My Unexpected Journey to Hormone Replacement (TRT)

As someone who values science, I should probably downplay my excitement about hormone replacement therapy (TRT) and just point you to the research. But honestly, it feels like I've found a real fountain of youth. The more I learn about TRT, the more I want to share this information with other middle-aged people.

Here's a bit of background: Since childhood, I've been fascinated by optimizing my body and mind. As a teen, I devoured books and magazines about training and nutrition. Over 30 years later, it's still a passion. Health has always been central.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. over the last decade, despite my best efforts to improve my healthy habits, I felt something was holding me back. Even though I was working harder and smarter, my energy, motivation, and physical stamina gradually declined.

I thought, "Maybe this is just aging." But I noticed that some older friends had more energy than me. I wondered why people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond could do things I felt too tired to do.

Then a friend, Kevin, suggested TRT. He'd been using it for years and said it made a huge difference in energy, focus, thinking speed, and physical health. That conversation sparked my own research and interest.

By chance, I'm dating a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility specialist. Initially, she doubted I needed more testosterone, as she sees the downsides of young men taking it too early and affecting their fertility. But she supported me through the process, helping me learn, and eventually endorsed my decision.

I signed up as a test client for Kevin's company, Bolt Health. I had a baseline blood test and reviewed my levels with their doctor, comparing them to past tests. My testosterone levels had been steadily declining, and the latest test was the lowest ever. This drop correlated with my decline in energy and motivation.

I received a prescription for a small daily dose of supplemental testosterone, along with instructions. And so, the journey began.

Now, seven months later, I can say it's been a great year. I wish I'd tried this sooner. I'm getting so much more out of life. It's not a complete transformation, but more like a 50% boost in overall youthfulness and energy. The biggest change is that I no longer have those debilitatingly tired days that used to waste my precious free time.

That's why I've become an advocate for hormone replacement therapy for people around age 45 and older. It's not for everyone; if your levels are already high, you might not notice a difference. Two friends tried TRT but quit because they didn't feel any benefit. But they already had plenty of energy, suggesting their bodies had sufficient testosterone.

TRT's Sketchy Reputation

I'm late to the game. Testosterone supplementation began as a niche practice in the 1940s but became widespread from the 2010s onward.

TRT is why actors suddenly get buff for superhero roles and why many CEOs look younger than their predecessors.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. it's sometimes taken too far, with young men using it just to build muscle, and questionable online providers handing out prescriptions for profit. It's become overhyped in certain circles, contributing to my initial skepticism.

But there's solid science behind TRT if you're a good candidate and take the right dosage. I believe it's under-hyped for people like me: nerdy, tech-worker, semi-retired dads.

Many of us accept that aging means slowing down. Those of us in early retirement can rest whenever we want. But this attitude can mask a problem that's easily fixed. Sometimes, having the energy for a hike or bike ride is better than an afternoon nap. More energy is also helpful if you're raising kids or working past 45.

How it Actually Works (and What Happened to Me)

In short, TRT involves using a tiny needle to inject a few drops of liquid under your skin, typically every morning at home.

The typical dose is less than 0.1ml, just a few drops.

While "needle" sounds scary, these are much smaller than those used for blood draws. They're so small that you usually don't feel them, and no special training is needed.

I started on May 1st, keeping a daily journal of my progress. The results seemed immediate, but I remained skeptical to see what would happen long-term.

I experienced increased energy, motivation, and lean weight gain. The most significant observation occurred during a mountain vacation in July. I was on a trip with adults, kids, early mornings, late nights, intense sun, and constant physical activity. In the past, this would have drained me.

But on day three, I went on a solo mountain bike ride and had plenty of energy to climb a long, sunny hill. Then I played pickleball, biked back to the cabin, and continued to have unlimited energy.

I thought, "I don't know where this energy came from, but I want to keep it!"

In August, Bolt Health scheduled a follow-up blood test. My testosterone levels had increased from 415 to 730ng/dL, moving me from the low to the high side of normal.

Many labs define "normal" as 300-1000, which seems odd given the hormone's impact. It's like saying, "Cars have 90-300 horsepower, so it doesn't matter which engine you have." Both will get you there, but one is much better.

Since then, the good results have continued. My improvements plateaued at a higher level. Energy and motivation are no longer issues, and I'm making longer-term plans. My body seems to gain strength and size easily. Heavy weights feel lighter, and physical labor feels easier for longer. It's great to feel young again!

So Why Doesn't Everyone Do This?

Hormone replacement is surrounded by accurate and inaccurate information about its benefits and risks. The medical establishment often categorizes it as "Needs Further Study."

Here's what you should do BEFORE trying TRT:

The modern American lifestyle is detrimental to testosterone and health. It's amazing anyone feels good with the unhealthy habits people have. First, adopt natural habits that boost health, energy, and hormone levels. You can find a list on my Badassity Tracker page.

Since I was already doing these things, I considered hormone supplementation. But there are also risks:

• Decreased fertility for men wanting to conceive
• Increased red blood cell production, potentially increasing blood clot risk (providers should screen for this)
• Potential worsening of prostate conditions
• Mood fluctuations and acne, especially with incorrect dosing

The Importance of Dosing

Many issues arise when the body is flooded with too much testosterone. In the past, TRT involved pellets or large injections every few weeks, causing mood swings and fluctuating energy levels.

Modern providers like Bolt Health use smaller daily doses to maintain stable levels and reduce side effects.

I haven't experienced negative side effects because I was an ideal candidate: 50 years old with low testosterone, a healthy lifestyle, and no risk factors.

The Internet TRT Police

I'm sharing this to be transparent and reduce the stigma for others who might benefit. In our connected world, everyone has an opinion, even when unasked.

Many women also benefit from estrogen replacement, and some from testosterone supplementation. Aging is normal, but sometimes there's an easy way to slow it down.

How Much Does this Cost?

Testosterone is cheap and widely available, typically under $50 per month. The expensive part is the doctor stuff: consultations, blood tests, analysis, and prescriptions.

The company I used, Bolt Health, is a premium provider, bundling these services for a few hundred dollars. It's expensive, but worth it considering the benefits of increased energy and productivity.

Your decision depends on your income, insurance, whether your doctor can help, and how much service you want.

I didn't become a Bolt Health affiliate to avoid conflicts of interest. Their product and service seem great because I trust the people who run it. But it's the only one I've tried, and there may be other good options. You can always switch services if you're not satisfied.

The Bottom Line

I'm thankful for this boost to all aspects of life, so I can do more for longer. I wish you the same good fortune, however you create it.