My TRT and your feedback | Your STEROID questions answered

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

I think that there are not many channels focussed on enjoying sport into our 40s, 50s and beyond. And inevitably as we age we get more prone to health issues, which is in part why sustaining sport and an active lifestyle is essential. Your audience is not in their teens and twenties - we are older and therefore more likely to have built up stress factors from things that really matter - like family & work. Noting that the mid life crisis is something that has been talked about since I was a kid (early 1980s). Likely the mid life crisis was often related to stress, anxiety or depression - but not diagnosed let alone talked about. And not just a metaphor for boredom and buying a flash car. So a lot of what you say resonates to your audience. I am not on TRT, and would be personally concerned about the long term implications. Conversely it’s confusing because I am equally concerned about the long term health implications of low T. We all have to make our own decision with advice from experts. But I do think that for the older sport enthusiast, understanding our hormonal environment, and the related implications for mental health, body composition, athletic performance and long term term health is integral to being the best we can be. So kudos to you Sir for laying out the pros and cons and transparency as to your own choices ✊. It is thought provoking and will help many people address issues, fears or long lost hopes and ambitions that they have suppressed.

[@bjjnewb2134]

@@MarkLewisfitness phill does have a Ferrari 🤣

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

@@bjjnewb2134 😂 guilty as charged Wayne ! And case in point also ..... I literally never drive it ......

[@jinx6493]

@@bjjnewb2134 True that! 😂🤣

[@bryngriffith]

@@BikeRacingWithoutMercy ignore them Phil, its a bad ass old skool Ferrari....!

[@BikeRacingWithoutMercy]

@@jinx6493 😂

[@garywheaton7112]

Standing a week of twelve hour overnight watch in the US military overseas and your videos are getting me through the hard times. Cant get enough of them. So funny, motivating, and entertaining.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

"funny, motivating, and entertaining" - Great feedback, many thanks! I always like funny to come in first!

[@mattwideman3986]

Thanks for sharing something private when you didn’t have to share- out of full disclosure. This could be beneficial to those who may suffer from low levels but needed a push to get tested. Mental health impacts something I didn’t even consider until your video. Love the channel.

[@brendans7023]

Hi Mark. I was surprised some people were critical of the issue around performance enhancement. I enjoy watching a guy improving himself and finding a great way to do that with sport. Im on thyroid replacement which I feel could easily be compared to the TRT. Going on thyroxine in my early 40s has changed my life from flat, depressed and unmotivated to as you say "feeling normal" again. If you've been able to achieve that with TRT then bloody well done and suck eggs to the envious naysayers who probably dont have those issues which we both have struggled with. Im an overweight 60 yo struggling to maintain a regular fitness regime. Thanks for all you do.

[@aarondiaz2439]

Whilst I love your channel and it has inspired me heavily to get into running and work out harder, it is important to remember that testosterone is heavily tied to making effort feel good which makes everything endurance related a bit easier. Keep up the good work !

[@hikerJohn]

A little more energy to get off the couch as well. Mine is three times the normal level and I don't feel the advantage and I'm not in great shape but that's also a mater of priorities. I'm not in great shape but at least I CAN get in shape (long distance endurance not weight lifting). But I also have enlarged prostate which high level cause so there are down sides

[@craigwatkin4721]

I'm late to the party Mark. However I have whole heartedly enjoyed the two video's of your that I have watched on this subject. I'm now 40 and about to start my journey. You've cleared a lot up for me and also reassured me in a strange way. Thank you.

[@durianriders]

Ive used all types of anabolics the last decade. They really DO make a difference if you want to put on overt muscle literally over night.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yep. Although dose and training style influences that.

[@branmaher6684]

Just found this channel and love the honesty. I wonder in the age of obesity whether low testosterone in men is a major reason depression has increased. Trt is something ignored by the NHS as a cause of depression in men.

[@chrisparky]

I’ve just started TRT so let’s see how it goes. I was inspired to look into it after watching the first video and realised I had many of the symptoms.

[@XX-is7ps]

Just to say that I really appreciate this follow up video and I’m glad that you found that all the comments on the last video were at least respectful and polite even if not 100% were encouraging. It’s easy to forget that talking heads on the internet are real people so it’s great that (for once) the internet didn’t issue a beat down full of hitler parallels etc. Particularly if you’ve had mental health struggles in the past then people don’t realise always the vulnerabiiity in opening up in these videos. Still watching the video as I write this, but great content as always and great job for responding to some of the key questions from the last video, appreciated 👍 P.S. Don’t think we don’t notice the shameless WD40 product placement /sponsorship push 😁

[@baronvonhoughton]

Thanks for understanding, you got it exactly right. (I'm mr gutted) That as a guy in a very similar position to yourself (Age, weight, fitness journey, incredible wit) I take a lot of inspiration from you. And continue to do so. You're still my favourite fitness guy.

[@jinx6493]

@@MarkLewisfitness Is that possible? 😂

[@stevenbattle5381]

My most heartfelt congratulations that you are researching, learning, and sustaining everything you can to improve your mental and physical health. You and your familt are better for it; and that in itself is inspiring to me.

[@leoncameron895]

This was really interesting, as a 25 year old, currently dealing with mental health issues I thought that low test. levels may be an issue I have after watching these two vids. After thinking about it for 5 seconds I realise it probably is my crippling anxiety & depression rather than my test. levels directly, considering the talks I have with my therapist. I do get the feeling that these may go hand in hand though. This vid has given me some curiosity to do some of my own tests & researching & I am glad you made these two videos, I would of never thought about it myself due to the way my dad has drummed into me 'don't take meds for depression it makes you a zombie'. His issue, not mine. On the training side I believe that your steadier T levels may allow you to recover more predictably with T level variables managing themselves better, which may mean you can train more consistently at your limit. Of course that is ignoring the fact you are clearly dedicated & determined, which makes a way bigger difference than your TRT at the level you are on. You can take drugs all you like but it means nothing if you sit on your arse all day. Great vids. Thanks for making this.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

It 100% allows for better recovery - what I try to do, in order to keep the TRT impact as low as possible on my performance (because I don't want to be a channel doing stuff that I could only do BECAUSE of TRT) is do sports I am not physically designed for. If my channel was just bodybuilding or strength it would be easy for people to shout "but you're on TRT" all the time. But when I run 100km at 220lbs, it's a bit harder to say "well that's easy, drugs"😂 And hope you sort your own issues 👍

[@glencarlson2417]

dude, I'm 42 and spent most of my life not fat, but floppy. You're videos are great. I'd been considering HRT for the same reasons. I'm commenting because I felt like your last point landed the best. 'If you were born with 20/20 vision, and I need to wear glasses to get to the same level you've got normally, what's the problem.' keep em coming.

