back, it piqued my interest.
I’m 45 and have noticed a massive difference In everything as I am currently natty. Have been holding off as long as possible, but am inching closer towards it.
If you're over 45 you SHOULD be on TRT. It's actually good for you. I go way way over TRT dosage but even then my bloodwork is better. That's not the case when I throw in some other "goodies" lol
@@jnolette1030 NOBODY should be on TRT unless they have low T levels....................you are on steroids............BTW there is NO WAY your hemo and hemat are normal unless you are donating blood
@@jnolette1030It can kill you. Lost a friend to it. Cv events and cancer risks go up. You do you.
@@jnolette1030I’m 43 and my test level is 1,171, 100% natural. Not everyone needs exogenous hormones at 45.
Try gonadrolin first it tells your grapes to produce more and keeps them from turning into rasins
53 years old. I’ve been on TRT FOR 9 months. Starting working out regularly (before I had no energy). I’ve lost 50 lbs, feel great, sleep well, down 6 pant sizes in the waist, and have the sex drive that I did while in my 20s. I feel better now than I have since my mid 20s. I would highly suggest anyone over 50 to have their Test checked. It’s a game changer!
A book that changed my life in ways that I never could imagine is "Secret Testosterone Nexus of Evolution".Drop whatever you're doing right now and go find that book. Trust me after I implemented things from the book my testosterone levels went beast mode
Why should I “trust you”? You obviously have some type of a bias or motivation for recommending a random book on the page.
@@BaBaYaga1999-p7uyour a smooth brain thats why
its only available on some shady web site. no thanks lol
@@BaBaYaga1999-p7u its only available on some shady looking website about "secret knowledge" yea ill hard pass on that crazy shit
@@Zachary_333. Roid rage bro?
125mg a week for 6 years, my provider does blood work every 4 months. Had every symptom and PTSD. Total life changer!! My mental health has improved so much, 52 years, and in the best shape of my life. I was 191 when I was first tested and now my numbers stay between 900-1050, Do your cardio people! I’ve seen the comments, but let me be clear, being overweight, obese, and possibly diabetic poses a much greater risk to your heart than being on TRT. Take care of your body and mind, it’s the only one you’ve got!
If you're in the best shape of your life at 52 then you're either taking higher than TRT doses or you were doing something very wrong in your 20s and 30s
@@MrRecica I’ve been in shape for most of my life, having retired from the Army in 2010. My 20s were good but filled with deployments to stressful environments, not including my time in Iraq and Afghanistan. The cracks were already forming back then. I discovered that prolonged stress from those situations likely led to elevated cortisol levels, which can harm testosterone and overall health.
Now, at 52, I can confidently say I’m in the best shape of my life, both physically and mentally. I don’t take more than what my doctor prescribes for TRT, but having balanced testosterone levels has given me the motivation to exercise regularly and eat right. It’s not just about the medication; it’s about using that foundation to build a healthier lifestyle and prioritize long-term well-being.
@@MoJoActual everything you said is reasonable but in no way refutes what I said. If you're in your best shape ever, then you were inhibited from reaching your peak shape in 20s/30s, possibly from army and/or whatever dosage your doctor has you on is supra physiologic levels and therefore exceeding your natural prime. Hence why no pro athletes hit their prime at 52.
@@MrRecicaOkay, I never said I feel like I’m in my 20s, and I’ve never been a pro athlete. In my 20s and 30s, like many others, I made choices that probably held me back from reaching my full potential, especially if you include drinking alcohol during those years. It’s a fact that excessive alcohol can impact recovery, performance, and overall health, making it nearly impossible to truly hit your prime during that time. Looking back, I realize how much better things could have been with a focus on consistency, discipline, and taking care of my body. Only now, with the right mindset and habits, I feel like I’m maximizing my potential.
@@MoJoActual I'm genuinely happy to hear how good you're feeling at 52. I'm 42. Although I'm not quite in as good of shape as I was in my 20s, I'm very close and I'm happy with that. Thank you for your army service 🙏🏻
Thank you for everything ❤
I'm well into my 50's. Thank goodness I've calmed down. A verry welcome change. Peace is finally conceivable.
😂😂😂 💯
Amen brother!😂
100% worth it. Just started, and I'm feeling so much better.
