Need advice and help on current problem?

[Chris288]

hi guys, long time since I have posted here, but having some issues with my current diet, training etc. Currently clean, but looking if I should add some low test or T3 while dieting. Below I tried to detail my problem. Sorry for such a long post, but figured I would come back here as been clean for years and now older. Thinking earlier use might have hurt my natural production.

Thinking I might have to go on TRT with T3. If I take it synthentically , my metabo should not slowdown while dieting at length correct? Sorry again for such a long post.

BTW- I have been clean for years and wanted to loose down till 15%, then hit a muscle building cycle to put a lot of muscle back on. To fat right now though.

Thoughts?



Started dieting 3/7/16

Stats, - 40/M 244 pounds BF% unsure 5ft 10inch - Goal is 15%

History - Ex bodybuilder years ago just got fat.

Weeks 1-4 Went Keto with only Sunday free day for meals, calories est- 1600 -2200 Weights 3 times a week, a day of cardio. 1 day Jiu- Jitsu

Weeks 4-16 CKD - Monday - Friday calories 1200 - 1600 low carb 50 day under.
Friday night had a high carb meal 100-150 grams. Sat back on and Sunday complete day was off dieting prolly ate 3-4k calories.
Weights were heave 6-10 reps full body workouts 5 sets per bodypart. Done Monday and Friday only. Cardio was Tue and Wed, still 1 day Jiu - Jitsu.

Weight - 210

Weeks 16-18 Took off from diet ate at 2500-3500 calories.

Weight - 216 on week 19.

Weeks 19- 25 Same as above workout wise, except I added a day on Wed every other week of high rep weights or cardio, then added cardio Friday as well. So 2-3 Weight workouts, and or 2-3 days low cardio for an hour.

Weight currently 211.

Results and overall feeling - My strength started going down about week 14. Squats and bench started to drop. Had the 2 weeks off, strength has dropped a little on most, except squat which has dropped more - Figured more jogging and cardio.

My weight has stayed about the same and stuck. Not sure if I am having hormone crashing or not. Sex drive and energy is low I can tell, although both are up with overall well being after Sundays. Lots of calories and carbs. I have dealt with low test before, but not on anything now. Not sure if that would prevent me from loosing weight.

Also concerned of metabolic slowdown. If my TSH is suppressed, T3, T4 conversion is low. My resting temp is normal.

So I went to hit the Bod Pod this week, hoping to see and start fine tuning my diet, cardio, exercise and change everything up trying to move into a new phase to get down to my Goal of 15% BF.

Well I was absolutely disappointed. I am still fuckin fat!!
Bod Pod results - 211.6 pounds 25.3% BF
RMR - 1948
TEE - Telling me I should be at 2900 calories per day. - For low active lifestyle. WTH.

Well the obvious concern is I thought I was 20-21% BF. Yup big freakin shocker. If I was where I thought, then my goal weight of 195 at 15% would be accurate. Well that stinks as now its like 182 pounds is 15% I used to weigh 215 at 17% bodyfat. Cant believe lost this much muscle.

Also- I am eating 1200-1600 in keto calories per day, with 1 day at 4k calories and 1 free meal probably 1000. This is saying I should be at 2900 day? Even 2500 a day I am thinking I would gain weight like a fish.

Could the Bod Pod be this far off? I am thinking I am just fat. I actually have slight outline of 4 abs... very slight though and can still pinch a lot of shit around my stomach, so still fat.

Could my metabolism be shot? Hormones crashed? Exercising to much? Thinking of upping the cardio? Should I look at adding Test/T3 mix?
I drink 2-3 zero calorie monster drinks a day for energy and hunger suppression. Could I have adrenal burnout?


I am really lost here. As fat as I am I should probably go back to a standard 40/30/30 or Isocaloric dieting. Jeez

Afraid if my hormones are out of whack will I balloon up? I don't want to loose where I am. Really enjoyed this dieting thus far, but this stinks.

Thrown in a couple high calorie meals in the evenings this week and last to trick the body, but I dunno. I feel more smooth.

Any help, thoughts, direction would be appreciated. Anyone gone through this? What did you do? Go to the doctor?

Thanks so much.

 

[Mountain_Man]

Here is what worked for me 500 mg test prop week 40 mcg t3 ed eca stack Ed 1-1/2 hr cardio Ed fasting am working then weights for 30 min went from 300 fatty to 220 lean with abs never had cheat me I would have extra serving of meat or a flavors shake instead good luck u can do it bro we all have faith in u

- - - Updated - - -

If u have any ? Please feel free.to contact me

 

[The Dude]

At 40 your hormone levels are going to be low anyway. And any period of prolonged dieting is going to slow the metabolism. Yes you should be on HRT, but you will also need to cycle your diet. 3J is a nutrition coach on here and he seems very knowledgeable

 

[Chris288]

Guys I really appreciate the help. It doesn't feel good remembering being in such great shape then seeing the aging process take over.

I appreciate the encouragement and going to take ur advice. Will see if my hormones are low and go from there.

Mountain- I know u ran 40mcg did u taper or just run it until the weight was gone? Back in the day we cycled T3 for 6 weeks because of thyroid shutdown.

- - - Updated - - -

Dude- If I start HRT I should not have to worry about hormones crashing any longer while dieting because it would be coming synthetically correct?

I will PM the guy u mentioned for some nutrition advice.

Thanks guys I really appreciate the help

 

[Mountain_Man]

I ramped up.and down.4 weeks on two off

 

[Chris288]

I ramped up.and down.4 weeks on two off

Thanks Mountain. I assume u did this for the full duration till u lost all the weight.

