Why are there so many TRT threads on bodybuilding forums?

**enkephalin** · 12-28-2010, 11:43 AM

It seems like every time I google anything about TRT, bodybuilding forums like this, *************, ************, ************, etc pop up. Why is this?

Do TRT patients hit up the bodybuilding community for info on testosterone since they are so knowledgeable? Do steroid users eventually get on TRT? If so, why? Do TRT users cycle?

It makes me a little nervous as I am about to start my first test cycle soon. If heavy steroid use /abuse and improper PCT's can lead to endocrine shutdown, I might reconsider. What are your guys' thoughts on it?

**stack_it** · 12-28-2010, 12:03 PM

Yes steroid use /abuse can cause shutdown or low test. That's what happened to me.

The reason a lot of trt patients come to the bb world for info is because were the only place with hands on experience.

Some people on trt choose to cycle. It's a personal choice.

**enkephalin** · 12-28-2010, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by stack_it

Yes steroid use /abuse can cause shutdown or low test. That's what happened to me.

Do you mind PM'ing me or replying to this thread with more details of how and why it happened? Such as how many cycles you have done, what kind of misuse lead to the shutdown and/or anecdotes you have heard from other people who have cycled and got completely shutdown. I know thats most likely very personal so I won't mind at all if you don't

Also, why is the names of other forums starred out here?

**stack_it** · 12-28-2010, 12:44 PM

I used when I was young. Can't remember now if I was still 19 or had just turned 20. I was uneducated and ran multiple substances with no pct. I tried running pct's later on to try and bring my natural production back up but was still in low range so trt it was. Many people run many cycles and never have this problem. I think for me it was a combination of me being young, no pct, multiple substances thrown together at random times, and the fact that some people just recover better than others that lead to my low test.

For the second part of your post.

We are not a source board and therefore we don't allow the links or names of other boards that may be open source boards to be posted.

**Far from massive** · 12-28-2010, 01:00 PM

While use of steroids with proper PCT and time off certainly is not good for your body lets not forget that many of those on TRT now were taking AAS back before the free availability of good information on PCT and time off. In addition to this many who used steroids back in the day did so with the idea of rising in the body building ranks so even if they did know about proper PCT and time off implementation is often not an option since once you make a qualifier the big show is just a couple of months down the road, then when you just miss the big show you gotta try even harder to make the next go round...this kind of vicious cycle faces anyone trying to compete.

If you are concerned about it, as you should be, you have a lot of options available today. First you can get bloodwork (or several tests a month or two apart) done to find your baseline. Then assuming your levels are sound each time you do a cycle and implement proper PCT and time off, after your time off get more bloodwork done to ensure that you have returned to baseline. As you cycle repeatedly you may find your values dropping and at that point you may wisely take a lot of time off or stop altogether, the point being that most people who are shutdown at an early age did not do it from one 4-8 wk cycle of 400mg of test followed by proper PCT and time off. Rather like most things it was a continued process that took place over time and if they had been monitoring their bloodwork they could have seen the dropoff way before they reached a point that required TRT.

This is all just speculation based on what I have read as well as the experiences of others who I have known personally not my own experience, so if anyone feels this is wrong or my conclusions are bad, please feel free to correct me.

**JohnnyVegas** · 12-28-2010, 01:06 PM

To answer the OP's question from first hand experience: I came here because I have been lifting since I was a kid and used this forum several times to research cycles. I never actually did a cycle, but have been reading about it for a long time. Now I am 42 and have low test and am injecting 200mg/week Test Cyp. I am not going to get my info from someplace that doesn't have an athletic point of view.

**enkephalin** · 12-28-2010, 08:18 PM

Thanks for all the responses! I am mostly concerned because I had my test levels taken about 6 months ago and it was at 473. I have never cycled and am worried that since I am already low, I may have a tough time bouncing back or may never return to that baseline. I am only 25 and don't even want to think about TRT or any lifetime commitment resulting from a test cycle.

**stack_it** · 12-29-2010, 12:39 AM

Originally Posted by enkephalin

Thanks for all the responses! I am mostly concerned because I had my test levels taken about 6 months ago and it was at 473. I have never cycled and am worried that since I am already low, I may have a tough time bouncing back or may never return to that baseline. I am only 25 and don't even want to think about TRT or any lifetime commitment resulting from a test cycle.

With already being in the low range I would really consider staying natural for a bit longer. It shows you are already having trouble producing naturally. No reason to potentially make it worse.

