Messages

1

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: lowT, ala dad bod live longer and less cancer?

« on: November 07, 2016, 04:54:19 am »

Im not buying this crap
people just want an excuse to be fat
http://www.askmen.com/news/sports/dads-with-dad-bods-are-more-attractive-and-live-longer-according-to-study.html

The podgy dad has a better immune system, is less likely to suffer from heart attacks or prostate cancer and, weirdly, is apparently more attractive to women.

I am very skeptical:  there are no chunky supercultures. 

The on thing I have read is that some fat gives you a reserve if you ever get ultra sick or suffer trauma.

"Studies" such as this are likely similar to other false studies we've been brainwashed with throughout the last 20 years.  It is clear to me that Western culture is extremely de-masculinizing while at the same time pushing feminism.  Feminists don't want to feel insecure by a mate that looks far better than they do.  They also don't want to do what is necessary to stay in shape and look half-way decent.  This is why we are now seeing categories such as "big and beautiful" which is an absolute oxymoron.  This is why we are seeing plus-sized "models" on the front of magazines.  Don't fall for it and don't give in to the bullshit.  Elitists that practically OWN the country want a weak-minded and weak-willed population....especially the males.  If anything the REAL trend these days is FOR fitness and lean bodies. The gyms in my area have NEVER been so packed as they are now. Yoga, Crossfit, Mud Runs and fitness Boot Camps have been sprouting up like crazy. This is why the USA as a whole has actually stopped it's progression as the most obese country on earth.  I would not be surprised if these ridiculous "studies" are being put out due to the recent statistics.  After all, obesity is a huge moneymaker for the Elites/Special interests. A healthy population doesn't benefit them at all so it really is as simple as following the money...

Being a fat guy with no motivation other than to be consistent with watching TV and eating pizza after work isn't what society should shoot for IMO.   The only women that find that attractive are those who are unmotivated and who want to feel secure at the same time which is EXACTLY the type of woman I want nothing to do with....

You shouldn't view all of evolutionary history through the lens of what has become the beauty norm for only the last 100 year or so, when famine and malnourishment was almost eliminated in the western world. Up until then extra fat was looked upon in women as the ability to survive famine and still successfully reproduce. And being overweight in men was a sign of wealth, being able to provide food for wives and children. Look at the depiction of beauty in art from the Greeks through the late 19th century. Of course this only applies to societies based on agriculture, not the super cultures Peak mentions. There have also been studies that show that our genome has already made some adaptations to an agricultural way of life, which means we a genetically different than the super-cultures.

There are still countries that view fatter men and women as more desirable....third world countries such as the Philippines.  The reason is simple, fat and pasty (not tanned) = money.  It doesn't mean more healthy, it means having the financial means to eat whatever they want and not work outside in the sun.  You will also find that a good percentage of these fortunate fat people have diabetes from their diet and lack of activity.  While poor people obviously have their own health issues due to not being able to afford nutrient-rich food, they DON'T have diabetes caused by their lazy lifestyles and the abundance of bad foods that the richer in their society choose to eat instead of healthy options.  Yes, the poor and unfortunate have health issues and die younger due to being malnourished.  However,  the rich, fortunate ALSO have health issues and die younger due to their choice to eat all the wrong things and to be lazy/inactive. 

2

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: lowT, ala dad bod live longer and less cancer?

« on: November 07, 2016, 04:41:23 am »

"Studies" such as this are likely similar to other false studies we've been brainwashed with throughout the last 20 years.

I saw no "studies"
you did?  woulda link me to the ones you saw?

LOLz nice rant, but beyond thinking the elites are against us.   overeating is common and people dont want to better themselves

Im not buying this crap
people just want an excuse to be fat

exactly, well summed up

There is a reason I put "studies" inside quotation marks....there are no LEGIT studies that prove this.  They are complete and utter BS.  You are correct that overeating is common and people don't want to better themselves.  However, the media and big business empower the general population to embrace laziness, accept themselves (even if they are a fat slob), etc..  People will believe and embrace whatever information that enables them to avoid anything difficult...including a reasonable diet and exercise routine. 

