Possible TRT for regaining weight lost during cancer?

[NZJay]

I've posted this in a couple of places as I'm unsure which section is most relevant. So I'm sorry for repeating myself haha.



I'm a 32 year old male, 182cm and 83kg at 14% bodyfat.

Last November I had surgery for Stage 3 colon cancer and finished chemotherapy about 10 weeks ago.

During my sickness and recovery from operation I went from a beefy 97kg to a skinny 74kg.

I have no residual effects apart from slightly damaged kidneys thanks to the chemo - creatinine sits at 109umol/L as opposed to my old "normal" of 93.

Testosterone levels are 14.9 nmo1/L ( 9-25 ) - this seems low to me, but I am not experienced in this stuff?

FWIW I trained about 5 years, 3 seriously, wasn't a beast but deadlifted 500lb+ so wasn't weak either.

Can anyone give me some advice on what kind of treatment / gear (legal or illegal) may be suitable for my case? As in the best for regaining previously held muscle? Or am I better off just being patient and doing things naturally?

Just wanting to get back into the 90s quickly without gaining too much fat. Not sure if my test levels will hold me back.

Any suggestions would be appreciated... thanks

[lovbyts]

Honestly at this point you are best sticking to natural and working on diet. It will be by far the most beneficial to get your base back. It will come back quicker than you think but at least give it another 6 months to a year before considering a cycle.

Most of us have had some type of big setback and know the feeling of wanting to take something to try to get back to where we were quicker but most of the time it ends up doing more harm than good.

Best of luck on the journey. Whatever direction you decide to go stick around, there is a lot to learn being natural and the proper way to do a cycle or HRT.

[kelkel]

Totally agree ^^^^. Get back to your natural fighting weight first. Then consider a cycle if your training / nutrition is on point. It's all about nutrition. Matter of fact, visit the Nutrition Forum and talk to some of the vets there!

Welcome!

[NZJay]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I've got zero experience with PEDs, so I figured this is a good place to start.
What you say sounds logical. Hopefully muscle memory will aid me in getting back my size faster than when I first gained it.

Any opinion on whether 14.9 nmo1/L ( 9-25 ) sounds low, just out of interest?

[Low Testosterone]

Your testosterone levels are surprisingly good for someone who just went through what you did. No, they're not great and I'm not saying they are but they're a far cry from what would be expected. Keep in mind you only displayed total, not free, but still not bad. If you're recovering that well already I'd definitely give it some time before considering other options. Good luck.

For those that care, 14.9 nmol/L would be around 430 ng/dl just to put it in terms most are more familiar with.

[NZJay]

Thanks man, that helps me understand a little better.

Someone on another forum said I need SHBG, albumin and E2 levels too for proper evaluation.

Albumin (serum) is 39 g/L ( 34 - 43 ). I didn't have the others checked. My GP only ordered the one testosterone value. Maybe I should get referred to a specialist for a more thorough check up.

Or maybe I'll display better numbers in a few months.

That level is after finishing chemo just 10 weeks ago, and suffering chronic insomnia until 4 weeks ago, and only being able to eat properly the last 6 weeks. So it could increase naturally as my body normalises anyway.

[kelkel]

Just give things time and get a healthy lifestyle going again. Be sure to get more comprehensive BW next time as well. Low T referenced your free T above, and that's because total is really irrelevant. Free T is what does the work for you.

[Mr.BB]

The best advice is for you to stay off anabolics... any kind of anabolics.

[NZJay]

The best advice is for you to stay off anabolics... any kind of anabolics.

Why's that? Not disagreeing, just interested in your reasons, for future reference.

I think I've decided to try and get back to my previous level naturally first anyway. Just have to be patient.

[lovbyts]

I would normally say NEVER talk to your doctor, especially a GP about anabolics but in your case you might want to talk to your oncologist and it and see what he has to say.