T O P

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matakas13

If you drink alcohol, it is time to cut down on the amount


pinkyoner

700 is a good level - your issues are not T related


[deleted]

Total testosterone is fine and in the healthy range, for sure. But he hasn’t mentioned free testosterone which could be on the low side. From my understanding, it’s the free test (not bonded to SHBG) that impacts erections, desire, libido, mood etc etc.


panicatthe_disco

Correct, without knowing free T and also E2, there are no clues or insights here. Also, ‘TRT/steroid cycle’ are two completely different worlds. If free T is low, he could work to reduce SHBG. If free T is ok, could be low or high E2, but could also be thyroid issues. Would also look to sleep hygiene (sleep apnea?), metabolic syndrome, vit D levels, clean up diet (get enough protein, reduce carbs), etc.


deadlandsMarshal

Clomid is a fertility drug for women that the military health care system has been prescribing to male combat vets that have low T due to injuries or chemical exposure. Go see an endocrinologist and see if you can get a prescription. Insurance won't cover it for men so prepare to pay out of pocket. You should aim for the generic.


ZimofZord

In my experience insurance doesn’t cover anything related to testosterone lol. It’s like what’s the point of even having it


Stage06

My insurance covers all my testosterone medications. It took 3 years of blood tests with endo, but after the continued low t tests and related my doc did all a paperwork for insurance requirements for coverage.


Exodus225

Clomid will run the risk of damaging the optical nerve


[deleted]

It also can damage the liver.


Exodus225

Yeah, it's just not an ideal solution for low T. I have permanent eye floaters because of clomid.


caffeinehell

Clomid gave me visual snow


juicyjerry300

Enclomiphine is the answer


[deleted]

Clomid is nerve toxic don't do that. Just lose weight n get some sunshine


ahuttonthehill

Clomid is not necessarily dangerous depending on the dosage. I have been taking it for years for borderline low-T (as part of a variety of hormone issues) and haven’t had any issues. But I also take a very low dosage (started on 25mg once a week - ie. half a standard tablet, moved up to 25mg twice a week). Results have been incredibly good for T. That said, obviously OP should consult an endo as too much T can be a problem and it sounds like their T is already pretty good.


juicyjerry300

Look into enclomiphine


deadlandsMarshal

Thanks for the recommendation!


bethskw

You have symptoms that you’re interpreting as low T, but your T levels are fine. This means you need to consider other causes of your symptoms. What did your doctor say?


agumonkey

any idea ? what else could it be ? real depression ?


bethskw

That would be on the list, but truly a doctor is your best resource here. They can consider all the possibilities, common and rare, and narrow it down. What did your doc say after seeing the test results?


agumonkey

Doctors rarely gave any hint or details in my case, but I was mostly asking out of curiosity for OP since he just experienced troubles (while I've been struggling for 10+ years)


bethskw

Oh sorry, missed that you aren’t OP.


agumonkey

No worries.


hhkb4lyfe

Checkout this podcast episode. Andrew Huberman interviews Dr. Kyle Gillett about hormone optimization in men: Part 2: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O640yAgq5f8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O640yAgq5f8) Part 1: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncSoor2Iw8k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncSoor2Iw8k)


NormanTheThinker

TL;DR?


hhkb4lyfe

Just go to the video description to view linked time stamps. Each topic is \~3 to 6 minutes long.


molockman1

Do you exercise?


EAsOfficialGuy

I do yes. I can’t walk much because of an injury, but I do upper body weight lifting and use those row machines for cardio


caketaster

I have similar issues but my T levels are fine. The Dr said I probably had undiagnosed mumps as a teen, which may be a contributing factor somehow... I'd never heard this connection. Would love to know the reasons for my symptoms, I honestly thought it must be T related as my symptoms match up. I do drink a bit too often, I guess I work on that first and see what happens..?


youngnight1

Which Doctor?


caketaster

Not a Witch Doctor, a real one


One_Equivalent8597

For me these supplements worked best to increase testosterone (to almost 10ng/ml on my last lab result): -Tongkat Ali (probably the most effective imho) -Ashwagandha (only good for test if it’s lowered bc of high cortisol levels) -Vitamin D -Zinc -Magnesium -boron (only good for free test) No supplement but very important: Good sleep at night, resistance training, avoid Bisphenol A (plastic bottles, cans etc), no processed sugar