3

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: Cutting porn for a while

« on: November 03, 2016, 01:22:02 am »

I watch Porn when sex is lacking or absent.  If sex is not lacking or absent, then I have absolutely no use for Porn.  I watch Porn out of frustration with my relationship more than anything else these days.  Women should shut up about the "Objectifying Women" BS and start objectifying US a bit.  I know I'd welcome it.  I don't feel like I should have push to have sex every time I have sex.  I shouldn't be the ONLY initiator of it.  Seduction on the part of women would go a long way to make sex more satisfying and rewarding.  As feminism spreads throughout the earth, Pornography and Prostitution will spread along with it.  There needs to be some sort of outlet for men who aren't satisfied with their sex lives and that has been the case since the beginning of time.  In some ways, it seems feminists would rather castrate us before considering the real issues....

4

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: lowT, ala dad bod live longer and less cancer?

« on: November 03, 2016, 12:43:36 am »

Im not buying this crap
people just want an excuse to be fat
http://www.askmen.com/news/sports/dads-with-dad-bods-are-more-attractive-and-live-longer-according-to-study.html

The podgy dad has a better immune system, is less likely to suffer from heart attacks or prostate cancer and, weirdly, is apparently more attractive to women.

I am very skeptical:  there are no chunky supercultures. 

The on thing I have read is that some fat gives you a reserve if you ever get ultra sick or suffer trauma.

"Studies" such as this are likely similar to other false studies we've been brainwashed with throughout the last 20 years.  It is clear to me that Western culture is extremely de-masculinizing while at the same time pushing feminism.  Feminists don't want to feel insecure by a mate that looks far better than they do.  They also don't want to do what is necessary to stay in shape and look half-way decent.  This is why we are now seeing categories such as "big and beautiful" which is an absolute oxymoron.  This is why we are seeing plus-sized "models" on the front of magazines.  Don't fall for it and don't give in to the bullshit.  Elitists that practically OWN the country want a weak-minded and weak-willed population....especially the males.  If anything the REAL trend these days is FOR fitness and lean bodies. The gyms in my area have NEVER been so packed as they are now. Yoga, Crossfit, Mud Runs and fitness Boot Camps have been sprouting up like crazy. This is why the USA as a whole has actually stopped it's progression as the most obese country on earth.  I would not be surprised if these ridiculous "studies" are being put out due to the recent statistics.  After all, obesity is a huge moneymaker for the Elites/Special interests. A healthy population doesn't benefit them at all so it really is as simple as following the money...

Being a fat guy with no motivation other than to be consistent with watching TV and eating pizza after work isn't what society should shoot for IMO.   The only women that find that attractive are those who are unmotivated and who want to feel secure at the same time which is EXACTLY the type of woman I want nothing to do with....

5

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: diet/gym time of guys who know what's going on

« on: November 03, 2016, 12:15:02 am »

These memes are just getting out of hand. This one looks to have been made by a teenage boy. If the guy on the left lost that much fat, he'd have some serious skin flaps. His skin would be permanently ruined and he could NEVER look like the guy on the right.  Even if a guy does EVERYTHING right his entire life it doesn't mean he'll look as muscular as the guy on the right.   Also, Clen, DNP, etc....all irrelevant to improving loose skin or health in any way.  NO ONE should ever let themselves go to the point of the guy on the left, but it's commonplace in the USA.  I will never understand it as I felt like I was completely wasting my life at a bodyfat around 20%...certainly no higher than that.

The best a guy can do is to be consistent in diet/workout routine and constantly learn and grow in regard to personal fitness and health. It's a lifestyle...not short-term goal. One must find out what works for themselves as there is not a one-fits-all approach.  If you happen to have excellent genetics, you can look like the guy on the right. If not, you can still be the best that YOU can be....which is all anyone should focus on IMO....

