What to do to Build Energy and to increase TESTOSTERONE?

[+ Axiom2001]

A few days ago, I visited my doctor to receive some test results. The outcome of the report was more positive than not, but my physician relayed to me that my testosterone level was low and had wanted to recommend or prescribe medication. I, for one, am averse to taking lots of pills and declined. But since then I have given more thought to his suggestion and would like to hear what you men have to say about this although I'd presume that you are not physicians. Do any of you take pills or powders to boost your testosterone levels and have you seen improvements in your doing this? Or have you changed your diet and levels of exercise in order to increase your levels? I've changed my ways of eating for the past six months and have seen lots of improvements in some areas, but my exercise regimen has been at a standstill, so to speak!

[+ Funguy]

Hey Axiom…..what a timely post at the start of a new year! I am in the health biz and, as one of my modalities, I do bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. The first thing about Testosterone (T) replacement is that you know your numbers. Total T is a useless measurement since there are many substances that T binds to, and you want to know your Free T measurement. As we age after 25 we lose 10-14% of our hormone production per decade. Bear in mind that T is not just for libido but restores our sense of well-being, protects against bone loss, decreases abdominal fat, increases skin thickness, helps to change fat into muscle and increase overall energy level. Exercise is important as well.

 

There are NO OTC testosterone boosters or replacements which work. That is a simple fact. Don't waste your time and money on supplements or "diets" which claim to boost T. May have caffeine or caffeine-like additives which give the illusion of increasing your energy! For those over 40 the only substance which works IS testosterone replacement in the form of injection (every 1-3 weeks - give yourself, no MD visit is required, only Rx from the MD,) cream (usually 20% - applied twice a day to inside of arm or leg,) gel or patch. For comparison, Androgel is a 1.62% concentration and for MOST of us that is like water - the 20% is obviously much stronger. Androgel is, however covered by insurance but the cream is not because it comes from a compounding pharmacy. Cost comparisons show that the copay for Androgel and the overall cost for 3 month supply of cream can be brought close together.

 

In the beginning it is always important to check your blood levels of free T every 4-6 weeks after you start your Rx to make sure you get to the optimum level and remain there. DHEA can also help with your overall sexual function. Bear in mind also that, while T boosts your libido (urge) it does not help with erectile dysfunction so Cialis or Viagra may still be of use.

 

OF note, for younger guys (under 40), don't use T - it will shut off your body's production. Instead, use HCG (injectiable or oral) - it will boost your body's production.

 

There is also a very legit place for HGH in hormone replacement therapy. Totally legal but by Rx only. The only drawback is cost (anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per month depending on your source!)

 

Last, but not least, always go to a Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) specialist.

 

Hope this helps…..it keeps me always,

 

Funguy

[traveler1954]

Excellent review and fairly accurate.

However instead of hGH, Sermorelin may be just as effective. Google it. It works.

[gallahadesquire]

I am a physician. I got sucked into the "Low T?" blurbs. Went to an endrocrinologist. My Free T was 20% lower than the lower limit of normal. The Androgel has a $50 copay, but I feel better, have more energy. And I'm back in therapeutic range.

 

Women have had hormone replacement therapy for years. Why shouldn't men? Why should we "accept" a decline in testosterone?

[bigvalboy]

I agree Funguy, absolutely a thorough report, and very informative, however what would you say are the down sides to T injections? I had read a few months back that they were very dangerous. Is this true? Since I was not doing T injections, I did not retain the information, and I do not remember where I saw the article.

 

Any information would be helpful. Thanks

[+ Funguy]

In order:

 

Traveler1954: Thanks for bringing up the issue of Sermorelin. This is a HGH releasing factor synthesized in China, unregulated and available on-line. It does work but you need to choose patients carefully. If lab tests show a deficiency in IGF-1 (growth hormone) is it because it is not being produced or is enough produced but not enough released? Sermorelin can be tried and if, over sustained time period the growth hormone level increases then fine. It may cause a temporary increase (releasing only what is left in the pituitary) and then nothing if nothing is left in the pituitary gland. Because it is synthetic and unregulated, most of my patients elect to spend the money for the real stuff.

 

Gallahadesquire: Agree completely, men should not accept decreased T as inevitable. Bear in mind tho for women (and men) it is vitally important that bio-identical hormones be used and not the synthetics such a premarin/provera/prempro, etc. for women: they do cause cancer whereas the bio-idents do not! Women also need testosterone and we use a 1 or 2% cream. Androgel often will bring levels up to "normal" but is "normal" really Optimum. The answer is no by popular agreement!