I’m barely in a week don’t feel much , taking 60mg twice a week
@pjefsquad give it time. Some feel change after 5th week some take longer. Im on week 4. I feel a bit more energy. My anxiety is going away daily.
@@kazithecanecorso2724 great to hear , yeah I’m crossing my fingers , I’m 39 going on 40 soon
Did your PSA spike up?
@@pjefsquadget on test prop 20mg a day , you’ll feel it pretty quickly, I love it!
Keep the good and reliable information coming Dr.!🎉
Thanks!
Being your test back to 19 years old levels. Been on injection for 2 years life changer!
Hard to believe but the morning wood has returned that I thought was long gone. Quite shocked and very happy.
TRT has worked well for me. Nearly lost 2 years of my life to depression and lack of energy and low libido until it was identified that I dropped from about 670 to 270 in my testosterone measures. My family doctor was fine with it, but the recommended doctor didn't like TRT treatments. Immediately changed doctors and found one that works well with me. If you have a doctor giving your "pushback" on the treatments, just drop them and move on.
Easy to say , until your insurance stops paying and every visit is out of pocket. I stopped at 4 urologists because insurance cut me off
@@ericmaass3459 Not cool. Hope you find a solution.
I got my test on November 8, 836ng of total testosterone. I was initially at 631. I raised it with 6mg of Boron 3 times a week combined with 400mg of magnesium, early sunlight at least 30 minutes before working, heavy lifting combined with calisthenics, and cardio run at least 20 minutes weekly or every two weeks. I am in my mid-30s. I hope my information helps.
It really doesn’t. But it’s nice it worked for you.
@ Try Shilajit: is a mix of sea moss, ashwagandha, tongkat Ali, Ginseng and Boron. Good luck 👍
Mid 30s you should still have naturally high levels of test, those are your prime years! Should've waited until you hit at least 40.
@ really??? my dad is 67 years old and is 977ng what about him still in his prime years? He do exactly the same thing I wrote in here because he was the one that show me how to raise my testosterone. He used to be a nurse in the military.
@@adelmaias6780That´s one in a million, he has test levels of an 18 year old.
I have been on TRT for about 15yrs. Works for me.
What are your doses?
@ahmadchehade5683 right now I'm on 150mg every 14 days. I was on 200mg every 14 days but needed to cut down due to age and other factors such as red blood cell count and BHP. Your dose will be dependent on your needs. Don't use the pellets or Nebito. Gel may work for you but it is a compromise.
@ahmadchehade5683 my doses have changed greatly over the years and was unexpected. I'm 55yrs old and just trying to have the energy , positivity and ability to make it through my week.
@@mitchellferre1652 i see, so my doctor has actually told me that 2 weeks is a long time in between.
So every 6 days is what's ideal
@mitchellferre1652 reason being is blood levels drop after 7 days and that's not good for the body.
Obviously you would lower the dose.
Talk to your doctor
I've been on TRT for two years. When I started the Dr. had me on 150mg per week and I experienced all the great benefits of TRT, but was also getting random chest pain on occasion and high blood pressure. We dropped my dose down to 120mg per week and those negative effects went away. The key is getting the correct dose FOR YOU. Everyone is different.
My low T was diagnosed at age 64. I had no co-morbidities, so my fatigue and brain fog, I just chalked up to age. It took about 3 months of TRT before I began to feel the benefits.
I don't think you touched on hCG, which is often given along with weekly testosterone (cypionate) injections. Higher levels of testosterone cause the body to shut down it's own natural production of testosterone (which can cause shrinking testicles) and also reduce the production of sperm. A small injection of hCG every week keeps the body producing it's own testosterone and it's production of sperm, so if you want to be a parent, you still can. TRT stands for Testosterone Replacement Therapy, but when you take hCG, it really is not a "replacement" of testosterone, but actually an "addition" of testosterone to you system. I have been taking testosterone injections and hCG injections for 6 years now, and it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. People equate increased testosterone to muscle mass and libido, but synthetic testosterone was invented by the Germans in the 1930's and they used it to treat depression. My brain fog and depression lifted immediately when I started taking testosterone, and the increased muscle mass, lower levels of body fat and increased libido are just side benefits to me. I am not a medical professional, so these are just my observations.
Thats great. How old are you? I am going to start cypionate 50mg twice a week. I was told to take clomid also as may want to start a family. 45yr old in new relationship. After a couplle of uears i think i will switch to HCG.