I personally workout for approx. 60 minutes per day at the gym, 4 times per week.  I do a Yoga-type routine in the morning about 4 times per week...mostly to eliminate pain. I don't know my exact bodyfat, but my abs are visible without flexing.  I don't weigh my food, I just focus on getting enough protein (meat as I can't digest protein powders at all) and other nutrients everyday through diet and supplementation.  Carbs are kept low and are consumed before the workouts.  Fats are mostly EFAs....a good amount of them. Overall, my physique is excellent for a guy my age...nearly as good as my peak (approx. 9 years ago at age 30). I'm as lean as the guy on the right, but not as muscular (genetics aren't there for that much mass).  DNP, Clen or ANY stimulant is not at all needed to get that lean.  As long as your hormones are near optimal, it's not that hard if lifestyle is on point.  I would argue, however, that it's near impossible to get that lean and maintain the muscle mass without having the hormone levels to back it up. This is why you will never see guys past 40 that look anything like the guy on the right UNLESS they are on TRT.  TRT allows the old guys to have the physiques of much younger guys.....

If you are natural, the best you are going to do is probably Steve Reeves - he's probably the ideal - the guys in that era.  And, of course, those guys were genetically gifted as far as physique - non-ectomorphs, etc.  If you get your bodyfat down to even 15% with some muscle once you hit 40, you're ahead of 95% of your peers right there.  The bar has been set pretty low by the solid majority of the 40+ crowd.

Steve Reeves best body was while he was very young....well under 40.  Also, as you said, he was not ectomorphic.  At my age, I focus mostly on what I can do as a guy fast approaching 40.  I am also ectomorphic so my gains have been slow, regardless of the time and effort.  The good news is that ever since finding out that I had low testosterone (late 20's at 181ng/dl), I've been able to speed up the gains as well as experience a period of life that I'd NEVER have been able to without optimizing those testosterone levels.  I've been able to have experiences that I can reflect back on and smile, even when life seems pretty bleak at times.  I don't agree that optimizing testosterone levels is "cheating" at life as many people still do.  There are clearly SEVERAL advantages and I think it should be available to everyone who has to the motivation/drive to do everything else that it necessary.  Steve Reeves was against supplementing Testosterone as he liked his natural advantages.  I like that everyday people now have a way to bypass those advantages and compete with those who are more naturally fortunate than themselves....

6

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: diet/gym time of guys who know what's going on

« on: November 03, 2016, 12:01:26 am »

These memes are just getting out of hand. This one looks to have been made by a teenage boy. If the guy on the left lost that much fat, he'd have some serious skin flaps. His skin would be permanently ruined and he could NEVER look like the guy on the right.

 Me thinks you are really  missing the point of the meme.
you realize it was soley made to be funny, right?

I suppose so as I didn't find the humor in it at all...oh well. 

7

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: diet/gym time of guys who know what's going on

« on: November 02, 2016, 03:47:44 am »

These memes are just getting out of hand. This one looks to have been made by a teenage boy. If the guy on the left lost that much fat, he'd have some serious skin flaps. His skin would be permanently ruined and he could NEVER look like the guy on the right.  Even if a guy does EVERYTHING right his entire life it doesn't mean he'll look as muscular as the guy on the right.   Also, Clen, DNP, etc....all irrelevant to improving loose skin or health in any way.  NO ONE should ever let themselves go to the point of the guy on the left, but it's commonplace in the USA.  I will never understand it as I felt like I was completely wasting my life at a bodyfat around 20%...certainly no higher than that.

The best a guy can do is to be consistent in diet/workout routine and constantly learn and grow in regard to personal fitness and health. It's a lifestyle...not short-term goal. One must find out what works for themselves as there is not a one-fits-all approach.  If you happen to have excellent genetics, you can look like the guy on the right. If not, you can still be the best that YOU can be....which is all anyone should focus on IMO....

