Optimizing Health on Long-Term Testosterone Therapy: A 60-Year-Old's Success Story

For over 35 years, I've been using testosterone and various steroids. Now at age 60, I'm excited to share my latest lab results and the strategies I've developed to maintain optimal health despite long-term hormone use.

As an internist who has worked with thousands of men on testosterone and steroids, I've seen firsthand how these substances can impact health over time. While young users may not notice immediate effects, prolonged use can potentially affect blood pressure, lipids, heart health, prostate, hair, skin, and more. That's why I've focused on developing protocols to counteract these "adverse vector forces" and protect long-term health.

The ABCD Approach to Health Optimization

My approach centers around what I call the ABCD method:

A - A1C (Blood Sugar Control)

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is critical, especially as we age. My latest results show:

• Fasting glucose: 84 mg/dL (target <99)
• Hemoglobin A1C: 5.4% (target <5.7%)

To achieve this, I use:

• Metformin 750mg ER twice daily
• Proper diet and regular exercise

B - Blood Pressure

Controlling blood pressure is essential for protecting the heart, kidneys, and brain. My blood pressure is consistently under 120/80. I maintain this through:

• Telmisartan 40mg twice daily
• Nebivolol 5mg daily
• Tadalafil 5mg daily
• Glutathione injections 100mg 4-5 times weekly
• Hydrogen water

C - Cholesterol

Managing cholesterol and cardiovascular health has been a major focus. My latest lipid panel shows:

• Total cholesterol: 71 mg/dL
• HDL: 50 mg/dL
• Triglycerides: 56 mg/dL
• LDL: Unmeasurable

To achieve this, I use:

• Low-dose rosuvastatin every other day
• Repatha 140mg subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks
• Nexletol (bempedoic acid/ezetimibe combination)

D - Donor Time (Hematocrit Management)

Androgen use can increase red blood cell production, potentially leading to thickened blood. My latest CBC shows:

• Hemoglobin: 16.9 g/dL
• Hematocrit: 50.8%

I manage this without phlebotomy through:

• Telmisartan (helps reduce erythropoiesis)
• Limiting red meat intake
• High-intensity interval training

Key Takeaways

1. Regular comprehensive lab testing is crucial for monitoring health on long-term testosterone/steroid therapy.

2. A multi-faceted approach addressing blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and hematocrit is needed to optimize health.

3. Careful use of medications, supplements, diet, and exercise can help mitigate potential negative effects of long-term hormone use.

4. Genetics play a significant role in how individuals respond to testosterone and other substances.

5. Working closely with knowledgeable healthcare providers is essential for developing a personalized health optimization strategy.

By implementing these strategies, I've been able to maintain excellent health markers and quality of life despite decades of testosterone and steroid use. While this approach has worked well for me, it's important to note that individual responses can vary. Always work with qualified healthcare providers to develop a plan tailored to your specific needs and health status.

Remember, the goal isn't just longevity, but maintaining a high quality of life that allows you to stay active, engaged, and fulfilled as you age. With the right approach, it's possible to enjoy the benefits of hormone optimization while protecting your long-term health.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/4vmehXBwgJA?feature=shared