T-Boosting Protocol: Level 5 | The TRT conundrum

Hi guys, welcome back. Today, we’re talking about the last stage of our T-Boosting Protocols: Level 5.

Here are the other 4 Levels

- Level ONE: CLICK HERE
- Level TWO: CLICK HERE
- Level THREE: CLICK HERE
- Level FOUR: CLICK HERE

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0ROiHHLocg%5B/embedyt%5D

Evaluation of Target Levels

Reaching Level 5 means you’ve tried all the natural methods, following a systematic and scientific approach to boost your Total T and Free T levels. You’ve checked every step, done those blood tests every three months, and kept an eye on your Total T and Free T levels. But, they still fall short of the target values. Just a reminder, our target levels are Total T levels between 800 ng/dL to 1070 ng/dL and Free T levels between 20 ng/dL to 30 ng/dL.

Contemplating TRT

But what if you’re still not hitting those targets? Is it time for TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy)? After all, this is the final level. Well, let’s discuss it. It is not that simple.

If you go now to your regular doctor, he won’t prescribe TRT unless your Total T levels drop below 270 ng/dL. If your doctor does prescribe TRT, make sure it’s only Testosterone Cypionate and not more than 125mg per week (no testo gels or injections that are claimed to last one or two months and no Nebido!). Another avenue to seek is men’s Health Clinics. These clinics offer TRT (Testosterone Cypionate) but at a higher does than your doctor would prescribe @ 200mg per week, which could be too much for the long term and increases the risks associated with TRT.

So, if you find yourself in this situation, what should you do? It’s ultimately your decision to make. But before you decide, let’s talk about the risks of long-term TRT, especially when you seek TRT but your values are not below the min Total T 270 ng/dL.

TRT risks

TRT can come with risks like

- hardened arteries,

- blood clotting issues,

- high cholesterol,

- high blood pressure,

- and even shrinking testicles.

At 100mg per week, the risks are close to negligible (but only when Total T is below the maximum 1070 ng/dL. If it exceeds this maximum that is when the risk rise, sometimes dramatically.

Now, just a note about testicular shrinkage – Even if your Total T levels are in the ideal range, your testicles might still shrink over time when using TRT, for the simple reason that they do not have to produce testosterone anymore because your body gets it via injections. The factories (testis) shut down production. The longer it shuts down production the more difficult to revive production. Less production will always mean shrinking testicles.

Weighing risks and benefits

But on the positive side, TRT can give you

- more energy,

- help you lose fat,

- build muscle,

- improve your mood,

- and enhance your sex life.

But let me enlighten you further.

My take as an expert

As a TRT expert, here’s my take: if your Total T levels are below 270 ng/dL, TRT might be necessary, especially if you’ve tried all four levels of the T-Boosting Protocol. But if your Total T levels are around 500 ng/dL (still below the target range), it’s a tougher decision. First, try revisiting Levels 1 to 4 of the T-Boosting Protocols and make sure you’ve followed all the steps correctly. If there is one you skipped or did not try, do it before you take this huge decision.

If you’ve done that and you’re still not hitting the target range, then it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons. Just remember, TRT is a long-term commitment. Stopping it years down the line can worsen your low T symptoms, especially depressive moods.

Personal Reflection and Lessons Learned

Speaking from my own experience, I started TRT @ 100mg per week at 50 because my Total T levels were low, below 270 ng/dL. But after nine years (I am now 59), trying to stop TRT is tough. That’s why I created the T-Boosting Protocols (Levels 1-5) to help my clients explore all their options before considering TRT. It is a lifelong commitment with weekly injections and should best be avoided as long as you can. Sure you can easily do the injections yourself, but for every week the rest of your life.

Conclusion

So, take your time to think it over, do your research, and talk to your doctor. Starting TRT is a big decision, so make sure you’re well-informed before you make it.

But if you do want to venture this road and your doctor doesn’t want to prescribe TRT and the Men’s Clinic is just too expensive (I also think their long-term dose is too high), then consider getting your Testosterone Cypionate via my SUPPLEMENTS ORDERS page. I even organized a discount for my followers.

And of course, if you want to join one of my older body accountability coaching systems (The ADVANCED System II: more muscle orientated, and PLUS+: more health orientated) or you just want to do a SINGLE CONSULTATION with me, then get the ball rolling BY CLICKING HERE

I’ll give you in depth guidance on this matter.

I wish you all healthy T-levels guys and happy training!

Gert Louw

Here are some notable scientific studies regarding Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT):

1. The Testosterone Trials (TTrials): A series of studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that investigated the effects of TRT on older men with low testosterone levels. These studies examined various outcomes such as sexual function, physical function, vitality, and cognition.

1. European Male Aging Study (EMAS): This longitudinal study explored the association between testosterone levels and various health outcomes in aging men. It provided insights into the prevalence of low testosterone levels and the potential benefits of TRT.

1. Testosterone in Older Men with Mobility Limitations (TOM Trial): This randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of TRT on physical function in older men with mobility limitations. It examined whether TRT could improve muscle strength, physical performance, and overall mobility.

1. The Cardiovascular Trial (TCT): A study investigating the cardiovascular risks associated with TRT in older men with low testosterone levels. This trial aimed to determine whether TRT increased the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.

1. The Testosterone Trials Memory Study (TTMS): A substudy of the TTrials that specifically focused on cognitive function and memory in older men receiving TRT. It examined whether TRT had any effect on cognitive decline and dementia risk.

1. Effects of Testosterone Replacement in Hypogonadal Men with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A study assessing the impact of TRT on symptoms and complications of hypogonadism in men with chronic kidney disease. It investigated whether TRT could improve quality of life and mitigate complications associated with low testosterone levels in this population.

These studies represent a subset of the extensive research conducted on TRT, covering various aspects such as efficacy, safety, and potential benefits in different populations.

Other Science Studies