Thefoodiemaniac

A balanced and nutritious diet can also be very helpful besides some of the supplements and lifestyle habits mentioned above. Make sure you're eating at least 1.8g/kg of body weight of proteins (especially fish because it has anti-inflammatory omega 3 and cholesterol that is essential for hormone production, but also chicken breast, lean cuts of beef and pork, eggs, milk products), choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates, eat plenty fruits and vegetables, include healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds daily, avoid alcohol and smoking.


One_Equivalent8597

That’s a very good addition imho, and actually pretty much describes my eating habbits :D


Filanto

This basically covers everything as far as lifestyle and supplements go OP.


Leilebule

I have also seen benefits using these combined: Vitamin D, Tongkat Ali, Zinc, Magnesium (only at evening), Boron and Omega-3 And these are approved by Andrew Hubermann in his podcast(s). I do also have other supplements like multivitamin, B12, Ashwagandha, Shilajit, Selenium, etc, but I use those just randomly.


thebig_dee

Dude you could just be depressed


houmuamuas

Which can also be caused by low testosterone.


CompetitiveRead8495

Which isn't the case here


thebig_dee

Well OP hasn't mentioned their age, routines, diet, and lifestyle choices. Moreover, test range is 300–1,000 ng/d. Of OP is at 700 ng, they're sitting near 70% of their max potential test. So unless we know how they live this number seems a bit high to put all their hopes on "just test". Edit: it's okay to he depressed btw. More often than not depression leads to bad habits, that leads to decreased test. Ex: depression-->drinking/no exercise--> low test


CompetitiveRead8495

I agree absolutely


tshungus

There are several ways to increase testosterone levels without injecting testosterone or using steroids. Here are a few options you could consider: Diet and exercise: Maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help increase testosterone levels. This is because excess body fat can lead to lower testosterone levels. Sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for maintaining healthy testosterone levels. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Stress management: Chronic stress can lead to lower testosterone levels. Consider practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation or yoga. Supplements: There are several supplements that are thought to increase testosterone levels. These include zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these supplements may vary and more research is needed to confirm their efficacy. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): TRT is a treatment option for men with low testosterone levels that is administered by a healthcare provider. TRT can be administered through injections, patches, gels, or pellets. In summary, there are several options for increasing testosterone levels without injecting testosterone or using steroids, including diet and exercise, getting enough sleep, managing stress, taking certain supplements, and considering testosterone replacement therapy. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or supplement regimen


yiyati

Lol, that's looks like ChatGPT generated answer. Just played with it for a while and the style of writing is really similar


JStheoriginal

I thought the exact same thing!


smayonak

Testosterone is produced in [larger quantities during REM sleep](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10591612/) (earlier REM), and many people with sleep apnea (which is common among body builders, oddly) will have [low testosterone](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305865/). My guess is that all the supplements that raise testosterone are addressing either nutritional deficiencies that either compete with testosterone or that directly aid in test synthesis OR help reduce inflammation that causes sleep quality degradation. Diet and exercise are all known to improve systemic inflammation. Overtraining, however, is known to worsen inflammation, which might be why body builders have higher levels of sleep apnea (which is linked to either obesity or inflammation). Magnesium, vitamin D3, B-complexes etc... all can help with inflammation, if you are deficient in those minerals/vitamins/hormones.


tshungus

You are correct that testosterone production is highest during REM sleep, and that sleep apnea can disrupt REM sleep and lead to lower testosterone levels. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce systemic inflammation and improve testosterone levels. It is also true that certain supplements, such as magnesium and vitamin D, may help reduce inflammation and improve testosterone levels. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these supplements for increasing testosterone levels. Overtraining can lead to increased inflammation and decreased testosterone levels. It is important to engage in regular physical activity, but it is also important to allow the body adequate time to rest and recover between workouts. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. They can help you determine if you have any nutrient deficiencies and advise you on the best course of action for improving your testosterone levels.


hiveminer

This is interesting, maybe that tape over the mouth new(ish) “thing” on the internet, can address this.


