Domain: tiger-web1.srvr.media3.us Total Testosterone Conundrum | Health/Fitness
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Total Testosterone Conundrum

Posted on 6/3/24 at 3:17 pm
Posted by BillyGibbons
St. Somewhere
Member since Mar 2020
787 posts
Posted on 6/3/24 at 3:17 pm
H/F board, I need your help.
I’m a male in my late 30s who lifts 3-4 week and does some sort of cardio 3-4 times a week. I’ve been doing so for 6-7 years now.

I’m 5’11” and weigh 220 lbs.

Most recent lifts are:
Squat: 405 x 3
Bench: 315 x 6
Deadlift: 405 x 5

I had my GP order a testosterone test as part of my annual blood work. Last time I had it tested was in 2021 and I was on the low side of normal (327). At the time I was sleeping very poorly and the Dr. told me that could affect my levels.

Fast forward to today and my total test is outside the normal range at 300. I don’t suffer (at least I don’t think I do) from most of the common side effects of low T. The only thing that’s occasionally an issue is brain fog.

My question is should I pursue treatment and maybe see what I’ve been missing (maybe become stronger, more clear thinking, better lover, etc) or leave well enough alone until symptoms affect my life more?
Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
37304 posts
Posted on 6/3/24 at 3:29 pm to
you could but biggest thing is you need to lose some weight. at 5'11 and 220 you are obese. not being mean but truthful

i would try a carnivore style diet or something like the testosterone diet where focus is meats and very low carbs.

your strength numbers are good but not crazy enough to suggest you are even 20% BF at 220 and your height. prolly closer to 25%
Posted by MemphisGuy
Germantown, TN
Member since Nov 2023
14160 posts
Posted on 6/3/24 at 3:29 pm to
quote:

I don’t suffer (at least I don’t think I do) from most of the common side effects of low T.


You answered your own question....


And if you don't think you do, then you don't...
Posted by MWP
Kingwood, TX via Monroe, LA
Member since Jul 2013
11003 posts
Posted on 6/3/24 at 4:26 pm to
quote:

5'11 and 220 you are obese


So was Ronnie Coleman at 5'11", who at peak Ronnie was close to 300, obese?

Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
37304 posts
Posted on 6/3/24 at 7:24 pm to
Ronnie Coleman deadlifted and squated 3x his weight.

And sorry but the dude is not Ronnie Coleman, has low test and is obese. Not being mean but just truthful
Posted by BillyGibbons
St. Somewhere
Member since Mar 2020
787 posts
Posted on 6/3/24 at 8:40 pm to
quote:

you could but biggest thing is you need to lose some weight. at 5'11 and 220 you are obese. not being mean but truthful i would try a carnivore style diet or something like the testosterone diet where focus is meats and very low carbs. your strength numbers are good but not crazy enough to suggest you are even 20% BF at 220 and your height. prolly closer to 25%


I appreciate the response but I can assure you I am not obese. I’m genetically gifted with very large muscles in my lower body.

Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
37304 posts
Posted on 6/3/24 at 8:46 pm to
Go get a legit body fat test done and then post it. Nobody is that gifted. Even if you are 20% bodyfat, that puts you in very very elite category ffmi of almost 26. Very doubtful
Posted by BillyGibbons
St. Somewhere
Member since Mar 2020
787 posts
Posted on 6/3/24 at 9:00 pm to
quote:

Go get a legit body fat test done and then post it. Nobody is that gifted. Even if you are 20% bodyfat, that puts you in very very elite category ffmi of almost 26. Very doubtful


Again, I genuinely appreciate the reply. I think I will take your advice because I’ve never actually done one. I’ll post an update when I do.
Posted by Mo Jeaux
Member since Aug 2008
62817 posts
Posted on 6/3/24 at 9:23 pm to
quote:

I appreciate the response but I can assure you I am not obese. I’m genetically gifted with very large muscles in my lower body.


It never fails.

FWIW, I'm your height, and your numbers are aren't much more than mine. I'm currently at 185lbs, and I definitely could stand to lose another 10 lbs (I still have some stubborn love handles and my abs aren't quite showing).

It's great that you're lifting and doing cardio, but that extra weight can definitely affect your T levels.
Posted by RocketTiger
Member since Mar 2014
1220 posts
Posted on 6/4/24 at 6:29 am to
From my experience, at 300 you probably don't think you are experiencing symptoms, but you don't know/remember what it feels like to be at 800+. How you feel now has become normal.