I personally workout for approx. 60 minutes per day at the gym, 4 times per week.  I do a Yoga-type routine in the morning about 4 times per week...mostly to eliminate pain. I don't know my exact bodyfat, but my abs are visible without flexing.  I don't weigh my food, I just focus on getting enough protein (meat as I can't digest protein powders at all) and other nutrients everyday through diet and supplementation.  Carbs are kept low and are consumed before the workouts.  Fats are mostly EFAs....a good amount of them. Overall, my physique is excellent for a guy my age...nearly as good as my peak (approx. 9 years ago at age 30). I'm as lean as the guy on the right, but not as muscular (genetics aren't there for that much mass).  DNP, Clen or ANY stimulant is not at all needed to get that lean.  As long as your hormones are near optimal, it's not that hard if lifestyle is on point.  I would argue, however, that it's near impossible to get that lean and maintain the muscle mass without having the hormone levels to back it up. This is why you will never see guys past 40 that look anything like the guy on the right UNLESS they are on TRT.  TRT allows the old guys to have the physiques of much younger guys.....

8

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: Anyone Try Glutathione (not just NAC)?

« on: November 02, 2016, 03:33:04 am »

By "works", I meant that is caused a dramatic rise in my blood Glutathione levels.  It's just one of MANY things that I take in order to function and get through each day.  I "may" have noticed a little extra energy during the day but it's hard to narrow it down to one supplement.  I'm not really a believer in one or two (or even ten or twenty) supplements that are going to "fix" your health.  I just believe that supplementing can help to limit damage done during times of excessive stress.  Extended excessive stress destroys gut health, destroys hormone levels, etc that leaves you open to serious illness/disease.  One can't just snap their fingers and change their life, but they can supplement to limit damage until changes can be made over time.  I don't believe in the shotgun approach either though, but taking supplements that are proven, through blood/saliva/stool testing, to be deficient. 

I'm just glad we live in an age where hormone replacement is common.  Hormone issues are far easier to address than gut issues simply due to the access of the hormones and blood testing.  I hope that one day, science will figure out how to address gut issues more efficiently/effectively.  At least this will provide an effective "bandage" to slap on to hold things together until more permanent fixes to life can happen.

Noted tre.  Hey, was it you that was MTHFR also?  You had some other issue besides gut, right?

Yes, I have MTHFR.  I also have high blood pressure (and some mild heart damage from it), hypothyroidism, low cortisol, etc, etc., etc...most of which should be expected IMO given the chronic stress.  I'm still here, alive and kicking.  I've managed to improve my physique and halt the rapid aging that I was experiencing so that is the best I can expect given my overall situation.  I "had" a great Preventative Medicine doctor for a couple of years who helped me a lot and I'm certainly missing him now.  My current Doc is pro-HRT, but he's the Traditional "if it's not a serious issue, it's irrelevant" type. 

9

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: Anyone Try Glutathione (not just NAC)?

« on: October 16, 2016, 03:39:27 pm »

I have been using Liposomal Glutathione for over a year...nearly everyday.  I started using it after a Micronutrient test showing that I basically had ZERO.  After about a year, I did another Micronutrient test and my Glutathione levels were nice and high.  I didn't take Glutathione for 2 days before the test, but still had good levels.  I've continued to take it as my stress levels are ridiculous all the time....basically fight or flight 24/7.  I'll stop taking it once the stress levels go down, which I hope will be within 3-4 years.  I've also had Adrenal fatigue (extremely LOW cortisol), hypothyroidism, etc...the list goes on an on.  I take too many supplements and meds but I just figure I'll take them until life gets manageable.  I'm convinced that stress causes most, if not all, of my health issues.

What lab did you use to pull this?

And what brand did you use for the liposomal glutathione?  Sounds interesting...

I used Spectracell Micronutrient Testing both times.  I recommend this test at least once per year to see how one is doing nutrient-wise. 

I have been using Empirical Labs Liposomal Glutathione.  It's what I used before the test so it works and its the least expensive option I have found ($45 per 4oz bottle including shipping).

I also used Spectracell testing, and was borderline low for glutathione.  When you say it "works", what symptoms did you notice?

