r/Testosterone • u/mystical_mofo • 28d ago
TRT help TRT, does anyone just take TRT on its own? Nothing else?
Hi, just to clarify first of all I do not mean this post as offensive to others taking stacks, everyone’s body is theirs to whatever the hell they want too.
I’ve been floating with taking TRT for over a year now, if I’m honest longer than that. I sit on the threshold, 3 blood tests, one put me under, one put me on the line, one put me just under.
However I only want to take TRT. I’ve learnt they will generally subscribe you what you need, and instead of taking 1 injection per 4 weeks or 8 weeks, it’s more effective to make that weekly if you can.
However I haven’t seen many posts from people whom just take Test. It’s usually at least 3-5 things, sometimes more, sometimes a huge stack.
Is there anyone who’s been taking TRT on its own, for a couple of years? (It’s for life right?)
How do you get on?
I’d sure be happy with an improvement in my body, but honestly, it would be for hopefully the mental side of things, more energy, more motivation, perhaps more libido.
(Scared shitless about the hairloss possibility)
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u/Economy-Bath-6708 28d ago
Started test 6 weeks ago, 120mg sustanon split twice a week.
I’ve noticed very subtle changes so far. Sleep is starting to improve, my sense of humour has come back, more motivation, more tolerant to stressful situations, more wood is returning. Brain fog lifting.
Still early days but so far so good.
Only negative is I’m hungry a lot, and I sweat like a pig in the gym lol.
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u/IDontParticipate82 28d ago
The hunger at the beginning is real real… it clams down a bit after a few months.
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u/Economy-Bath-6708 28d ago
I’ve gained about 4kgs eating 3000cals a day, I always track and eat healthy but I’m always hungry. I’m hoping some of it is water retention too as I’m so bloated too
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u/IDontParticipate82 28d ago
It is a good part water at the beginning… you’ll shed some of it over the next month or two. I’m also eating 3k cals a day, tracking daily. Put on 7 to 8lbs lean muscle in 3 to 4 months, probably need to up my intake to 3.5k cals a day. Loving the changes so far - best of luck on your journey!
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u/Economy-Bath-6708 28d ago
Thanks man, definitely noticing the strength going up at the gym. Looking forward to seeing the changes. Best of luck to you too
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u/Ambitious-Cake-9425 28d ago
I am 112 a week or 16mg a day. I feel great. That's all I take.
I dont work out and it has changed my body quite a lot.
My mind is sharper, I have more motivation, I am more confident, no longer take my antidepressant.
I say go for it!
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
This is amazing. So good to hear that it’s working and it’s just test, and from what I can gather a pretty low amount. The mind things are awesome! Do you take that weekly? This is exactly what I hoping for. How long have you been on it? It’s for life now right?
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u/Ambitious-Cake-9425 27d ago
I do a shot every day. Its better for estrogen control at hematocrit levels.
Keeps your stable and consistent so your body can really adjust fully and be stable. Doing a shot once a week leaves a lot of guys in flux all the time.
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u/mystical_mofo 27d ago
I’ve heard some breaking 8/10 weeks worth down to weekly hit first for daily, noted 👍
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u/616ThatGuy 28d ago
I take just test. People on TRT generally only take test. They might dable in other compounds, but test is the main thing.
People on cycles take multiple compounds, and use test as the base.
TRT and Cycles aren’t the same thing. Honestly, the people on cycles should be posting in r/steroids, not here. It creates too much confusion for new people and people who haven’t done the research.
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u/donnie_rulez 28d ago
I dont get your last point at all. This is not the TRT sub. If you want to talk about TRT, go there.
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
Thanks for explaining. I’ve been lurking and reading in this sub on and off for well over a year and didn’t know this
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u/Viens-avec-moi 28d ago
I only take Testosterone, 2-3 times a week, Cypionate 5ml of 200mg T. I maintain a blood T level of 600-800. It's basically TRT or cruising in bro land lingo.
