Hi guys,
Posting this in ED as that's my main symptom, but I suppose this could go anywhere.
Recently got some blood tests back. My testosterone was just 18.7 nmol (just under 550 dg/nl) which I'd say is pretty low for a 36 year old, particularly as for the past year I've been taking dietary supplements associated with increased Testosterone. Supposedly, too much Testosterone is converted into Oestrogen, and therefore T is lowered. Do you think I'm taking too much T-related supplements?
Here's everything I've been taking daily:
Vit C 100mg & Zinc 15mg in one supplement
Omega 3 1000mg
Magnesium 400mg
A-Z Multivitamins (inc zinc 15mg)
Vit K2 500mcg
coq10 - 100mg
L-arginine 3-4g (2 months on, 1 month off)
L-carnitine 1g
Pomegranate 10000mg
Garlic 3mg
I'm of slightly above average fitness, mostly balanced diet, don't drink too much, no drugs. I'm can be somewhat of an erratic sleeper, which I know can be detrimental to Testosterone, but I think at the time I had the tests done I'd been sleeping well for the previous few weeks.
Interestingly, back in my mid-twenties when I first developed ED, my testosterone was so high I was asked if I was taking steroids! (I wasn't...not anabolic steroids at least....)
Any thoughts?
Thanks, Peety
18.7 nmol/l is not low. It's not high-average what everyone is aiming for, but I wouldn't consider it low for a 36 year old. I had 16 nmol/l at 18 years old and my doc didnt want to pkut me on trt. I started doing trt myself and I feel more fit than ever, but it didnt fix any libido or erection problems because I didnt have them in the first place (except for peyronies) also the mental boost is something I barely notice too, but for some reason I just dont seem to "feel" the effectsnof drugs easily. It's now 35 nmol/l, thats good but it didnt change my life like it did for some guys (especially because peyronies is a bitch still)
I dont believe its caused by supplements by the way, if it would do anything it would rather increase it. I don't believe supplements could make a HUGE difference anyway.
I'm taking similar sups except for magnesium, pomegranate and garlic but mostly only since being refused testosterone treatment, it was steadily declining until it got to 10.1nmol at which point I decided to research and treat myself, is now at 14.8 so really pleased with the progress and am intending to metal increasing if poss, that said I haven't noticed much improvement in any of the symptoms that alerted me to my low levels.
HTH
Testosterone boosters have to be cycled. Otherwise the body rapidly becomes accustomed to them and they won't work in the way they should.
The best in my opinion are, DAA, fenugreek, and 95% saponin Tribulus. Take only one at a time and change every 10-14 days.
Having said all this, the best test booster is get yourself in the gym and start pumping some iron.
Thanks everyone. I agree with jonbinspain, I think it's time to start working out!
Definitely the way to go.
I read a paper a while back saying heavy weightlifting following a certain method was the best way to increase T levels in men over 45yrs old (without taking it)
Also note that there is an associated increase in Growth Hormone (GH) with this type of weightlifting. The body's magic bullet for growth and repair !! Increasing T and GH like this will put your body in an anabolic state which you need to be in to stand the most chance of recovery.
Eat healthy and keep protein levels high - min of 20grams in each meal.
I posted the type of workout necessary before : Testosterone... - Peyronies Society Forums (https://www.peyroniesforum.net/index.php/topic,7160.msg72961.html#msg72961)
Any kind of weight training will do the job for most people. Notice the use of the word 'training' not lifting. Never try to push or lift too much weight, you'll most likely only hurt yourself. It's called 'pumping iron' for a reason. The idea is to pump blood into the muscles. More blood, more muscle!
And yes, as Gutted has said, try to keep your diet protein rich. Carbs are important too, of course, as they provide energy. But Keep the balance higher in protein.
PeetyPeet
It is right that 550 dg/nl is in the range as:
Adult male T range according to Mayo Clinic: 270 to 1070 at 30 year old
-1% for every year after 30, your maximum supposed to be 1006
For some reason, all the Peyronies specialists (many other doctors also) advocating to be close to the maximum.
I am testing mine from time to time, had 692, at the age of 68 the maximum supposed to be 663.
The high T not helping me with the Peyronies and ED but keeps my libido very high.
James
That's pretty good T levels James!
I recently realised that it might be L-arginine reducing my testosterone slightly. I've noticed my Libido has somewhat returned recently, and it appears to be timed with my off-L-arginine-period.
I'm surprised that 3-4g a day would have such an effect though. I've read body builders take 10g plus!
I keep my Testosterone level over 1,000 to 1,400 regularly and usually don't even need an AI. I also take Clomid and Proviron. Because of our problem, it's best to keep those numbers high unless you are dealing with cancer issues.