By "works", I meant that is caused a dramatic rise in my blood Glutathione levels.  It's just one of MANY things that I take in order to function and get through each day.  I "may" have noticed a little extra energy during the day but it's hard to narrow it down to one supplement.  I'm not really a believer in one or two (or even ten or twenty) supplements that are going to "fix" your health.  I just believe that supplementing can help to limit damage done during times of excessive stress.  Extended excessive stress destroys gut health, destroys hormone levels, etc that leaves you open to serious illness/disease.  One can't just snap their fingers and change their life, but they can supplement to limit damage until changes can be made over time.  I don't believe in the shotgun approach either though, but taking supplements that are proven, through blood/saliva/stool testing, to be deficient. 

I'm just glad we live in an age where hormone replacement is common.  Hormone issues are far easier to address than gut issues simply due to the access of the hormones and blood testing.  I hope that one day, science will figure out how to address gut issues more efficiently/effectively.  At least this will provide an effective "bandage" to slap on to hold things together until more permanent fixes to life can happen. 

10

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: Anyone Try Glutathione (not just NAC)?

« on: October 15, 2016, 05:25:56 pm »

I have been using Liposomal Glutathione for over a year...nearly everyday.  I started using it after a Micronutrient test showing that I basically had ZERO.  After about a year, I did another Micronutrient test and my Glutathione levels were nice and high.  I didn't take Glutathione for 2 days before the test, but still had good levels.  I've continued to take it as my stress levels are ridiculous all the time....basically fight or flight 24/7.  I'll stop taking it once the stress levels go down, which I hope will be within 3-4 years.  I've also had Adrenal fatigue (extremely LOW cortisol), hypothyroidism, etc...the list goes on an on.  I take too many supplements and meds but I just figure I'll take them until life gets manageable.  I'm convinced that stress causes most, if not all, of my health issues.

What lab did you use to pull this?

And what brand did you use for the liposomal glutathione?  Sounds interesting...

I used Spectracell Micronutrient Testing both times.  I recommend this test at least once per year to see how one is doing nutrient-wise. 

I have been using Empirical Labs Liposomal Glutathione.  It's what I used before the test so it works and its the least expensive option I have found ($45 per 4oz bottle including shipping). 

11

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: Anyone Try Glutathione (not just NAC)?

« on: October 13, 2016, 09:03:09 pm »

I have been using Liposomal Glutathione for over a year...nearly everyday.  I started using it after a Micronutrient test showing that I basically had ZERO.  After about a year, I did another Micronutrient test and my Glutathione levels were nice and high.  I didn't take Glutathione for 2 days before the test, but still had good levels.  I've continued to take it as my stress levels are ridiculous all the time....basically fight or flight 24/7.  I'll stop taking it once the stress levels go down, which I hope will be within 3-4 years.  I've also had Adrenal fatigue (extremely LOW cortisol), hypothyroidism, etc...the list goes on an on.  I take too many supplements and meds but I just figure I'll take them until life gets manageable.  I'm convinced that stress causes most, if not all, of my health issues. 

12

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: High Total Testosterone, Low SHBG and non-existent Free Testosterone???

« on: September 30, 2016, 11:27:16 pm »

I thought I had my blood work reasonably figured out, but my most recent blood work showed that my Total Testosterone is just over 1200ng/dl, SHBG at 8.3, Estradiol at 19.9 and Free Testosterone at less than .2pg/ml.  My new doctor said it all looks good and handed me the bloodwork for my own records.  However, I don't think that .2 pg/ml is good at all.  I didn't notice it until I left the office and I'm really baffled by it.  I have been getting blood work done regularly and my Free Testosterone is ALWAYS high along with my Total Testosterone.  My SHBG is always low.  This makes some sense to me, but having non-existent Free Testosterone does not.  Any ideas?  I can't help but think that this is a lab error, but it stated on the lab report that "results were verified by repeat testing" specifically regarding the Free Testosterone test. How can I have Low SHBG and non-existent Free Testosterone when my overall total Testosterone is high (slightly higher than most tests I might add)?

Question:  did you get the blood draw on the same day as your injection or maybe the day after?

Also, how often are you injecting and how much?

