Is TRT immunosuppressive?

[garcia]

Hi all,
just wanted to ask what people experiences were re: TRT and immune function. Can supplementing with T (within normal ranges) lead to loss of immune function? Or does bringing up T to normal levels boost immune function? I've heard mixed reports.

I ask because one of the things I'm dealing with is a chronic infection, which I would hate to worsen on TRT.
Many thanks,
garcia.

[researchin]

every study I've found on the net shows LOW to Mid Range Testosterone being linked to nearly every type of infection

It's actually one of the only reasons I'd go with TRT. My T levels are adequate I think, but since I'm Hypothyroid I can't shake off an infection worth anything.

I can't catch any flu or cold on the planet, but infections, well you can touch my skin and it could end up in a rash.

[bgnb]

there are a lot of factors that determine immune function,
but one simple one is how much muscle you have ...

your body requires various amino acids to make antibodies
to fight infections and will break down muscle tissue to get
those amino acids (particularly L-glutamine) and this is one
reason we get achy (the other is fever as an inflammation).

so, it you have higher levels of testosterone, you can maintain
higher levels of muscle tissue and have more reserves for
immune function.

This is obviously extremely simplistic because ensuring bowel
function (healthy probiotics) and adequate rest and nutrition
also play a part.

But consider AIDs ... it is not the virus that kills you it is the fact
that your body runs out of resources because it constantly has to
fight the infection ... I believe I saw a study that mentioned putting
AIDs patients on TRT to assist with keeping more muscle mass and
not 'wasting' away.

That doesn't mean, however, that you can take steroids and ignore
diet, exercise, stress reduction and sleep ...

[Dr. John Crisler]

TRT makes you healthier.

Healthier is, well, healthier.

[hardasnails1973]

Ditto to what Dr J said
TRT helps immune system and also cardiovascular issues as well.
People with heart issues were more highly likely to suffer from low testosterone

[cpeil2]

But consider AIDs ... it is not the virus that kills you it is the fact
that your body runs out of resources because it constantly has to
fight the infection ... I believe I saw a study that mentioned putting
AIDs patients on TRT to assist with keeping more muscle mass and
not 'wasting' away.




I disagree - mostly. It is true that HIV wasting syndrome can occur as a direct result of HIV infection, but HIV wasting syndrome is usually a result of one or more of the opportunistic infections that people with AIDS are subject to.

They are subject to the opportunistic infections because HIV destroys the cellular immune response.

[garcia]

Thanks very much for the replies guys.

What happened is that the day I started TRT, I caught a cold/flu. I've only just figured this out. I've stopped the TRT for now so I'll be better able to judge the effects its having on me when I restart post-virus.

[milnerb1]

Thanks very much for the replies guys.

What happened is that the day I started TRT, I caught a cold/flu. I've only just figured this out. I've stopped the TRT for now so I'll be better able to judge the effects its having on me when I restart post-virus.


I can attest to the fact that, after 8 months on TRT, living with 4 young children, that I have not picked up any of the children's illnesses. This improved immunity to colds and flus is one of the most notable benefits of TRT for me.

[may19th2001]

I would always get sick with a cold flu or something after my Testosterone had gone down to almost nothing. After things going more back to normal I have not been geting sick with colds or the flus etc.

It is nice to have your health back and work hard to get your body back within your Physicial ability. it takes time but I am hopeful and think I should have my body back again as it was before I had the hormone issue.


I can attest to the fact that, after 8 months on TRT, living with 4 young children, that I have not picked up any of the children's illnesses. This improved immunity to colds and flus is one of the most notable benefits of TRT for me.

[testosteroneman]

TRT makes you healthier.

Healthier is, well, healthier.

Have a friend who got HIV,,,he is on TRT and is still with us :biggrin:

[milnerb1]

Hi all,
just wanted to ask what people experiences were re: TRT and immune function. Can supplementing with T (within normal ranges) lead to loss of immune function? Or does bringing up T to normal levels boost immune function? I've heard mixed reports.

I ask because one of the things I'm dealing with is a chronic infection, which I would hate to worsen on TRT.
Many thanks,
garcia.

My personal experience has been a percieved dramatic improvement in immune function...no question about it.

I have 4 young children and there are constantly colds and other illnesses flowing through our house. Since I started T replacement about 1 year ago and boosted my levels from low 300's to mid 800's I cannot recall getting one cold or other illness.

I have gotten a couple mild sore throats, but they never seem to fully develop into a full-blown illness.

It is actually one of the most dramatic improvements to my health since starting T-therapy.