Left the Libido at the Gym?

Hello T and D,

I am a 50 y/o male.

I have recently notice a loss of muscle mass and libido. This is despite lots of gym work and aerobic excercies. Would you recommend TRT by my family PCP or just use products from GNC?

Signed,

Dead Pedal

Dear Dead Pedal,

Oh for goodness sake. What does your doctor have to say about all of this? Have you had a full workup? I would recommend that in addition to consulting with your PCP that you also seek the advice of a sports nutritionist.

I'm not much of a gym rat, but I know that age and lots of exercise are both enemies of muscle mass. Protein is obviously an important factor here.

If there's any possibility that you're feeling overly attached to your fitness routine, is dialing it back a bit an option?

I'm probably breaking the rules by throwing out advice that you didn't actually ask, but I'm an advocate for a healthy libido and balanced social/love life.

-- D

Dear Dead,

Thank you for writing. And you have more hair on your ears, nose and back than on your head. Mother Nature sure has a cruel sense of humor. Welcome to andropause. The term andropause is not an accepted medical term, but some use it to describe the slowing of production of testosterone in men. Another phrase gaining in popularity is “low T.” It is typically about 1% per year starting around age 30. Loss of muscle mass and libido is normal for all men, but how much, and starting at what age varies considerably. Testosterone is the male hormone that drives, among other things, the production and maintenance of muscle mass, bone density and libido. In order to maintain muscle mass you need to have the appropriate amount of quality protein in your diet. If you work out regularly and or strenuously, you probably need to add a protein supplement to your diet. In your case, with a loss of libido, you may have low T.

Here’s the problem, not all doctors will prescribe testosterone. There is quite a broad range of normal for Testosterone levels from 348 to 1197 ng/dl. Many doctors will not prescribe Testosterone even if you are in the upper 300s because they will say you are still in the normal range. Some doctors will prescribe Testosterone no matter what your level is claiming it will increase muscle mass and libido. 

For you, I advise to try some of the over the counter products that may increase Testosterone. Keep in mind that there is no product that has scientifically proven to increase Testosterone, so you will need to do a little homework. Most of the “evidence” is anecdotal. Try GNC. Give the product you buy at least 2 to 3 months. If not successful, talk to your MD. Likely he will refer you to an endocrinologist or urologist. Even with this, you still may not get a willing doctor, forcing you to find a testosterone doctor; don’t worry, there are plenty of them. Good luck.

-- Terry