When looking through various TRT forums, I've noticed that the idea of performing a trial period for TRT is often looked down upon. The pervading notion is that it's a simply a lifelong commitment. I understand testosterone's potential for natural suppression, and I assume that's the reason for the "no trials" way of thinking. But what I've learned about higher-frequency applications and shorter esters makes me think it's perhaps not so black and white.
Let's say someone is in their 40s and has low free testosterone. They experience symptoms that align with that, but the symptoms aren't so severe as to be unacceptable. It's more of a situation where optimal functioning is desired rather than just having enough to get by. All positive lifestyle factors and diet are already being accounted for, so this is the best that can be expected naturally.
The goal would be to use a method that quickly reveals the benefits but conversely allows one to quickly return to their natural condition if it becomes clear their body is not a good responder to the treatment. In that scenario, how do you guys think someone should go about trialing whether or not TRT is an effective treatment? Or would you agree with the notion that a trial such as that is a bad idea, regardless of the protocol used?
If your FT is low/borderline low and you are suffering with symptoms it is a no brainer to get treatment if all natural avenues have been pursued/exhausted especially at your age.
It is not going to get any better and why would you want to suffer or just coast by when you can treat the symptoms and improve your overall health.
We are talking long-term health here!
A 3-6 month trial is very real and recommended by any doctor in the know especially when someone is on the fence and is experiencing symptoms of low-T and has a TT and more importantly FT that falls in what would be called the grey zone.
FT <5 ng/dL would be considerd low.
FT 5-9 ng/dL would be considered the grey zone where some men may experience symptoms of low-T.
FT 10-15 ng/dL would be healthy.
FT 20-25 ng/dL would be high-end/high.
There are many men who fall in the grey zone and any doctor in the know would treat you and if you were one who is on the fence they would put you on a 3-6 month trial and let you come to your own conclusion.
Even then 6 months would be ideal.
You would need 3 months minimum as the first 6 weeks of therapy means nothing when looking at the bigger picture as hormones will be in flux during the weeks leading up until blood levels have stabilized (4-6 weeks TC/TE) and during the transition the body is trying to adjust to the rising hormones as it is common for one to experience ups/downs along the way let alone a short-lived honeymoon period.
The first 6 weeks can be misleading.
Even then once blood levels have stabilized it will still take a few more months for the body to adapt to its new set-point and this is the critical time period when one needs to gauge how they truly feel overall regarding relief/improvement of low-T symptoms.
Every protocol needs to be given 12 weeks at said dose of T/injection frequency before any titration may be needed let alone throwing in the towel.
3 months in you will be able to give yourself a fare assessment.
Some men will need to be titrated after the 3 month mark so that is why 6 months is ideal and even then you could be one who takes much longer to find the so called sweet spot.
That is why we always say start low and go slow on a T only protocol so we can see how your body reacts to testosterone and where said protocol (dose T/injection frequency) has your trough TT and more importantly FT, estradiol and critical blood markers RBCs, hemoglobin and hematocrit.
There will always be time to increase the dose or throw in hCG if need be.
The most commonly prescribed esters are TC/TE.
Yes one could start off on a short-acting ester TP as steady-state will be achieved much quicker due to the PK but even then you still need to give it a few months after steady-state is achieved to allow the body enough time to adapt to its new set-point and truly gauge how you feel overall.
Yes if you decide to stop after 3-6 months you would experience a crash over the following weeks due to strong suppression of the HPG-axis as it will take time for the body to bounce back to baseline.
Some may choose to do a light PCT but even then the crash is inevitable and PCT would just soften the blow and help speed up the recovery process.
Some may choose to go off cold turkey and just deal with the bumpy ride.
If you are young you would bounce back fast from a short-term 3-6 month trial using therapeutic doses of T.
The most common starting dose by those in the know is 100 mg T or better yet 50 mg T twice-weekly.
If you want to take the easier route which would allow for a faster recovery then nasal T gel (Natesto) would be your best bet!
* T therapy for symptom. benefit is a 3-6 month trial
Bump
Took my third shot on Friday. After a quick libido boost, it went dead and has been the last couple of days yesterday and today I’m much more irritable and moody, energy is pretty decent. I know it’s early but I’m already wondering if 120 a week is too much of a starting test and I should bump it down to 100.
As I stated previously the standard starting dose is 100 mg T/week which is a sensible starting dose for most!
Could name off numerous uros considered top of the field in this game where it is a common starting dose.
It's far from an ABSURD dose!
Can some men start...
Hey guys, new here. I'm hoping to get a sanity check before I move any further into TRT.
I'm 53 and fighting classic low T symptoms the last 3-4 years. I've put a lot of effort into improving diet, cardio, and resistance training but not seeing changes in these symptoms. Seven years ago I was diagnosed with ED (which Silldenafil helps somewhat), but in the last 3 noticed a big shift in body composition from muscle to abdominal fat. Increased resistance/core training at that point but haven't seen results but has progressively gotten worse. I've also had other classic symptoms of lower...