[@obikedog]

I applaud your honesty and bravery "coming out" like this. Thanks for sharing. This is food for thought. I've always thought lower testosterone levels were just a natural part of aging, laughed at the stupid commercials hocking it, and believed we should all just get over it and age gracefully. I've never been really out of shape or overweight but now that I'm 51my participation in the sports I love is being impacted. Specifically I don't recover after long races like before. My Oura is constantly telling me to go back to bed. My GUAG is in the basement. Is that depression? My ATP was shot full of holes after my last 300mi bikepack/gravel race. I'm more open to alternatives. Am I saddened to hear TRT is a thing? Sort of. I'm also glad we have vaccines developed in a couple months now. Maybe this is the new normal.

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

The depression thing is exactly what my doc just told me I was suffering from 2 weeks ago. Just waiting for the blood work to come in but I feel like it's more likely hormone levels based on my previous panels from last year. Frustrating not being listened to. Last year I was 13.8, but I am betting I'm lower now. I will not take meds for depression, but I would consider the TRT. Good work on the video and thank you for this. There is hope.

[@NNICKKK]

don't know you man, but hang in there. There is hope indeed. Keep pushing.

[@jackwheatley9198]

I follow your channel based purely on the "Above Average" talk that you have, i'm in no way an endurance athlete and I train exclusively for strength. I've been using PEDS for around 2 years now, and get regular blood work done throughout the year to ensure nothing is being messed up that I can control. My initial blood test to see what my natural levels were so I had that on record, I was very testosterone deficient (7.1nmol/L). A friend decided to get the same blood test done, and found he was the same. We were both 250kg deadlifters by this point. He opted for TRT due to his job, I proceeded down the path of PEDs. My friend did noticeably change, and his strength definitely had a boost from it. Within a couple of months, his test levels were "just above" the average max for men, and his strength was increasingly getting better. My strength absolutely skyrocketed. We're now both pulling 300kg+, but due to the amount of PEDs I'm taking, my recovery is significantly better. Seeing as TRT is purely testosterone, other than recovery and sex drive, I can't see there would be a a massive advantage for an average endurance athlete. However adding in additional compounds, or taking testosterone in the 350mg p/w+ range makes such a huge impact on your average strength athlete, but some compounds (like Tren) will effect your cardiovascular abilities. It's an interesting subject. There's a lot of stigma around the use of PEDs and TRT, where a lot of people are just told information like "It makes you angry" and "Its cheating" without researching why these things might be the case, and realistically, it only effects a small portion of people who are actually 'abusing' PEDs who never put in the effort to learn about how to control their oestrogen levels, or are competing in tested environments whilst on PEDs.

[@madiantin]

I sent your video on to my son who suffers from bouts of depression/lack of motivation. He asked me a while ago if low T was genetic in our family, so it's clear it's something he's thinking about. I hope he gets tested, and if he has low T, gets some help. Your symptoms sounded *so* similar to what he goes through. So thank you for your video! I think it will be helpful for many people.

[@TWROC96]

Did your son follow-up with the T check? What happened? I found this video very helpful too. People who don't suffer from "feeling low" as Mark puts it, have no idea how damaging it is.

[@madiantin]

@@TWROC96 He did not. We live in America, and his insurance isn't great. 😐

[@TWROC96]

@@madiantin So sorry to hear that. I hope he finds a way to get treatment. I left America 29 years ago and have benefitted from the national health care system of the country that I have called home for the past 27 years. However, I don't know if testosterone replacement would be covered here. But I do know that it would certainly be a heck of a lot cheaper if it wasn't compared to America.

[@madiantin]

@@TWROC96 I agree. I wish we'd made our home in England (I'm English, my husband's American) for many reasons, one of them being healthcare. It wasn't where the job was, however. =/ I'm happy to hear that you're able to get good health care where you are. =)

[@TWROC96]

@@madiantin Thank you. Because you're English, could your son get a UK passport? Would his skill set/career allow him to relocate to the UK? Has he considered it? I'm female but went through something very similar to what Mark described for months on end; it was so debilitating and frustrating because my life was going so right in every way- career wise, friends and family wise, lifestyle wise and yet, I sunk into this black hole where I had to drag myself out of bed; I didn't even have the energy or desire to eat. Fortunately, after many blood tests and even a cancer scare, I was slowly able to get better with a change of diet, dropping some side work, and short term meds. I hope your son makes his mental health a priority in his life because it really can undermine every other aspect of one's life.

[@jonb9950]

Love your honesty and approach to video making. I do a fair amount of ultra running and do so for enjoyment and to test myself. I doesnt bother me what the next guy is doing especially if its for medical reasons. When (if) i get to the finish line I know if I am happy with my performance. I am not sure I see the difference between this and buying the best Nike alpha fly 2061.5% shoes or a better bike. Keep the videos coming!

[@SimonSez83]

I am so glad that as I look up to you as a man approaching my 40s tht you are honest about your ped/trt usage. It is important to be truthful. I respect it.

[@geoffwoods3653]

I get a lot of inspiration and entertainment from your videos. I was a little surprised ar your "reveal" but it made me think about my own situation and health rather than performance. I am a 66 year old cyclist and have had the same systems you described for a number of years and was also prescribed antidepressants but I'm still suffering. I'm now considering having my levels checked. If your physical and in particular your mental health are improved then brilliant, I couldn't care less about any performance gains. 👍

[@WhatInTheActualHealth]

One thing to consider.. Be aware that a family practitioner (because of constraints by the insurance industry) will look at your levels in comparison to other men your age and will consider a very low test result as "normal" for your age. They are not interested in "optimizing" your levels, which is exactly what they SHOULD do. A trt clinic, or an online source (there are some very reputable sources, just search it) will be less expensive AND they consider your symptoms and they will bring you to optimal levels, NOT to the levels that bodybuilders use. Good luck.

[@martinparker3539]

The main thing that frustrated me about the first video was its proximity to the recovery video. This was a great follow-up, ride on!

[@SBNewMe]

Great stuff - the guy who commented about being disappointed in 'his new favourite 'fitness guru' saved me writing exactly the same. I am glad you read those out and addressed them so well. I have stopped pouting and I am now reading my private health insurance policy to see if TRT might be covered. (blood tests at least). I will stick with you (I'm sure you are hugely relieved to know that.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I am relived. I shall sleep easy tonight 😊

[@rossco3603]

Your videos on this made me go and get a private test done. It returned 6.9 nmol/l I took the results to my GP and they took their own sample. It came back at the same levels. The nurse and a female GP told me my levels were "normal" at an unrelated consultation last week. A male GP told me this morning that it's exceptionally low and I've to start on HRT this week at 250mg every 3 weeks. Thankfully it was relatively smooth to navigate. I fear it may be too little too late because I'm now disabled and need a mobility scooter to get around.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

6.9 is low. And it’s never too late to feel better. Good luck on your journey.

[@danny121pt]

It's funny you mention NHS, I trialled Nebido years ago (every 10 weeks injection 4ml in on go), my levels would be clinically bottomed out by week 5, they didn't really listen to my concerns and suggestion of frequent dosing, coincidently I ended up on a yo yo emotional rollercoaster gaining weight to very unhealthy levels and giving myself permanent gyno, my TRT now is 100mg testogel a day.

