Synthetic or manufactured testosterone is classified as a “steroid.”
The “normal” range or value that labs use to measure testosterone occurring “naturally” in the male body by the testes (balls) is between 200-600. Some labs, however, use different measurements for testosterone values, which yields different ranges, for example, 280-1,100.
A guy who has a “natural” testosterone level of 500 injects himself with 0.5cc of “synthetic” testosterone per week (2cc or 2ml per month) to help give himself the “edge” to enhance his physical performance is the misuse of testosterone as a steroid. In this case, we can say he is NOT natural. This is because he will be well over the standard range, perhaps between 1,500-2,000 or more!
A guy, like me, who cannot produce testosterone naturally because I have no testes (due to having testicular cancer three times) needs to be on Testosterone Replacement Therapy or TRT, which is a synthetic testosterone that is injected into my body and prescribed and monitored by my PCP.
Testosterone fuels the growth of prostate cancer cells. That’s why there is a concern in the medical community if the prostate is enlarged. In my case, my PCP took me off testosterone because of an enlarged prostate on two occasions in January 2022 and January 2023.
In regard to the first occasion, and after two months without TRT, my testosterone value was 39. At that time, I was 60-days into post-recovery chemotherapy. Later that same month, I hiked Mt. Sentinel in Missoula, Montana.
In regard to the second occasion, and after two months without TRT, my testosterone value was 74. I ran the Missoula Half-Marathon that same year in the summer with a testosterone value around 74 (i.e., I was still not on TRT at that time).
Since I have no testes, my body cannot produce testosterone, except for the small amounts produced by the adrenal glands, which accounts for the whopping 39-74 (without TRT)! Since my prostate is stabilized, I am able to resume TRT with the permission of my PCP.
My current testosterone dosage is 0.5cc once every two weeks (1cc or 1ml a month). With this dosage, my testosterone level is 253.
253 is a low value, but it is sufficient. I neither require nor need more. Therefore, I can honestly say I don't take and have never taken steroids to enhance my physique. With pride, I can say I am natural. A person does not need an overabundance amount of testosterone to build an impressive physique and make strength gains. A fitness mindset builds a strong and impressive physique! Guys, if you want to naturally increase your testosterone level, exercise intensely (train hard, but not necessarily “heavy”), especially the legs!
When I was going through aggressive chemotherapy (40 bags in 10 weeks), at 59 years old, from November 2021 to January 2022 I still exercised when I was able.
At one instance, after 23 days of chemotherapy, a few days after losing my hair, and finishing a 6-hour chemo session, I put my strength to the test and deadlifted 315 pounds for 2 sets of 10 reps!
When I didn't take any testosterone injections for 4 to 6 months because of an enlarged prostate on the two separate occasions noted above (2022 and 2023) I was still able to engage in exercise.
Can a man live without testosterone? YES! Can a man exercise without testosterone? YES! Can a man make physical improvements without testosterone? YES! Does a man want to live without testosterone? No, of course he doesn’t. But I lived without testosterone for 4-6 months on two separate occasions. Strength gains and physical improvements can still occur without testosterone!
Testosterone increases “sex” drive and drive in general, and faster recovery time, but does not necessarily fuel the body with energy and the energy necessary to exercise. Your mind does that! Fuel your mind with The Fitness Mindset!