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Trying to Bulk with Low Testotsterone

jslee21 Posts: 38 Joined: 2006/02/19	2006/05/19, 12:08 PM Well I went to see a doctor and one of the tests show that I have very low testosterone. I have been having a hard time bulking and I read that low testosterone makes it very hard to gain muscle and bulk. I am not sure this is the reason I have a hard time though. I am going to see a doctor regarding the low testosterone levels, but is there anything I can do in the mean time that may help me achieve some results? Is it possible to bulk right now or should I wait until after I see the doctor.
Yxven Posts: 76 Joined: 2004/09/05	2006/05/19, 12:30 PM I don't know. How long before you see your doctor? If it's just a few training sessions, it won't make a huge difference to wait. That said, working out for 45-60 mins regularly is supposed to increase testosterone. If you don't mind me asking, since I'm curious about testosterone levels myself, was that apart of a regular checkup, or was your doctor looking for something specific?
jslee21 Posts: 38 Joined: 2006/02/19	2006/05/19, 12:40 PM I've been having multiple tests done due to fatigue and other problems I have been experiencing so they basically ran tests for everything and found the low testosterone. It will be about a month before I see the doc, earliest appt they had. I have been lifting 3-4 times a week. It is kind of discouraging if this is the reason I have not been seeing results.
Yxven Posts: 76 Joined: 2004/09/05	2006/05/19, 12:45 PM I think that would definitely contribute to not seeing results, but is one of the results your not seeing weight gain? You shouldn't be having trouble gaining weight with low testosterone (Although, it might be a higher concentration of fat than people with more T). Are you eating enough calories? If you're not, that could also explain fatigue. (Although, your doctor would know best)
jslee21 Posts: 38 Joined: 2006/02/19	2006/05/19, 01:15 PM I believe my caloric intake has been around my maintenance level or higher on certain days. Doc is also running more tests to figure out what may be causing fatigue.
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2006/05/20, 02:05 AM You will gain more fat easier with low test than any muscle. If you are not gaining any weight, may want to investigate thyroid. -------------- Strength and Honor!
jslee21 Posts: 38 Joined: 2006/02/19	2006/05/20, 07:43 AM I believe the doctor already checked out the possibility of thyroid and did not find anything out of the ordinary. Gain fat easier?????? That does not sound good :(
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2006/05/20, 12:00 PM Yes, with low test, most of the weight you gain will unfortunately be fat weight. With low test, the opposite is normally true, you will have higher than normal E2 levels. If thyroid checks out, you need to see someone other than a standard Endo. These folks typically are not in the forefront of diagnosing primary hypo or secondary. -------------- Strength and Honor!
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2006/05/20, 06:56 PM Re reading that post I was typing too fast. What is meant is with low test, E2 will normally be higher than normal, so more tendancy toward fat gain. In other words, your partitioning will suck. -------------- Maximus from Gladiator....Strength and Honor!
jslee21 Posts: 38 Joined: 2006/02/19	2006/05/20, 07:10 PM Since most of the weight gained will be fat, should I be changing my diet at all? Right now my calorie percentage is 50/35/15 and at times 40/40/20 (c/p/f). My nutrition plan right now says 2600 calories with 148 protein, 400 carb, and 53 fat. I am sometimes too high in protein, around 180-200 and my carbs and fat are usually too low.
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2006/05/20, 07:30 PM Well, calories are assumed in a general sense. For instance in most cases, for a male, around 15 calories per lb. for an average activity level(i.e..weight training, trying to gain mass) is normal. You will have to be the judge, go slowly. If the first time you bulk, and it "appears" you have gained alot of muscle, only to diet down and find it was more fat and less muscle than you thought, you will have to go from there. Calories in/calories out, does not really matter a whole lot in the large scheme of things whether you have 10% more protein than carbs, etc. Remember, carbs are protein sparing. You will have to judge this for yourself. It normally takes 1200-1400 calories if memeory serves me correctly to synthesize a lb. of muscle. You have to remember, not every calorie will be utilized. Your particular situation will depend on genetic factors, etc. Training is your biggest influence on partitioning more favorably, but even this will do little. (this is why you see some folks gain like a weed on the same diet you are on, while you gain little to nothing). -------------- Maximus from Gladiator....Strength and Honor!