 

BVB: Downsides to T injections - I don't like injections and you get a high when given and a low when it is mostly absorbed. The injection will have to be every 1-3 weeks on average. Much easier to use the cream on a daily basis and it is easy to control - feel like you need a bit more, then increase. Always follow your blood level if you make a change. Dangers to using T at all: it used to be thought that it caused prostate cancer but is is now accepted that that is not true. On occasion it can cause a temporary rise in PSA but this turns out to go down when T is discontinued and most of the time does not go back up when re-started. Other downsides include general horniness when over-used, increase in red blood cells (not clotting factors and does not lead to strokes, etc.), acne if over-used, and, if really over-used you can get steroid-like rages (we are talking boosting the free T levels over 10x optimum).

 

Any man over the age of 50 should have total and free T levels run and decide whether or not to use. Always do with an MD who does HRT!

 

That's what keeps me a...

 

Funguy

[bigvalboy]

In order:

 

Traveler1954: Thanks for bringing up the issue of Sermorelin. This is a HGH releasing factor synthesized in China, unregulated and available on-line. It does work but you need to choose patients carefully. If lab tests show a deficiency in IGF-1 (growth hormone) is it because it is not being produced or is enough produced but not enough released? Sermorelin can be tried and if, over sustained time period the growth hormone level increases then fine. It may cause a temporary increase (releasing only what is left in the pituitary) and then nothing if nothing is left in the pituitary gland. Because it is synthetic and unregulated, most of my patients elect to spend the money for the real stuff.

 

Gallahadesquire: Agree completely, men should not accept decreased T as inevitable. Bear in mind tho for women (and men) it is vitally important that bio-identical hormones be used and not the synthetics such a premarin/provera/prempro, etc. for women: they do cause cancer whereas the bio-idents do not! Women also need testosterone and we use a 1 or 2% cream. Androgel often will bring levels up to "normal" but is "normal" really Optimum. The answer is no by popular agreement!

 

BVB: Downsides to T injections - I don't like injections and you get a high when given and a low when it is mostly absorbed. The injection will have to be every 1-3 weeks on average. Much easier to use the cream on a daily basis and it is easy to control - feel like you need a bit more, then increase. Always follow your blood level if you make a change. Dangers to using T at all: it used to be thought that it caused prostate cancer but is is now accepted that that is not true. On occasion it can cause a temporary rise in PSA but this turns out to go down when T is discontinued and most of the time does not go back up when re-started. Other downsides include general horniness when over-used, increase in red blood cells (not clotting factors and does not lead to strokes, etc.), acne if over-used, and, if really over-used you can get steroid-like rages (we are talking boosting the free T levels over 10x optimum).Any man over the age of 50 should have total and free T levels run and decide whether or not to use. Always do with an MD who does HRT!That's what keeps me a...

 

Funguy

 

Thank you very very much. Very informative...Yes I do recall now that it was prostate cancer. Prostate cancer does run in my family, so I was very concerned. The report was fairly recently. So I will take some time to look into that. Perhaps the gels will work. I will consult my doctor next visit. Again many thanks for the information.

[+ Funguy]

BVB - I cannot state too strongly: go to an MD who does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - they will be the ones who are up to date on side effects and forms of meds to consider usage: e.g. creams, gels, injections, etc.

 

Funguy

[bigvalboy]

BVB - I cannot state too strongly: go to an MD who does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - they will be the ones who are up to date on side effects and forms of meds to consider usage: e.g. creams, gels, injections, etc.

 

Funguy

 

Yes, a good tip, I will find an MD that specializes in HRT. Really appreciate you posting today. It gave me a lot to think about.

[leigh.bess.toad]

Any man over the age of 50 should have total and free T levels run and decide whether or not to use. Always do with an MD who does HRT!

 

I don't think you need to see a doctor who does HRT to have your total and free T levels checked. But on deciding what to do if they are very low? Probably a good idea.

 

Mine are in very good shape just a bit below midpoint, which for an almost 60 year old man ain't bad. But my family doc suggested adding DHEA-25 as a mini-boost. I asked about doing even more. He knows all about my sexual playing around. He said given my age, and what the levels were, he thinks we ought to try to lower my T levels. . Ah, the joys of seeing someone who is "family" and understands.

