Keto and TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy): How They Complement Each Other

Whereas the normal testosterone reading for males is between 300 ng/dL to 1000 ng/dL, hypogonadism has a reading of less than 300 ng/dL. ^[3] Symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, decreased sex drive, depressed mood, and hair loss. Through testosterone therapy, these symptoms can be improved. 

Earlier, we mentioned that aging is linked to declining testosterone levels, but other factors may contribute to it as well. If you are overweight or obese, using antidepressants, or have metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL, abdominal obesity)—your risk of having low testosterone increases. 

Why Combining Keto and TRT Works 

The reason the keto diet pairs well with TRT is because it boosts testosterone naturally. As an anti-inflammatory and low-glycemic diet, it also may help reduce the possible side effects of TRT, such as acne, oily skin, fluid retention, and mood swings. 

Besides potentially diminishing some of these TRT side effects, both keto and TRT have synergistic effects in terms of: 

Muscle Mass

More muscle mass means less body fat and improved insulin sensitivity. 

According to a study involving older male subjects, testosterone enanthate injections led to improvements in lean body mass and muscle strength. ^[4] As for the keto diet’s effect on lean body mass, research on resistance-trained men reveals that compared to a traditional Western diet, the keto diet produces better results. ^[5]

Energy Levels

Another benefit seen with testosterone replacement therapy is increased energy. Results from an online self-report survey revealed that 52.3% of the participants mentioned improved energy as one of the common effects of taking prescription testosterone. Meanwhile, 41.9% mentioned that their libido or sexual drive improved. ^[6]

The keto diet has also been found to produce more stable and sustained energy levels. The blood sugar stabilizing effect of cutting carbs will prevent sluggishness and brain fog, which many sedentary people on high-carb diets experience. On top of that, the ketones produced by your liver in the absence of carbs serve as an alternative fuel source that you can tap into at any time! ^{[7] [8]}

Get the Most Out of TRT Through the Keto Diet

Since that the keto diet increases testosterone naturally and can possibly counter some of the side effects of TRT, it can be used by those already on TRT or who are thinking of receiving it. 

To maximize the benefits of testosterone therapy, don’t just eat healthy low-carb, high-fat foods and follow the correct TRT dose prescribed by your doctor—embrace other practices that support healthy testosterone! Examples of these include lifting weights (resistance training), getting adequate hours of sleep each night, and keeping stress under control.