Passing the Test, Part 4

By Steve Fredine

For www.EliteFTS.com

This is the fourth and final installment to my introduction to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). I was diagnosed in 2007 with below normal testosterone levels. My ratios were good, but my volumes were very low.

April 17

I had my latest blood draw today. There is a real difference in phlebotomists. Some could not hit water if they fell out of a boat. This lady wasn’t bad. It helps to inform the person drawing your blood of the type of veins you might have if you know. I had been told that my veins have tough walls and tend to roll. Knowing this, my phlebotomist clamped down harder and took a firmer angle. The draw was quick and virtually painless.

April 24

I received my results today. I have been on Androgel for almost four full months. Androgel is a metered testosterone gel that comes in a pump dispenser that dispenses 1.25 gm per pump. I have been on two pumps for a few weeks now and feel pretty good.

The results were pretty decent from where I was before treatment. My total testosterone level is at 523, and my free test is 110. The 523 is about low middle to average for a 51-year-old and the 110 is in the high middle. This is a very livable result. I’ve made some gains and stayed within legal limits for all federations.

May 23

In January, my doctor told me that within 24–48 hours of starting prescribed treatment, my blood work would show the change of chemistry. He said that in most cases libido would start kicking in better within 2–3 weeks. It did. It would take 4–6 months for my tissues and organs to get used to the increase in testosterone and to behave with the new levels as normal. (“Self administered” HRT may have “different” results due to “different” dosage levels.)

I’m noticing some very good things in the gym. Stamina for heavy work is better. Recovery from more heavier work is better. Because of the increased ability to load, fewer movements are needed to get good training in. For example, I’m currently doing a modified version of Vinnie Dizenzo’s template, which he used to train for his last raw meet. Last night I did three movements for the “core” day and got very good work in. I went heavier than I used to be able to go and did more heavy sets. I was able to do more work per movement, which translates into fewer movements. Fewer movements = fewer set ups and a quicker session. Works for me.

I’m seeing the biggest gains in anything that involves my shoulders and triceps. Overhead work is in high gear, and I am currently hitting PRs on almost every cycle (I cycle 3–4 movements standing in the rack working off of the pins of varying heights with varying contrast). I am hitting my predetermined weights on ME day with no problem. On ME day, I am adding 3–5 sets of shirt work after the primary movement. This is going well also.

My weight is up a bit. My shoulders, back, and arms are bigger. I seem to be getting leaner in the areas where I usually store fat. The only down side is that sketchy knees don’t care if the weight above them is fat or muscle. Weight is weight. I’m going to hang out in the 275s for the rest of this year, and during the off-season, I’ll see what I can do about dropping down.

I wish I had pushed my general practitioner earlier and harder to look into HRT. I believe I was misdiagnosed about ten years ago. I had the symptoms treated when the cause—the low testosterone—could have been addressed and all symptoms would have been covered.

I have nothing against my general practitioner. Every doctor has their own approach and in their own way may be correct for part of the issue at hand. I am very happy that I became proactive and checked around and found a doctor who listened to me and acted proactively in regards to what I had said and what I had exhibited. Regardless of how a doctor’s plan of action works for us, he/she still gets paid. We still have to spend the time and deal with the consequences of their choices.

Be proactive on your own behalf. Work with your doctor to get the results that you are looking for. In doing that, understand that there will still be limitations regardless of how good the result of the treatment is. Though I feel eight feet tall and bullet proof now, the reality is that I am 51-years-old, 5’8”, and 270 lbs, and I will never be the next dominating power forward in the NBA.

HRT isn’t just for aging guys who need help. Women go through imbalances as well that can affect mood, weight, energy, and training. Granted, the chemistry is different between individuals, but all of our bodies are designed to work optimally when all systems are at their proper levels. A powerlifting friend had her blood work done and found that her balance was off and has had good results across the board since starting her HRT. 

If you are considering HRT, either prescribed or self-administered, educate yourself. Read, talk with people, and watch Chris Bell’s movie. Make an informed decision. Every person is an individual, and as the ads say, results may vary. For me and my treatment, the results have been what I had hoped for.

I’ll update in a year or so to monitor progress. Until then, I wish everyone better health through informed choices.

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