Derek (More Plates More Dates) TRT Protocol: A Clinical Breakdown of His Hypothesized Full Regimen

Who Is Derek from More Plates More Dates?

Derek is the Canadian content creator behind More Plates More Dates (MPMD), one of the most-watched YouTube channels focused on androgens, hormonal pharmacology, and performance-enhancing drug education. He has built a reputation on detailed compound breakdowns that cite primary literature, a rarity in the fitness-influencer space. He also founded the supplement company Gorilla Mind and co-founded Marek Health, a telehealth clinic specializing in bloodwork-guided hormonal optimization.

From Bodybuilding to Hormonal Education

Derek's early content focused on dissecting celebrity and athlete physique transformations, often analyzing whether a given transformation was achievable naturally. Over time, his channel evolved into a broader pharmacology resource, covering SARMs, peptides, hair-loss interventions, and TRT protocols. His willingness to discuss his own use of androgens set him apart from creators who avoid the topic entirely.

Clinical Credibility and Limitations

Derek is not a physician. He has stated this repeatedly on his channel and podcast appearances. His analyses draw on published literature, personal experimentation, and clinical data from Marek Health patients, but they are not substitutes for individualized medical guidance. That distinction matters, because TRT prescribing decisions depend on a patient's baseline testosterone, symptoms, comorbidities, and reproductive goals 1.

The Hypothesized Testosterone Base

Derek has publicly confirmed that he uses exogenous testosterone at what he describes as a "TRT dose." Based on his public statements across multiple videos and podcast appearances, this likely places him in the range of 100 to 200 mg per week of testosterone cypionate or enanthate, the two most commonly prescribed esters in North American TRT practice.

Why Cypionate or Enanthate?

Testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate have near-identical pharmacokinetic profiles, with half-lives of approximately 8 days 2. The Endocrine Society's 2018 clinical practice guideline recommends either ester at 75 to 100 mg weekly (or 150 to 200 mg every two weeks) for hypogonadal men 1. Derek has discussed aiming for stable serum levels in the upper physiologic range (roughly 700 to 1,100 ng/dL), which aligns with the guideline target of mid-normal to high-normal total testosterone.

Microdosing Injection Frequency

Derek has advocated for splitting weekly testosterone doses into multiple smaller injections (every other day or even daily subcutaneous injections). The pharmacologic rationale is straightforward: more frequent dosing reduces peak-to-trough fluctuation, which may lower estradiol spikes and reduce the need for aromatase inhibitors. A 2017 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism demonstrated that subcutaneous testosterone injections achieved comparable serum levels to intramuscular administration with potentially fewer injection-site reactions 3.

This microdosing approach is not yet standard practice in most TRT clinics but has gained traction in optimization-focused telehealth settings. The Endocrine Society guidelines do not specify injection frequency beyond the standard biweekly IM regimen, leaving room for clinician judgment 1.

Aromatase Inhibitor Strategy

Early in his content career, Derek discussed using low-dose anastrozole alongside testosterone to manage estradiol. Over time, his public position shifted. He has stated on multiple occasions that he now favors adjusting testosterone dose and injection frequency to control estradiol conversion rather than relying on an AI as a first-line intervention.

The Clinical Case Against Routine AI Use

This evolution mirrors a broader shift in clinical thinking. The American Urological Association's 2018 position paper notes that aromatase inhibitors are not FDA-approved for use in men and that routine co-prescription with TRT lacks strong evidence 4. Estradiol plays a role in bone mineral density, cardiovascular health, and libido in men. Suppressing it too aggressively can cause joint pain, mood disturbances, and accelerated bone loss 5.

When AIs Might Still Be Warranted

Derek has acknowledged that some individuals are high aromatizers and may need a low-dose AI even with optimized injection frequency. The clinical literature supports this in select cases. Men with BMI above 30 tend to have higher aromatase activity, and a 2013 study in the New England Journal of Medicine confirmed that estradiol is necessary for normal male sexual function, suggesting that AI dosing should aim for modulation rather than suppression 5.

HCG and Fertility Preservation

Derek has discussed human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) as an adjunct to TRT, primarily for testicular maintenance and fertility preservation. Exogenous testosterone suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, leading to reduced intratesticular testosterone and impaired spermatogenesis. This effect is well-documented: a 2006 study found that testosterone-induced azoospermia occurred in up to 65% of men on exogenous testosterone within 6 months 6.

Typical HCG Dosing Discussed

Based on his public statements, Derek has referenced HCG doses in the range of 250 to 500 IU administered two to three times per week. This aligns with published protocols: a 2005 study showed that 250 IU of HCG every other day maintained intratesticular testosterone levels during exogenous testosterone administration 7. The FDA's 2020 action requiring HCG to be classified as a biologic rather than a drug created supply disruptions, and Derek covered this extensively on his channel, directing viewers toward compounding pharmacy alternatives.

Enclomiphene as an Alternative

Derek has also discussed enclomiphene citrate as a potential alternative to HCG for maintaining LH signaling during TRT. Enclomiphene is the trans-isomer of clomiphene citrate and acts as a selective estrogen receptor modulator at the hypothalamus. A phase III trial (N=302) demonstrated that enclomiphene 25 mg daily maintained testosterone levels while preserving sperm parameters in hypogonadal men 8. Derek has noted this compound's appeal for men who want gonadal stimulation without the injection burden of HCG.

Thyroid and Metabolic Monitoring

Derek consistently emphasizes comprehensive bloodwork that goes beyond the standard testosterone and estradiol panel. He has publicly advocated for routine assessment of thyroid function (TSH, free T3, free T4), fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and inflammatory markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).