@@frsball I am 58 years old. Cypionate has a half life of 8 days, so it is a good choice. I have tried clomid, but find hCG to be better... just a thought. These days I only use clomid when I travel, because hCG must be refrigerated at all times, which is impossible during long trips for me. This testosterone treatment has been a life changer for me, so I am glad you are going forward with it!
My Dr said she could not prescribe HCG because they couldn’t get a reliable supply? Primary care.
@@jaredc3689 A while back, when hCG was a fad diet, there was a shortage. But that should not be a problem now... How odd.
@@quintessentialtravel1966how much HCG weekly you do ? Did u test you FSH and LH and what levels are those ?
Been on trt for 3 years and best decision I ever made. Like stepping into a time machine
How do u take it?pill or jab
@ atrevis based cream.
Could you go over why the reference range is so large? Basic logic tells me that someone at 900 ng/dl would be in a different league than someone at 300 ng/dl and someone at 300 ng/dl would be in a similar boat to someone at 275 ng/dl but doctors don’t seem to act this way. Why? Also why do doctors sooner prescribe SSRI’s over TRT?
Because doctors are full of shit.
Money. Training and brainwashing
The reference range is large because there isn't much correlation between levels and symptoms above 300ng/dl. Most low t symptoms show up below 300. There are also other factors.
Im now 71. I was on TRT for 4 yrs until a yr ago my PSA started increasing and the doctors started going crazy. I stopped TRT, the PSA numbers dropped and the doctors were happy. I enjoyed the effects of TRT but had to balance the PSA.
@ my testostrone was 125 before i started. I used a salve from a compounding pharmacy but i dont know the formula. I took 2 doses at night on my shoulders. My PSA started in the 3 range a few years ago. I started TRT in 2018. 3 yrs ago my PSA started moving up steadily. A year ago it moved up to 5.45 and the docs freaked out. The urologist I was referred to strongly suggested i stop TRT. So i did. My PSA dropped back to 4.3 which made everyone happy. I have it checked quarterly now.
She should do the same video but for women. They needs this as well.
Women don’t need supplemental testosterone 😂
@@adamrichard2001 my wife had super low testosterone. Dr's pretty much say if you are alive you're good enough.
Why do doctors almost never talk about free testosterone? It’s free testosterone that really makes the difference. For example for me my total test was “within range” but had all the common symptoms in my 40’s. Ends up my free testosterone was very low in relation to total. Got on test and life changing
It’s not just hypogonadism anymore there is a low T epidemic in men in their 30s and even younger it’s the atrazine in our drinking water, super carb/sugar rich diets, BPA poisoning, micro plastics and pesticides and preservatives in our food. If you’re feeling low energy and depressed or anxious get your levels checked and if you need it get on a TRT regimen it is life changing
Am nearly 60. Have been doing TRT for about 5 years now. Self injection, 150 mg/every 3 weeks. I hover in the 450-550 range(started at nearly 0). Has helped so much, mainly in the energy area. Am so glad I chose to go down this treatment path. The injections suck, but it’s worth it.
Every 3 weeks is to far apart, half life of Testosterone is 12 days. I'm 60 and do 125mg once a week.
@ will talk to my doc about that next visit. Thanks!
@ appreciate the input. Am working on the new provider aspect. This new one specializes in hormone balancing so we’ll see what they have to say.
@@saxarra43 i do 60mg every 3.5 days
Idk what ester you're using but 1 injection every 3 weeks is going to give you large oscillation in your blood levels.
Im 40 and began taking TRT injections. I got more muscular, stronger, slept better, had more energy and my sex drive was through the roof. However, after about 9 months of treatment, I began to have severe acne breakouts on my face, chest and back (yes I suffered with bad acne as a teen). It got so bad that it was painfully uncomfortable to lay on benches at the gym due to the acne on my back. Plus my sex drive also went away because I no longer felt physically attractive which also caused depression. The benefits were no longer worth the side effects for me. I needed my confidence back so I stopped. I've been off TRT now for 10 months. It took me 4 months to clear up the acne, but I now have post acne scarring. I've also gained some belly weight and lost a lot of the muscle mass I gained plus my sleep is back to being abnormal. But I am no longer ashamed or embarrassed for my wife to see me without a shirt not to mention im no longer embarrassed to go places now that my face has cleared up. Everyone will react different but this was my experience with TRT
I had cystic acne as a teenager very bad case and my back is scarred and chest as well. Been on trt for 4 years and lowered my dose to .5 not 1.0 weekly. My acne is minimal and controlled now. Get out in the sun also it cleared my back up almost completely. I guess lowering the dose has worked for me and I don't have severe acne anymore.