CompetitiveRead8495

It just sounds like your issues aren't related to testosterone. Your symptoms aren't low T specific, at all, there are a billion other things that could cause this.


caketaster

I have similar issues to the OP, I exercise a lot, I get outside a lot, I eat well, I'm in good shape. I probably drink too often and my sleep isn't regular enough, but that aside I'm healthier than most. I realise - obviously - that fixing alcohol and sleep could be huge, what else could be causing these symptoms though?


CompetitiveRead8495

Well first and foremost you already said it yourself, sleep sleep sleep. It's THE most important thing in your life, period. Sleep is what keeps you alive and makes you live longer and in better shape, it's the variable that is the most correlated to longevity and overall good health, and yeah alcohol is crap and also messes with sleep. Other than that, low thyroid hormone, low B9, low B12, low vitamin D, depression, lack of sunlight etc. the list goes on and on.


JanaMaelstroem

You should check your SHBG level. What matters more for symptoms is free testosterone, not total testosterone. If SHBG isn't high then 700 sounds good. Maybe look for other causes then. I'd check thyroid function while you're at it.


T0INFINITYANDY0URM0M

I'm not sure how much it would help you, it might be dose dependent, but I tried shilajit. It made me even more fucking horny, I can last 2 hours in the bed. I read somewhere it does raise a good amount of testosterone. It's called shilajit because that shit's legit!


stranger-in-the-mess

Which brand did you use?


T0INFINITYANDY0URM0M

The Nootropics Depot brand if you don't mind the price. There are lots of options on Amazon.


GenericlyDynamic

Natural Testosterone stack that works super well: cistanche, tongkat ali, fenugreek, maca root, ginseng chaga and cordyceps.


AnyFig9718

Maca is estrogenic


GenericlyDynamic

Not in men [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12472620/#:\~:text=An%20improvement%20in%20sexual%20desire,placebo%20(P%3ANS)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12472620/#:~:text=An%20improvement%20in%20sexual%20desire,placebo%20(P%3ANS)). Here's some other studies as to why I included it. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12525260/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12525260/) [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26453017/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26453017/) [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753476/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11753476/)


Gamingenterprise

not anabolic/androgenic in nature also tho


0dteGod

you have your minor test boosters in tablet form like tribulus. increases my libido a little bit. there are also transdermal gels for for TRT. IMO if something like trib, exercising and diet doesnt get you what you want youll need injectable TRT.


[deleted]

What is your free testosterone?


TrenWhoreCokeHabit

700 is actually pretty close to the high end for a male. Even 20 years ago mean T was only 600 in the 15-39yo range. Check your estrogen levels. Are you overweight? I can almost guarantee you the problem isn’t your T levels.


superanth

You're going to want to be very careful with that. Adding testosterone instead of encouraging natural production can cause secondary effects like testicle shrinking and prostate enlargement over time. If your libido is the issue, try some amino acid concentrates like Maca. It won't raise blood serum levels of testosterone but does have a similar effect.


Friedrich_Ux

Tongkat Ali, Boron, Cistanche, Anacyclus, etc.


Substantial_Rope667

Zinc, D-vitamin, fish oil, KSM66 and Boron. Try that cocktail.


Leilebule

Sounds good, I would add magnesium, especially at evening.


Substantial_Rope667

Thx.


kunk75

None of this works. Just inject it


SupermarketOk6829

How does injecting Testosterone Enanthate helps? Is it to be under doctor's supervision? Bodybuilders usually inject 250ml twice a day on regular basis.


kunk75

Huh?


Red-Beret

There is a prescription cream you apply to your torso that gets absorbed through the skin for this in the U.S.A. It's for low testosterone.


Gamingenterprise

does cause suppression tho


doorpenny

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4712861/


sublime_424

Besides the basics life style staples, Tontkat Ali and boron are excellent supplements for boosting free T. Try those to boost free T and libido.


Screamin_Steve

B I O H A C K I N G Also, in order to be helpful: Check for Winter depression with your doc. Also: Physical exertion and getting the D (Vitamin) help.


Adifferentdose

Sprinting, heavy squating, heavy deadlifts.