**enkephalin** · 12-29-2010, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by stack_it

With already being in the low range I would really consider staying natural for a bit longer. It shows you are already having trouble producing naturally. No reason to potentially make it worse.

Do you think my natural levels are still rising even at age 25?

**stack_it** · 12-29-2010, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by enkephalin

Do you think my natural levels are still rising even at age 25?

I doubt your natural levels are still rising. They normally drop with age. Unless you used something that dropped your levels and your body is still recovering. Have you ever used OTC test boosters or pro hormones?

**enkephalin** · 12-29-2010, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by stack_it

I doubt your natural levels are still rising. They normally drop with age. Unless you used something that dropped your levels and your body is still recovering. Have you ever used OTC test boosters or pro hormones?

Now that I think about it, last year around this time I ran 5 weeks of 3AD along with MassFX, a test booster. I used their Advanced PCT for the pct but honestly, I thought it was all garbage. I didn't notice any effects on, during the pct or off. I did gain some weight, but it was mostly fat and 3AD is supposed to be taken with a high fat meal. I kept all the weight and even gained a little more during the pct. I didn't feel any increase in libido, acne, hair loss or any abnormal strength/size. That blood sample was likely taken about 5 months after the pct ended.

I really wouldn't consider it a cycle, but I guess I've never done a real one so I don't know...

**Ashop** · 12-28-2010, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by enkephalin

It seems like every time I google anything about TRT, bodybuilding forums like this, *************, ************, ************, etc pop up. Why is this?

Do TRT patients hit up the bodybuilding community for info on testosterone since they are so knowledgeable? Do steroid users eventually get on TRT? If so, why? Do TRT users cycle?

It makes me a little nervous as I am about to start my first test cycle soon. If heavy steroid use/abuse and improper PCT's can lead to endocrine shutdown, I might reconsider. What are your guys' thoughts on it?

Most bodybuilders know more anout TRT than some doctors.

**Solidarity** · 12-29-2010, 12:34 AM

I know quite a few people who have been denied HRT for whatever reason who have no experience with steroids that have shown up on anabolic forums looking for info/sources.

I don't know anyone who has ran been running cycles for 10 or more yeas that is not on HRT/needs HRT, you can run proper PCT's all you want but eventually it is going to take a toll on your body.

**ranging1** · 12-29-2010, 07:03 AM

alot of guys just love the lifestyle and feeling of being on cycle so choose to pursue TRT, some run HRT doses, others higher

im not saying everyone, alot also do it for health benefits

but consdiering this is a forum with ALOT of info on steroids and A.Is etc, wouldnt it make sense for a guy using testerone and arimidex during his TRT to look into a steroid forum with lots of info and educated/experienced people in this area?

i know i did

**frawnz** · 12-29-2010, 01:29 PM

What better place for first hand information on testosterone use than a BBing forum?

**enkephalin** · 12-29-2010, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by frawnz

What better place for first hand information on testosterone use than a BBing forum?

So you think a lot of people on TRT or HRT come to forums like these for the info and not because they are past steroid users who may have damaged their testes or HTPA?

**stack_it** · 12-29-2010, 02:16 PM

OTC pro hormones can be just as harsh and often even more harsh than aas. I'm not sure what they use in there pct but I doubt it's ideal. When's the last time you had bloodwork done? Maybe you should have your levels checked again.

**enkephalin** · 12-29-2010, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by stack_it

OTC pro hormones can be just as harsh and often even more harsh than aas. I'm not sure what they use in there pct but I doubt it's ideal. When's the last time you had bloodwork done? Maybe you should have your levels checked again.

July 29th is the only time I have gotten testosterone blood work done. I believe the pct ended mid February. I would like to get some blood work done but don't have the 50 bucks. I do have insurance right now though, do you know of any labs that will look at one's test levels without a recommendation from a doctor and have insurance still cover it?

**zaggahamma** · 12-29-2010, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by enkephalin

July 29th is the only time I have gotten testosterone blood work done. I believe the pct ended mid February. I would like to get some blood work done but don't have the 50 bucks. I do have insurance right now though, do you know of any labs that will look at one's test levels without a recommendation from a doctor and have insurance still cover it?

http://www.anylabtestnow.com/

not sure about the insurance part of your question however

**enkephalin** · 12-30-2010, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by stack_it

OTC pro hormones can be just as harsh and often even more harsh than aas. I'm not sure what they use in there pct but I doubt it's ideal. When's the last time you had bloodwork done? Maybe you should have your levels checked again.