Excellent content as always! Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great discussion Dr. Malik. Thank you!
I was treated for PCa and since, my PSA has dropped to below 0. I was on Testosterone two years prior to the cancer treatment and never felt better. I am told by my docs that resuming Testosterone is not a problem. Now 72 I cannot wait to resume.
I was on TRT for 8 years until last June. My PSA had elevated to 7.4. I was taken off T, and now my PSA has dropped to 2.4, in the normal range. My T level is now in the 80s. Life is way different now than before. I have all the symptoms now of low T. 😢 I've thought about getting T from a source outside the VA and accept the risks. Better to die the man that I was rather than the one I've become!
You should probably microdose and see if that helps, change your diet as well.
Have you tried getting a second opinion?
Try the above suggestions. Best wishes to you!
Have you discussed HCG with your doctor?
@a3marketing991 he told me point blank, " if you want to die of prostate cancer, then continue taking TRT.
I've been on TRT ever since the Traverse study came out. Prior to the Traverse study there was a physician at a cardiovascular institute that gave TRT a bad name due to his under populated studies and sick patient base in his studies..
AND????????????? What are your results from being on TRT??????????????
@@usaman7358 I gained about 10 pounds. Attitude improvement, mental clarity improved, libido is better but not like teenage me thankfully, The key is to take as little as possible to achieve results. As mentioned, over doing it can thicken your blood and create an estrogen imbalance (where roid rage really comes from). For me thats .6cc to .8cc as week with.
TRT was a game changer for me. I was at 290 mg/dL and now I am at 800-1000 ng/dL. The mental and physical benefits are numerous.
I went from a skinny 10st introvert in my early 40s to a 12.5 stone extravert I'm my late 40s. Trt changed my life.
At 11:05 you state you should discontinue TRT if you develop prostate cancer. However, in your recent interview about two weeks ago with Dr. Abe Morgentaler, at 13:30 he states testosterone was no more likely than a placebo to cause an existing prostate cancer to grow. Please help me understand this as I started TRT a year ago and my PSA went from 4 to 7 and my urologist is concerned.
Donate blood and change your diet.
Elevated cancer risk
I like Rena Malik's channel, but I DON"T like the fact that she doesn't review comments and follow up with viewer questions.
This was the best thing I ever did....9 months in, gained 20lbs muscle, lost 2-3 lbs of fat. At 29% body fat from 35%. I started 4 months after major back surgery where I was sedentary for a while and gained 10 pounds pre TRT. I lift weights full body on average 1 to 2 times a week. I am 42, and I feel 30 again. Once I lose more weight who knows where I will be.
Got on TRT in my early 40’s with a T count of 166ng/dl. On a very carefully monitored regime of self administered shots and the difference is indescribable. Try it gents you have nothing to loose.
You have everything to lose! You’re being lied to just like the medical system has done to you for decades! Wake up and DO BETTER!
donate blood quarterly, get HCG along with your TRT, take Cialis to lower BPH, and exercise regularly
I was given a prescription by my doctor for 1% gel. I hate it! My blood pressure went up a lot, I have a constant headache, and bad acid reflux. Yeah, I guess I'll try this naturally, lol.
I didn’t respond in the ways I wanted on TRT pellets. My test went up to 870 but I gained weight and slept worse. My neck grew thicker, of all things giving me a bit of sleep apnea.
Coming off the pellets was miserable. I have other issues now so I will stay off the TRT but forcibly eating less and taking creatine daily has given me the benefits I wanted from TRT which was lower recovery times and some fat loss.
We did IVF and I started taking HCG and LOVED it and felt a LOT better than the gel. I wish that was a long term option. 😢
HCG is also very expensive in comparison to testosterone.
@ surprisingly (if neither was covered by insurance) the HCG was cheaper for me. I tried to argue that to get ins to cover it but they wouldn't.
At age 45 I asked to get my testosterone tested. It was 60! And the Dr was not concerned. I had to beg to get treatment. I did testosterone ointment treatment. It only went up to 75.
