Any older guys (40+) ever wean off TRT and try to build back up natural prodution?

[jason370]

I realize this is a longshot theory, and not particularly applicable for most however, It occurs to me that it might be possible to:

1. Have low Test (sub 300)
2. Be out of shape
3. Get on TRT
4. Get in shape (pack on muscle/lose fat)
5. Lift daily, eat right.
6. Get off TRT and take whatever the best combo of hgh and peptides that would stimulate natural testosterone production
7. Build back up natural production to 600/700+, possibly higher.

I know it might not even be possible, I'm spitballin' here gents. But working out boosts Test, and so do other non TRT drugs. So it seems interesting to consider the possibility of reinvigorating one's natural production.

Feel free to have at me.

 

[woundcarping]

What would be the mode that would bring hypogonadal activity to 600+ng/dl? Why isn't that the common front line treatment vs exogenous test?

 

[gusterbuster]

Umm, seems like based on your goal should go Enclomiphene route. Maybe hcg to boost natural production.

But honestly trt is rad and don't mind 3x weekly injections. No idea why you would want to come off once you get a taste of high test life. Hcg maintains testicular function and if trying for a baby usually all thats needed, maybe hmg on top. But going in trt for a duration will shutdown testes unless maintained with hcg. Which will be hard to get test back up when stopping, especially since you are hypogonadal prior.

Btw hcg has its own problems. If you have problems with estradiol, hcg raises it. And usually excess bodyfat causes more testosterone to aromatize to estradiol.

 

[jason370]

What would be the mode that would bring hypogonadal activity to 600+ng/dl? Why isn't that the common front line treatment vs exogenous test?

I'm on trt and super happy. I'm just curious if this were even possible.

 

[Gt3294a]

I realize this is a longshot theory, and not particularly applicable for most however, It occurs to me that it might be possible to:

1. Have low Test (sub 300)
2. Be out of shape
3. Get on TRT
4. Get in shape (pack on muscle/lose fat)
5. Lift daily, eat right.
6. Get off TRT and take whatever the best combo of hgh and peptides that would stimulate natural testosterone production
7. Build back up natural production to 600/700+, possibly higher.

I know it might not even be possible, I'm spitballin' here gents. But working out boosts Test, and so do other non TRT drugs. So it seems interesting to consider the possibility of reinvigorating one's natural production.

Feel free to have at me.

so maybe 15 years ago, it was pretty common for a lot of doctors default to be was stop trt (or blast and cruises) altogether when trying to have a kid. I remember this because that was what my doctor said. Basically, you just run a PCT and kind of keep doing that. You can do that and see how your test comes back. Maybe even enough to drop PCT. I’m skeptical you will get there. Personally, I wouldn’t, and am very skeptical that dropping bfp and working more will get you to 700 from your 300. And if you have to run clomid or the like long term, why not just test. But we each have our own reasons, so good luck with whatever.

 

[Turbo-Farmer]

I was less than 300 when I started the enclophimine (7.5mg/day), two months later I was almost to 500. Enclomiphene signals your body to make its own T

I have lost weight and my insulin levels are falling since I have been on the tirzepitide as well. I’m hoping as I restore my metabolism closer to normal I’ll be able to restore the natural production of T

 

[CharlieBrown]

I realize this is a longshot theory, and not particularly applicable for most however, It occurs to me that it might be possible to:

1. Have low Test (sub 300)
2. Be out of shape
3. Get on TRT
4. Get in shape (pack on muscle/lose fat)
5. Lift daily, eat right.
6. Get off TRT and take whatever the best combo of hgh and peptides that would stimulate natural testosterone production
7. Build back up natural production to 600/700+, possibly higher.

I know it might not even be possible, I'm spitballin' here gents. But working out boosts Test, and so do other non TRT drugs. So it seems interesting to consider the possibility of reinvigorating one's natural production.

Feel free to have at me.

This is something I'll try in a few years, when I get tired of pinning TRT.

This is what my protocol would involve.

1. HCG: taken post-cycle can elevate LH levels, stimulating the Leydig cells to produce more endogenous testosterone. HCG has not only been used in the treatment of male hypogonadism but also for obesity.

2. Clomid: able to stimulate natural testosterone production. This is particularly important for individuals who have suppressed testosterone levels following anabolic steroid use.

 

[Gt3294a]

I was less than 300 when I started the enclophimine (7.5mg/day), two months later I was almost to 500. Enclomiphene signals your body to make its own T

I have lost weight and my insulin levels are falling since I have been on the tirzepitide as well. I’m hoping as I restore my metabolism closer to normal I’ll be able to restore the natural production of T

I’m curious. What did you consider the long term benefits of running enclo long term instead of testosterone (other than fertility - and folks can debate that)? Let’s say you could keep your testosterone at 600 enclo or 100mg of testosterone per week.