[@patrickcycles]

This is the video that inspired me to get my blood checked for TRT, my result came back and my initial numbers were significantly lower than yours! (6.9) I've been feeling terrible, anxiety depression, no weight loss despite cycling between 60-80 miles a day every day. I'm starting TRT in a few weeks hopefully I'll start seeing the results in short order. Thanks for being open about this I hadn't even considered Testosterone as a factor in my health journey.. just "calories in calories out.." which has not been working for me over the last 2 years anyway! Keep making the vids love the channel!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Hey Patrick. Great to hear you are on the right path. Good luck with it 👍🏼

[@patrickcycles]

@@MarkLewisfitness Thanks for your reply Mark!

[@davidr1431]

@@patrickcycles Hi Patrick, can I ask if you had any success with this? Asking for myself

[@patrickcycles]

@@davidr1431 I've had four blood tests with the NHS (3 low and one "normal") and I'm going private now, with the Mojo clinic I have my introductory appt tomorrow.. probably a doctors appt next week.. if you have any more questions feel free to get in touch but reddit is a great resource for talking to other people in the UK who are getting TRT

[@davidr1431]

@@patrickcycles Thanks. I have a consultation this afternoon with a private GP hoping for a green light on TRT after several private blood tests. Good luck with your future progress.

[@Hiney466]

New to your channel and personally find your videos uplifting and motivational. Since watching my first video on your channel (pain cave review), I have been motivated to step up my own training. People can take whatever message they like from your words, you can’t please them all. Keep doing what you do. Also, invested the powerdot and massage gun (AWESOME). Thank you.

[@davidkerr8722]

Thanks for another great video. I found you the other day when looking to improve my ParkRun times (27:27 back in 2019, 31+ last weekend). Enjoying your other content. I'm considering TRT (total T 13.4 nmol/L, free T: 0.22 nmol/L, age 55). I'm being really cautious as it seems to be a lifetime choice (and quite expensive). I've been on thyroid meds for 17+ years and only today started ADHD meds (expensive!). All to get my vitality and mind back, hopefully better than ever before. Thyroid, ADHD and Testosterone have many symptoms in common so I'm hesitant. Any advice gratefully received!!

[@yogiyoda]

Hi Mark, I'm your same age. My testosterone levels are currently lower than yours were pre-treatment. I'm eligible for TRT with my insurance, but don't take it. Having less libido and drive has actually made me happier and more at peace. I still enjoy running, rowing, swimming, calisthenics etc. I'm just not worried about how I compare to other people. As long as my fitness continues to improve, I'm happy. Of course, at a certain point I'll have to settle for keeping my same fitness. And if I'm lucky, I'll make it to the stage where I can be happy with slowing down the decline

[@MarkLewisfitness]

That’s awesome, very happy for you. My fitness was on an upward trajectory and would have carried on in the same way-TRT or not. But my happiness was non-existent before.

[@yogiyoda]

@@MarkLewisfitness - That's cool. We're all different. If you battle with depression without TRT, then you most likely made the right choice to take it. For some reason, low testosterone doesn't have a negative affect on my happiness. If it does in the future, I'll consider taking it. For now, I'm kind of enjoying lower drive

[@PEGF4MG]

I enjoyed that! Really interesting to hear about your journey - and that you've found what works best for you. We've got one life (so far as I know) so why waste it being miserable, if you have a sensible alternative? Keep up the good work and keep enjoying what you do 👍

[@gavinsmith9786]

You have many videos so late to the party. Awesome and honest set of videos about your coming out 😉 Open and honest views and responses. Thank you for inspiring me to get back on it and push myself outside my self-induced comfort zones. And BRWM.... my two fave youtubers 👌

[@Bogas76]

Hello Mark . I am in similar age , weight and height , yes... I am slitghtly gutted finding out that You helping yourself with testosterone, however ... great kudos for getting up and doing much much more than average bloke right there , Your way of life👊

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I guess what’s really gutting is that I require the medication, not that I then take it. Otherwise it would be like being disappointed I use an inhaler for my asthma 😂

[@Bogas76]

Hi . Thanks for Your reply . Inhalers are evil inventions ... You have them but You dont want to use them until absolutely necessary once used it’s hard not to use them 😉Breathing excersises works for ME 👊 Please keep creating ... great stuff 👍

[@scarr998]

I am 46 and have been on NHS prescribed TRT for 3 years now. It took me almost 2 years to get it prescribed and it was a massive battle. Even today I still get endocrinologists asking me how I got it on the NHS as they don't prescribe it.

[@davidr1431]

This is true and so frustrating. There is a lot of talk about health inequality in the uk, and it is sad that the inability to pay for private treatment is probably condemning men with less wealth to suffering the mental and physical impact of low testosterone.

[@allhaillofty1]

loved the video in how it was approached and why you started taking it... It was never about the "performance" benefits (and as you said you can still be great at sports without it) to you it was about feeling levels of normality, which for me is the main takeaway. Never once have I heard anyone talk about TRT in this way and from reading some of the comments it seems that it has helped other people to.

[@jaykilby458]

wow i just found this!! and i am off to doc's (NHS) to get blood works done as i cannot seem to loose weight even though the science say's i should ! I Really am burning more than goes in i had to prove that to the doc to get the bloods done!!. My journey has just begun at 51! and already i am fitter according to Strava and Garmin!! For the record anyone who can push themselves to the point of collapse (I refer to you falling off the stationary bike) this is a mental attitude not a doping one i feel. anyhow keep up the good work like the channel.

[@marsupius]

The most important lesson I learned from this video is that, when I get to the level of using squirrel metaphors, I should stop. Thanks Bro!

[@rickainley1168]

Still really enjoying the videos Mark, but this subject has really caught my interest. I'm now looking at getting tested as I've noticed loss of 'drive & mojo' since recently losing 10 kilo and training much harder. Appreciate there could be side effects and you haven't said what they were, just they were very mild. Could I ask what they were? Thanks for sharing and being so honest. Love the content and look forward to some more gear reviews. ATB Rick

[@scottgibson474]

It seems odd to me that “TRT” means you can go as high as 800 ng/Dl... my understanding was having low T meant anything under 300 so shouldn’t “therapeutic use” just bring you back to at least 300 or even say an average male level of around 500? When you start to use TRT to go to the “upper normal” levels that’s where it starts to be a bit of an “enhancement” issue in my opinion. At the end of the day who cares, but if I missed the top ten in my age group in a triathlon behind someone on TRT or something maybe I would be annoyed. Probably not though. As far as zwift goes, don’t feel guilty about that at all! The platform disadvantages us heavy guys enough! 🤣

[@dougage1]

Normal levels a few years ago, was 1200ngdl, even as high as 1500ngdl. What you have to understand, is that as men, our endocrine system is being hammered on a daily basis, by pollutants, parabans and xenoestrogens basically endocrine disrupters. What you then have to understand, is that they get the average reference ranges from the population of men. They don't take age, health or any other factors underlying conditions when coming up with these numbers. Who wants to be average??? People have no idea what TRT actually is especially when you need because you are hypogonadal

[@scottgibson474]

@@dougage1 “Who wants to be average” That’s exactly my point, if you are raising your levels above average then it’s hard to argue that there isn’t a performance enhancing benefit. When Greg Doucette was on TRT he was only at 500, so if a bodybuilder can maintain health at that level, I find it hard to believe that 800 plus levels are simply for health and don’t have any performance motivations. All the justifications people use for taking TRT are to deal with the below 300 symptoms, yet conveniently that’s not where the dosage stops 😅

[@dougage1]

​@@djokovic1747 Maybe you should investigate the long term serious effects that low T has on the body and stop seeing TRT as 'cheating' and start to look at it as being healthy. Separate TRT from bodybuilding and PED use. They are completely different. If you've seen Marks earlier videos then surely you can see the difference in how healthy the man looks and bloody well done to him for not just accepting how he felt back then and having the sense to do something about it.