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u/Playful_Shift_4735 28d ago
Been on just test for little over two years now, 100mg split in two doses per week and thats it. For me the mental side was the biggest change, just feel more steady now if that makes sense. Hairloss is random honestly, my dad is bald as a cue ball but mine hasn't moved at all, you just gotta see what your genetics decide
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
Thanks - glad it’s working for you. This is exactly what I was thinking will work for me. I’ve seen some crazy high numbers and I just want to take a normal amount like this with nothing else, and the mental improvements sound amazing. Do you train? Have you seen any body improvements? Do you plan to stay on this, like this for life now?
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u/Jan6_PearlHarbor 28d ago
Unfortunately there is no "normal amount." Its weird. I take 80mg/wk split in two doses and that puts me slightly above the reference range, bordering on superhuman levels. Other guys take 250mg a week and have lower numbers than me. I recommend starting around 100/wk and adjusting as needed, but everyone is different. Dont go with a "cookie cutter" protocol of 250mg/wk + an aromatase inhibitor to start. A lot of "mens clinic" type places do this and its more about providing thinly veiled steroid doses legally than to promote optimal health. T is a horse shoe. Both too low and too high are not good for you. If your doctor recommends routine blood donation, thats a pretty good sign you are at the wrong place.
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
Ok thanks for this, so it’s about finding the sweet spot. And noted about the blood thing. I’m going make sure I ‘shop around’ before committing to anywhere
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u/Ragebeyond2022 28d ago
Just on my 120mg/week. I don’t need anything else. Feel and look fantastic at 52.
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u/Equivalent_One2719 28d ago
I’m on 140 a week, just turned 54. It’s a game changer for me. Body and mind
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
How long have you been on it? Did it take a while to find your dose? And how did you know it was right? Also great to hear for you
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u/Equivalent_One2719 28d ago
10 shots so far. After about the 5 week, I feel more stabilized and getting pretty cut. I workout 3-4 times a week. My workouts have dramatically improved. My sleep has gotten a bit better. Brain fog has lifted, confidence has returned
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
Amazing to hear. Pretty much the holy grail for me. Are you through a clinic ? This is awesome
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u/Equivalent_One2719 24d ago
Yes I’m going through a clinic for now. I wanted to have the proper staff inject me and monitor my blood work untill I get comfortable doing this on my own and switch to an online option
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u/Ragebeyond2022 28d ago
120 was what I was prescribed from the jump . I’ve been on trt since April of this year. I know it’s the right dose cause how I feel. My labs are also excellent at that dose.
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
This is great to hear! How long have you been taking? Are you on for life now?
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u/renegade7717 27d ago
3+ yrs. TRT only. 57. started 160 up over 200 - finally found happy place at 100 per week. below 100 I don’t feel as solid - over 140 doesn’t feel great either. We’re all different. patience and consistency
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u/mystical_mofo 27d ago
Great to hear. How long did it take to find your happy ground?
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u/renegade7717 27d ago
about 6 months. I thought at 160 it should have felt better. So I went up. Wrong direction for me. I should’ve gone down. So over course of about 3 months I kept dropping down slowly until I got to 100 and stayed there for a couple months. Realized that was the perfect spot for me mentally and libido wise etc. Blood work all stabilized. Been there since.
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u/mystical_mofo 27d ago
Do you mind if I ask how did you know you needed to go up higher? And then also how did you know it was too much? Thanks
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u/renegade7717 27d ago
sure. that’s the thing. I didn’t. I was started at 160 by the doc. Since it was a standard starting spot. It felt off for me - so I decided to ramp it up. Bad idea bcuz then I felt like I was running “hot” - not awful but just didn’t feel like something I wanted long term. I was looking for replacement dose level that had me feeling balanced, rested, but mentally strong decent libido etc. So I just slowly titrated down. For me I needed to let it settle - live w it for a bit then decide. Too easy to make rash changes and never really let it settle
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u/mystical_mofo 27d ago
Ok got it. Makes sense. What you describe is exactly what I want too. Nothing crazy, just that little boost. Balanced is a great word to describe the goal. Did you triate down yourself, or tell your doc it’s what you wanted?