[+ Funguy]

Lee - definitely no need to lower the Free T levels - tho you seem to be in a "randy" state, the other benefits of a good T level are even more important. DHEA is a good adjunct, not in raising T levels but for improving bone density, mood, immunity, slowing age process, reducing body fat/cholesterol, anti-cancer, improves insulin sensitivity! Every one of my patients is on DHEA, pharmaceutical grade tho you can get it OTC. I would recommend starting with 50 mg daily.

 

I am going to whip you guys into shape this year. Check your thyroids, too. By 60 or so there is a natural decreased production of FREE T3 (the active hormone of the thyroid). We like it at the TOP of the "normal" range to be optimal. Easy to supplement with natural NOT synthetic (synthroid). Prescription Armour thyroid or compounded (they are both combo T3 and T4 rather than synthroid which is T4 only and needs conversion to T3).

 

Whew!! This all leads to weight loss, increased libido, increased feeling of well-being, decrease in aging: bottom line, you look and feel better!

 

Funguy

[+ Axiom2001]

It's 3:08P in California on 1.1.14, and I just read all of the previous posts to my query. Tremendous thanks is in order. I'll reread and rethink and pursue. Am off to get my flu shot!

[leigh.bess.toad]

Lee - definitely no need to lower the Free T levels - tho you seem to be in a "randy" state

 

He was joking. Of course. Mind you, he knows EVERYTHING about my sexual activity. One of the very best pieces of advice ever given to me, by the Legendary Dave, when I was first coming out, was to find a doctor who knew LGBT medicine. My old family doc really didn't and it was uncomfortable talking to him. My new doc not only knows it, he is "family", so he knows it personally. And so I'd recommend it to anyone -- if you can't be totally honest with your doc about everything, look for a new doc.

 

This all leads to weight loss, increased libido, increased feeling of well-being, decrease in aging: bottom line, you look and feel better!

 

I'll certainly vouch for the increased libido. But I don't want to lose more weight. In fact, I'm trying to add it -- in muscle. Which is harder than losing it. At least for me. And shedding more body fat. I've got it down to 12% but still no 6 pack. I guess at my age I'll have to head to 8%. So that's the next goal. But the weight loss, the exercise, the comments from people, I can certainly vouch that it does help increase your mood which I think increases your libido and your well-being. And you do feel younger. And being hit on by a guy younger than your son is definitely a mind-bending experience.

[+ Funguy]

LOL. In the serious column, HGH will help with the building of muscle as will some of the anabolic steroids (purely legal kinds) used to help with HIV+ patients in order to put on muscle. In fact, the weight loss I alluded to was loss that was needed. Conversion of fat to muscle is different but having all in order will help to accomplish that along with good diet and exercise!

 

When your mood is better, yes your libido and your well-being will improved because, don't forget, your mind is your most sexual organ!

 

Kudos to you, Lee. I have noted your earlier posts and progress and you are to be commended.

 

Funguy

[bigvalboy]

LOL. In the serious column, HGH will help with the building of muscle as will some of the anabolic steroids (purely legal kinds) used to help with HIV+ patients in order to put on muscle. In fact, the weight loss I alluded to was loss that was needed. Conversion of fat to muscle is different but having all in order will help to accomplish that along with good diet and exercise!

 

When your mood is better, yes your libido and your well-being will improved because, don't forget, your mind is your most sexual organ!

 

Kudos to you, Lee. I have noted your earlier posts and progress and you are to be commended.

 

Funguy

I feel almost guilty because you have given such great advice at no charge. So while you are still in a generous mood, another question.

 

Do the OTC HGH pills work, or do they only have any real effect through injections, which I will not do with HGH, but if an OTC pill would work, then I would consider it. I do work out 6 days a week and have been steadily gaining in size and muscle growth. Or do you think that I should just pass on HGH altogether?

 

Thanks in advance.

[+ Funguy]

Let's see…a nice week in Florida….

 

No, neither the oral nor the nasal hGH work at all…hGH is a very large molecule and will not pass the mucus membranes nor thru the skin. Oral tabs need to be broken down and therefore it can't work. These are really "hGH products" not hGH. They do not contain any significant amounts of hGH or they would have to be regulated by the FDA and be a prescription item.

 

There are also NO studies that show any appreciable impact on hGH or IGF-1 levels when these oral or nasal compounds are used.