[@scottgibson474]

@@MarkLewisfitness completely understand Mark and just to clarify my point, it doesn’t bother me at all if you take TRT and I think it’s great that people are actively taking care of their health and if this is what you need then go for it at what ever level you like. My point is more around the “TUE”, for example I think TRT should only qualify for a TUE if you are using it to fix a deficit (not to have levels above average) because if you are gaining additional levels to what you would otherwise have then it’s not really just therapeutic in my opinion... If I were in your position though I would be doing the exact same thing because if you’re already jabbing yourself, may as-well get a bit of extra benefit out of it too. Completely get that. Just raises a tricky question for age group competitions which I know might not mean a lot to you but could mean a lot to someone you beat. Just food for thought.

[@bjjnewb2134]

Really enjoyed this video hope you do more on this topic and a deep dive into your numbers would be very interesting

[@jasonjeffery-endurance6071]

I’m incredibly glad that you found a remedy for improving your mental health, that’s a positive thing. I watched both videos you’ve posted on the topic. My personal feeling on this is that is this…As someone who’s a similar of an age as you and competing in Hyrox. I don’t have a need and don’t use TRT. Will I be at a disadvantage to someone of the same age and ability however, using TRT?

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Who knows - the reality is that there are not too identical people. So you may get beat beat by me because I'm taller, faster, etc than you - and I was those things before TRT. That said, Hyrox is now PED tested so it's no longer relevant 😁

[@hikerJohn]

My weight loss did not lower my Testosterone. My highest level was after a fast weight loss and then dropped slightly as I gained some weight back. Three tests in a row (one a year later) and they were all 3x higher than the middle of the normal range. I read that SUNSHINE raises testosterone but it did not say by how much.

[@defipunk]

I'm part of a study where the protocol is TRT every 5 weeks. I'm just in the control group, but never would I accept such a treatment

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yep, replacing a hormone that your body generates daily with a dose every five weeks is like a meal replacement shake that you take monthly!!

[@m.d.m.a.]

hello mark, do you use insuline syrengies to insert the testosterone into your body? I once did a cycle and always had to insert it intramascular, that was sometimes a really pain in the ass, especiall the aftermath^^

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yes, tiny 29G insulin pins. For the small amounts required for TRT they are perfect and, literally, painless. 1 billion diabetics can’t be wrong!

[@m.d.m.a.]

@@MarkLewisfitness Thank you for the answer, mate. I appreciate it 👍

[@topsysdad1]

I'm 57, I'm relatively fit and train as much as possible. As of the last 5 years, my recovery, tiredness have been noticeable. I've not been tested and am seriously considering T replacement. None of this for looking better, but to enable energy, maintain muscle. I'm really not sure of which route to take, I've "tried" the obvious ways, not drunk for 15 years, sleep well, but bloody knackered. I spoke with a close mate the other day and we both commented how in out late teens and early 20' we did very physical jobs, played Saturday and Sunday football, trained x 2 a week and were able to just get on with life. Now I would be #uck@d up and fatigued badly. For me, this is purely for maintenance, and energy. On the upside I'm doing OK in the bedroom " so my wife assures me.

[@grigolli9072]

what are your current total levels?

[@SingaporeDonoghues]

Why is TRT therapy to treat low levels viewed differently to an Inhaler to treat Asthma ?

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I know. Or my contact lenses!

[@tonmtbcomic9066]

The best thing I like about your videos mark is your trip to buger kings after one of your big runs and not afaird to say when you eat this

[@ex0148]

Good video, re Testosterone for younger people, there is research until the age of 24 the male body is still deciding its own levels and to artificially elevate those levels pre 24 can lead to low levels later in life. I'm a fan of TRT all sorts of health benefits.

[@GlasDevGuy]

Fantastic Mark so glad you approached this subject and I did suspect this ( I was bodybuilding in my teens ;-) I enjoy ultra running and will be turning 50 soon ( running for the past 10 years ) and feel like TRT is an option for me as I now take longer to recover from my training and suffer from depression. Hope you don't mind me asking, are you prescribed testosterone cypionate, enanthate, propionate or Sustanon ? is injection intermuscular or subcutaneous ?. my thinking is that subcutaneous shot would result in more stable levels of testosterone in the blood over time.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Glad you appreciated the video. It is one I made when I only had a few thousand subscribers so that I could establish my open stance on this from the beginning. 👍🏼 I was originally prescribed cyp sub q - but due to cost I migrated to sus im…… and found zero difference. Although I do inject three times a week for stability. That said, my dose is only around 130Mg a week so even with less regular injections, it’s not like I have a wild swings anyway.

[@GlasDevGuy]

@@MarkLewisfitness nice to know this, thanks for your reply and best!

[@GlasDevGuy]

@@MarkLewisfitness follow-up: my free testosterone was suboptimal as suspected! now on 80mg of test cyp weekly spread over two shots and feeling much better. Also I am micro-dosing ( not tripping 😀 ) with psilocybin ( magic truffles ) and it's been a game changer for motivation, anxiety, and appetite is slightly suppressed.

[@hikerJohn]

I'm pretty new to the channel and now (after all my comments about it) I see that you actually DID do standup comedy. I knew it had to be. :o)

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Long time ago 😂

[@Retread268]

Great video, but you got me with the microphone and baby pic. Well done sir. I very much appreciate all of your videos.

