Does TRT prevent age-related illness?

[opus11]

I would like to ask the older members (at least 60 year-old) who are long-term (at least 2 years) on TRT:

Besides the TRT medications, do you have to take any other medications to treat age-related diseases such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, autoimmune diseases?

I know TRT benefits sexual function, muscle, bone and energy, I just want to know does TRT also help prevent age-related illness. I am over 60 yr.

 

[DorianGray]

In my opinion, no. Too many factors in ageing to ascribe prevention due to one form of therapy. Of course what do you consider age-related illness? Many things within that category are genetic and that opens a whole other can of worms. And beyond that, not enough research on the topic that gets us much past just swinging blindly at what we "think" might slow it down or prevent.

 

[Blackhawk]

It's only a helper. It is not a cure all, but it sets part of a foundation for health. From there you also have to take care of every other aspect of health as well, and even then things can and will catch up with you. Everyone ages, no escape. We just work towards and hope to avoid age related issues as long as possible.

Low T means increase in incidence of a host of health issues including higher rate of all cause mortality. So well managed TRT can statistically lower those risks and increase your survival.

 

[Guided_by_Voices]

If you're going to reduce age-related illness and your hormones are less than optimal, then lack of TRT (and possibly other hormonal interventions) will directly and indirectly allow age- related illness to accelerate. So the best answer to your question is yes, however your attitude and determination are the most important factors (both of which may benefit from TRT).

 

[kjcmjc]

I am 61 soon to be 62. I have been on TRT for 10 years now.

Before TRT I had no energy to workout, did not care if I was overweight, was on cholesterol meds, anxiety meds. Then at 50 I started TRT and I was like a new man wanted to workout, got off all meds. BUT THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE WAS WATCHING WHAT I ATE, AND WATCHING THE AMOUNT OF CALORIES I WAS CONSUMING EVERYDAY.
When I was in my 50's I felt good. When I got close to 60 something hit me like a brick wall that I was getting old and I could not stop it. Turning 50 did not mentally bother me, turning 60 did. I would skip workouts, skip testosterone, skip cardio, gained about 20 pounds back, cholesterol was going up, anxiety coming back.

About 2 months ago I decided that feeling like crap was no fun. I got back on a sensible eating plan started back at the gym, took my testosterone. I am feeling better but not like I did in my 50's. But a lot better than most 60 year olds. I go for blood work next week so hopefully my lipids are in good range. (High lipids and high BP run in my family)

To answer your question. I feel that diet is the most important aspect to living healthy. If I take TRT and eat like crap my blood panels go in the wrong direction. When I eat right and take TRT my blood work is like a 30 year old. Do I have arthritis? yes. I do take a BP med. I take a aniexty med as needed now. Even if I eat perfect at my age those problems are not going away. So I accept that and do what I can to slow down aging.

Get your diet in check by watching your daily caloric intake you will be amazed at how much better you will feel. Adding TRT in will aid in feeling better but it is not a cure all. Keeping your hormone levels optimal in addition of watching your choice of foods and daily caloric intake will be the best. That is the hardest part of slowing down aging watching what you eat, and how much you eat. Good Luck

 

[Rago]

kjcmjc great post. I wholeheartedly agree with your post. The diet is key. I am on anti anxiety meds and also have arthritis. I don’t drink alcohol or smoke I try to be as healthy as I can. Exercise is important and diet is very important. Thanks all for this great thread.

 

[rustylwb]

I would like to ask the older members (at least 60 year-old) who are long-term (at least 2 years) on TRT:

Besides the TRT medications, do you have to take any other medications to treat age-related diseases such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, autoimmune diseases?

I know TRT benefits sexual function, muscle, bone and energy, I just want to know does TRT also help prevent age-related illness. I am over 60 yr.

In the past, I took 200mg Toprol XL but after a couple of years on Cypionate & Gel, I now take 100 MG. I have beat Diabetes totally. And lost 30 lbs in. I started at LowT for about a year but the cost is $250.00 @ month so I changed to my urologist for a co-pay of $20 for 3 month supply. But the urologist only gives me 100mg per wk. But you can beat the system for more if you work it right. I do take Narco for all of the pain stuff but it ain't easy to get now. But I do have neuropathy and it can't be fixed. I work out 3-5 days @ wk and I'll be 76 in Nov. FYI I have also beat Cancer both Liver & Colon plus a lung mass that grew 1000% in 6 months. ALL GONE. Knock on Wood.