I constantly feel like crap.
Unfortunately all the specialist in this field are expensive.
My sleep Apnea improved- so there you go! 😊
Dr Malik. I think your videos are great. I can well imagine quite a few mens low testosterone problems are solved by just watching your videos
When my red blood counts were elevated on TRT, I found donating blood was an effective way to lower them into mid normal levels. As a side, as an O- dude, I was offering the community a very helpful service.
It your Testosterone is low, it's definitely worth getting on TRT. I couldn't remember sh>t and had no energy prior to starting TRT. The cream is a joke, unless you're looking for a little bump in numbers.
Been on TRT now for about 2 1/2 months- best damn decision I’ve ever made. Was 242, last test was 560 and my Dr wants be around 800-1200. All for it
TRT absolutely made a huge positive impact on my health and overall outlook. I’ll stand. By the statement that it saved my life. I saw myself going downhill as far as my health goes and general lack of sense of well being and positive outlook. It took a bit of experimentation with my doctor to get the correct dosage and frequency of dosage (I do the injections of Testosterone Cypionate) to get the most out of my therapy with the least negative effects like elevated red blood cell count, hematocrit levels etc. I get blood work done every 3 to 4 months and we have it down perfectly. I also have my PSA, HCG and AFP levels done. I also went from a dose every 2 weeks to a half dose every week to keep the peaks and valleys at a bare minimum. My T levels went from a dismal 150 to now a good steady 700 to 800 and it made me a new man. Get your levels checked! Fix it if it needs it. It can save your life and make you feel great!
Dr Malik is the only TRT I need. Listening to her voice and gazing upon her beauty 🎉❤️🦴💪
Jesus. Relax…
Wow dude calm down, she's not gonna date you
Cough Cough ...
Thanks dr Rena Malik, you are doing an excellent job.
From my exp with 4 years trt Control the conversion to DHT and estrogen
1. Anti estrogen
2. Finasteride
If you have BPH get a biopsy and hopefully your Dr is medically progressive.
Keep up your excellent, informative work. Thank you.
I’m 60. Been taking it for a few years now. I don’t have a set schedule or an amount but I usually take 200 - 300 every couple of weeks…. I can’t really tell a difference but with a larger shot then the interval between shots is longer. Some times 10 days sometimes 18, just depends how I feel. I’ve experimented with a very consistent schedule - no advantage for me. When I start feeling down then I take it and the next day I’m good again. Before I started taking it my T was 159 so I was really low and it was not a good feeling. If I ever have to stop taking it I’m going to be in trouble 😀 but I’ll burn that bridge when I get to it. I run 10 miles every other day, and go to the gym every other day and I push as hard as I can. 175 lbs @ 5’11” - I wouldn’t be able to do that without T.
I’d inject weekly. By your second week I bet your test is low.
When I was in my 20s, I had moderately low testosterone levels. I felt I did it the best way and that was by using a "bio-identical" cream applied to the front of my shoulders. This cream had to be made by a compounding pharmacy. Goes in slowly with no mood swings that may or may not occur using injections. The cream was a prescription. Haven't had any issues since.
How can you get on TRT and who do i go toto get on TRT. Im 57
Well done Dr. Malik. Thank you 🙏🏾
I started when I was 34 , now I’m about to be 43 and feeling great
I'm 75, and it makes everything work better!
I was about to under go a surgery and upon examination I was told to never take testosterone with my family history of prostate cancer. I discontinued my testosterone injections I was getting from my family doctor immediately . 20 years later I was diagnosed with prostate cancer stage one. I’m very thankful that I listened to my surgeon. Not worth the risk!
That isn’t what causes cancer.
Did you watch her video and the studies done? Even those who had prostate cancer and were on trt had better outcomes.
@ when a surgeon tells me to discontinue something because I have a family history of prostate cancer, I’m not going to question it. It turned out well for me.
@@miked8227 did it? You still developed prostate cancer. And knowledge progresses over time. Not saying you're wrong but you really don't have the data to definitively say.
@ so did my grandfather and his son ( uncle) without taking testosterone injections. So I feel I was given good advice.
Testosterone is the best thing ive ever found
on TrT since 2010. saved my life!!!
Good info. Thanks Doc!
A lot of guys would benefit from weight training and diet improvements before considering TRT
A lot of guys don't have the energy or drive to do weight training and improve their diet before considering TRT because they have low T in the first place.