[@dansmith9724]

In reguards to depression as a condition, i think depression all by itself is rare. Depression should be reguarded as a symptom and rarely a disease until truly ruled out, even then depression treatment may still be needed. I say this because there are many causes of getting symptoms of depression and most drs rarely check possible causes of depression. As you said low testosterone can give you symotoms of depression but your diagnosis should be hypogonodism. Some drs will test for hypothyroidism, anemia from low iron and or b12 if your lucky. But many other conditions have depression as a symptom, post viral fatigue, over training syndrome, life stresses which are vast and varied and may be difficult to treat or change and symptom management a possible good way to treat and ease suffering. Chronic pain is very common at causing depressive symptoms and again pain is a symptom of something else. Insomnia can cause depression and insomnia can be a symptom of many other things. My opinion that depression is rarely an actual condition but a symptom of something else. Depressive symptoms can make people suffer in varying degrees from somewhat functional to a level of not being able to work or care for ones self. Interesting video/subject. It seems vary hard for men with obvious low testosterone to even get treatment. Hopefully sooner than later the stigma of drs about prescribing testosterone can be overcome and this treatment become more easily available for those who need it. 👍

[@stephanie_bolland]

Thank you for a very entertaining and engaging video regarding your TRT journey. I’m what used to be called a MtF post-operative transsexual. After surgery (more than 30 years ago) I have zero testosterone (classed as unmeasurable). In fact I could take TRT to bring my testosterone up to the level of a natural female - note I do not classed myself as a female as I was born a biological male. However, at 54 years old, 5’3”, 54kg my 5k PB is 23:21. I have had to make similar decisions to you regarding how I partake in organised events. I have a F on my birth certificate and therefore I can complete in a female category but I still have the advantage of being born male. However, in my defence I’m only 5’3” 🤣 and my nickname is the 🐿 I think it comes down to a personal decision. I have run a few events but I always felt bad about even having a perceived advantage so nowadays it’s just me and the road or trails. I think that if you are on TRT and the amount is to bring your levels up to a ‘normal’ level then I see no issue. After all there are plenty of professional sports people who are on medication for ‘asthma’, etc. All the best for your journey. Look forward to more of your content.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

It’s such a complex issue…. But you’re right that the place clarity is needed sooner rather than later it’s an the elite end and then work down. So the 6ft3 swimming man, who transitions to female and then crushes it in the pool at an elite level….. while those issues are outstanding I think the grey areas (smaller people without the physics advantage…. Or old man on TRT….. can wait 😁

[@stephanie_bolland]

Yes, it’s complex. But I also question the ethics and values of someone who transitions and then continues to compete at an elite level. Guess it’s the same as someone who dopes. Guess I’m old school as I stopped running parkrun because it seemed unfair. Keep making the great content and good luck with the next event.

[@DSKHo1968]

@@stephanie_bolland you are definitely old school to have integrity! Sadly, it seems there are a fair few that doesn't have that integrity and robbing biological females of the achievements they should have after a life time of hard work, I suspect for financial gains! You, I admire immensely, not so much the others. Some will consider that as transphobic, but I take each case on its merits and what do I care what others think anyway!

[@magnemmar4869]

There is a difference between being on TRT to treat a legitimate medical condition and "I don't have a medical need. I *WANT STEROIDS TO TRY AND MEET UNREALISTIC MALE BODY EXPECTATIONS*" If TRT was a total scam, there wouldn't even be an option of obtaining a TUE, yet there is. Granted, getting a TUE for TRT is basically impossible, but the odds aren't 0%. Glad you're feeling better!

[@liammcmanus90]

Hello Mark. Thanks for this information. I’ve got my appointment with a TRT clinic tomorrow. I’m 37 and have a lot of the symptoms you mentioned. It’s good to see the stigma being removed from this. Can’t say I’m not nervous about it as it’s ‘for life’ and also want a family. But I feel I need this for my well-being.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Good luck with it 👍🏼

[@naali2769]

Since im 40yo myself and for last i have been motivated to train for endurance sports, i have searched motivational videos from youtube, and have found your videos very motivated and supportive for my journey in mind... And that ”above average” is slogan that im going to use myself (without even asking :D ) as well. Wont unsubscribe even im bit disapointed. If i would think you as mentor with my journey from mild obese to fit and healthy, would i think im not able to succeed without supliments? Not really but maybe someone do?

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Interestingly, I actually have a video I am working on regarding this issue of people confusing motivation and inspiration with instruction. The idea of my videos is that people watch them and are then driven to go and achieve their own goals and objectives. We are not supposed to copy me. In the same way, I was motivated to start exercising as a 14-year-old when I watched Rocky IV - I wasn't motivated to become an Italian American boxer. So, within reason, how I do what I do should have little impact on anybody as long as they are entertained and leave my videos with a desire to do better themselves. As an aside, more specifically in terms of my abilities, I went from 330lbs to 220lbs without medication, I went from not being able to run for two minutes to running a sub 20 minute 5k without medication, I completed ultramarathons, Spartan obstacle courses, I literally transformed my health and fitness-all without medication. Since I began medication all of my physical achievements have only been improved upon slightly and that increase has been consistent with the ongoing training I've put in - so it would be quite easy to argue that it has had minimal impact there. But because I am on medication and therefore have excellent mental health now, compared to before, I am able to make these videos. So in summary, there are only two choices for me on medication doing all this for people to watch or may not on medication and this channel not existing.

[@naali2769]

Thank you for answering! I find your videos very entertaining, usefull and above all highly motivating. I have watched all your videos and i know that journey you’ve taken based what you have told in your videos, nice one!! That aside, when speaking suppliments and sports, its always like red cloth to some people, even benefits might be on mental side. Dont get me wrong here, i dont mind, but someone will. I think i wouldnt speak at all about subs. Keep up the good work! (And sorry for my bad English skills)

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@naali2769 the problem with not talking about it at all is that it will always get asked and I don't have a choice. I can ignore it or lie about it. That is the route that most fitness KZbinrs go down. I decided back when this channel had only a few thousand subscribers that I was not going to be hiding what I did or lying about it-hence I made these videos. Ultimately, if somebody decides to stop watching me because of medication I take, that is up to them. I have to be happy with the choices I have made.

[@michaelthorn2229]

Just got into your channel. Being the same age and using the Rocky 4 soundtrack as my "dig deep inspiration" I can totally relate. You talk a lot of sense. Stay average :0)

[@EndUser-yu7gg]

...never knew or thought anything of your stuff.. doesn't bother me nonetheless ... i am still a few hundred watts under you on zwift sprints still but I am getting stronger up 300watts over the last year ... I'll be breaking 1000w in another month i think ... never thought to ask doctor what my testosterone levels were but pretty sure i am normal ... just because i feel like i am in a gutter sometimes i just figure. well that is life... deal with it ... little late but still appreciate the honesty and love your stuff .. I am not going anywhere

[@felix1974]

I think it is a difficult one . If you genuinely have low T levels I don't blame you for taking what is likely a therapeutic dose. I'm your age, not on TRT , with test levels in the normal range. I suppose your comments about it not providing a performance advantage in the types of events you enter is a fair one but I would suggest what it does allow, is for you to maintain your muscular base whilst doing the long range training for those ultras etc. You'd without a doubt be less muscular without it and I think it is probably a helpful PED for things like Hyrox. However, if you are on a therapeutic dose only, it is not likely it is giving you THAT much of a lift. from a performance perspective anyway. None of this is meant as a dig, I think you're very honest and there seems to be total transparency here. I have taken SARMs and steroids in the past (I have some test in my cupboard as I write this, not taking it presently), so I am in no position to cast stones anyway. Really like the channel and its direction. Keep it going!