 

[fun2drive]

I am 69 been on TRT since 2016. I researched TRT as much as I could starting in 2012 when I had prostate cancer. I noticed that my radiation treatments caused me to have night sweats and never had them before. From my research I was told that my T level would be impacted. Mine normal T level was 400-465 and I am very fit exercise often no smoke or drink. However I noticed even 2 years before in 2010 that building muscle was not happening. I began doing TRT to help retain my strength and allow muscle build or at least maintain what I have. My T level is now around 650-700 and I am able to maintain muscle and build muscle. Has this helped with long term health and do I take supplements. I take some of Nelson's vascular building sups. I do not take Cialis which is in there. I don't feel any better or worse. I don't take anything else except an antacid from catching Helicobacter Pylori while in Guam. Nothing else. I am happy I always feel good maybe sore after working out on some home or car projects. I would say that I agree with the other guys. It has helped me with strength but my attitude, happiness in general my emotional and mental state is unaffected.

 

[Warrior]

Just turning 60 in a couple weeks, TRT for 12yrs. I don't take any meds at this point. Being a fitness trainer, I am a huge advocate of exercise and nutrition. Supplementing with fish oil, Vit C, vit D, niacin, and baby aspirin daily.

 

[opus11]

kjcmjc great post. I wholeheartedly agree with your post. The diet is key. I am on anti anxiety meds and also have arthritis. I don’t drink alcohol or smoke I try to be as healthy as I can. Exercise is important and diet is very important. Thanks all for this great thread.

How old are you? how long have you being on TRT?

 

[opus11]

How old are you? how long have you being on TRT?

 

[Mountain Man]

I am 66 and on TRT over four years. I would answer this question with a yes and no answer. You have to put in some work and if you can tolerate it even more than just some. It prevents sarcopenia, age related muscle wasting. This would happen to an extent, but resistance work allows you to maintain, and in some cases, build muscle. It also strengthens bones and does an even better job of this if you are diligent with resistance training. Energy boost is noticeable, as is a more positive outlook on life. Improved sex drive also has an overall feeling of well being attached to it as well.

I take cialis daily and viagra as needed. Flomax for BPH and diclofanac for osteoarthritis. At 66 if you don’t have some osteoarthritis you haven’t been doing much with your life. Of course fish oil, vitamin d, BPC, and a modified version of Gene’s Stack (see the thread on this here) round out the regimen.

I personally don’t know of just TRT alone does much, as I have been working out over 50 years almost daily. I do know that the combination of TRT, working out daily, good diet, proper sleep, and a healthy sex life has a synergistic effect. I am very grateful for TRT.

 

[opus11]

In the past, I took 200mg Toprol XL but after a couple of years on Cypionate & Gel, I now take 100 MG. I have beat Diabetes totally. And lost 30 lbs in. I started at LowT for about a year but the cost is $250.00 @ month so I changed to my urologist for a co-pay of $20 for 3 month supply. But the urologist only gives me 100mg per wk. But you can beat the system for more if you work it right. I do take Narco for all of the pain stuff but it ain't easy to get now. But I do have neuropathy and it can't be fixed. I work out 3-5 days @ wk and I'll be 76 in Nov. FYI I have also beat Cancer both Liver & Colon plus a lung mass that grew 1000% in 6 months. ALL GONE. Knock on Wood.

Do you mean TRT cure your diabetes? What was your HbA1c before TRT?

 

[opus11]

Do you mean TRT cure your diabetes?

What was your HbA1c before TRT?

 

[Jinzang]

A healthy diet and regular exercise will resolve many age related problems. TRT will give you the energy and drive to keep a healthy diet and exercise.

 

[jdthoosier]

I am nearly 63. Recently, I had a slightly torn delt and went to my PT for a massage. During the massage, he was telling me that my tendons were very smooth for my age - usually people's tendons start to become more stiff / thin, and he can feel them as they 'stick out' more. So, exercise? TRT? Both?