Dealing with low-T need help!

Looking for some suggestions for raising my testosterone levels. I used to work out religiously until a couple yrs. ago. my testosterone level is now below 150. So obviously no ambition at the end of each day to lift. I can't afford the 400$ a month for the advertised tv products. Insurance won't pay either. Any advise would be helpful. thanks

 

if you have low T, you should take it easy with the workouts, over training can lower your T level. i would make sure you have enough fats and carbs in your diet. supplement like ZMA and Yohimbine can raise natrual T level and boost sex drive. and i know this sucks but try to have less sex, but watch more erotic if that makes sense. a lot of T boosters work but it doesnt help as much as most people think. T level is a hard one to tackle because if you inject T your natural level will never come back and you are stuck injecting for life.

 

Androgel, Testim or testosterone injections

Your PCP can get it covered under your insurance and go to the manufactures web site and find coupons that lower your co-pay.

 

Got to agree with my boy Patrick......if you get it tested through your Dr, it should be covered. I've heard having sex and/or rubbing one out can reduce T in the immediate, but raises it after recovery. Clean the pipes regularly even if you don't feel like it. LOTS of sleep/naps, good food and reduce stress is about all you can do!

As far as workouts, I'd keep them short and make sure the intensity isn't too high.....focus on max strength in the 3-5 rep range with lots of rest. This will stimulate the CNS and not over tax it which will take a lot to recover from. Google a technique called "grease the groove" you basically do small easy sets all day long while staying fresh (chin ups and push-ups are easiest to do anywhere).

 

Thanks for the replies. insurance won't cover and meds. for it. So I will try any of the above ideas to help me out. Some days really suck.

 

Look up Mike Mahler he's big on natural hormone boosters......diet, exercise, lifestyle and supplements are an integral part. Stinging Nettle, almonds and broccoli/califlower are good at boosting DHT which raises T and an overal diet with 30% fat. What's your stress levels look like?

 

Not sure on the stress levels as far as medical tests. But I do work for a phycopath boss that does cause a lot of stress. That does not help matters.

 

I don't take meds for anything.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/484036-does-working-out-legs-help-your-body-get-bigger-faster/

 

Are you having symptoms of low testosterone?


What your blood levels are, really aren't important. Men can have drastically different levels compared to one another, but it doesn't signify a medical condition. Some men need less hormone in their body than others to have the same effect. Receptor sensitivity and genetics play a large role here. Also you just say 150 and don't put in the actual metrics used to measure. There are about 3 common ways to measure serum testosterone levels. Free testosterone being a little more important.
So don't get so focused on a number, focus more on how you feel and levels of symptoms.
Over treating number can cause health problems. Hormone replacement comes with legitimate medical risk. This must be understood.

I use Androgel. Personally I love it. Would be curious as to why your insurance company will not cover it if your doctor recommends it medically.

Never self treat T problems either. There are a lot of products out there that claim to boost T levels. They risk causing more harm than good, because virtually nothing out there OTC will be effective. You just risk taking something that hasn't been properly tested and regulated. Plus many times low T isn't the problem unless you can line up symptoms and blood work.

For those of you guys who are stating stress, poor sleep, poor diet, and poor exercise habits; fix those first. Poor sleep and diet will rip you down faster than anything else. If you still have problems, consult a doc for a proper work up. Many things can cause the same symptoms as low T.
I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (autoimmune) causing my hormone issues. The best prescriptions have been sleep, exercise, and a whole foods based diet. I still take the Androgel but I've improved symptoms considerably and have been able to lower my dosage by correcting those simple lifestyle factors. When I'm doing well with those things, I feel on top of the world. When I don't, I feel like I'm literally about 70 years old (I'm 24). Amazing the difference those few things make.

 

Well I'm not a frequent poster here, but I do read the daily articles posted on T-Nation religiously. This one is a gem:

https://www.t-nation.com/training/training-program-for-hormone-optimization

It highlights resistance training's ability to manipulate the hormonal environment. I hope it can be of some help.

 

Couldn't have said it better.

Be really careful with this stuff. The endocrine society has specific practice guidelines that should be strictly followed when diagnosing a person with hypogonadism. I have seen too many providers prescribe it when is wasn't diagnosed properly. T levels should be checked between 8-10 AM; if its low then it should be repeated on 2 additional occasions between 8-10 AM to verify the diagnosis. Several environmental factors can affect your levels for one day which is why it must be repeated. I have seen patients develop prostate cancer after only taking T for 8 months. It also increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Focus on lifestyle and habit changes! Dial in your sleep, diet, and exercise before turning to pharmaceuticals.