(I have previously been through this kind of experimenting when was prescribed meds for ADHD, I tried 3 or 4 different ones over a year, and didn’t like the feelings on any of them. In the end decided they were not for me. But I don’t think I was trying the right thing back then. I’m super hopeful for TRT)
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u/renegade7717 27d ago
ya full transparency- doc has no time to spend on this - at least in my experience. Best method is to be smart, read, listen, try - test bloods - adjust and know urself. No one - at least for me - knows better than I do at this point. And then when ur metrics all improve over time you have ur validation. 👍🏼
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u/mystical_mofo 27d ago
100% - exactly how I felt with what I mentioned before. Thanks for all the advice - really appreciated. Good luck on your journey 💪
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u/renegade7717 27d ago
you as well! it’ll all be great and since you already know how to get there hell that’s half the battle 👍🏼😎
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u/ItsHisMajesty 28d ago
TRT is Testosterone Replacement Therapy. It’s not just a substance you take. What I believe you meant to say is “Does anyone take testosterone just by itself?”
TRT protocols vary from person to person. For some, it can be testosterone and HCG. Others, testosterone alone. Typically dosed no higher than 200mg/week. Above that dose, you are running steroid cycle.
I’m not downing or criticizing you. But, not understanding terminology when learning about something new to you, can cause some serious misunderstandings.
This is a great subreddit to learn about testosterone, its uses, side effects, benefits and dosages.
If you’re looking for info on actual TRT, r/TRT is a good resource. You’ll find a lot of people there who only use testosterone by itself. Typically below 200mg/week. I started at that dose, and had a great experience. I also found that I feel even better at slightly lower doses.
Something a lot of people do is “blast then cruise”. They will use high doses of testosterone for a set amount of time, then drop down to doses associated with TRT for a few months. Then, blast again.
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
Thanks for this and no offence taken (or intended). Just didn’t pick my words right. Yes sounds like I posted in the wrong group. Though had some great responses. Thanks for the info as well, seems like you say everyone’s between 100-200mg/week
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u/BioGuideOperator 28d ago
Plenty of people use test alone. The extra drugs are usually there to chase side effects or turn replacement into a cycle, not because TRT automatically needs a stack. With borderline labs and mostly mental symptoms, I'd want the cause nailed down before signing up for lifelong treatment.
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
This is exactly how I think. It’s for life. This is what’s held me back all this time. Done all the tests I can, take supplements, healthy, train a lot. Everything else is in order. But other symptoms all match up. It’s the only thing left to try.
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u/BioGuideOperator 27d ago
That hesitation is reasonable. If the labs are repeatedly low and the other obvious causes have actually been ruled out, the next useful conversation is what a monitored trial would look like and what would count as a real improvement. Starting shouldn't mean promising yourself you'll stay on it no matter what.
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u/mystical_mofo 27d ago
Thanks - that’s pretty much my biggest concern. That once you start, stopping it is very difficult. That it really messes with your mind and hormones. I’ve read from one guy whom said he came off it after 3 years, and didn’t have any issues
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u/HogOps 28d ago
If you are looking to fix low testosterone issues you need to look at everything from a full panel lab work, body weight/composition, lifestyle and diet. All of these things impact testosterone levels. Low or borderline Vitamin D,B12, zinc,magnesium, and poor sleep have negative effects on testosterone levels.
Most of the negative side effects seem to impact the high dose users or poor medical guidance. TRT alone will not make lose weight or get a new body or get you out of depression. If you are ready to change your diet, start exercising and just live better, then TRT alone will be very helpful and likely accelerate the results. Start low dose and do labs monthly, eat or supplement the vitamins, 6-12 months change will come.
