The Male Ego: Investigating the Taboo and Results of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Growing up, there wasn’t a sport I didn’t participate in. From baseball to motocross to swimming daily, I was as active as they come and no matter what I ate, I never gained weight. I could eat potato chips, drink soda, slices and slices of pizza, and it never changed how my abs looked. Looking back on it, it was quite the gift, but it was because I was always burning calories, and my metabolism was working non-stop. Oh boy, how that feels like a lifetime ago!

These days, I’m 38, I’ve got 3 kids and while I’m still living an active life, my body hasn’t been giving the same return it once had. Now, compared to most, I work out more consistently than other men my age, but like so many, could absolutely shed some pounds and get in better shape. I go to the gym at least 3 times per week, I try to do 20+ push-ups daily, and in the last 4-5 years I’ve traveled to multiple states to run marathons. I say this not to build myself up, but to paint a picture of how I live my life so it gives you some framework of the lifestyle I lead and my starting point.

One area that could drastically improve for me, however, is diet, and I believe that’s also a major contributing factor to my current body structure and size. I enjoy a good meal and a cold beer, but these are also extra calories I’m intaking that my body just isn’t burning as quickly as it once did. Last year, I decided to change some of my eating habits and really focus on my diet, and it helped; however, I still wasn’t achieving what I was looking for. On top of that, my energy was lacking, I just couldn’t work out like I use to, I could see some muscle mass shrinking, and sleep was getting harder and harder; what was going on? Wanting to make sure there wasn’t a more serious underlying heath factor, I visited my doctor and got a full blood panel and physical, and you wouldn’t believe what they found….Nothing! I was relatively pretty healthy despite carrying a few extra pounds. I can’t lie, I was really hoping there was something they were going to find. A reason, an explanation, about why I was struggling. It was around this time my doctor suggested I take a look at my testosterone levels. She mentioned it’s not uncommon for men my age to see a drop in Testosterone and low T could explain many of my issues.

I was pretty dismissive at first, that can’t be the answer, can it? My libido and sex drive have never faltered or slowed (although sometimes I’m sure my wife wished it did). I still felt pretty strong, and I was way too young for something like this to start happening. After a few days of contemplating, I decided to visit a TRT clinic near me, sort of hiding my face in shame as I entered. Entering the lobby, some of my fears were realized, everyone in the office was at least 10 years older than me, and they sort of looked up at me like I walked into the wrong building. Looking for answers, I went through with my appointment, they asked a laundry list of questions, took some blood, evaluated my body and then I waited. After 30 min or so, I was called into the doctor’s office and they revealed what I didn’t think could be true, that my testosterone level was very low, especially for someone my age. After the initial shock, we started talking about options and I decided to begin TRT treatment.

Below I’ll discuss the pros and cons since starting TRT, but if you’re already considering visiting a TRT Clinic, I would highly suggest giving it a try. I worried about the stigma and taboo myself, but you’ll soon realize, it’s nothing to be ashamed about, and I bet you’ve got one or more friends currently trying TRT therapy and they’re just afraid to talk about it too.

 

What to Expect:

Like anything you’re putting in your body, you should take TRT when closely monitored and administered by a medical professional. I get blood drawn every month, and it’s tested for Testosterone Levels, as well as, any potential issues with blood cells, heart issues, and blood thickness.

 

Weekly Testosterone Injections:

Injecting testosterone can be a bit nerve-wrecking, especially if you’re afraid of needles, but it’s mostly mental. The gauge of needle is quite small, and you barely feel anything enter your body; especially in that meaty area of the butt. For me, it’s not an issue injecting myself each week, however, you can also visit the TRT clinic near you and they can have a professional do it for you.  Every Wednesday, I inject 1ML (200MG) of Testosterone Cypionate, rotating between the left or right glute each week.

 

Prescriptions that Accompany the TRT

 

Anastrozole- Taken 1x per week, 24hrs after the injection

Men produce both male and female hormones that are important for normal male physiology: Testosterone being quintessential for Males and Estrogen being more prevalent in Females. When you take testosterone and start TRT, it will also increase your estrogen levels. Anastrozole works by blocking the action of aromatase (how your body synthesizes estrogen). Depending on the clinic you visit, they may or may not prescribe this for you

 

Gonadorelin- Taken 2x per week (I take mine on Saturday and Tuesday)

This is taken to not only prevent testicular shrinkage which can happen with TRT, but also to allow Men to maintain their fertility and ability to naturally produce testosterone

 

The Results

First off, let me say, this isn’t a cure. You should still keep working out, eating a healthy diet and working to live a healthy lifestyle. Also, you shouldn’t expect immediate results. In my case, it took a few weeks to start really feeling the benefits of TRT.

 

Pros:

• Increased Energy Levels- I’ve always had decent energy, but after starting TRT, I feel like I did when I was 22. I’m not as tired, and don’t need caffeine or supplements in order to get me through the day
• Better Sleep- Leading up to starting testosterone, my sleep was severely lacking. I’m sure part of that was having 3 young children and managing the stresses of life, but I knew something else was off. Over the past year of TRT, my sleep is the most improved aspect. I am noticeably sleeping better, leading to waking up in a better mood and re-energized.
• Better Cognitive Function- My mental acuity has improved. This could be a side effect to getting more, better sleep, but it’s a noticeable difference.
• Mood Stabilization- I’ve always been a mellow, even-keel person, but I noticed something was wrong when my patience was growing more and more thin. By getting my testosterone levels back to normal, my mood is back to normal.  I feel more peaceful than ever.
• Confidence- This isn’t a direct connection to taking TRT, but just feeling back to normal, feeling strong, has led to an increase in overall confidence on a daily basis.
• Weight Management- Weekly Testosterone has made it easier to maintain my weight management. It’s easier to shed pounds, but also gives me the energy to workout harder and longer like I use to back in college.

 

Cons:

• Increased an already strong libido- I know, I know, who’s going to complain about an increased libido? With that being said, as I mentioned earlier, sex drive and libido has never been an issue for me. With the increase in testosterone, sometimes it feels like I’m on Viagra daily. Erections can be so strong they hurt. Over time it’s seemed to balance out, but for a few months, it was a problem
• Cost- TRT is not cheap. I do a very basic treatment option and it costs about $300/month
• Dependency- Despite taking Gonadorelin, once you start TRT, you will become more dependent on it due to your body reducing its natural testosterone production. However, if you’re already to the point of considering adding synthetic testosterone, this might not be a negative for you to consider
• Increased Acne- This is the biggest Con for me, I’ve gotten a bit of acne on my back and stomach. I wouldn’t call it excessive, however, it’s more than I had before. It’s pretty manageable with body wash and creams, but it’s one more thing you have to consider when contemplating if TRT is right for you.

 

My Conclusion

My journey with Testosterone Replacement Therapy has been a transformative, game-changing decision. While it wasn’t a decision I made easily, it took careful consideration of pros and cons, and the benefit’s I’ve experienced have significantly outweighed the drawbacks. My energy levels, mood, overall physical and mental health, and quality of life have improved dramatically. It’s allowed me the ability to reclaim some vitality that was lost as I aged.

TRT is not a one-sized-fits-all solution, and I just wanted to reiterate again, it might not be for you. Talk with your doctor, talk with TRT Clinics and Specialists, and make a decision that you feel is right for you.