Total T is a good baseline number, but you should really look into your Free T level.
Posted by BeachDude022
Premium Elite Platinum TD Member
Member since Dec 2006
36406 posts
Posted on 6/4/24 at 6:40 am to
I’m, 43, 5’10 and was 220 lbs back in February with the same regiment. I’m also a competitive powerlifter. I started Semaglutide with my TRT and I’m down to 189. I felt like total dog shite at my previous size. I was strong af too, just like you. My numbers weren’t quite as high as yours but not far off. I was obese and felt it. Get on TRT. I’ve lost 31 lbs and barely have lost any strength with it. Still pulling 520+ on deads, for example. I’m not saying you need to get on Semaglutide, but def try TRT. Just my two cents, take it or leave it. Best of luck!
This post was edited on 6/4/24 at 6:41 am
Posted by Loup
Ferriday
Member since Apr 2019
16187 posts
Posted on 6/4/24 at 7:40 am to
quote:

From my experience, at 300 you probably don't think you are experiencing symptoms, but you don't know/remember what it feels like to be at 800+. How you feel now has become normal.



That's the boat I was in. I wasn't having any issues with sex drive but I was noticing I wasn't as motivated in the gym and was more than happy to sit around on the couch all weekend. I was also recovering slowly. When I'd lose weight my arms/legs would shrink while my belly would stay the same size. 3 weeks in to TRT I couldn't believe how much better I felt.
Posted by idontyield
Tunnel Trash
Member since Jun 2022
566 posts
Posted on 6/4/24 at 10:45 am to
quote:

5'11 and 220


quote:

I am not obese. I’m genetically gifted


I love Tigerdroppings. Incredible.
Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
37304 posts
Posted on 6/4/24 at 11:05 am to
quote:

I love Tigerdroppings. Incredible.


exactly. wasnt being mean either. i just know unless on the sauce and a lot of sauce at that for couple years....that height and that weight...yea you are obese.

OP do us a favor and be honest, measure your waist at the navel in the morning after a piss, measure your biceps non pumped and measure wrist and post them.
Posted by BillyGibbons
St. Somewhere
Member since Mar 2020
787 posts
Posted on 6/4/24 at 11:06 am to
quote:

your strength numbers are good but not crazy enough to suggest you are even 20% BF at 220 and your height. prolly closer to 25%

quote:

Go get a legit body fat test done and then post it. Nobody is that gifted. Even if you are 20% bodyfat, that puts you in very very elite category ffmi of almost 26. Very doubtful


Sorry for the markups, the guy at the shop went a little overboard.



ETA:
quote:

exactly. wasnt being mean either. i just know unless on the sauce and a lot of sauce at that for couple years....that height and that weight...yea you are obese.

OP do us a favor and be honest, measure your waist at the navel in the morning after a piss, measure your biceps non pumped and measure wrist and post them.


Just saw this. I’ll post em tomorrow.

Also, i started lifting in 2017 and weighed 172 lbs. I’ve never been on anything but creatine and protein supplements.
This post was edited on 6/4/24 at 12:32 pm
Posted by bayouvette
Raceland
Member since Oct 2005
5770 posts
Posted on 6/4/24 at 11:11 am to
I don't see any conudruim. What's wrong with anything you posted. You got good numbers and you are active.

Sounds like you just looking for an excuse to get on trt.
Posted by bamaguy17
Member since Jul 2022
1267 posts
Posted on 6/4/24 at 11:45 am to
I want to get one of those tests done just so we can all laugh at how much bigger my left leg is than my right.
Posted by BillyGibbons
St. Somewhere
Member since Mar 2020
787 posts
Posted on 6/4/24 at 12:19 pm to
quote:

From my experience, at 300 you probably don't think you are experiencing symptoms, but you don't know/remember what it feels like to be at 800+. How you feel now has become normal.


This is my main concern. Like maybe I have significantly less energy and have just gotten used to it.
Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
37304 posts
Posted on 6/4/24 at 12:48 pm to
those are really good numbers, color me very impressed. but still need to get the bodyfat down. will help with test.

at 300 you prolly could get on trt and would prolly have more energy
Posted by lsugerberbaby
baton rouge
Member since Mar 2008
3051 posts
Posted on 6/4/24 at 1:33 pm to
quote:

I don’t suffer (at least I don’t think I do) from most of the common side effects of low T. The only thing that’s occasionally an issue is brain fog.


Wouldn't do it. If you're hitting the gym that often, and your overall mood is good, then don't worry about the number. I got on when my levels were at 555. I felt like I had more energy, and the brain fog was lifted a bit...but I had too many side effects to stay on it.

Try some Boron and check out some test boost from Transparent Labs. I feel much better taking this stuff than I felt on TRT. At least try it out before making that massive commitment.
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