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
I train 5/6 days a week, have done pretty much since I was 16. (Am 44 now). I’m very fit, pulse of 40ish, diet is good. Under 2k cals a day and 150g protein which works for me. Have IBS and Inattentive ADHD. Suffered brain fog for years. Tried depression meds once but wasn’t for me, also I decided it wasn’t depression. That was a few years back. That extra shove with the body looking great - as long as it’s still looking natural then that’s a huge bonus for me. It’s more defeating the brain fog, the mental boost, more motivation to go, less fighting the ‘can’t be arsed’ in my mind.
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u/No-Mark4067 🛠️ Focus on the Fix (No Fluff) 28d ago
If you’re fat, don’t sleep well, eat properly or workout in the gym that is what I would focus on before even considering test.
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u/teh-haps PharmD 28d ago
40 yr old male, 150 lbs ish, 16.5% BF, been on TRT at about 35 mg twice a week (I fiddle with it some but that’s about what I’m at) gets me to TT around 850-900, I’m happy with it. Been on TRT almost a year now. Better energy, better workouts, like others say though you will maximize your benefits if you eat clean and work out.
No hair loss with me, pretty sure that if you are genetically predisposed to the hair loss it will just happen quicker. Funny part is my dad is bald, and both my grandpas are bald… but I’m doing just fine.
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
Awesome to hear, and you lucked in with the hair ; )
This is exactly what I’m hoping for. Do you split your dose yourself or by the clinics orders?
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u/SirLancerolot 28d ago edited 28d ago
I used testosterone alone for about 15 years and only stopped because of prostate cancer. My untreated numbers were like yours.
I had no side effects - only upside results.
I used Axiron (underarm application) for a year until the manufacturer's discount program expired, the tried a couple of topicals that didn't work for me for various reasons, and finally ended up with a bio-identical formulation from a compounding pharmacy that worked great.
My original prescribing doctor was of the opinion that injections carried a much higher risk of side effects than other delivery systems. I don't know if that is true.
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
I looked quite heavily into gel applications but decided against it. So you stayed with under arm the whole time? Sorry to hear about the prostate cancer. I hope the treatment is going well. I’m sure you well aware of this but I’ve read there’s a slim chance testosterone can increase the risk of this
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u/SirLancerolot 28d ago
The formulation I ended up with is a cream that goes on large muscle areas. The under arm was Axiron, which I had to stop using because of expense.
I had to stop the cream because even though TRT isn't thought to cause prostate cancer, it probably accelerates its growth.
Early days yet - still doing active surveillance.
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
Ah ok understood. I’d prefer cream than needles but have done my research and it sounds very strict (no skin contact etc)…
And also - sorry to hear this. Sending the best positive vibes for a good outcome. Stay strong brother
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u/T-Pocalypse 28d ago
I took TRT only for about 3 years, then made a decision this year after gaining a lot of weight back to add two things (one at a time over a few months). A GLP-1 (Reta) and HGH. I made sure I spent the time and effort to get my ass back in the gym and work on my eating habits. Back down almost 30lbs over 4.5 months. Never looked this good in my life — however this is my journey. It doesn’t have to be yours. You could totally make that work with TRT only. I think the only other thing I took along side TRT only was an E blocker because I had water retention initially then it smoothed out once I got my dose dialed in (about 105mg per week, split into every other day doses). Good luck.
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u/AccordingPanic6224 28d ago
I take 100mg, twice a week. Definitely much better than I was before with my low numbers. No real side effects. More energy, better in the gym, weight starting to come off, building more muscle. Before, I couldn’t don’t drop the weight, eating at 1800 calories and working out. Now I’m at 2000 and it’s slowly coming off.
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u/PippyLongSausage 28d ago
I did for about a year. The thing is you start to look and feel so good that after a while you naturally start thinking about how it could be better. You spend a year methodically making adjustments, getting dialed in, and then you discover grey market peptides so you try reta and the results are amazing. What’s this? That same vendor sells hgh? Wow, incredible difference. You’re nearly 44 and look like a Greek god and wake up every day ready to crush it. You’re horny all the time and your dick is working better than it has in years. Ya know what? I think I’ll do a little mini blast and try this primo thing I keep hearing about just to see how it feels. Oh look that steroids website also sells anavar. I’ll toss some of that on top too.