@@Jackpot12this is where I am. I’ve had low T for my age for years and need to lose 100lbs. I keep telling myself that I’ll lose the weight and then see what my test levels are to see if I still need it but I’ve been saying that for 5+ years. So that begs the question, would trt give me the spark I need to commit or should I keep down the same path until one day I reach my goal? It’s not like I haven’t had the motivation or willpower in the past, I used to go to the gym religiously for over a decade and had a lot of muscle and strength.
@@Del_Keba exactly my situation mate. I got fed up of saying I’ll start the diet Monday. I can’t afford to waste anymore years. I’ve just started TRT so hoping for that spark soon! All the best.
No shit eh
thanks doc. good stuff. very thorogh and I appreciate you citing the study.
Great video
The biggest impediment to TRT are Health Insurance Companies unwillingness to cover/pay for the treatment forcing the patient to pay out of pocket…
Had a healthy prostate 10 years ago, normal size 20cc, with 1.6 PSA. Had low T, went on TRT, prostate blew up to 94cc, now have 11.5 PSA. Waiting for biopsy results for prostate cancer.
Good luck, hope it’s not cancer, and if so, you respond well to treatment.
Good stuff (Her podcast is great)
A vid. on TRT pros and cons that doesn't talk about ball shrinkage or problems restarting natural production???
Because those aren’t problems
Trt not anabolic abuse...
Because TRT is for life. You can do HCG to stimulate testicular activity.
Would love to see a video addressing use of clomid.
Use it when you feel a hardness under your nipples. Other than that don't use it.
I've been weight training since i was 18, and I'm now 49... consistently 4 to 5 times/week. I think i have very high testosterone, because I'm quite strong and energetic for my age, and i also have no issues with morning erections. Would there be any benefit in getting my levels tested and looking into TRT, or should I just wait until I feel that my levels are dropping? I wake up almost every morning with an erection and I don't want this to get worse 😅
Outstanding Rena❤😊
best examination of the subject I have seen.
So I’ve been on TRT for several months now. The biggest risk I had was getting high blood pressure because my body is producing a lot of red blood cells. I have to give blood regularly and I’ve gotten on a low dose BP med. Otherwise, my waste has gotten smaller, arms bigger and my pant size has gone down. I am leaner, but not significantly lighter. In general, I feel better and perform better.
I'm presently on Chlomid, it's helped a little, but I was considering TRT...thanks for this informative video.
Clomid is not for TRT. I do not know why doctors try this approach but it's an awful way to go about it. Find a decent mens clinic and get on legitimate HRT/TRT.
So my T level is 375. My doctor says he can't prescribe TRT unless my levels are below 300. What should/can I do??
You describe low-T as below 300. Is this measurement of free-T or total-T? Have always heard optimal levels are around eight to nine hundred (total) so a bit confused.
The 300 number is for Total T. Most tests are for total T, even though free T is what really matters.
Ur free is whats most important u can have 1000 total but low free. You should worry what your free is at
It's total T. The 2 comments about free are correct. The only issue with free it is an estimation based on albumin and SHBG and total, sometimes free T can be off and tenda to be reported as higher than it actually is.
Thank you for this info Doc! I have been on TRT since I was 36 and I’m now 44. All my levels seem to be good so far but all this has been a concern for me.
As somebody who was on the to testosterone treatment gel patch I was having issues with my blood getting too thick and my doctor recommended me coming off the treatment no did it work, yes plus my health insurance to stop covering the treatment
Hello Dr. Malik. I recently saw a pod-cast you did with Dr. Abraham Morgenthaler where you and him stated that TRT was safe and beneficial to men. Stating the side effects and the possible consequences of TRT. However, these side effects and consequences you guys mentioned were not as serious as the ones you have described in this video. So, I am a bit confused as to what your stance is on TRT. Is it safe or is not ?