Any rebound during or after? Thanks again

 

[Mountain_Man]

Yes did the entire time of cycle and no rebound on my end i used script tabs not liquid

 

[Chris288]

Hey guys sorry to resurrect this thread, but wanted to update. Went in and got the ol Test levels checked. Just as I suspected 138 and 142 over 2 days in a row.

Well the good news, they started me with 200mg Cyp and 140 the next few weeks till they get me up to 900 plus. I am freakin jacked. Insurance pays for this so at least I can get back up to high normal levels permanent.

They also only check me once every since 6months for bloodwork once I hit that mark, so if I want to jump on for 8-12 weeks it will not affect anything.. oh yeah and no PCT from now on out here.

Am I missing something or just too damn excited? haha

Also they will administer HCG if I want, and provide Anstrozole as they check Est to make sure it doesnt get to high. They look at all lipids and PSA for prostate as well.

Since I am now on this forever I suppose, I assume through exercise, dieting etc my levels will not fluctuate based on age, stress, or life factors correct? Am I understanding that correctly since my body will no longer product test since taking it synthetically?

Thanks so much for the help guys. Pumped to get back in shape and have some drive and energy.

 

[drtbear1967]

Been on HRT for years and it is awesome. Never take a pct unless I am upping the dose.

You on 1 cc per week of cyp?

No HCG for me yet, but I am thinking about it and clomid to surprise the wife. LOL

 

[Just A Guy]

Good advice here

 

[Muscle mechanic]

I am 40 never got out of shape but about 3 years ago I got on trt. I have done cycles most of the past 10 years 2 a year before 1 a year or every other for 5 years approx. When old lady pregnant for son I stayed on probably whole time she was pregnant. I couldn't recovery stayed lean and in shape like no tomorrow with test at 140-160 for a year clomid therapy u name it. Still forced workouts felt like crap pains everywhere no energy depressed. Got on trt. Same as u blood every 3 until stable at 1000 then every 6 months. I cycle or blast lol until 4 weeks before bloods with all numbers good including lipids, tsh, cbc, psa, liver, kidney function all that. At 210 u not that fat. The muscle will come on quick with gear. I would leave to thyroid alone see what gear does. Just the trt will help. Hit a short ester for a 6-8 between one of 3 month draws. Then bump things up to get where u need to be. Gear with make thyroid work even test at 800 on bloods compared to 140. Only problem is I have to donate with blood order as early as every 3 weeks or when needed always before 6 weeks. I am 191 some days 195 others 5'10" body fat 12-13%. Do a measurement like wrist, neck, waist, hips use one of those formulas off Google and see where u at. The gear will change things quick. I battled lows before and a cycle always got me dam satisfied in 12 weeks no matter where I was.

 

[Muscle mechanic]

I canever get to 7-8% fairly easy and pretty fast. I stayed under 10% too long and found I lost muscle and strength going back to bulking and cut. Wanna do this again. Bulk always equals more muscle when I cut and bulk each time to next cut. I have 4 children I don't have the time for perfect dieting. But once my metabolism kicks when I start supersetting it's doesn't take me much. I do nothing cardio. Except sometimes my punching bag and mostly kicks front kicks, high kicks, low kicks and muay ty clinch with knees with some bombs with hand too of coarse. This is best cardio and builds muscle at new places. It's been a while though haven't even hung new bag on stand since son was born. Most of my fat burning is from super setting. I start my work out and will do chest and biceps for example. Do set of chest go straight to biceps exercise and back to chest. Chest goes with triceps not when u confusing muscles triceps go with back doing this. I go as heavy as one muscle group and I push. I hit all muscles twice a week this way and let me tell u this is a workout. They take about 45 minutes and only one guy at my gym does this same thing and everyone is amazed at my endurance. It takes pushing but the weights burn fat this way better than anything. I do this with minor diet adjustments I don't count calories, I just eat every 2 hours hamburgers, oatmeal, chicken breast, peanut butter and Jar a week I consume healthy fats this gives me energy. Higher fats than carbs for me. When I cut I eat more. Calories and counting them for what your body burns the most when it sees it will not starve. This works but u gotta make sure metabolism is kicking don't let yourself stop digesting food once this starts and fats give u energy if carbs don't.

 

[Muscle mechanic]

Don't confuse what I am saying. The gear will keep u in an anabolic state. I stay active I eat standing up I do have adhd, I am a mechanic and job is physical. And I do choose the right foods and I do drink two diet cokes a day with alot of tea I drink 2-8oz sugar-free reb bull. I take adderall but it doesn't surpress my appetite I eat and eat. To bulk I workout one group a day rest 1min 30 sec and increase meal portions and do 5 meals a day with big bowl of cereal at bed. I try and get 200 to 280 protein a day and rice with meals, oatmeal and peanut butter only one protein drink sometimes two around workout. Eating is best route sweet potatoes I eat too. How ever much good meat I can get my hands on will get eating. Lol this works for me

 

[eswol]

Iwold hire 3J or your diet he will get you the right track that will produce real results.....hit him up......cool cat

 

[drtbear1967]

3J is the man. He can get you dialed in and rocking!!

 

[Chris288]

Right now they have me on 140MG of CYP per week. He said they want to get me to 900-1000 Total Test. I am hoping to feel like a new man. LOL

They will prescribe the HCG if I want it he said, but its more for cosmetic since me and the wife are done with kiddos. She would get lots a of a surprise if i started though. haha

Will keep you guys posted on how I start to feel etc.

 

[Chris288]

Also- I just came back from a few days vaca so sorry for the late response. Thank you Muscle Mech, DRT, and Eswol. Great advice from all 3. I will hit up 3J tomorrow and see what he can do. Really pumped to get that "drive" back to kick azz in the gym again. I just figured it was stress from my job.

Feels good to know it was something else that contributed.

BTW- Damn good advice and thanks for the support!