 

[Turbo-Farmer]

I’m curious. What did you consider the long term benefits of running enclo long term instead of testosterone (other than fertility - and folks can debate that)? Let’s say you could keep your testosterone at 600 enclo or 100mg of testosterone per week.

Im hopeful as my fasting insulin levels fall I’ll be able to stop the enclo and get back to normal production levels.

Insulin resistance and testosterone

1. The Direct Hit to the Testes
Research shows that insulin resistance directly impairs the Leydig cells in the testes. These are the cells responsible for churning out testosterone. When your body is resistant to insulin:
• The Leydig cells become less responsive to Luteinizing Hormone (LH)—the "start engine" signal from your brain.
• Even if your brain is screaming for more testosterone, the testes don't "hear" the signal as clearly, leading to lower output.
2. The "Belly Fat" Factor (Aromatization)
Insulin resistance is almost always tied to increased visceral (belly) fat. This fat isn't just storage; it’s metabolically active and contains an enzyme called aromatase.
• Aromatase takes the testosterone you do have and converts it into estrogen.
• Higher estrogen levels then tell your brain, "We have plenty of hormones," which causes the brain to slow down the signal to produce more testosterone.
3. SHBG Suppression
Insulin levels significantly influence Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), a protein that carries testosterone through your blood.
• High insulin levels signal the liver to produce less SHBG.
• While this might sounds like it would leave more "free" testosterone, low SHBG is often a marker of metabolic dysfunction and is consistently linked to lower total testosterone levels over time.
4. Inflammation and the Brain
Chronic insulin resistance creates a low-grade inflammatory state. This inflammation can disrupt the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis. Essentially, the "command center" in your brain becomes less efficient at monitoring and regulating your hormone levels, leading to a drop in production.
The Silver Lining: Reversibility
The good news is that because this relationship is bidirectional, fixing one often helps the other. Improving insulin sensitivity—is one of the most effective "natural" ways to boost testosterone.

 

[Gt3294a]

Im hopeful as my fasting insulin levels fall I’ll be able to stop the enclo and get back to normal production levels.

Insulin resistance and testosterone

1. The Direct Hit to the Testes
Research shows that insulin resistance directly impairs the Leydig cells in the testes. These are the cells responsible for churning out testosterone. When your body is resistant to insulin:
• The Leydig cells become less responsive to Luteinizing Hormone (LH)—the "start engine" signal from your brain.
• Even if your brain is screaming for more testosterone, the testes don't "hear" the signal as clearly, leading to lower output.
2. The "Belly Fat" Factor (Aromatization)
Insulin resistance is almost always tied to increased visceral (belly) fat. This fat isn't just storage; it’s metabolically active and contains an enzyme called aromatase.
• Aromatase takes the testosterone you do have and converts it into estrogen.
• Higher estrogen levels then tell your brain, "We have plenty of hormones," which causes the brain to slow down the signal to produce more testosterone.
3. SHBG Suppression
Insulin levels significantly influence Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), a protein that carries testosterone through your blood.
• High insulin levels signal the liver to produce less SHBG.
• While this might sounds like it would leave more "free" testosterone, low SHBG is often a marker of metabolic dysfunction and is consistently linked to lower total testosterone levels over time.
4. Inflammation and the Brain
Chronic insulin resistance creates a low-grade inflammatory state. This inflammation can disrupt the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis. Essentially, the "command center" in your brain becomes less efficient at monitoring and regulating your hormone levels, leading to a drop in production.
The Silver Lining: Reversibility
The good news is that because this relationship is bidirectional, fixing one often helps the other. Improving insulin sensitivity—is one of the most effective "natural" ways to boost testosterone.

Good luck with it. I feel like 20 years, it was pretty common to try clomid or HCG and ultimately see if some could get off. So definitely could work I would think. I have grown to enjoy my shots but I get why some prefer to try to stay off.

 

[jason370]

Good luck with it. I feel like 20 years, it was pretty common to try clomid or HCG and ultimately see if some could get off. So definitely could work I would think. I have grown to enjoy my shots but I get why some prefer to try to stay off.

I actually have no real preference at the moment, I'm just curious about the possibilities and once well informed I'll form an opinion on what seems to be the best path to take. Common sense dictates that anything encouraging the more natural path might be best; that's not always the case, but it is often the case.

 

[Loosehead]

I had to get off it a few years ago (51m) due to my prostate growing. My GP claimed it was the TRT causing it and I am now struggling with BPH something fierce. My testosterone is what I assume to be pretty low right now (haven’t had a recent test) and I feel it isn’t coming back up. Keep a close watch on your PSA, BPH isn’t fun.

 

[Memo85]

I’ve been on trt for about 8 years . There were times where I lapsed and didn’t continue my labs so I had to restart the whole testing etc. most of it bs even after testing low. I was in the high 200s prior to taking it and after a year of not taking and trying to get back on trt I tested 480 . Somehow it went up naturally after not being on it for a year.