When i was in my teens, everytime i was with a girl it would never get hard, i began to think and accept that i was gay. Then in my late 20s i began growing boobs, i had like no body hair, a very small penis that i knew was progressively getting smaller, and realized my testicles were almost non existant. When i was 34 i saw a endocrinologist to be checked for diabetes, when she was checking me out she was feeling my testicles, and told me i had hypogonadism, and ordered me a testosterone test. It came back my testosterone was around 80. When she told me that i asked her if that could make me think im gay, she was so gentle and caring, she told me that its normal to feel your gay if you have never experienced an erection with a girl. I asked her if that answers why i have thought im a gay bottom girl and all i thought about was being a bottom gay? She replied if you dont know what it is like to experience an erection, she believed its normal to fantasize of being a bottom gay. She started me on testosterone shots once to 2 times a wk to start, then after a month or so she made it once a week. Then the magic happened, i experienced my first morning erection, then i started getting them at anytime. I went through puberty in my mid 30s, i started masturbating and also dating girls, and had erections whenever needed with a girl, i lost my second virginity at age 35 because of that great Dr who i forever grateful. Testosterone is a VERY GOOD THING if needed
In addition to my previous comment
I had an appointment for surgery to remove my boobs (gynecomastia). My endocrinologist made me cancel it, which I did. She told me that it would not be a bad thing having little boobs and that I might like it, she went on to say that the gynecomastia will resolve itself, and I would lose my boobs in time. I actually asked her if I could keep them if I wanted.
So in the end you are gay. Congratulations on your journey.
@@eddieteabagify 💕😉👌
Wtf 😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks for the great information Dr. Malik. I heard about 2 other downsides to TRT I don't know if you mentioned. First, on TRT your testicles shrink significantly and produce even less T than before treatment. Also, if you decide to come off TRT for any reason your testosterone levels will be lower than before you started TRT. Am I correct about this?
Shrinkage can be offset by HCG, and that’s IF it happens. It’s not a blanket side-effect.
And yes… TRT is a lifetime commitment.
Thank you. Very well explained
What’s the risk with clomid?
Clomid might increase the anxiety, depression and have mood swings. At least this is doing for me. Also it increases the SHBG
Testosterone gel doesn’t deliver enough of a dose for men. Should be injected. Gel will work for women. And you need to talk about total and free testosterone
Thanks! This is some useful information👍🏻
I am 52, last year blood test showed 366 T level which isn’t as low as some in comparison but I have pretty much all the symptoms and some are getting worse than others. Is 366 really that low? Is there any other test that confirm the need of TRT?
Ya it's pretty low. I was around 400, and went on TRT a few years ago. I do 30mg 3x per week (cypionate).
Massive difference. I feel 20yrs younger. 51yrs old now.
I'm a 61 y/o male, was very athletic, retired paramedic/police officer. I'm married to my wife 4 1/2 years, she 24. I had some cholesterol problems, but my cholesterol and my weight dropped 50 percent. But I have low libido, no energy, some erectil problems on occasion, my muscle mass is dropped, no energy like I had 4 years ago, and had vasectomy 26 years ago. Last testosterone level done 2 years ago was 240. All these doctors around Virginia, will not write it, they say it's age. I know my body well, was Critical Care Para, do I know my body. Who can check my blood and I can see to give me TRT. I went to urologist in Radford, VA, says my exam was normal, but no blood work, cause she do t write scripts for testosterone.
Doctor your videos are so informative and well researched. You are very super smart🙀
Good day Rena. Hope U & ur mom are well! As always a very comprehensive evaluation!
My concerns are the lack of large-scale studies needed for the efficacy of: more extensive, high-quality randomized controlled trials which I think are needed to definitively establish the impact of TRT on mortality in different populations; such African Americans & Caribbean men of African ancestry!
That's the other potential downside that might be aggravated by not being diligent concerning a regiment of after wellcare unlike the application of same for Wmn's reproductive health ( although there's been a noticeable drop in Wmn & wellcare visits after Covid).
Thank you have a day as beautiful as you!❤
PS love the red surgical scrub attire. You always look as quaffed as you are professionally prepared!♀️👠🩺⚕️👩⚕️
Much obliged, good doctor
If you are diabetic and/or generally unhealthy low test should be seen as a symptom of that. Wouldn’t you treat general health with diet exercise first and see if your hormones repair naturally?
I’m 60yo and went carnivore 2.5 years ago.
Lost 8kg of fat, got abs, got a lot of muscle.
I lift heavy weights and mostly do 12000 steps a day. That’s it.
I feel the same as I did in my 20’s and look amazing.
No extra drugs at all.
Modern medicine seems to treat symptoms not causes and it is criminal.
Do you have recommendation for a carnivore diet to start off with?