Testosterone supplements
dwatson925
Posts: 143 Member
I have low testosterone, but do not want to get the shots. Has anyone had success or can recommend a good over-the-counter supplement to use?
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Replies
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Short of taking oral anabolic steroids, there's not much, if anything you can do.0
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If they were effective they would not be available over the counter.4
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Sorry, does not exist.1
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dwatson925 wrote: »I have low testosterone, but do not want to get the shots. Has anyone had success or can recommend a good over-the-counter supplement to use?
Your doctor did not recommend the topical gel? It has been effective for me.4 -
Nothing oral or topical will work if you really do have low levels.0
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See your doctor to get a prescription. There are other options (I know gel is pretty popular). Do not take over the counter stuff. At best, it's useless, at worst it can do more harm than good.trigden1991 wrote: »Nothing oral or topical will work if you really do have low levels.
There is prescription topical that works very well.1 -
trigden1991 wrote: »Nothing oral or topical will work if you really do have low levels.
Why wouldn't topical work?0 -
I'm probably wrong, but I've heard some foods can help. Brazil nuts?0
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Nutrition should be your very first step.
Followed by losing weight.
Fast foods and highly processed packaged foods should be avoided.
Take a men's multi that include D and zinc.
Limit added sugars
Eat healthy fats
http://www.webmd.com/men/features/can-you-boost-testosterone-naturally
Your body naturally makes a hormone called DHEA that it can convert to testosterone. DHEA is also available in supplement form. DHEA supplements will do little to raise your testosterone.
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If you were diagnosed with low T, you'll probably have to follow the doc's instructions. If your just trying to increase your testosterone levels naturally you can:
Lift heavy weights
The more sleep the better
Sex at least once a week increases T
Avoid alcohol
A supplement ZMA (Zinc, Magnesium Aspartate, Vitamins B6)
Adjust your diet
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Are you exercising? I found my production has gone up quite a bit within a month of steady cardio (I recently added resistance training). FYI: I turned 50 in March.0
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My best friend is an FTM transgender man, and if there was an over-the-counter way of getting Testosterone, he wouldn't have had to wait 12+ months for a prescription xD
There are ways to boost natural levels of Testosterone, including diet and weight lifting.
The above image is intended for transguys who aren't on Testosterone supplements, but you have the added bonus of having X and Y chromosomes.
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Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »trigden1991 wrote: »Nothing oral or topical will work if you really do have low levels.
Why wouldn't topical work?
Topical creams rely on absorption, which is never a constant. Whilst you may increase your levels, they will not be constant which can lead to feeling worse. Plus estrogenic side effects are more likely to occur with fluctuating T levels.0 -
There are no over the counter supplements that actually increase testosterone production or available testosterone. Only actual testosterone does this, and it is best injected although other methods work. You want to speak to a doctor about this, as you may find an aromatase inhibitor addresses your issue, but you need to get tested, you need to have a discussion about what options are available to and suitable for you if you do have low T.
You should also do what you can to encourage test production and availability, primarily don't be fat, do resistance training, eat sensible food, avoid estrogen mimicking substances like soy and maybe BPA plastics.
Ultimately however, you need to know if you have low T or your symptoms are for something else, and the only way to know is to get tested and have a consult. Do it and don't wait.0 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »trigden1991 wrote: »Nothing oral or topical will work if you really do have low levels.
Why wouldn't topical work?
Topicals do work. However one complaint against them is irritation to the skin. Another is the smell, and keeping safe with this stuff on your hands prior to washing. There are lots of statements from the users of stuff like testim and other gels is that over a pretty short period of time the efficacy fades. If you are actually clinically low, see a doc that will let you self inject. man up
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trigden1991 wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »trigden1991 wrote: »Nothing oral or topical will work if you really do have low levels.
Why wouldn't topical work?
Topical creams rely on absorption, which is never a constant. Whilst you may increase your levels, they will not be constant which can lead to feeling worse. Plus estrogenic side effects are more likely to occur with fluctuating T levels.
I'm on the gel Levels have gone up and seem to stay fairly consistent as it is applied daily. One of the well knocks on shots is that the levels move around between the shots.0 -
I have very high T levels for a woman, do you want some of mine?
Seriously dude, just get the shots.0 -
DangerouslyEli wrote: »My best friend is an FTM transgender man, and if there was an over-the-counter way of getting Testosterone, he wouldn't have had to wait 12+ months for a prescription xD
There are ways to boost natural levels of Testosterone, including diet and weight lifting.