 

[Turbo-Farmer]

I had to get off it a few years ago (51m) due to my prostate growing. My GP claimed it was the TRT causing it and I am now struggling with BPH something fierce. My testosterone is what I assume to be pretty low right now (haven’t had a recent test) and I feel it isn’t coming back up. Keep a close watch on your PSA, BPH isn’t fun.

My compounded enclophime prescription has tandalafil which is used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate health were one of the major concerns I had with the shots.

 

[Loosehead]

My compounded enclophime prescription has tandalafil which is used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate health were one of the major concerns I had with the shots.

I am on the max dose of Tamsulosin and have been for 6-7 years? Life is very uncomfortable when I don't take it. I am currently exploring my surgical options for the summer.

 

[CharlieBrown]

I had to get off it a few years ago (51m) due to my prostate growing. My GP claimed it was the TRT causing it and I am now struggling with BPH something fierce. My testosterone is what I assume to be pretty low right now (haven’t had a recent test) and I feel it isn’t coming back up. Keep a close watch on your PSA, BPH isn’t fun.

Be careful you don't fall into mental health problems. It happened to me.
I thought it was just stress related issues. The day after I started TRT; it all went away !

Google: Testosterone plays an instrumental role in supporting energy levels, confidence, and mental clarity (Straftis & Gray, 2019). When testosterone levels decline, both physical and mental health can be significantly impacted. Research demonstrates that lower levels of testosterone are associated with depression in men.

 

[Loosehead]

Be careful you don't fall into mental health problems. It happened to me.
I thought it was just stress related issues. The day after I started TRT; it all went away !

Google: Testosterone plays an instrumental role in supporting energy levels, confidence, and mental clarity (Straftis & Gray, 2019). When testosterone levels decline, both physical and mental health can be significantly impacted. Research demonstrates that lower levels of testosterone are associated with depression in men.

Ya, excellent point. I actually was put on Venafaxine 10 years ago or so for depression and am also in the process of trying to get off of it. I wish I would have been more diligent in my research of it back then. It fixed my immediate issues which were necessary but it sure has changed who I am over the past 10 years. I started taking Methylene Blue a couple of months ago and it has given me the desire to get off Venafaxine. The withdrawals and head games I am going through to get off of it are a real headache though.

 

[miameow]

I'm going to continue trt for as long as possible, as I like knowing exactly how much is in my system. I like the variety of esters available as well. If there is a new miracle peptide that is (a) affordable and (b) naturally increases my test levels to an optimal level, I may consider switching. But for now, there is no need to fix what isn't broken.

 

[slick1]

I realize this is a longshot theory, and not particularly applicable for most however, It occurs to me that it might be possible to:

1. Have low Test (sub 300)
2. Be out of shape
3. Get on TRT
4. Get in shape (pack on muscle/lose fat)
5. Lift daily, eat right.
6. Get off TRT and take whatever the best combo of hgh and peptides that would stimulate natural testosterone production
7. Build back up natural production to 600/700+, possibly higher.

I know it might not even be possible, I'm spitballin' here gents. But working out boosts Test, and so do other non TRT drugs. So it seems interesting to consider the possibility of reinvigorating one's natural production.

Feel free to have at me.

It's absolutely possible and likely probable, depending on your age, how long on trt, how out of shape are you, how much fat you retain. Did you have low test when/because you were out of shape or did you become out of shape due to low test? You may not get to 6 or 700 depending on your age and your specific body but you can likely recover to a reasonable level for your age provided all your systems are working correctly.

 

[Elgordoboy]

Because one was fat and out of shape with Secondary hypogonadism that might no longer be an issue. Perhaps opiate usage that ceased. To name a couple. It would’ve been the suggested front line treatment had I gone to my pcp. I didn’t and went to a clinic instead. This isn’t hard

What would be the mode that would bring hypogonadal activity to 600+ng/dl? Why isn't that the common front line treatment vs exogenous test?

 

[Throttle883]

I was on TRT for 12 years. My hematocrit was constantly in the mid 50’s with sleep apnea… I got very lazy. I gained a ton of fat and I was miserable!!! I was 315 at my highest weight. I transitioned to anastrozole. It didn't help much. My T drained down to 220. Yet… anastrozole did keep my hematocrit elevated enough for me to be miserable. I was having to donate blood… still. I stopped the gym.

Gratefully, I took some steps to lose that weight! I’m still on the C-Pap. After a recent sleep study, I’ve noticed in the past two months that I have never had a proper fitting mask! Once a proper fitting mask was prescribed… my hematocrit is in the mid 40’s! Crazy!

I’m back on TRT the past three weeks. Starting T was 324. Need some time to get an update. However, I feel great!

I’m 6’1. Current weight is 211.

TIRZ
TESA
TRT
Semax/Selank
Glow

Current blood panel
Testosterone 324
Hematocrit 46.3
Estradiol (elevated) 45.5
A1c 5.2
TSH 1.9
Cholesterol 170
Triglycerides 83
HDL 46
VLDL 13
LDL 111
AST 53
ALT 51