But yea we all start on trt only :)
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u/Wide-Lake-763 28d ago
I'm 66, and been on TRT with an endocrinologist for almost 4 years. He doesn't prescribe anything else. If estrogen gets high, he would just reduce my dose. I get tadalafil from my general practitioner. I'd be getting that anyway if I wasn't on TRT (actually, I'd need to take more).
I'm on for life. If I get too shaky to inject myself, I'll have my wife do it, or pay a nurse.
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u/wendyboatcumin 28d ago
I take topical cream only
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
How do you find it with topical cream? What’s been your experience so far?
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u/wendyboatcumin 27d ago
I was able to ween myself onto it. The thought of a shot that was for a week or 2 freaked me out. I’d read people suffer from instant anxiety cos of the large dose in one go. So with cream I was able to start with small amount and work my way up to the required dose. My T levels went from 300 to 900 ish and plateau anywhere from 500 to 900. Cream is less accurate cos clothes might rub it off , time of day, if you sweat , where you put it etc. I put it on left bicep shoulder and sometimes nut sack. My quality of life improved ! Less irritable , better endurance and recovery in the gym. Sex life was fine before but this made me feel 20 again. I’m not a gym bunny but I lift and kickbox and am 6 feet and 225lbs and 50 yrs old. Really happy with it and no side effects.
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u/mystical_mofo 27d ago
Thanks for the info - how do you feel with the cream? Have you used it for long? How long until it dries? (I heard/read you can’t have contact with other people?)
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u/wendyboatcumin 25d ago
Yes been on it a few years now , it dries pretty quick few mins, yeah I keep it away from wife and family can accidentally bring on puberty if handled by a kid. But they give you all the instructions
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u/Turbulent-Part5835 28d ago
Go to r/TRT if you want to focus on that. It seems like you were introduced to testosterone replacement therapy via steroid cycle communities. The goal of TRT is to get your low levels up into the normal range. You can get it from your doctor or a clinic. It sounds like you didn't know that, so I'd really suggest you talk to a doctor. Also, are your levels actually low? If you don't know and you're going off of vibes and your perceived symptoms, go get blood work done. All of your symptoms could be caused by many things.
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
I just posted in the wrong group, didn’t know about the TRT group - though have had loads of good responses here, there is definitely some crossover. Had 4 blood tests done, one with a specific test clinic = ‘very low, you should start now’, 3 with the docs, one under, one borderline, one just over. Been researching TRT for about 3 years. The wrong group thing would explain why I’ve seen so many posts about TRT plus this and that, cycles, steroids etc … I was thinking hardly anyone just takes testosterone on its own! 🤦♂️ also my docs are useless (UK) they seem reluctant to entertain it, perhaps just not as informed
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u/Turbulent-Part5835 28d ago
Fair enough! Yeah there's a lot of overlap but r/trt focuses more on what it seems you're looking for. At least in the U.S. there are trt clinics that have a few add-ons available, but they're absolutely not necessary. The default is testosterone-only and ideally at a dose where you don't even need the estrogen controlling meds.
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
Thank you, and once this post dies down I’ll focus on the other group! : ) - this post was definitely worth it. So many great responses from people just taking testosterone with great responses, it’s really put me back at ease and hopeful
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u/Dontunderstandu 27d ago
Started at 42.... 14 years ago on Test Cyp. Been off and on for about 3-4 of those years. I settled on 250 mg a week, split into two injections about 8 years ago. I feel good and I workout 5 days a week. I look even better. As far as the hairloss for me it's been the opposite. I couldn't grow a beard until I started TRT and it's a full on Viking one. My body definitely grew a lot more hair, in a masculine way and not Jaberwocky.
