Hi, I am new to the discussion board, but have now been using Beverly's products for just over two years. I compete professionally as a cyclist and have found, at least for me, that continued progress and growth is very much governed by a hormonal battle.

My recent test results revealed that my total test was at 182, with 250-750 being the norm. I would really appreciate any advice on possible benefits from other Beverly products regarding testosterone support. I know ZMA is marketed as a hormonal support product, but I have noticed little progress with it's use.

Thanks Much,
Cheers

It’s because those shorts you wear are roasting your Nuts…..LOL.

No Ryan this can be due to a lot of things. First what does your nutrition look like? Is it typical endurance athlete high carb/low fat. This could be one cause.

Second, are you on any medications? Particularly Cholesterol meds.

Third, this is total test only and just part 1 of a full hormonal profile that would help in identifying what’s occurring. Example is a pregnenolone steal occurring because your body has a preferential pathway to produce cortisol to due the high training stress combined with high life stress. Are you losing your test thorough aromatization, meaning converting to estrogen due to high body fat, low zinc, or environmental toxicity. See what I mean….many possibilities. You can’t complete a puzzle with missing pieces.

Answer these questions and then we will go from there.

And yes ZMA is good for testosterone production, because of the zinc it contains and zinc is essential for test production. However if you have a serve zinc deficiency the 30mg provided in this supp may not be enough

Wow, thanks a lot for being so thorough.

I do focus on keeping some saturated fat in my diet along with cholesterol, mainly from eggs and red meat. Also, this year I'm thinking more about micronutrients and antioxidants, whereas last year, for a short while, I fell into the mindset of pasta, meat, and repeat. One thing is for sure. A couple years back I used Novedex xt with awesome results. All of the sudden I was hitting very high heart rates again and buffering lactic acid very well. Unfortunately, Novedex and similar aromatase inhibitors are causing positive tests, although the actual proposed ingredients are not banned.

I am 6'2", and about 180lbs with around 8% bodyfat. Beverly's products have been staples in my supplement regimen and I have looked elsewhere simple for more products with a focus on testosterone.

Another trend I see is that my hematocrit fluctuates with my testosterone levels. For instance, my hematocrit jumped from 43% to 47% with an increase of my total test from high 200s to 400 and change.

Thanks for Your Time,
Ryan

What is your free test?

Yes there is a correlation between Hematocrit and testosterone so a change is normal. 47% is about right for a male and low test is associated with low hematocrit which would explain the drop when the T goes down.

If you have had positive results with AI in the past then it sounds like a conversion problem. Taking supps that increase test is just going to increase conversion. What you have to do with the help of a quality practitioner, such as a functional med doc or someone less invasive like a Biosignature practitioner, is to fine why this is happening.

Possible Causes
• Too Much Aromatase
o Aging
o Body fat accumulation
• Poor Liver Enzyme Activity
o = Poor Detox of estrogens
o Alcohol and environmental xenoestrogens are the main Culprit
• Zinc Deficiency
o Zinc is one of the most common mineral deficiencies.
o Zinc is the #1 natural aromatase inhibitor

So to start if it’s a Zinc deficiency, get a quality chelate zinc supplement to go along with your ZMA and start that.

If it’s Liver Toxicity from environmental toxics such as plastics, heavy metals, poor quality water, soy, alcohol, prescription meds, OTC meds, etc, get with someone knowledgeable to do a quality detox and not some detox in a box that is going to make your head swell to the size of a Swiss ball and make you sicker.

Other quality estrogen detoxifiers are DIM, Green Tea, Curcumin, Resveratoral to name a few.

Oh and a quality digestive enzyme like Beverly’s Multiple enzyme as estrogen requires a positive charge to be removed from the body.

- Scott

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 4u2nv,

Awesome, thanks so much for all of the advice Scott. I am going to look into getting more medical help from an endocrinologist soon. I will certainly look into adding an estrogen detoxifier and also consider adding more zinc once I find out more on what's going on.

Take Care,
Ryan

Not sure an endo will be the best route. Need to find someone with a more functional approach. Google ACAM and use their locator function to find a quality doc in your area. Best of luck.

Scott,

Great info!

Ryan, I have to tell you to add one more Bev supp that is a known qualifier of raising the T to a T. GH Factor.

Add 6 GH Factor at bedtime with the ZMA then 6 upon rising, T-levels will climb, no bout a doubt it. Also, to add fuel to the T or actually, lower the estrogens, make sure you're downing some good broccoli. Cabbage would also help.

Another known T riser is simply become competitive. You are a professional, but is your heart and desire to be #1 or are you satisfied being pro and just go with the flow? Become a raging animal!

A known T dropper: Being a parent and holding, nurturing children.

As Scott stated, there's so many variables, including environmental.

Hi Frank,

That's interesting stuff. I've never figured in such environmental factors would be of great influence on your t levels. I will look to add GH factor along with the ZMA and with patience, hope to have some success with it as you mentioned.

That's definitely all to true, what you've mentioned about maintaining that competitive edge and desire to give it your all. It certainly can be easy at times to lose that drive which is necessary to progress

Thank you guys very much for your time!

Best of Luck to you!,
Take Care,
Ryan

Well, I thought someone would have mentioned Quadracarn by now, but since not - I have to. It would be a shame to forget this new, scientifically studied/developed gem.

Quadracarn would be the perfect supplement for your personal situation. It increases androgen receptor levels and effectiveness; decreases fatigue and damage; improves recovery and performance; and decreases soreness - just to name a few of its benefits. That being said, it can help increase your natural hormone production, but also help with your cycling results.

To read more about Quadracarn go to the front page of www.bodybuildingworld.com. There are four great article links at the top of the page.

Rachel Wade
Team Beverly