[@1mlister]

Presumably any advantage is negated by the naturally low testosterone levels? It's replacement, not addition?

[@syrus3k]

Lol the photo of your kid - you got him good..I love your style.

[@karllawton8398]

I enjoy your channel for your personality and whittyness. Your TRT reveal doesn't change the way I view you (as if that matters anyway 😆) Like you said, you're not doing videos telling people to "bench press like me and you'll get my chest" Another very good and interesting video! Keep them up.

[@gregparker3526]

Thanks for doing this in such a thoughtful manner. I enjoyed and agreed with everything you said

[@thp8485]

It's for a medical reason and within normal range. Not sure why anybody should be disadvantaged for having a medical issue. The issue is steroid abuse has tainted a perfectly safe treatment. Anabolics for performance needs to be at least 10x the level for TRT. That's like going from a tea with one sugar to a can of pepsi. Love your work Mark - motivated

[@msz9523]

as a 20-sth old woman just getting into running now, your videos are equally motivational to me regardless of testosterone, so who cares

[@jonnygspot4]

Hi Mark, Sorry for a question to a topic you raised months ago! But as a 51 year old getting back into weights and running after more than 20 years doing nothing, I'm obviously finding it more difficult to find the energy to train 5 days a week like I did in my 20's. I haven't had my T levels tested but did you have any experience of trying any of the T booster supplements that are readily available everywhere? Just wondered if worth trying or are they are total waste of money?

[@MarkLewisfitness]

100% waste of money. There are only two sensible options IF you have low T levels. First do all the lifestyle stuff that will mess up your levels in the first place - overweight, lack of sleep, over training/under training, diet, stress. If that still means your levels are low - see a GOOD doctor. Nothing over the counter will help resolve true low T levels. Also, get your levels checked before anything because you could just be older 😂 You aren't supposed to train like you are 20.......but equally, should'nt feel 80!

[@jonnygspot4]

@@MarkLewisfitness Cheers for the reply. Pretty much sums up what I thought. I'm doing pretty much all those things you suggested with the exception of accepting I'm getting old 😆 although my body it trying to tell me otherwise!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@jonnygspot4 to be honest - low T levels are such an issue it should almost be standard practice for people over 50 to get tested. Just in case. In 50 years it will be no different to getting your eyes sorted with specs as you get older. Basically, you should have died at 50 - humans are of little use once they finish making kids and raising them. But nowadays we want to live happy 50 years past that, to do so "naturally" is almost an oxymoron.

[@Parrysweets]

Raw honesty in a subject that needs it, in a world where taking the easy option seems to be encouraged by media promoting looks equals success. A few points I would like to add. To use the analogy of bricklayers and building walls. Some people are naturally born with more bricklayers so they can build more walls faster than others regardless, adding testosterone allows the bricklayers you are born with to work harder. The chances of becoming Arnold are extremely remote, its genetics. Testosterone supplements generally used for TRT are an entry level in any event and not the drug of choice for building muscle mass. Certain sports are not really sports but more of a science body building being the most obvious and you simply can't compete without it. The lack of honesty and knowledge often results in side effects that need counter medication. TRT is vital for many that have Test levels lower than a middle aged women, and is a far cry from PED used by an olympic 100mtr sprinter. Well done for having the courage to talk about this subject and your right its a far deeper dive to discuss this in greater depth.

[@benhall2235]

Hi Mark I love your videos. I had my test levels checked and was very low. Can I ask , did you manage to get trt on the nhs? I will be referred to an endocrinologist if my next blood test reveals low levels.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

No. In fact, I heard so many horror stories about the NHS simply not caring-that I went straight to a private doctor and have had great treatment ever since. There are certainly examples of the NHS being good, but you have to be very very lucky - and, of course, right now waiting lists are often a problem for people with life threatening disease, let alone hormone issues.

[@benhall2235]

@@MarkLewisfitness Thanks Mark, that’s a living cost that I might have to start budgeting for soon then. Keep up the great content, I’m finding the videos informative and inspiring as a 41 year old new runner.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@benhall2235 no problem, happy to help. If you need any pointers, just drop me a DM over on Instagram. 👍🏼

[@benhall2235]

@@MarkLewisfitness thank you, I will add you now!

[@adventurecats4816]

Late to the chat here, but there is a vast difference between TRT as prescribed by a doctor and juicing for performance.

[@robinschuman4760]

I rub on 350 mg of testosterone gel each week. Would the same amount in injections be better?

[@starvortex9]

Thanks for your video. What's your trt protocol? How much T and frequency? Any Hcg? What's your oestrodial levels? Any a.i? Thanks

[@MarkLewisfitness]

8ml of sustanon 250 daily. So that’s 140mg a week. Nothing else.

[@FreeLancerLondon]

Very interesting video. I think if you are taking testosterone for medical reasons then that's the same as me using my inhaler for asthma. I don't see a issue. At all. Personally I don't wish to take any medications that are not absolutely necessary, but if your quality of life has been improved by your treatment - good luck to you. And I'm really enjoying your channel and my 5k time is not in your league. Still happy I'm above average for my age. Gotta run!! Cheers

[@stewartfahey7590]

Just joking into 40s and going bk on trt. Wanted to know if yr in uk and what type of test are you using and how often are you injecting and where do you inject.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

In the UK, sustanon, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, delts. 140 mg per week total

[@BTurner.]

I’m sixty three, was one 110kg but now 93kg and I’ve never taken anything to help me in my life except hard training. I’m sorry but I think the natural way is by far the best for the long term. If you can’t achieve it yourself you’re kidding yourself in the long term but I do appreciate your honesty.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

But if your hormone imbalance is causing depression, what is the natural way to cure that?

[@BTurner.]

@@MarkLewisfitness To be honest I’ve never heard of hormone imbalance in men, I thought that was something women got at a certain age. I’ll Google it to educate myself.

[@erichaynes7502]

I agree that in most cases it's better to stay natural. And you're right hormone imbalance is a bunch of bull except in very rare cases. I will admit if you're a very lean and strong/muscular person who can bench and squat way over your weight a couple of cycles of testosterone(400-600mg) will take you to another level. Once again this is a very rare individual.

[@erichaynes7502]

@@MarkLewisfitness I'm not sure TRT is the answer. There very well may be some significant underlying issues causing your depression.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@erichaynes7502 well whatever they were…. They must have all gone then as I feel great 😁

[@tonmtbcomic9066]

You say about your TRT how do the sports drinks and bars will do for TRT and another type of question are you using that blue can on your bikes (WD40) hope not my bikes live on GT85

[@deadkennedy9140]

Between 48 and 50 I lost 75kg through diet and nutrition so yay me. I felt much better obs but there was still the motivation issue so I went to my female (I dont know if it makes a difference) doctor to ask for TRT. She looked at me like I had asked for something to make me a better r&pist . She said no, and then felt the need to tell me that it was illegal to try and source online. NHS obviously. Depression meds+statins+viagra > diet+excersise+trt according to the drug pushers.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

NHS is pointless for this stuff. You might as well ask a greengrocer about it 😂

[@Wargwarn]

What's the best test kit to order Mark?

