All You Need to Know About Intermittent Fasting While on TRT

Intermittent fasting may be combined with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) but with caution. While intermittent fasting has many health benefits, its effect on hormones, particularly testosterone, isn’t fully understood. If you practice intermittent fasting while getting TRT, you should take extra care with your nutrition. Since individual cases vary, it’s highly recommended to consult a doctor to determine whether intermittent fasting suits you while on TRT.

When practicing fasting, tracking your feeding and fasting windows is essential. Similarly, you should track everything you consume, especially fasting for weight loss. Download the Fastic app to simplify your fasting journey and track everything with its extensive database and intelligent food scan. 

TRT at a Glance

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment for men with low levels of testosterone. It boosts the hormone responsible for a wide range of functions in men, such as muscle mass, bone density, libido, and sexual characteristics. 

It’s natural for testosterone levels to go down with age, but some men may experience it more dramatically. There can be one or more causes behind that—chronic illness, genetic conditions, obesity, chemotherapy/medications, or injury to the testicles. 

Since testosterone is a crucial hormone for men, TRT helps replenish it. As a result, it may help improve energy levels, muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive. 

TRT is usually administered with injections, gels, and patches. There are also oral testosterone supplements. 

TRT isn’t without potential side effects. Old methods of TRT would risk liver toxicity. Even with the new techniques (testosterone undercanoate), there are risks such as heart disease, increase in prostate size, and blood clots. 

Intermittent Fasting and Its Effects on Testosterone

Before we discuss intermittent fasting with TRT, it’s essential to understand the effect of fasting on testosterone. Fasting’s impact on hormone levels varies. It may be direct or indirect. With existing research (which is limited), the jury is still out on whether intermittent fasting reduces or increases testosterone. 

Intermittent fasting helps reduce fat, and lower fat levels are associated with higher testosterone. By that logic, one can assume that intermittent fasting can help increase testosterone levels indirectly. 

That’s not always the case, at least not in all men. For instance, a 2022 study found that lean, active men actually saw their testosterone levels go down after restrictive feeding periods. However, the study notes that they didn’t lose muscle mass. Another earlier study exploring the effects of 16:8 fasting on resistance-trained men also had similar findings. 

These studies suggest that intermittent fasting may not decrease testosterone in lean, physically active men. However, it may not necessarily have the same effect in obese men. Research shows that fat loss increases testosterone (one kg of weight loss resulted in a net gain of 0.6% of testosterone). 

Can You Combine Intermittent Fasting with TRT?

Intermittent fasting has a complex relationship with hormones. TRT, of course, is for increasing testosterone. Combining them can be a good idea, depending on your unique situation. 

For instance, obese men with lower testosterone levels may benefit from both intermittent fasting and TRT. While fasting will help reduce weight, particularly fat, TRT will gradually increase testosterone levels. So, intermittent fasting and TRT may have a synergetic effect. It should be noted that this inference is purely based on the research confirming that fat loss results in higher testosterone. No study directly explores the impact of fasting while on TRT. 

Men with average or below-average body mass index should avoid intermittent fasting while on TRT. That’s because fasting may lead to lower testosterone levels, which beats the purpose of the therapy, which is increasing this particular sex hormone. 

Keep in mind that other factors, such as diet and activity, may also determine the trajectory of your hormone levels. A healthy, protein-rich diet and physical activity like weight training can also help boost testosterone levels. 

So, ultimately, it comes down to your current physical health and lifestyle if you should combine intermittent fasting with TRT. 

If you decide to fast after speaking with a healthcare practitioner, ensure you’re hydrated. Hydration is especially important for men on TRT. After all, water helps with hormonal balance. Use the Fastic app to set hourly hydration reminders. 

Is It Safe to Practice Intermittent Fasting While on TRT?

Since research is limited, your best bet to ensure your safety is to consult a doctor. While intermittent fasting during TRT may not necessarily result in serious harm, it can interfere with the therapy (depending on your weight, fat percentage, and any medical conditions). 

Speaking to your doctor about whether intermittent fasting is safe for you during TRT is highly recommended. Should your doctor approve fasting while you’re taking testosterone, ensure that you’re monitoring your health. 

Here are some recommendations to ensure your safety when fasting while on TRT:

• Immediately report any side effects you may experience

• Track muscle mass and size

• Get tested for testosterone levels periodically

• Eat a diet with protein, healthy fats, and fiber

• Incorporate physical activity at least a few times a week

• Stay hydrated

Again, if you’re a lean male with an active lifestyle on TRT, you don’t need to practice intermittent fasting during the therapy. You may begin once your therapy is over. 

Intermittent fasting has many other benefits besides weight loss, such as autophagy and enhanced mental function. But it’s only worth exploring these benefits when it’s safe for you. 

You may need to manage the side effects of TRT, especially if you’re also fasting. Some side effects like mood swings or dehydration are easier to manage on your own. But headaches, fatigue, skin changes, or sleep issues should be reported to your doctor. 

Disclaimer: Speaking with a health professional before beginning intermittent fasting or a diet program is advised. There may be side effects for people with certain medical conditions.