I've been on testosterone for almost 6 months now and just got the results from my blood work. Since starting testosterone my bad cholesterol has increased, my good cholesterol has decreased, my phosphates are low, my blood pressure is high...my health isn't so awesome. Before T I was fairly average in health. I have to change myself, and my habits because of T.
Has anybody else had some harmful side effects from T? Also, for those with blood/heart problems from being on T how did you change your habits, and what did you change? Any suggestions on what I should do next?
My cholesterol is actually better since I started T. But I know that it's a fairly common occurrence that it gets worse for most people. I'm only a nursing student (graduating in one week!) and can only give you general recommendations, but like I would tell any of my patients, exercise and diet are key to healthy cholesterol and healthy heart. Limiting fried and fatty foods, eating 5 fruits and vegetables a day, and exercising for at least 150 minutes a week or 20-30 minutes a day can do wonders for your health. Before beginning any new diet or exercise program, please talk to your doctor.
My issues with exercise is that I'm not so able bodied. Bad joints, bad back and having a large chest that jiggles a lot are the main causes. I'm keeping the line open with my doctor, trying to figure something out.
I have similar problems. I have a bad knee from a car accident last year and my chest is rather large. I just started the Power 90 program (little brother to P90X), and it's low impact. I'm liking it a lot, and so far only the running lunges and jumping jacks have hurt my chest/knee. I just do what I can and run in place when I can't keep up.
Sorry to hear that Nygeel :( I haven't gotten to do my bloodwork yet but my bloodpressure used to be high and was high when I went for my consultation to start T but every time I've taken it in the last few months it has been normal range. I wish I could find out how mine has been affected but my doctor never did pre-t bloodwork. I'll be eager to see my sixth month to one year change though.
My mom is struggling with the same issue on exercise. She had to have spinal surgery, she has a torn ligament in her leg, lower back issues, a large chest and she has severe joint and muscle pain that the docs can't figure out yet so if they suggest anything to her I'll pass it along to you. She does yoga sometimes. It's really not much as far as working out but she can do some of it and it helps her joint pains.