 

Unfortunately, that leaves us with injection. Fortunately, it is like a pin prick with a very very fine needle, even smaller than insulin needles. I use and I don't even feel it. It comes in a dispenser "pen" already mixed and ready for use. I only work out 1x per week tho I should do more so this helps. In fact, at my age DHEA, T, Thyroid and hGH are my vitamins. I actually take no other prescription drugs so I count myself healthy and lucky.

 

As far as your using, have your IGF-1 (growth hormone) level checked. If low, consider; if not, don't.

 

Always having fun,

 

Funguy

[bigvalboy]

Let's see…a nice week in Florida….

 

No, neither the oral nor the nasal hGH work at all…hGH is a very large molecule and will not pass the mucus membranes nor thru the skin. Oral tabs need to be broken down and therefore it can't work. These are really "hGH products" not hGH. They do not contain any significant amounts of hGH or they would have to be regulated by the FDA and be a prescription item.

 

There are also NO studies that show any appreciable impact on hGH or IGF-1 levels when these oral or nasal compounds are used.

Unfortunately, that leaves us with injection. Fortunately, it is like a pin prick with a very very fine needle, even smaller than insulin needles. I use and I don't even feel it. It comes in a dispenser "pen" already mixed and ready for use. I only work out 1x per week tho I should do more so this helps. In fact, at my age DHEA, T, Thyroid and hGH are my vitamins. I actually take no other prescription drugs so I count myself healthy and lucky.

 

As far as your using, have your IGF-1 (growth hormone) level checked. If low, consider; if not, don't.

 

Always having fun,

 

Funguy

 

Many thanks funguy for this valuable information. You just saved me a ton of money. I always assumed they were working because I was increasing my muscle size, but now I realize that other aspects of my work out are probably what is working instead. The HGH injections certainly don't seem as bad as I had imagined, so I think I will pursue that, it sounds very beneficial. I have asked several people the same questions, and no one was able to explain it as concisely as you did.

 

Wow..great thread. SO yes, anytime you should find yourself in South Florida, do not hesitate to give me a holler. Dinner and drinks on me.

[+ Funguy]

over and out

 

 

always,

 

funguy

[Diverdan]

Thanks for an incredibly valuable post and related postings... I can't wait to get to someone who specializes in this area of medicine.... this has been of great help to me, as while I like the physicians I have they have been reluctant to prescribe any of these drugs and seem uncomfortable discussing the impacts of them... time to make a switch there too. Thanks again, funguy for a great deal of good information.

DD

[+ FreshFluff]

I'll certainly vouch for the increased libido. But I don't want to lose more weight. In fact, I'm trying to add it -- in muscle. Which is harder than losing it. At least for me. And shedding more body fat. I've got it down to 12% but still no 6 pack. I guess at my age I'll have to head to 8%. So that's the next goal. But the weight loss, the exercise, the comments from people, I can certainly vouch that it does help increase your mood which I think increases your libido and your well-being. And you do feel younger. And being hit on by a guy younger than your son is definitely a mind-bending experience.

 

First of all, FANTASTIC WORK on getting to 12% fat. That's in the athlete-level range, and getting there is a hell of an accomplishment.

 

One potential issue with reducing to a very low level of body fat. To paraphrase Catherine Deneuve, after a certain age, one has to choose between his abs and his face. (She was talking about women, so she said "butt" instead of "abs.") The youthful fat and roundness tends to disappear as one gets really thin.

 

Of course, some men a thinner, more rugged face over a rounder, more youthful one anyway. So YMMV.

[traveler1954]

You are right on the money with your comments, save one. Testosterone cypionate, given twice and week (0.5cc twice a week intramuscularly) does not have major peaks and valleys, for most people.

I was waiting for your comments on possible elevations of estradiol and DHT as unwanted results of testosterone therapy. Your audience should be aware of these.