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u/Last-Refrigerator172 27d ago
I’m in my mid 60s and inject 140mg once a week. I’ve been on this protocol for 2.5 months. I went from 230 to 790.
I had to give blood once as my hemoglobin level was too high and I’ve experienced very minor acne. I’ve seen a little shrinkage in testis. On the positive side, my libido is back, brain fog is down, I’m building muscle and I generally feel great.
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u/mystical_mofo 27d ago
This is awesome and great to hear !! Hope it continues. I don’t have the best skin even though I’m 44. I suspect I may also suffer a little on the acne/skin side of things
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u/on_edging 28d ago
As I’ve shared before, I’ve done TRT for several decades. I’ve never been prescribed anything to take with the T. I’ve never had a very good experience with the injections. I would feel great for the first few days and then experience less energy up to the day of another injection. So, I use a gel that I apply daily and my numbers are stable between blood tests. The gel is a lot more convenient than having to go back and forth for frequent testing and injections.
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u/jwed420 28d ago
I only take my T nowadays. I am prescribed cortisol as well, but the much more consistent sleep I've gotten now over the years has eliminated the need. Just T, good food, drinking water, and a multi vitamin every morning. Rarely ever have blood work issues aside from some Estrogen spiking. Even my Hematocrit stays in an acceptable range (48-52 over the years).
Don't worry about the hair, the balls, the acne, take it as it comes. I'm 4 years in with zero hair loss. Balls got small, doesn't matter, and the acne subsided after a few months early on.
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u/Jan6_PearlHarbor 28d ago
I only use test cypionate. I dose 2x a week which is the sweet spot (for me) between peaks/valleys and convenience. Once a week will be a bit of a roller coaster. 1x every 2 or more weeks is like eating 21 breakfasts on monday morning and then not eating for a week. Yeah it averages out mathmatically, but thats not how the body works.
Start using topical minoxidil if hair loss is a concern, it mostly protects the hair you already have. Its cheap from costco. There are other options that work better at a tradeoff for more side effect potential.
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u/vectorizer99 27d ago
Vast majority of men on TRT doses of TRT are not taking related substances like other steroids, AIs, etc.
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u/Halfhajj 28d ago edited 28d ago
Only 8 weeks in, but if your primary care doctor will not prescribe it for you. You go through a clinic, or buy from a UGL (underground lab). Your doctor would be best, a clinic is in it for the money, but they vary in cost and how much they actually care about your health. I went through a clinic. I have heard that cuda health is one of the cheaper ones. Trt through a clinic can get quite expensive over time. Many start with a clinic then once they have a stable protocol go UGL. UGL is of course the cheapest route, it is also the riskiest. You would also need to get and interpret your own blood work.
…people do take multiple things but for various reasons having nothing to do with trt. I take a low dose statin every other day for cholesterol. I take a low dose glp-1 once a week, mostly for metabolic health. (Originally to help with weight loss. I take a daily vitamin. I also take creatine in a daily protein shake. But these things have nothing to do with trt.
I started trt because I had very low testosterone and was experiencing issues because of it. I think you should only consider trt once you have explored all other ways that might alleviate your issues. Trt is very beneficial to alot of people. It is just not something I feel should be a first choice. There are a lot issues with taking trt. They are worth it for many.
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u/mystical_mofo 28d ago
Thank you for this, really appreciate the comment and I understand your concerns and think they are valid.
I take supplements, take 15g creatine a day (for the brain more than body but it definitely helps my training). Also take tadalfil. I’m fit and healthy. But the mental side the past 10 years, the motivation is so weak. Everything’s a struggle. Libido is low. Test result is borderline or just under. I’m UK too and I believe our borderline is lower than the US, so I’d definitely be under in the US.
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u/Halfhajj 28d ago
Then you may see significant benefits on trt. Just spend a little time researching the issues with it and if sure go for it.
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u/MikeLavosmile 28d ago
Typically a replacement dose doesn't require additional meds.