Low test due to low calorie

[Dunkirk]

I wanted clarification and opinions from those that have more experience in this matter.

I'm a pretty active person, I got back into weightlifting 4 years ago down 50lbs. Most of the time has been maintaining my weight (~175) with slight bulk. In April '24 decided to take my cut serious because I was hovering around 25%BF. Up to this point, i have not used PEDs or GLP-1 until for the last year, currently on Reta.

I took this cut seriously, and for the last 2 months I've been at 155lbs, 13%BF with 1500 calorie. I know it wasn't smart as I started losing considerable strength at the gym and while I look good, I know I lost muscle mass.

I began researching TRT for the last 3 months and planning to start Test E only in 2 weeks then redo bloodwork in 6. I tried to get my PCP to pull bloodwork since it would've been free to check for Low T, as I suspected something, they only did Total and Free which measured 326 ng/dl and 59 pg/ml. I went ahead and did additional bloodwork for a pull panel, results will be in this week.

So my question, I know my test is low, but how likely is it because of my low calorie diet? I'm sure it contributed to it but not the only reason, but how much would it have? The reason being is if I'm testing that low because of diet and I improve it, then I don't know my true baseline. If the diet doesn't contribute that much, then I'm safe.

 

[MA11]

So my question, I know my test is low, but how likely is it because of my low calorie diet? I'm sure it contributed to it but not the only reason, but how much would it have? The reason being is if I'm testing that low because of diet and I improve it, then I don't know my true baseline. If the diet doesn't contribute that much, then I'm safe.

No one knows this here. Maybe someone will show up and claim to know the answer and then let's hope his 'research' is not based on Vigorous Steve.

I got my testosterone measured five times and had values between 500 and 1000 ng/dl - natural.
Didn't feel any difference, just realized how random these numbers are. Showed this to a urologist and he said that is normal.

If I'd feel bad, my labs would come back at 300 and done with kids, I'd be on TRT tomorrow.

How old are you?

 

[buck]

As a rule in nature if a creature can't feed itself i.e. dieting then having offspring is not a good thing. As there would not be enough food to feed them either. But if you are training hard, getting stressed physical or mental or not eating the type of foods needed to make cholesterol/hormones then T levels can be lower from that as well. It may not just be one thing.

 

[Dunkirk]

No one knows this here. Maybe someone will show up and claim to know the answer and then let's hope his 'research' is not based on Vigorous Steve.

I got my testosterone measured five times and had values between 500 and 1000 ng/dl - natural.
Didn't feel any difference, just realized how random these numbers are. Showed this to a urologist and he said that is normal.

If I'd feel bad, my labs would come back at 300 and done with kids, I'd be on TRT tomorrow.

How old are you?

I'm 37 and will be starting Test E next week no matter what. It's more of what should I start myself on that raises my initial question? I think 100mg/week will be a good starting point and I'll see what my next set of bloodwork will show.

 

[Rippidy Dippidy]

I wanted clarification and opinions from those that have more experience in this matter.

I'm a pretty active person, I got back into weightlifting 4 years ago down 50lbs. Most of the time has been maintaining my weight (~175) with slight bulk. In April '24 decided to take my cut serious because I was hovering around 25%BF. Up to this point, i have not used PEDs or GLP-1 until for the last year, currently on Reta.

I took this cut seriously, and for the last 2 months I've been at 155lbs, 13%BF with 1500 calorie. I know it wasn't smart as I started losing considerable strength at the gym and while I look good, I know I lost muscle mass.

I began researching TRT for the last 3 months and planning to start Test E only in 2 weeks then redo bloodwork in 6. I tried to get my PCP to pull bloodwork since it would've been free to check for Low T, as I suspected something, they only did Total and Free which measured 326 ng/dl and 59 pg/ml. I went ahead and did additional bloodwork for a pull panel, results will be in this week.

So my question, I know my test is low, but how likely is it because of my low calorie diet? I'm sure it contributed to it but not the only reason, but how much would it have? The reason being is if I'm testing that low because of diet and I improve it, then I don't know my true baseline. If the diet doesn't contribute that much, then I'm safe.

too many variables to really know but 1500 cals for 2 months is fairly detrimental to a grown ass male.