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Science & Humans
Adjusting dose, dosage, frequency, even mode of administration from IM to sub-Q is one way to deal with edema or water retention while on TRT.
How to get rid of water retention while on testosterone?
TRT water retention can be controlled by a diet rich in potassium, magnesium and cutting back on Sodium.
How Much Magnesium and Potassium is Required per Day?
With both magnesium and potassium fluid retention can be regulated. Both Magnesium and Potassium should be supplied by diet and the body does not make any naturally. Both are needed to regulate blood pressure which plays a role in TRT water retention apart from other vital functions that each of them perform.
The mechanism behind magnesium for testosterone boost is complex, and more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved. However, it can indirectly help as a testosterone water retention fix.
It might not be advisable to solely rely on magnesium for testosterone boost. However, Magnesium for fluid retention is important as it helps regulate electrolyte balance, supports muscle and nerve function, and is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body.
There isn't a direct and well-established connection between testosterone and potassium in the human body. Yet, the role of potassium for edema is crucial as it maintains fluid balance in the body.
NIH Recommends the Following Daily Intake:
Magnesium:
Adults assigned male at birth - 400 to 420 milligrams of magnesium per day,
Adults assigned female at birth need 310 to 320 milligrams per day
Potassium:
Adults assigned male at birth - 3,400 milligrams
Adults assigned female at birth - 2,600 milligrams
Substituting Regular Salt
A quick testosterone water retention fix can be replacing regular bleached table salt with Himalayan salt, or pink salt. Himalayan salt is also mostly Sodium Chloride like regular table salt but has additional trace minerals including Potassium and Magnesium for water retention.
Sea salt and Celtic salt also can be substituted to regular salt.
Diet
A daily diet of consuming fruits, vegetables and grains which are high in Potassium and Magnesium is very easy to cultivate and delicious as well. Potassium
Salads with Celery, Parsley Beets topped with toasted flax seeds not only help increase potassium and magnesium, but the lignans and omega 3 fatty acids from flax seeds are also heart healthy.
Special mention of banana – contains both potassium and magnesium for fluid retention. Starting the day with a banana is an easy way to include both. A handful of nuts with low fat milk, whole grain cereal will help you start a healthy day.
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List of foods that contain both Magnesium and Potassium:
| List | Magnesium | Potassium |
| Swiss chard | 150.5 mg, 36% DV | 960.8 mg, 20% DV |
| Edamame | 147.9 mg, 35% DV | 885.8 mg, 19% DV |
| Spinach | 156.6 mg, 37% DV | 838.8 mg, 18% DV |
| Cannellini Beans | 112.8 mg, 27% DV | 1004.2 mg, 21% DV |
| Acorn Squash | 88.1 mg, 21% DV | 895.9 mg, 19% DV |
| Salmon | 62.9 mg, 15% DV | 1067.6 mg, 23% DV |
| Avocados | 58.3 mg, 14% DV | 974.9 mg, 21% DV |
| Potatoes with skin | 48.4 mg, 12% DV | 925.6 mg, 20% DV |
| Medium Banana | 32 mg. 9% DV | 422 mg. 10% DV |
Why does TRT Cause Water Retention or Edema?
Testosterone and fluid retention are not directly connected. For instance, low testosterone water retention is caused by changes in body composition.
TRT is a medical intervention used to treat men with low levels of testosterone and is believed to fix the low testosterone water retention. However, there are some indirect mechanisms through which TRT may cause water retention in some individuals.
As this Indian journal of Urology study states (cited below) excess estrogens may cause increase in visceral obesity. With vigilant monitoring of serum estrogen levels, TRT promotes weight loss.
Due to the interconnectedness between testosterone and water retention, it is well known to TRT prescribers that TRT causes risk of water retention or edema, the actual etiology as to why this happens is not yet very clear.
The degree of retention is generally mild, and usually after an initial period of starting TRT can also disappear on its own after the body adjusts to TRT.
Men with CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) need close monitoring.
Study: Risks of testosterone replacement therapy in men E. Charles Osterberg, Aaron M. Bernie, and Ranjith Ramasamy PMCID: PMC3897047 PMID: 24497673
Conclusion:
Testosterone and fluid retention are indirectly connected by various mechanisms.
Addressing water retention during Testosterone Replacement Therapy involves adjusting TRT protocols, adopting a potassium and magnesium-rich diet, and considering mineral substitutions.
While the precise connection between magnesium and testosterone remains complex, magnesium aids fluid balance.
Even though testosterone and potassium are not directly connected, potassium for edema is crucial.
Substituting regular salt with trace mineral-rich alternatives offers a swift solution.
Understanding TRT-induced water retention involves recognizing interconnected factors, with vigilant estrogen level monitoring mitigating risks.
As research progresses, a holistic approach, combining dosage adjustments and dietary modifications, remains pivotal for effective water retention management in TRT.
