Frank Sepe returns to the podcast to discuss his latest blood test lab results – and his brief experience using TRT
The bodybuilding world is very different today than it was 30 years ago. In one way that has become abundantly clear is in how we discuss bodybuilding health. Concepts like bloodwork tests and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), where not publicly discussed like it is today. That’s a good thing. But with so much information being shared across social media – it’s important these tools are used correctly and not abused. This week on Generation Iron and Barbend present The Mike O’Hearn Show, Frank Sepe explains the right way, and the wrong way, to start using TRT.
Recently, Mike O’Hearn spoke on the podcast about what to look for when reviewing your blood test lab results. Bloodwork is vital for bodybuilders – and it’s important that these tests are done regularly. Now that you know how to analyze your bloodwork, it’s important to know how to use that knowledge to optimize your health and performance.
That’s why Frank Sepe has returned to the podcast this week to discuss with Mike O’Hearn his recent blood work and his recent experience working with Transcend. Transcend is a tele-health company that conducts bloodwork and then provides doctor supported FDA approved personal tailored health solutions. This includes hormone replacement therapy such as TRT.
Both Mike O’Hearn and Frank Sepe embrace the use of medicine and science to improve our health as we age. But they also believe that these supplemental methods should be a last resort after focusing on lifestyle changes first. Let’s jump into a recap on their discussion.
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The importance of training and diet changes before turning to prescription supplementation
Frank Sepe talks in detail about how eye opening his blood test results were for his understanding of his body and health. In bodybuilding, we understand that every individual is different. We often cite this under the blanket term of “genetics” – it’s the reason some physiques, no matter how hard you try, can’t look the same as another. It’s also the reason that using illegal PEDs can be dangerous. Just because one person reacted smoothly to a substance doesn’t mean you will.
This is true for wider health as well. Frank Sepe explains that bloodwork helps provide a spreadsheet of data to pinpoint the exact details on how your body is uniquely reacting to the stimulus you put it through every day. This takes, to some degree, the guesswork out of optimizing your physique, strength, and health.
That being said, discovering a deficiency in via your bloodwork should not be an invitation to jump straight onto prescription drugs to “fill in the holes.” This is especially true of TRT. Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a legitimate form of treatment that can help many adults. But as the term rises in popularity, it’s important to understand that it is not a catch all fix. It should only be used as a last resort.
Frank Sepe and Mike O’Hearn both stress that after getting bloodwork, the first change should be to your training, diet, and lifestyle. If these factors can get your levels back on track – then you should avoid TRT. Much like how Mike O’Hearn consistently stresses his natural status. It’s possible to achieve amazing results naturally – if bodybuilders were not so impatient to get there and turning to PEDs very early in their life and career.
Frank Sepe shares his experience using TRT
During their discussion, Frank Sepe admits that he is currently not on any form of testosterone via his protocol through Transcend. This is largely because he tried it and the results were not beneficial for him.
Frank Sepe details how he went on a mild testosterone oral plan. Why? Because he had above average testosterone levels – but his free testosterone was low. This essentially means that his body wasn’t using his test efficiently. He was prescribed testosterone to see if this could level out the problem.
Within a short period of time, Frank Zane gained 13 pounds of muscle. He literally blew up at a speed he had not seen in quite some time. The professionals at Transcend were shocked. Sepe stated that this reaction was due to the fact that he had not used any form of steroids in many decades. So his tolerance was quite low.
Ultimately, this reaction showed that his body didn’t need TRT. So he stopped taking the oral supplements. Frank Sepe tells this story because he wants people to understand that TRT should only be used as a necessity. Not as a “legal form of pumping up.”
Wrap Up
Mike O’Hearn and Frank Sepe go into great detail about Sepe’s bloodwork, TRT, and also the other benefits of supplemental approaches such as improving sex drive, skin health, and hair health. There are also a bunch of funny stories sprinkled throughout. So make sure to watch the full episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show above. Don’t forget to check out new episodes every Friday only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