[@MarkLewisfitness]

In the Uk I use medichecks - BUT the most important part is having a means of translating the results. The BEST was is to get in contact with a TRT clinic (mens health on the south coast or leger clinic up north are both good) - they will tell you want test they want you to sort out so you can send them results to discuss over the phone/in a consult with you. Second best (and NO WAY near as good - but it's what a lot do do) is to use a trusted on line group and learn what is "normal" and whats an issue so you can translate the results yourself (or post your results on their facebook groups etc) - but by that I mean you can spot what needs further examination. For example, if you took your own blood pressure and got 120/80 you'd know you where prob ok....if you got 165/110 - you'd know you need help - but they you'd need to find someone to give you the help! Or you could go to the NHS - but buy a lotto ticket on your way, more likely to win that than get good help from a GP in the UK

[@Wargwarn]

@@MarkLewisfitness thanks Mark, very helpful. Appreciate it.

[@reespaul27]

I'm at 11.8,. At age 37 it seems low to me 😫

[@patrickcycles]

Keep an eye on it but for now it's fine.. keep getting it tested every 3-6 months and if it ever drops below 10 it might be time to start thinking trt.. if you notice your mood or sexual function change it might be time to get tested

[@jamesvaughan7274]

Thanks for the video; I think highlighting the health concerns of older men is important. I think few understand the male implications of age whereas the female menopause/HRT has more widespread awareness. I think approaching UKAD was interesting as were their comments. My thoughts are that if you took any low category or masters race and tested everyone - there would be a significant number who'd test positive. Of those, some would be unaware, others (like you) prescribed and the remainder knowingly cheating. Does your TRT give you an advantage - yes, that's not disputed. I don't know if UKAD would give you a TUE - I also don't think they'd tell you if they would or not. By the letter of the rules, it is not permitted and is cheating. That line is clear and I've always been black & white on it. However, my reading of what UKAD said to you is that unless you're at the elite level, or competitive - so placing, winning prizes, points etc then it's almost a "shrug" - which surprises me. The downside being, you've put it on KZbin, so the first time you win/place/beat someone who cares - they'll whistleblow your video to UKAD and enough of those and they'll be waiting for you in 17000th place to take a sample. Historically, that seems to be how it works - enough noise causes action. Maybe just above average will keep you off the radar though! Keep up the content - great quality, humour and perspective.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yep, pretty much spot on. And there are examples of anti doping going are one easy target. Greg Doucette got caught in a local bike race because they knew who he was and just set out to get him. To be honest, if I raced an Ironman or similar, came 3000th and got pulled for a drug test that far down the field……it would make an interesting video 😂 as long as I can keep my finishers medal, they can ban me (although by the letter of the law, I’d be allowed to apply for a retrospective tue if “caught” ……. Although, as a weekend fun runner, I doubt I’d bother.

[@marick791]

Although it looks like there is better information about the female menopause and HRT, many women were prescribed antidepressants when HRT could have been a better option. A lot of woman get told well you are at that age and that is all the treatment they get. I had to be persistent to get my HRT and I have it to get back to normal levels so no performance enhancement here! I think if you have a medical condition then taking something to bring you back to the normal range is not cheating. I am wondering if my partner should get his testosterone levels looked at and then perhaps he wouldn't need the antidepressants he is on.

[@The8mile123]

Great content and a healthy perspective :)

[@toddboucher3302]

When you head this issue and when you started this I’m just curious was that before you were vegan because as a I’m 59 as a older and I’ve been on a mostly plant-based diet for six years and I haven’t had any real issues now everybody’s body is different I was just curious if you ever tried to retest and stop taking all the supplements and stuff since you’re on a high nutrition-based diet

[@zed5129]

Yeah man veganism is magical

[@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729]

Ive binged watched loads of your vids and gutted ive come across this one😏

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Why???

[@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729]

@@MarkLewisfitness maybe lack of understanding of TRT i suppose🤷‍♂️

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729 hopefully the video helped 😁 or ask anything you like. Knowing I get medical treatment for an issue I have shouldn’t leave you gutted 👍🏼 (I should be gutted 😂 but not you)

[@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729]

@@MarkLewisfitness I understand that it gets taken for different reasons and respect you for being open about it, but I suppose seeing as it’s given by the medical system I suppose it’s ok anyway. Still think your a machine for your age and you’ve got me looking into doing 10k events again, that’s if I can find the time between modding my T5 and riding the motorcycle 🙈

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729 👍🏼 worth noting 99% of my running gains came before I started TRT. I’m not really faster, just happier.

[@grantbeerling4396]

Fascinating video. Food for thought, but obviously not Pringles.

[@cpruns4501]

I'm 43 and I have woken up every day for the last 30 years ready to go! I have never had depression or any type of issues with that (that were not self caused). I know this is real though and if someone has to take TRT (doctor supervised) I say go to town. Would the guy who has 20/20 vision have an advantage over me in an ultra marathon? You better believe they would but oh wait...I have prescription sunglasses, or contacts, or regular glasses. Does the guy who doesn't suffer from planter fasciitis have an advantage over me (I have it bad)? You bet, but I buy a particular type of insole then take my dremmel tool to it to make it fit just perfect to my foot. Anyone who says you shouldn't "have this advantage" better take a very long look in the mirror and make sure their hypocritical meter isn't in the red. Am I allowed to use my dremmeled custom fit insoles in marathons? I'm not sure but if I ever come in the top 10% I will check into it:) Get out there my guy and do your thing:) Great video.

[@jinx6493]

Great video, thought provoking and well presented 👍

[@jdo1014]

Everyone makes their own choices, hopefully based on what's genuinely best for their body. But the moment you combine it with participation in WADA affiliated sports, it's Doping. Simple. Stay healthy/humble.

[@dadsgaming6474]

Mark, forgive me if I missed it but I’m looking into TRT. How did you go about getting this?

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Men’s health clinic in Bournemouth. Other places are available but they are pretty good.

[@dadsgaming6474]

@@MarkLewisfitness thanks Mark. I’ve registered for an appointment with a local clinic

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@dadsgaming6474 Good luck!

[@craigmnelson86]

Your levels were worse than mine. So happy you are on trt, which fb groups are you part of?