[Newly]

Interesting thread, but also a bit disturbing in a culture that idolizes youth. If a person has a medical condition with abnormal hormonal levels by all means they should get help, but decreasing testosterone levels after the age of 17 or so is not a "condition" it is a normal part of aging. There are cognitive enhancers that allow the brain to function more like very young persons making it easier to learn perfect pitch, for example, but one of the reason that these aren't being pushed is that those brain changes are a part of what makes up our personalities and changing them could have some drastic consequences on your personality. When you see an older person with so much plastic surgery that they look like aliens, or an older man wearing clothes such as hoodies and tank tops and trying to look like a 20 year old they tend to be pathetic looking. The fact that many doctors prescribe this means nothing in a health system where many tests and medications are often over used because of the money they bring in. If there's money in it I guarantee you that I can find a doctor who will prescribe it, and many times years afterwards it turns out that there was a price to pay for these drugs and procedures. Philosophically does this mean that we are helping a culture that worships youth by not considering the value of maturity such as wisdom, knowledge, and its own beauty? Everyone is free to do as they please but no one is going to think that a middle aged man is a young kid because he dresses like one or becomes a gym rat. And there is beauty in each stage of life. Many women prefer older men because they don't ejaculate in 2 minutes like younger men do, aren't covered in acne and are mature. I think back to when I was 20 and in simplistic terms I was "sexier", I could get an erection quicker and more easily and had more muscle mass, but there were also downsides like being quick to anger, being unsure of myself, not very mature and so on. Again, not saying that if there is a true medical need this shouldn't be explored, but regardless of the drugs one takes or the plastic surgery one has a 60 year old is not going to be a 20 year old again, Peter Pan Syndrome or not.

[Samai139]

Journeyman---thank you for presenting a realistic and thoughtful aspect to this thread. I am in my 70's and have friends of the same age who are receiving injections of testosterone ---in their MD's offices, not the self-injecting type mentioned in the thread. I suspect that some medical providers are more interested in making money than in providing sound medical advice. (Or perhaps want to please older patients and get them out the door.) Granted there are those who may require testosterone replacement, but I think I'll let advancing age do what it is supposed to do and try to stay as healthy as possible without chemical interventions. Honest disclosure: I have not had my T level(s) tested and unless my provider suggests it, do not plan to request such testing. .

[leigh.bess.toad]

Honest disclosure: I have not had my T level(s) tested and unless my provider suggests it, do not plan to request such testing. .

 

Samai -- I would just wonder why? Don't get me wrong, I trust my doctor's advice and recommendations, but there are certainly things that we discuss and consider based upon what I bring to him that he might not have brought up. For me, the passive model of waiting for "the great man" to make decisions about what tests and info I need in all cases is outdated. Shouldn't you be partners with him in your health instead of just relying on him, and hoping he didn't overlook something? When it is simply a blood draw at your annual physical and nothing more. One more tube of blood? Most docs I know don't test for Vitamin D deficiency even though studies have shown that a significant portion of the public is deficient.

 

I'm certainly not criticizing. Just wondering why?

[leigh.bess.toad]

Interesting thread, but also a bit disturbing in a culture that idolizes youth. If a person has a medical condition with abnormal hormonal levels by all means they should get help, but decreasing testosterone levels after the age of 17 or so is not a "condition" it is a normal part of aging. There are cognitive enhancers that allow the brain to function more like very young persons making it easier to learn perfect pitch, for example, but one of the reason that these aren't being pushed is that those brain changes are a part of what makes up our personalities and changing them could have some drastic consequences on your personality. When you see an older person with so much plastic surgery that they look like aliens, or an older man wearing clothes such as hoodies and tank tops and trying to look like a 20 year old they tend to be pathetic looking. The fact that many doctors prescribe this means nothing in a health system where many tests and medications are often over used because of the money they bring in. If there's money in it I guarantee you that I can find a doctor who will prescribe it, and many times years afterwards it turns out that there was a price to pay for these drugs and procedures. Philosophically does this mean that we are helping a culture that worships youth by not considering the value of maturity such as wisdom, knowledge, and its own beauty? Everyone is free to do as they please but no one is going to think that a middle aged man is a young kid because he dresses like one or becomes a gym rat. And there is beauty in each stage of life. Many women prefer older men because they don't ejaculate in 2 minutes like younger men do, aren't covered in acne and are mature. I think back to when I was 20 and in simplistic terms I was "sexier", I could get an erection quicker and more easily and had more muscle mass, but there were also downsides like being quick to anger, being unsure of myself, not very mature and so on. Again, not saying that if there is a true medical need this shouldn't be explored, but regardless of the drugs one takes or the plastic surgery one has a 60 year old is not going to be a 20 year old again, Peter Pan Syndrome or not.

 

So is your suggestion to not do anything. Just grow old. Get fat. Don't go to the gym. Do the comb over. Pull our pants up around our armpits? Look dumpy? Cause it sure seems like that is what you are saying.

 

And many women prefer older men because they are wealthier and more likely to kick the bucket soon leaving them with the money.