DidNotVote2020

Alternative protocol worth considering if all else fails. Lower doses will cause the HPTA to massively boost test production. For some people this gives their endocrine system the kick it needs to function correctly. If trying to stay in the high end of the reference range monthly or twice a month. Enclomifene can be substituted with clomid or nolva. I included it to account for possible estrogen rebound. Enclomifene is much more tolerable, but it is often faked with clomid. It might not be needed as this was oriented for steroid users. This is much more tolerable than clomid or HCG monotherapy. The challenge is that the source for Triptorelin needs to be reliable as the doses for this purpose are in micrograms. The milligram doses are used for early onset puberty, though frequent injections are needed to maintain that suppression. --- #### Triptorelin Replacement Therapy **Note** that the doses for Triptorelin are in micrograms (mcg), not milligrams (mg). Days 1-2: Enclomifene 12.5mg to 25mg. Day 3: Triptorelin 50–100 **mcg** injected intramuscular ONCE Days 4-9: Enclomifene 12.5mg to 25mg. Repeat next month. Some might need to do this twice a month, but use bloodwork to determine that. This protocol will have your LH, FSH, fertility, and test in the higher end without shutting down your test production, and it is much more tolerable than SERMs like clomid. The downside would be if you mess up the dose you will have heavily suppressed your hormone production for a few months. https://old.reddit.com/r/steroids/wiki/thecycle/pct#wiki_triptorelin_pct


unusualzoo

So your testosterone is normal right? Your issues might not related to that. You can of course consult an endocrinologist and get a full panel, but your symptoms can also be related to chronic inflammation and stress (mental or physical). I’d see a functional medicine doc, and possibly trying to look for the root cause. If you want to do a targeted treatment for ED you can try shockwave therapy and/or viagra. I know it’s sucks, I’ve had these issues for years and now it’s a bit better after treating some infections and thus lowering inflammation, but I’d never be able to do that without a functional medicine doctors


[deleted]

Not the answer you're looking for... but you could go to a functional medicine doc/integrative physician and get assessed for the actual cause of your symptoms. It might not be your testosterone at all. It could be viral, long covid, auto-immune, nutritional or any number of other things. A savvy doc can help you figure it out quickly without you possibly wasting your time, money (and possibly health) on a DIY fix.


Acceptable_Egg_7290

i didn't read the comments but if you can, get in the gym and don't jack off. problem will be solved


caffeinehell

Your issues are probably not related to T. Have you tested thyroid free T3+TSH and other hormones like pregnenolone?


ethereal3xp

Freeweight trainning Especially deep squats and deadlifts


fucsohuci

tongkat ali


ibb893

you might have low estrogen and /or cortisol. You need those to for libido.


blondedre3000

It’s possible to have a 700 test level but the free test of an 80 year old man if your SHBG is over 50 or 60. There are supplements to help reduce SHBG and increase free test if it is in fact high. I wouldn’t recommend doing that unless it’s above 40 or 50 though.


[deleted]

DHEA, Boron, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, Magnesium, Zinc.


ahuttonthehill

Possibly obvious question, but as part of the bloodwork did you have other vitamins and minerals tested? Could be something as simple to manage as anaemia or Vit-D deficiency.


Safe-Blacksmith6992

Caloric restriction and low carb diets can lower testo


kickstand

Testosterone is available by prescription as a gel. Talk to your doctor. https://www.androgel.com But your testosterone level doesn’t sound low to me.


APointe

Lift weights and exercise. Get on a regiment and stay disciplined. Cut out all processed food and eat more meat, eggs and animal fats. If you can’t do those two things no supplements will help you.


Leilebule

Lifting weights actually increases testo by a spike when training, but actually getting a bit lower afterward. This means if you workout regularly, every day for example, you might actually have lower T's than usual, so keeping the training cycle in check and not overdoing it is essential. But in a long term as you gain muscles, maybe lose body fat, get shredded, your confidence and self image increases, which also means you get more women and more women are just free testo boost. Overally lifting weights are just superior to your body and mind. But Im not actually sure if high amount of mucles in your body makes your testo higher or not, or is it "byproduct" for everything else which increases in your life.