Why Thyroid Matters on TRT

Testosterone and thyroid hormones interact through sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Exogenous testosterone can lower SHBG, which may alter the free fraction of thyroid hormones in circulation 9. Derek has discussed cases from Marek Health where patients on TRT presented with subclinical thyroid dysfunction that would have been missed without a full panel.

Metabolic Markers He Tracks

Derek has publicly shared bloodwork panels that include fasting glucose, insulin, lipid panels with particle-size analysis (LDL-P, ApoB), and liver enzymes. This approach aligns with the growing clinical emphasis on ApoB as a superior predictor of cardiovascular risk compared to LDL-C alone. A 2019 meta-analysis in JAMA Cardiology confirmed that ApoB and LDL-P were more strongly associated with cardiovascular events than LDL-C in statin-treated patients 10.

Cardiovascular Risk Management

One of Derek's recurring themes is that TRT users should monitor cardiovascular biomarkers aggressively. He has discussed his own use of low-dose rosuvastatin for lipid management, though this is inferred from public statements and not confirmed by medical records.

Hematocrit and Polycythemia Risk

Testosterone stimulates erythropoiesis. The Endocrine Society guideline recommends checking hematocrit at baseline, 3 to 6 months after starting TRT, and annually thereafter, with a threshold of 54% prompting dose reduction or phlebotomy 1. Derek has discussed donating blood or undergoing therapeutic phlebotomy to manage elevated hematocrit, a practice common among TRT patients but one that the guideline frames as a signal to reassess dosing.

Blood Pressure and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Derek has referenced echocardiogram data in his content, a level of cardiac monitoring that is uncommon among fitness influencers. A 2017 study in Circulation found that long-term anabolic steroid use (at supraphysiologic doses) was associated with reduced left ventricular systolic function and increased atherosclerotic plaque burden 11. Derek has cited this study to argue that even "TRT doses" warrant periodic cardiac assessment, particularly for individuals with a history of higher-dose use.

Hair Loss Interventions

Derek's interest in androgenic alopecia is central to his brand. He has discussed a multi-pronged approach to hair preservation while on TRT, including topical and systemic interventions.

The DHT Problem

Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT is the primary androgen responsible for male pattern hair loss. A dose-response relationship exists: higher serum DHT levels accelerate follicular miniaturization in genetically susceptible individuals 12. TRT raises both testosterone and DHT, making hair loss a common concern.

Derek's Discussed Approach

Derek has publicly discussed using topical finasteride (to reduce systemic 5-alpha reductase inhibition while targeting scalp DHT), minoxidil (both topical and oral at low doses), ketoconazole shampoo, and microneedling. He has also covered RU58841, a non-steroidal antiandrogen applied topically. RU58841 lacks FDA approval and has no published human clinical trials, which Derek has acknowledged while noting anecdotal reports from the hair-loss community. Oral finasteride 1 mg daily reduced scalp DHT by 64% in the key trial that led to its FDA approval 12.

Supplement Stack and Gorilla Mind Products

Derek founded Gorilla Mind as a nootropic and sports-supplement brand. He has stated publicly that he uses several of his own products. These are dietary supplements, not pharmaceuticals.

Key Products He Has Discussed Using

Products he has mentioned in his own regimen include Gorilla Mind Smooth (a stimulant-free cognitive formula), Gorilla Mode pre-workout, and a turkesterone product. It is worth noting that turkesterone, an ecdysteroid, has limited human clinical data. A 2022 study found no significant effect on lean mass or strength in resistance-trained men over 12 weeks compared to placebo 13.

Supplement Transparency

Derek has been more transparent than most supplement-brand owners about the limitations of his products. He has stated on camera that supplements are "the icing on the cake" and should not be expected to replace pharmaceutical interventions or proper training and nutrition. This framing, while commercially unusual, aligns with the position of the Office of Dietary Supplements at the NIH, which notes that dietary supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, or prevent disease 14.

What Separates Derek's Approach from Standard TRT Practice

Standard TRT practice, as outlined by the Endocrine Society and the American Urological Association, focuses on symptom resolution in men with documented hypogonadism (total testosterone below 300 ng/dL on two morning samples) 1 4. Derek's approach, based on his public statements and Marek Health's model, extends into what the optimization community calls "health span" medicine.

Optimization vs. Replacement

The distinction matters clinically. A man with a total testosterone of 450 ng/dL and no symptoms does not meet the diagnostic threshold for hypogonadism under current guidelines. Derek has argued that symptom burden should carry more weight than arbitrary lab cutoffs, a position shared by some clinicians but not supported by the current evidence base for population-level screening 4.

Comprehensive Bloodwork as Standard

Marek Health's panel reportedly includes over 60 biomarkers. Standard primary-care TRT monitoring typically covers total testosterone, free testosterone, hematocrit, PSA, and a basic metabolic panel. The expanded panel approach has no randomized trial data demonstrating improved clinical outcomes, though it produces a richer data set for individualized decision-making.

Limitations of This Analysis

This article reconstructs Derek's protocol from public statements made on YouTube, podcasts, and social media. We have no access to his medical records, prescription history, or current bloodwork. Any dosing figures mentioned are inferred from his public commentary and should not be interpreted as confirmed medical facts.

Derek's history includes a self-reported period of supraphysiologic androgen use prior to transitioning to TRT-range dosing. The long-term cardiovascular and endocrine effects of prior high-dose use are not fully characterized in the literature, though the Circulation study referenced above 11 suggests that myocardial effects may persist even after dose reduction.

Patients considering any component of this protocol should consult a board-certified endocrinologist or urologist who can evaluate their individual risk profile, baseline labs, and reproductive goals before initiating therapy.