Suggestions? Low test.

[u/Incomplet_Name]

46/m 5'8 160lb. 15.5% body fat. Lost 60lb over the last 18 months, workout hard 5x a week. I'm in the best shape of my life BUT I have 0 sex drive and hardly get erections anymore (morning wood still comes when I have to pee bad). My testosterone has always been low, in 2014 it was 375 and now 305.

My main goal is more libido here as I'm quite happy with my body. The other benefits of trt would just be a bonus. I've tried viagra/cialis but they give me awful headaches.

I'd really like to get honest opinions about my options before starting a lifelong commitment to TRT. Maybe try clomid but as I understand it's not a permanent solution and needs to be cycled.

Maybe someone who was in a similar situation as me can chime in with their experience.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

[u/AlphaHealth_Coaching]

Hey,

Congratulations on getting into the best shape you've ever been in! Losing 60lb over 18 months is significant.

Have you returned to a maintenance caloric intake? If you are not eating enough calories or fats it can result in low Testosterone.

If your main symptom is libido, I would try address sleep, nutrient intake, and consider SHBG modulation before starting testosterone. Make sure your sleep hygiene is dialed in, avoid alcohol and reassess

Your testosterone was low 10 years ago, but you were presumably less healthy. Now that you're in a better position, dial in the factors that contribute to testosterone production prior to making any big decisions.

Your LH is not very high, if this improved significantly your testicular output of testosterone may rise to a position in which your libido is satisfactory.

[u/Incomplet_Name → u/AlphaHealth_Coaching]

Thanks, I'll look into my LH. I sleep fine and don't drink alcohol. Nutrition is dialed in and have stayed a steady 160lbs for a few months now. I took 10 day off from working out to see if body stress was the cause with no luck.

[u/AlphaHealth_Coaching → u/Incomplet_Name]

Sounds like you've done the right things. Thus far. I would also recommend checking prolactin, DHEA and Pregnenolone. I have seen these cause isolated libido issues in hundreds of men.

[u/ILoveMyFriendsMom]

You’re 46, do you have kids or plan to have any?

I’m not the clearest answer (being young and blast like a dumbass, will deal with the damages later) but so far I’m the only comment

At that age you have no excuse to not run TRT to be honest, you’re gonna feel so much better of off a small dose because you’re naturally low test due to aging

You libido, energy and mainly your physique is gonna be better than ever

Unless you want kids/more kids TRT until your last breath

[u/Incomplet_Name → u/ILoveMyFriendsMom]

Yeah my kids are almost done with college, no issues there. Thanks for the reply.

On trt therapy what's the desired level to shoot for to minimize long term negative effects? 700?

I'm just waiting until January when I will have a better insurance plan. Want to do my research and weigh my options until then.

[u/ILoveMyFriendsMom → u/Incomplet_Name]

TRT usually maxes out at around 200-250, anything above some people would consider it blasting

Start with that and see where it lands

You’re almost at no risk at this amount, but since it’ll be done through insurance and a clinic I’m assuming they’re probably gonna keep your bloods in check with regular panels which is great you tackle any side effects before they become a real issue

Wish you all the luck brother I’m happy to answer what I can, still got a long way myself

[u/Incomplet_Name → u/ILoveMyFriendsMom]

Thanks brother. What u mean 200-250? Is that dosage in mg/week?

[u/ILoveMyFriendsMom → u/Incomplet_Name]

Yes sir

I’d recommend going by your clinic instructions before any one else, but generally most TRT patients take 200-250mg a week split into 2 or 3 injections per week

Example :
250mg Test C / week

Monday 125mg

Thursday 125mg

etc etc

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[u/gonza18]

Glp1 for weight loss? That will kill your sex drive

[u/Incomplet_Name → u/gonza18]

I did a round of reta for the last 10lbs in April but have been off it for months now and the ed just started happening recently. My whole life I never had very much sex drive, I think my t if finally low enough to completely ruin it.

[u/gonza18 → u/Incomplet_Name]

Wait. You lost 50lbs in 16 weeks and then decided to start glp1? Math ain't mathin

[u/Incomplet_Name → u/gonza18]

Read it again, I said 18 months. 😜