I injected Monday night and the blood draw was on Wednesday morning.  I inject .5mls 3x per week....300mg/week total.  I have low SHBG so I expect to have high Free Testosterone.  While the Total Testosterone is slightly high (it's most often lower than this result), I think it's not that high considering the weekly amount I'm taking.  I used to be prescribed 400mgs/week of Testosterone which is the dose I've mostly used over the many years I've been on TRT.  I requested to go down to 200mgs/week and then back up to 300mgs....which is where I feel the best.  If your going to stick yourself with a pin 3x week anyway, may as well have the dose that makes you feel the best.  SHBG doesn't seem to go up or down with dose, but I did notice an increase when I went Primal (all time high of 14).  The problem with Primal is that you start to feel "stale" after awhile.  I also noticed that I was losing strength and muscle mass over time.  I'm now going through phases with carbs and phases without carbs (bulk and cut I suppose) so that I can avoid Metabolic Damage/ Insulin Resistance that I've experienced in the past. 

13

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: High Total Testosterone, Low SHBG and non-existent Free Testosterone???

« on: September 30, 2016, 11:07:01 pm »

The fact that your doc didn't notice/mention the free T result is more concerning to me than the actual result itself...which is more than likely lab error. Recheck to confirm, if still that low, would run at a different lab/different assay method.

Yeah, this is my first follow-up with him so not a great start.    I've probably had 15+ lab results over the years while on TRT and my Free Testosterone has always been high.  I'm not going to worry about it as it has got to be a lab error.  I'll have another blood draw and follow-up appointment in 3 months.  I expect to see Free Testosterone high again....as usual.  I will also be sure to get an explanation why my doc didn't feel the need to inquire about the Free Testosterone result in my last blood test results. 

14

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / Re: High Total Testosterone, Low SHBG and non-existent Free Testosterone???

« on: September 28, 2016, 01:08:05 am »

My thinking is that he only glanced at the blood work as he walked into the room and missed it.  He came highly recommended by my pharmacist when my last doc moved out of state (my favorite doc).  He isn't particularly bad IMO as I've experience MUCH MUCH worse.  At least he's open minded and is prescribing a good dose of Testosterone, Arimidex, HCG, etc..  He's also prescribing me Nature-throid which is the only form of Thyroid med I would accept. Basically, he's keeping my protocols the same.   Today, he seemed to be more focused on other things like the Allergy test, Total Testosterone and Estradiol.  He didn't bring up the SHBG or Free Testosterone results.  Again, I'm used to my SHBG being between 6 and 14...it's never been higher than that. I have been somewhat fatter (14%bf) and then I've been pretty lean(8%)...SHBG just doesn't go past 14.  Again, the SHBG blood results didn't surprise me at all.  What surprised me is the non-existent Free Testosterone in the presence of low SHBG.  If I had extremely high SHBG, then this might make some sense. 

This doc is extremely strict when it comes to TRT so I'll be getting another blood draw in less than 3 months (EVERY 3 months).  This is, hopefully, a one-time blood result.  I really hope I don't truly have NO Free Testosterone as this would make life miserable longer-term.  This just can't be a normal result...still hoping to make some sense of it. 

15

Testosterone, Hormones and General Men's Health / High Total Testosterone, Low SHBG and non-existent Free Testosterone???

« on: September 27, 2016, 11:02:45 pm »

I thought I had my blood work reasonably figured out, but my most recent blood work showed that my Total Testosterone is just over 1200ng/dl, SHBG at 8.3, Estradiol at 19.9 and Free Testosterone at less than .2pg/ml.  My new doctor said it all looks good and handed me the bloodwork for my own records.  However, I don't think that .2 pg/ml is good at all.  I didn't notice it until I left the office and I'm really baffled by it.  I have been getting blood work done regularly and my Free Testosterone is ALWAYS high along with my Total Testosterone.  My SHBG is always low.  This makes some sense to me, but having non-existent Free Testosterone does not.  Any ideas?  I can't help but think that this is a lab error, but it stated on the lab report that "results were verified by repeat testing" specifically regarding the Free Testosterone test. How can I have Low SHBG and non-existent Free Testosterone when my overall total Testosterone is high (slightly higher than most tests I might add)?