I am in my 40’s and have been on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) –testosterone- for the last year. With that said, here are some data points that may assist you.
I have used anabolic steroids in the past. Generally low doses for short periods of time; however, I have not taken any of this medication in many years.
During my normal medical physical my blood test results indicated an extremely low testosterone count, which cause me to visit an endocrinologist.
The normal male range for free testosterone (direct) is roughly 6.8 to 21.5 pg/ml. Generally most doctors (endocrinologist) will try to maintain your blood count somewhere in the middle, depending on your age. And because this is a fairly large range, each doctor sometimes has a different opinion of what is acceptable for each individual. If you are put on HR this count will fluctuate based on before and after an injection (I would only do injectable testosterone-, no patches, pills, etc.).
I was injecting 100mg of Depo-testosterone weekly, which seemed to maintain my count within the mid range weekly.
However, being very well versed in the use of AS and how my body felt while on, I did not feel I was getting much benefit from using testosterone. I spoke to my doctor about this but most doctors and endocrinologist to not appear to be very well versed in the use and of these drugs. After using Depo-testosterone for one year and having some undesirable side effects (acne on my face, which I never had, sleepless nights, which I never had), I decided to visit a clinical specialist in the use of anti aging, growth hormone, and HRT. I am currently under his care and based on his advice have stopped all drugs in order to bring my body back to a baseline state. Then he will work with me to find a best solution and or combination of medicines to use, if required.
The reason I took the long road and told you all this is to give you the following data:
• Make sure you visit a highly qualified endocrinologist who is well versed in the use of these drugs.
• Once you start using them your body will shut down its own ability to manufacture testosterone. Therefore, you do not want to blindly start using these drugs, as long term use could cause you problems down the road (i.e., having to inject weekly for the rest of your life).
• Many doctors and endocrinologist are not familiar with HRT that includes drug combinations which are sometimes better in the long run. Most just go with the old standby-testosterone.
• You may not have problems entering natural competitions providing that your eventual blood count is maintained within the normal ranges. Being polygraphed could be a problem.
• Tribulus/ZMA is a farce. They will not raise your testosterone count in any significant way. And stay away from and pro-hormones.
• The bottom line is, make sure you need to go on HRT-you may, but double check. As I indicated I have used AS on and off over the years and always had very good results. But using them because I wanted to as opposed to needing to (a shot every week) is not what I would like to do.
PM me if you would like to discuss more.
P
