My Levels Pre TRT

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses their personal experience with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), addressing common criticisms and misconceptions. They share their journey with low testosterone, the decision to use TRT, and the impact it has had on their life. The speaker highlights the nuanced nature of hormone therapy, comparing it to other medical treatments, and emphasizes the importance of individual well-being. They also address concerns about long-term use, health risks, and the stigma surrounding TRT, while advocating for more flexibility in treatment access and recognition of the diverse needs of men.

Takeaways

• 😀 The fitness industry often criticizes people who use weight loss drugs, much like how some criticize men using TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy).
• 😀 The speaker had low testosterone levels and sought various methods (including supplements and creams) before deciding on TRT.
• 😀 Despite having testosterone levels of 313 (which is borderline for qualifying for TRT in the UK), the speaker still experienced symptoms like low libido and anxiety.
• 😀 The speaker used performance-enhancing drugs in the past but does not believe it’s the sole reason for his low testosterone levels at 34.
• 😀 TRT helped raise the speaker's testosterone to around 700-750, significantly improving his energy, mood, and overall quality of life.
• 😀 Critics argue that TRT is harmful or unnecessary, but the speaker contends that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women is similar and often accepted.
• 😀 The speaker advocates for a more flexible approach to hormone therapy, suggesting that men should have access to treatments based on how they feel, not just specific lab numbers.
• 😀 TRT requires lifelong commitment, and users need to be healthy and mindful of their lifestyle choices (e.g., reduced alcohol and drug use).
• 😀 The speaker highlights the difference between steroid abuse and TRT, emphasizing that TRT doses are much lower and used under medical supervision.
• 😀 There are concerns about long-term dependence on TRT, but the speaker believes that his low natural testosterone levels would have led him to need TRT soon anyway.
• 😀 The speaker's decision to publicly discuss his TRT use was based on personal experience and the desire to open up the conversation about male health and hormone therapy.

Q & A

Why does the speaker compare TRT usage to weight loss drugs?

The speaker compares TRT usage to weight loss drugs because both can evoke frustration from people with good genetics who believe others are taking shortcuts. Those with naturally high testosterone or good genetics may feel that others are unfairly improving their physique or well-being with external assistance.

What was the speaker’s initial approach to raising testosterone levels before using TRT?

Initially, the speaker tried raising testosterone levels through natural methods, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and supplementing with Tonka Ali and Sigma, a test-boosting supplement. Despite these efforts, the speaker’s free testosterone only reached 313.

What was the primary reason the speaker sought TRT after using testosterone cream?

The speaker sought TRT after using testosterone cream because, despite feeling some improvement, their free testosterone levels only reached 340, which was still not optimal. The speaker realized that the symptoms, including low libido and anxiety, warranted more significant intervention, leading them to consider TRT as a potential solution.

What does the speaker think about the common argument that TRT is unnecessary for men in their 30s?

The speaker believes that people should not make blanket judgments about when TRT is necessary. They emphasize that some men in their 30s may experience symptoms that warrant treatment, such as low libido, anxiety, and poor fitness motivation, regardless of their age or testosterone levels.

How does the speaker address concerns about long-term TRT use and its impact on health?

The speaker acknowledges the concerns but points out that, like any long-term medication, TRT requires responsibility and health monitoring. They state that with careful monitoring, including regular blood tests and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, TRT can be safe, and they do not foresee any life-threatening issues from it.

What is the speaker’s stance on the connection between testosterone replacement and prostate cancer?

The speaker rejects the common belief that testosterone replacement causes prostate cancer. They refer to studies that show no significant difference in prostate cancer incidents between men on testosterone therapy and those on placebos.

What did the speaker learn after a year of using TRT?

After a year of using TRT, the speaker concluded that they were comfortable with the idea of continuing the treatment long-term. They reported feeling significantly better, with improvements in fitness, mood, and personal life, confirming that TRT positively impacted their health and well-being.

How does the speaker explain the difference between steroids and TRT?

The speaker explains that the primary difference between steroids and TRT is the dosage. Bodybuilders typically take much higher doses of steroids compared to TRT, and steroids are often combined with other compounds. TRT involves much lower doses, intended to restore natural testosterone levels, not exceed them.

Why does the speaker believe TRT is not a 'grift' despite criticisms?

The speaker defends TRT by arguing that, unlike a 'grift,' TRT has legitimate health benefits for men who struggle with low testosterone. They emphasize that, unlike promoting ineffective products, their use of TRT is based on improving their well-being, not misleading others for profit.

What does the speaker suggest about the societal stigma around men using TRT?

The speaker hopes that as more men use TRT and more evidence accumulates, the stigma surrounding it will diminish, similar to how hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women became more accepted over time. They advocate for a broader, more open discussion about men's health and the use of TRT.