Been on TRT, not steroids, for a couple of years now due to my testosterone being low. I'm 47 and then, 45, my test was around 300. Ideally its optimal to be around 600 or higher. When I started, it was a self injected shot in my thigh twice a week. Then anther company took over and changed it to one shot per week. I pay $105 per month for a month worth of shots. And $155 every 3 months for labs to ensure blood work is where it is supposed to be. Some insurance will pay or reduce the cost. Most places will take those health visa cards as well.
Was it worth it?
Well, this is tricky. Because when I first started it, I thought it would be the answer to a couple of issues. But since being on it, I've learn to understand my body more to ensure the right dosage for success.
Pros: It does allow you to beast out in the gym. You your muscle growth will increase and you will develop muscles where you couldnt develop before. Your energy level will increase and you will be able to lift more. I went from maxing out on 65lb dumbbells to now being able to push up 100lb dumbbells with no issues. (yes, I do attribute this to TRT)
Libido went up initially and sex was dope. Felt like a youngin again. Didnt have major erection or libido issues before. Most I was good. But occasionally had issues. But TRT reduced those issues. (initially)
Cons: Here's how our bodies are different. Since we are grown men, its important for us to inform each other about things.
- Libido started to wain and had issues with erections. What I didnt know is that your body cannot break down excess testosterone. So the extra test gets converted to estrogen. High estrogen can of course, promote weight gain, depression and sensitive, and erection issues. I couldnt understand what was happening until my blood work came back and showed that my estrogen was higher than normal.
- Blood work: TRT can increase the thickness of your blood. which is measured by your hemocrit levels. My hemocrit levels were higher than normal. And living in the Denver metro area (mile high, high elevation), promotes higher levels. If your hemocrit is waaaaaaay to high, it can promote heart attacks.
All of this was impacting how the TRT was affecting my body. The fix was:
- for estrogen: I take a half of Anastrozole every two weeks (estrogen blocker) to keep my estrogen in place. I initially started @ one pill a week which crashed my estrogen. Low estrogen has just as bad of an effect as high estrogen. My sweet spot is a half a pill every 2 weeks or so. Its a very small pill, but some powerful stuff.
- hemocrit levels: I donate a pint of blood at least twice in between blood tests. One solution to minimize the thickness of your blood is to get rid of it. So I do what they call a, phlebotomy. My TRT clinic offers this service or you can go to a red cross or some where for free.
Now at 47, my testosterone is around 820; Estrogen is mid range which is ideal; and I keep my hemocrit levels at around 48 where as 53 and over is too high. Now, not everyone's bodies are the same. You may take it and have no issues. But for some of us, hormones are a bitch and you have to be able to manage it.
Hope this helps for anyone who is looking to start TRT. I would recommend this to any man getting older and feeling sluggish and tired. Especially someone like me who worked out constantly and still felt not himself. Doesnt matter what anyone tells you. Not all of us are able to keep our testosterone high. Most testosterone starts to reduce the older you get. There are a small percentage of men who's DNA is just phenomenal and they never have to worry about it. But for the large percentage of us, its an issue. All of those testosterone pills and shit may boost you a little bit. But not to where you need it to be.
Lastly, you can take other supplements with it.. I take a high grade fish oil, beet chew, and vinegar pills. I know some who take 5mg daily cialis with it to promote even greater response time. (these are easy to get) And for those looking to lose weight, I know of others who are on TRT and are taking tirzepatide or semaglutide (generic ozempic and wegovy) and lost the weight they needed in a couple of months.
Google TRT therapy near me in your city and you will find clinics that offer this service. Hope this helps
