Thinking about starting TRT. Advice?

[GoBirds23]

I’m on the fence about starting TRT. A little backround about me. 31(M) at roughly 16% BF with a healthy overall lifestyle. I workout 4x per week, eat healthy for the most part, and sleep 8 hours per night. Supplements I’m currently taking are a multivitamin, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and fish oil. I drink occasionally, and don’t smoke. I’ve noticed over the past year, my energy levels have been lower, it’s been harder to put on muscle, lack of confidence, and my anxiety is higher than it used to be. I’ve taken a few testosterone tests, all with similar results to the below. Here is my most recent test that was taken at 7:30am.

Total Testoserone - 358 ng/dL

Free Testosterone - 57.9 pg/mL

SHBG - 25 nmol/L

What’s everyone’s thoughts on if starting TRT would be worth it? Life just seems too short to sit at the levels I’m at currently. I’m aware it’s a commitment that can come with many ups and downs, but it seems like it could really improve my quality of life. I’m also looking to try for a second baby in roughly 2 years, so fertility is improtant to me. The plan would be to temporarily stop TRT and run HCG + enclo until my wife is pregnant, and then hop back on.

 

[Cataceous]

You're in a borderline zone, with Vermeulen calculated free testosterone at 8-9 ng/dL; some men are ok at these levels, others are not. I suggest a trial with testosterone nasal gel or low-dose buccal troches. Though less convenient, these forms of TRT let you experience higher testosterone with less disruption of other hormones—preserving fertility. The trial allows for a fair evaluation of whether you are currently in hypogonadal territory.

If you have good results that persist for at least a month or two then you could consider long-term options. Some would be able to continue with the fast-acting nasal gels or troches, but if you don't find them sustainable then you could look at other options. However, preservation of fertility becomes more challenging. Oral testosterone is intermediate in duration, and is getting favorable reviews for results as well as convenience. Otherwise you have the longer-acting options of topical testosterone and injections. With these you have to contend with HPTA shutdown and other possible systemic effects, but most men seem to tolerate these. Simultaneous use of hCG preserves fertility in many cases. Although rare, there are occasional cases where TRT harms fertility. In other cases it can take as long as a year or two to restore fertility after stopping TRT. If you opt for conventional TRT then you could bank sperm in advance as insurance against future problems with fertility.

 

[Vince]

I’m on the fence about starting TRT. A little backround about me. 31(M) at roughly 16% BF with a healthy overall lifestyle. I workout 4x per week, eat healthy for the most part, and sleep 8 hours per night. Supplements I’m currently taking are a multivitamin, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and fish oil. I drink occasionally, and don’t smoke. I’ve noticed over the past year, my energy levels have been lower, it’s been harder to put on muscle, lack of confidence, and my anxiety is higher than it used to be. I’ve taken a few testosterone tests, all with similar results to the below. Here is my most recent test that was taken at 7:30am.

Total Testoserone - 358 ng/dL

Free Testosterone - 57.9 pg/mL

SHBG - 25 nmol/L

What’s everyone’s thoughts on if starting TRT would be worth it? Life just seems too short to sit at the levels I’m at currently. I’m aware it’s a commitment that can come with many ups and downs, but it seems like it could really improve my quality of life. I’m also looking to try for a second baby in roughly 2 years, so fertility is improtant to me. The plan would be to temporarily stop TRT and run HCG + enclo until my wife is pregnant, and then hop back on.

For me, your levels look like you need trt. When I look at your age. I believe you're too young. What time of day did you have your levels checked at. Early morning your levels are at your highest. It would be nice if you can find a way to feel good and increase your levels without having to go on TRT for the rest of your life. Nelson has a few good threads on improving your testosterone levels naturally. I definitely would research it and see if it can help you.

Thread '10 Easy Ways: How Do You Increase Testosterone'

Mar 26, 2024

Key Highlights​

• Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, but there are natural strategies to boost them
• Strength training and high-intensity workouts can help increase muscle mass and testosterone levels
• A balanced diet rich in proteins, fats, and carbs, including fatty fish and whole foods, can support testosterone production
• Minimizing stress levels and regulating cortisol production can help maintain optimal testosterone levels
• Sufficient vitamin D intake through sun exposure or supplements is important for testosterone levels
• Getting quality sleep...

• Nelson Vergel
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Blood Test Discussion

A

Thread 'New research on Taurine improving HPTA Hormone Axis'

Mar 19, 2023

Came across this video (linked below) showing a new study outlining that Taurine supplementation might increase Gnrh, FSH, LH and general testicular health.

- relevant commentary from @24:25

Thoughts on adding 1g/day to the supp stack?

The "New Research On How Taurine Improves Performance, Health, and Testosterone" video from the Nutrition Library YouTube channel explores the multi-faceted benefits of the amino acid taurine, which has been mistakenly associated with the negative connotations of energy drinks despite its natural abundance in the human body...

• Adamsapple
• amino acid supplementation hpg axis natural production of testosterone nutrition sperm supplement
• Replies: 7
• Forum: Nutrition and Supplements

• 

 

[madman]

I’m on the fence about starting TRT. A little backround about me. 31(M) at roughly 16% BF with a healthy overall lifestyle. I workout 4x per week, eat healthy for the most part, and sleep 8 hours per night. Supplements I’m currently taking are a multivitamin, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, and fish oil. I drink occasionally, and don’t smoke. I’ve noticed over the past year, my energy levels have been lower, it’s been harder to put on muscle, lack of confidence, and my anxiety is higher than it used to be. I’ve taken a few testosterone tests, all with similar results to the below. Here is my most recent test that was taken at 7:30am.

Total Testoserone - 358 ng/dL

Free Testosterone - 57.9 pg/mL

SHBG - 25 nmol/L

What’s everyone’s thoughts on if starting TRT would be worth it? Life just seems too short to sit at the levels I’m at currently. I’m aware it’s a commitment that can come with many ups and downs, but it seems like it could really improve my quality of life. I’m also looking to try for a second baby in roughly 2 years, so fertility is improtant to me. The plan would be to temporarily stop TRT and run HCG + enclo until my wife is pregnant, and then hop back on.

Not sure why you are still holding out here!

Time to take action.

G

Thread 'Bloodwork Results - Thinking About Starting TRT'

Nov 3, 2025

Hello everyone! I haven’t been feeling great lately, so I decided to get my testosterone levels checked. My libido hasn’t been great, daily anxiety, feeling a lack of confidence, and energy levels just feel sub par. Been reading a lot about TRT and think it could improve a lot of my symptoms. Just want some input if you all think TRT would be worth exploring. 30 year old male, 6ft 2in 185 lbs, I workout 3-5 times per week and eat very healthy most days. I have a baby on the way and planning on trying for another in 2-3 years. I’m aware of the fertility effects that come along with TRT, and...

• GoBirds23
• trt advice
• Replies: 9
• Forum: Testosterone Basics & Questions