Originally Posted by jpkman

http://www.anylabtestnow.com/

not sure about the insurance part of your question however

I just used labcorp to get some blood work done. I had heard about it through another forum and you can get all kinds of good testing done for 51 bucks (test, LH, FSH, cbc, AST, ALT, etc) I'll get the results hopefully tomorrow.

If my test is high enough, I'll probably go ahead with my cycle. I had my test levels looked at in July and it was at 473. Thats kind of low IMO and I don't want to make it any lower doing a test cycle (I have only done a 3AD "cycle" before this, but its a non-mehtylated pro hormone and I'm pretty sure it didn't do jack)

**stack_it** · 12-29-2010, 03:21 PM

Just go to your gp and tell him you want your levels tested. Say your always tired and saw that low t commercial on tv. I had my levels checked at my gp at first.

**layeazy** · 12-30-2010, 11:22 PM

its seems such a negative view on AAS saying the multiple cycles will keep lowering you test what you are bascially saying is that all pro bodybuilders at the end of their careers are on TRT i dont think that would be accurate. Im sure used in moderate dosages year after year with the right pct therapy you can return to baseline.

**stack_it** · 12-30-2010, 11:51 PM

Originally Posted by layeazy

its seems such a negative view on AAS saying the multiple cycles will keep lowering you test what you are bascially saying is that all pro bodybuilders at the end of their careers are on TRT i dont think that would be accurate. Im sure used in moderate dosages year after year with the right pct therapy you can return to baseline.

I would be very surprised if retired pros aren't on hrt. They stay on pretty much there entire lives. I can't imagine somebody recovering after such a long suppression.

**layeazy** · 12-31-2010, 12:38 AM

Yeah i agree stack it with the pros at the top however Im sure used in moderate dosages year after year with the right pct therapy you can return to baseline?

**stack_it** · 12-31-2010, 12:48 AM

I'm not saying it's impossible. Just think about tge strain you put on your body. The ups and downs have to take a toll and it seems like there would be a point of no return so to speak. It's something that there's really no long term studies on so it's hard to say. Maybe with all these new low t commercials there will be more studies towards it's long term effects.

**zaggahamma** · 12-31-2010, 09:47 AM

newtons law

**kynetguy** · 12-31-2010, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by enkephalin

Thanks for all the responses! I am mostly concerned because I had my test levels taken about 6 months ago and it was at 473. I have never cycled and am worried that since I am already low, I may have a tough time bouncing back or may never return to that baseline. I am only 25 and don't even want to think about TRT or any lifetime commitment resulting from a test cycle.

at 473, you likely will not get any ethical doc to put you on TRT. When I got put on I was at like 265 and had to visit three endocrinologists. Luckily I found one who was very knowledgable about AAS use and I could talk freely about it and he actually has a very good knowledge. He was able to look beyond the clinical numbers and treat based on symptoms, not just the numbers.

Originally Posted by stack_it

Just go to your gp and tell him you want your levels tested. Say your always tired and saw that low t commercial on tv. I had my levels checked at my gp at first.

That what I did a couple years ago. (minus the TV ads) Just become familiar with what testosterone does in the body, how low levels effect people and go in being able to talk intelligently about "how you feel" and why you think your test is low and they will order you up a test.

However, if you cycle, make sure you are well past PCT and give yourself at least two months for your LH and FSH. My endocrinologist picked right up on that. He looked at my tests and said "Your hormones are low. However, when did you take your last injection of steroids ?" So I was open and honest, but previously had not mentioned anything. He made we wait a few more weeks and retest. A GOOD endo you won't fool.

**VegasRenegade** · 12-31-2010, 10:11 AM

I am not and never was a BB now at 56 I had very low T felt like shit saw all the low T info and my GP so asked him to test. Insurance covered it. He put me on Testim talking to him it was clear he did not have much knowlage so I did reserch this site came up and seemed to have the best info. After being here a while I decided it would be a wast to get the T and not work out to get stronger and look better.

**kynetguy** · 12-31-2010, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by VegasRenegade

I am not and never was a BB now at 56 I had very low T felt like shit saw all the low T info and my GP so asked him to test. Insurance covered it. He put me on Testim talking to him it was clear he did not have much knowlage so I did reserch this site came up and seemed to have the best info. After being here a while I decided it would be a wast to get the T and not work out to get stronger and look better.

I had to use Testim too. It didn't raise my levels at all, it stunk like old womens perfume and was a pain in the ass to use. I complained and got put on Depotestosterone, which is 200mg/ml Cyp.