[@craigmnelson86]

Also you should keep going on trt and compete, who cares what people say, it clearly motivates you to be healthier

[@deannamaraschin111]

What some people fail to realise is that there is a massive difference between a person with low testosterone levels taking TRT to restore their levels to within the normal range (which is what Mark has done) VS a person who already has normal testosterone levels taking even MORE to gain a performance advantage. I know this because I am hypothyroid, and I take thyroid meds to restore my hormone levels TO NORMAL. One could argue that the meds are "boosting my metabolism" and giving me an advantage over someone who is not taking T4. But that's not how it works! The only thing my thyroid meds and Mark's TRT is doing is correcting a pre-existing imbalance. Once our levels are stable, we function like everybody else - but keep in mind that doctors prescribe the lowest dosage possible that is effective at restoring levels to within the normal range! People who are using TRT as a PED are going waaaay beyond normal physiological levels. But if you are using hormones as medication, and taking just enough of it to feel normal again and have results within the normal limits, then there is no unfair physical advantage (like some people claim with Mark's TRT).

[@cypriano8763]

if after loosing weight, exercising regularly and eating a plant strong diet my test levels where still in the shitter, then i would probably go that route. who knows, maybe in the future it will make sense.

[@EBTV_23]

TRT easy to get in the UK then ?

[@byknphil]

Top shelf video as always.

[@vincentcrowley5196]

I have a book, Natural Remedies For Low Testosterone, by Stephen Harrod Buhner, which I will get around to studying properly. I don't know how much you can raise levels with simply dietary changes but I will need to check my levels first

[@MarkLewisfitness]

It's tricky to do anything significant. You can certainly increase levels slightly and what you can definitely do is avoid activities that crash levels temporarily (like overtrained, being overweight, excess drinking, etc) but what nobody has ever been able to do is raise the levels of somebody diagnosed with low testosterone to a point where they feel better.

[@oayysz8909]

Hey mark if it makes you feel better then go for it, I wouldn't suffer to please others on zwift or triathlons that im not a cheater, yh they may have an argument but regardless your health and wellbeing is waaaay more important. simple

[@NoBody-og2jg]

TRT is something people mostly take for mental benefits. Having brain fog, low libido, low energy , low motivation is a much bigger priority for guys who experience fixing those symptoms than they care for little bigger muscles. With TRT you are not getting big like coach Greg. While it is possible to maintain after you have built that kind of body with cycles, building that kind of body with TRT is impossible.

[@yebo56]

The (small number) of people I've met, face to face, on TRT all seem to have lost any sense of fun.

[@kial185]

I'm 35, been on TRT for the last year. My private TRT clinic is based in London. The NHS is basically a dead end on this, even if you can find a rare member of the NHS who will put you on testosterone, they are rarely at the forefront of TRT best practice and industry knowledge, and will likely prescribe insufficient amounts or irresponsible and infrequent dosing schedules that can lead to worse issues. Go private to experts who are at the forefront of best practice. It's one of the best things I've done, but it hasn't been without it's own journey and some ups and downs. It's certainly not the silver bullet guys think it will be. There are so many nuances to balancing your hormones, and I can't say my clinic in London or the service and duty of care hasn't been without it's issues at times - not to mention they are having a laugh with the inflated London pricing, but I am not going to name and shame them, as overall my mental health and a whole long list of classic hormone deficiency issues has been cleared up. I was feeling rough as fuck before. Some days was like being dead inside, a shell of my former self. So happy to feeling like me again. Focused, energetic, motivated, optimistic, calmer, and patient. I have obviously stacked on a tonne of extra muscle, and that has been a lovely bonus, but 100% if you are fat, it will not make you leaner, even with the increased lean muscle mass- actually I had massive raises in blood pressure, heaps of extra appetite making binge eating more common due to increased grehlin, and was so wired from my starting dose that I was having anxiety and poor sleep. So it has been a process. Takeaway is that you still have to train hard as fuck, and consistently to see gains in the gym. You still need to have your calories and macros dialled in for your goals, and likely you need less of a dose than you think, to actually feel better. I started on 200mg per week which is very high for TRT, and that was like being on a full blown steroid cycle to my body, my levels were off the charts. Lots of gains to that, but also lots of negative side effects. I am now on 140mg per week and I feel much more "normal" and less wired, less conscious of being "on a substance" on 200mg I could literally feel it almost coursing through me constantly, you can see why guys like being on a cycle of 300mg to 500mg, but it was not doing my health markers any favours! All in all, if you are thinking about it, go and have a consultation and blood profiles and discuss with a TRT clinic. It's a service available (for a price) to help us biohack ourselves and be a better version of ourselves, so why not.

[@erichaynes7502]

Thanks for your comments, I've always thought 200mg was a fairly low dose, and that 400 mg was much more preferable. If you don't mind can you tell me your body type(lean, medium, heavy, flabby), how about personality traits? agreeable? conscientious? easily excitable? in my case I think any significant dose of test would make me worse I've always had a high octane personality..test would take that to a new, unpleasant level.

[@kial185]

@@erichaynes7502 and anyone else reading this, 400mg per week is not TRT (it is not a replacement dosage), 400mg per week is a straight out steriod cycle. 200mg per week will put most men (not all, but most) significantly above super physiological blood levels in their free testosterone and testosterone. A lot of first time users of steroids will see pretty significant growth in size on 200mg for the first few cycles. That is why TRT is nornlally a lot lower. 400mg per week would be classed as a blast, and for most people this would not be a safe or sustainable place to stay at for extended amount of time, hence the word "cycle" - a lot of guys who are quite jacked, on TRT are on much closer to 100mg per week (125, 150 for some) for long term actual TRT. So I would hate for other less informed guys to read this thread and think 400mg per week is TRT, when it is a cycle, and if attempted needs to be monitored correctly by someone who knows what they are doing and how to read blood levels, other health markers to make sure you are not messing your system up. It's important to speak with an actual TRT clinic or follow their KZbin pages to be informed on this.

[@erichaynes7502]

@@kial185 keep in mind 200mg is a cycle as well.

[@kial185]

@@erichaynes7502 yes totally agree. that is why I said above "A lot of first time users of steroids will see pretty significant growth in size on 200mg for the first few cycles. That is why TRT is normally a lot lower"

[@bd11777]

I'm 31 and my test levels were 20.5nmol/L, that puts me between the 80th & 90th percentile. 29nmol would put you in the 99th percentile of 27 year olds! I still think you are fine to compete etc however I think you should let go of the age group placings/comparisons & mentioning them in your videos as you undoubtedly have a "unnatural advantage" in the age group. Obviously I'm assuming there that those who you are competing against aren't also on TRT but in reality a lot of them will be too!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Interestingly, I’ve had to lower my level the last few months so now quite close to you. That aside though, one of the reasons I do sports I naturally have a disadvantage in is to balance things out. If I beat someone in an ultra marathon as a 220lb asthmatic with a history of obesity….. they’ll have to live with that. Incidentally, there isn’t a single physical thing I do that I couldn’t do better without testosterone if I wanted - I simply don’t operate close to my limit.

[@vaughanscott7308]

Loving the channel

[@chrisstrider]

I raced as a younger testosterone filled 20s 30s year old and with age just enjoy getting out on the bike or run That’s the natural order so I wondered why 60 year old dentists were qualifying for kona and now I know! You might get some sideways looks in the transition area unless they are all on TRT

[@briansheeran4185]

What is the approximate cost?