TRT: Should anyone WORRY about all the STEROID users?

Got asked a great question about TRT and steroid use - here's my answer to it.

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[MarkLewisfitness]

Are you in the "don't care" or "care a lot" camp?

[leezavarise]

Good video. Mid 2023 I had what I thought was depression. Mentally couldn't stay focused at work, had zero motivation to do anything. Mowing the lawn required a full week to psych myself up, gained a ton of weight. Went to the Dr and had the full blood work done. I was well below the normal level. Been on trt for a year and mentally it's a game changer. When asked how I feel my response is "normal, I feel normal" You don't realize how good normal feels when you are down and out for a long time.

[Ross]

Mate that speed walking clip will always get me 😂

[angrydoc]

I’m an endocrinologist and I need to clarify a misconception online about TRT. The acronym is pretty clear, it is testosterone replacement. It is a form of hormone replacement for when you are deficient. This term should not be used when testosterone is being given supraphysiologically. Whilst the long term use of TRT and its complications are a little unclear, supraphysiological use is definitely associated with many complications. I am seeing an increasing number of younger men coming in with an inability to make their own testosterone due to exogenous use. This has implications for fertility.
However, on a wider level its use in social media is giving an unrealistic expectation of what the body can achieve, especially when people claim to be natural. It is affecting a generation of young people and making them feel inadequate.

[stefan]

I “don’t care” if anyone at a mass participation event I am it is using TRT. I “do care” that low testosterone is not well understood as a cause for poor mental health in men, nor as a potentially important part of HRT in women. So kudos for continuing to raise awareness of the “non-gym-bro” indications for TRT.

[sbrake]

Been a long term watcher . First thing is like to say is thank you. After watching an earlier video of yours about trt I started my own investigation, we're around the same age, I had some of the symptoms and had really just put it down to old age creeping in. GP told me not to worry so I went private. My test was low, very low and without any other underlying medial conditions. Once I started trt I found myself again, I feel normal again like I used to. Again thanks to one of your earlier videos I'm back to the best version of myself and would likely have not done out without you. Top man!!💪💪🤜

[billc]

Paraphrasing: “Having those around you supporting the decisions you’re making about your own mental health conditions is very important.” This is a fantastic message.

[BernhardKohli]

1) appreciate your openness and broadly agree on most of your points
2) Testosterone levels decrease roughly by 1% per year after around 40 - medically setting it to a fixed level gives people on TRT a physical benefit vs placebo on average - fact
3) I agree there is no perfect solution - personally I'd be in favor of an honor system where e.g. your Hyrox score were visible but there would be a leaderboard toggle eg natural/TUE/PED/used PED in the past/etc. Like with age groups - it's nice to see the total ranking and also to see one's age group ranking. Peer pressure would do a reasonable job in ensuring athletes pick the right category, and it would be a lot cheaper / feasible

[dereknalley]

Sign me up for group 3. Triathlete, marathoner, avid cyclist, yet I feel lethargic still at mid 40s. I feel like the battery just doesn't charge to full anymore and doesn't output the power it used to. I'm signing up for a test, Mark. Thanks for being open and reasonable about this whole topic.

[sethdbrown]

I don't have a problem with trt, I have a problem with people saying they're on trt but they're blasting 200 or 300 mg a week, slap on 20 lbs muscle, and still try to say they are "natural".

[jamesgalbraith]

Another great video Mark, I love that you’re openly discussing this topic. I’m also on TRT due to clinical need (5 & 6 total T) and I believe this is a topic people need to understand. It’s not cheating, it’s like someone needing glasses if they have poor eyesight! We need to de-stigmatise TRT so that men will be more inclined to seek the help they need.

[markmcfadden]

I have many friends that are on TRT. I'm 63 and have trained hard all my life. I have a lot of muscle and decent definition and don't need TRT yet, thank goodness. As long as you feel good, you do you.

[npdf]

I was diagnosed with hypergonadism and prescribed TRT and so glad I went to the doctors and found out and now have a solution.. 😊 I’m 51 and feel much happier.. Pete 👍🚴🏻

[erik]

That speedwalking clip is up there with the duck pond one

[strengthofabear]

I (woman, early 40s, on HRT for about 8 months) had to push with my GP (she is great but lacked education in the area) to consider testosterone replacement, went in for baseline bloods recently. We are told that it is only recommended for low libido in women (not sure what the case is for men?) but thankfully more med profs are recognising it's potential effects on so much more. I hear a lot of women talking about getting mental clarity back, improved sleep, confidence, improved spatial awareness, strength, motivation and libido. And there are longer term health benefits. I fear that how TRT has been represented is also turning a lot of women off even considering it, when the potential for quality of life improvements and better health is there, if only we knew.

Thanks for another great video, I'm delighted to see so many men in the comments who have gotten help. I'm looking forward to the day when we can all just discuss our health needs without any judgement.

[plippero]

Very instructive video. Competing in amateur events because you like to beat yourself over and over again is what it should be and what is motivating. Keep up the good content!

[rydo]

0:16 this is me on the first morning of any holiday to Europe, leaving the breakfast room halfway through a cup of coffee and praying the lift is empty

[danielgrainger]

I’m in my late 40’s and like others who’ve commented here I spent nearly 2yrs suffering with depression and poor mental health. I did everything I could to address it; nutrition, sleep, exercise, meditation, counseling and numerous antidepressants (some of which made me feel worse). Finally took the plunge and had several blood tests done. Turns out I had very low levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) which resulted in Low Testosterone. After a week or so with hCG injections the results were remarkable. It’s fair to say that along with the support of my wife and friends it saved my life. Don’t be afraid to share your problems and seek help.

[hanseathl]

I am in the camp "do what's good for you". However, interesting to hear your perspective, as always.

[Giff]

Spot on - 15 years of undiagnosed PTSD and depression, years 14 & 15 daily suicidal thoughts that felt like relief and piece, finally ask for help, include my wife instead of “I’m br OK en and fine.”, TRT and I can talk about trauma, understand breathing space and an able to move on. All from a guy known for smiling. Ex-marine Reserve. International rugby player. Able and capable individual.

Thanks Mark.

From a 51 year old, 112kg, compulsive eater. (Rings many bells?)Also called Mark!