The above image is intended for transguys who aren't on Testosterone supplements, but you have the added bonus of having X and Y chromosomes.
Yep. I was low, eating a super clean diet, lifting for years. Was like 80 on a scale where 150 was low. Did some testing and my strength and vo2 max was in the top 1% for my age group. Doctor couldn't believe it with levels that low
Diet and exercise helps but check with a doctor.2 -
Packerjohn wrote: »trigden1991 wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »trigden1991 wrote: »Nothing oral or topical will work if you really do have low levels.
I'm on the gel Levels have gone up and seem to stay fairly consistent as it is applied daily. One of the well knocks on shots is that the levels move around between the shots.
If you understood how half lives worked, you would know that this is not an issue once the desired level is reached!0 -
you ask this on a weight loss/fitness site ..... not the right place to ask this me thinks!0
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yeah your primary shutdown at this point. see your doc. man up and get your levels up. No matter what your current diet and health look like now, you wont be able to do anything about it until you address this issue as well. At that level and a modest dose of ~160mg/wk look at about 3 weeks before your going to feel any good at all again. I don't care where ya post dude I will still mouth off but thanks ruthee
lexbubbles wrote: »I have very high T levels for a woman, do you want some of mine?
Seriously dude, just get the shots.
wise woman0 -
RunRutheeRun wrote: »you ask this on a weight loss/fitness site ..... not the right place to ask this me thinks!
It's a health and fitness site. Are you complaining about people asking about birth control?1 -
Packerjohn wrote: »RunRutheeRun wrote: »you ask this on a weight loss/fitness site ..... not the right place to ask this me thinks!
It's a health and fitness site. Are you bitching about people asking about birth control?
I think OP needs to ask someone qualified, i.e a doctor to get the right answers....
and 'bitching' is a harsh word to imply imo.0 -
I was diagnosed with low T and the Dr. wrote me a script for a topical gel called Fortesa. I wonder about tridgen1991's experience causing him to say topicals don't work. My levels have since remained right in the middle of the scale, 193-740, at 491ng/dL. I recommend you go talk to your Dr. He knows way more than the average MFP poster.0
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RunRutheeRun wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »RunRutheeRun wrote: »you ask this on a weight loss/fitness site ..... not the right place to ask this me thinks!
It's a health and fitness site. Are you bitching about people asking about birth control?
I think OP needs to ask someone qualified, i.e a doctor to get the right answers....
and 'bitching' is a harsh word to imply imo.
The op should speak to a doctor. Does not hurt to get opinions on a forum though as part of the education process along with reading from medical sites.
I changed my wording to complaining. Sorry for any offense.1 -
trigden1991 wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »trigden1991 wrote: »Nothing oral or topical will work if you really do have low levels.
Why wouldn't topical work?
Topical creams rely on absorption, which is never a constant. Whilst you may increase your levels, they will not be constant which can lead to feeling worse. Plus estrogenic side effects are more likely to occur with fluctuating T levels.
So all those women using topical birth control (patches) are getting fluctuating levels?
All the women who use topical estrogen and progesterone with menopause?
I guess I just disagree, but that's okay.1 -
Packerjohn wrote: »RunRutheeRun wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »RunRutheeRun wrote: »you ask this on a weight loss/fitness site ..... not the right place to ask this me thinks!
It's a health and fitness site. Are you bitching about people asking about birth control?
I think OP needs to ask someone qualified, i.e a doctor to get the right answers....
and 'bitching' is a harsh word to imply imo.
The op should speak to a doctor. Does not hurt to get opinions on a forum though as part of the education process along with reading from medical sites.
I changed my wording to complaining. Sorry for any offense.
Ahh you're fine, none taken (appreciate the edit
Have a nice day 
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OP should definitely talk to a doctor. Other things affect T levels, like brain structure. Google Empty Cella Syndrome and find out.0
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IMO (science too), heavy deadlifts, squats, and leg presses have kept my test up all these years.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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IMO (science too), heavy deadlifts, squats, and leg presses have kept my test up all these years.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
That can definately help, but as I mentioned above I was tested at a university performance lab and was considerablly stronger than average for my age as a result of lifting for 30+ years. Still had low levels.
Everyone is different as many have mentionrf the op should work with a doctor.
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