While mind-numbingly searching the Internet for distractions as I’ve been recuperating from my back injury, I found myself reading about testosterone replacement therapy this morning.
TRT isn’t something new to me. I’ve read about steroids, HGH and TRT for at least 10 years. It explains how men over 40 suddenly achieve the muscularity & 6 pack abs we see in people like Hugh Jackman, Brad Pitt, Jason Statham and other celebrities. It’s the only explanation for the impressive physiques of men over 50 like RFK , Vince McMahon and Jeff Bezos.
I learned, after many years of being lied to by bodybuilders (and magazines, supplements, books, trainers, etc), that superhuman physiques aren’t the result of hard workouts and strict dieting. Steroids (pus other drugs) are required.
Which doesn’t mean I don’t want to look that good. I do. I’d love to have the build of an in-shape, movie ready action hero.
What I’ve read from men 40-60 who take TRT is that although most don’t develop action hero physiques. They do say that they get leaner and more muscular. They are stronger and have more energy. Recovery from injuries is faster. Other problems with anxiety, depression and dissatisfaction go away.
Then there are the downsides people report – hair loss, lowered libido, anger & agitation, pimples, high blood pressure, gynecomastia and bubble gut.
Joe Rogan was one of the first “normal” guys my age who looks pretty good and seems extra fit that I learned uses TRT. He talks openly about it on his podcast.
While I think he looked better when he was younger and think his physique has become a bit too blocky and fire-plug like for my personal taste, his reasoning behind uses steroids seems sound. He anted to feel better and look better when he was in his 40s and could enjoy this for decades vs. waiting to try TRT until he was in his 70s.
Makes sense to me.
So I went down an Internet rathole today reading about TRT, looking for legitimate sources and getting an understanding of the TRT process.
It seems pretty easy. There are in person clinics as well as online providers now.
- Get blood work.
- Have it checked by a physician.
- See if levels support TRT usage.
- Order TRT injections (which seem preferable to creams) and start weekly self-injections.
- Follow up with periodic blood work monitoring testosterone levels and other health markers
There are also some glossed over parts like monitoring estrogen levels and taking a secondary injection to minimize unwanted side effects.
As near as I can determine, I could do this for around $150/month without insurance plus another $150 or so every 6 months for blood work.
Would I though?
Not today. Maybe not ever.
I’d love to hear from some actual real-life normal people whom I trust who have done TRT – especially middle aged men who have been taking it for more than a year.
- Rogan doesn’t count. He’s $100-millionaire with access to doctors, treatments, resources and support I will never have.
- Actors don’t count. They are notorious for lying about using using steroids.
- TRT clinics don’t count for the obvious conflict of interest.
- Random Internet posters definitely don’t count.
I’m actually fairly pleased with the physique and level of fitness I currently maintain with my strict diet and lengthy exercise routine. I don’t have a 6 pack or huge muscles, but overall I look good, move well and feel great (my current injury notwithstanding).
Years ago I swore I could never be a vegetarian. Then I became one and moved quite close to being vegan for 5 years.
When I was vegetarian, I was sure I’d never return to eating meat and animal products. Then I started eating a Paleo diet that transformed my perspective, my physique and my mental health.
For several years now I’ve been on a strict carnivore diet (which, when I first heard of, thought “That’s crazy, I’d do that!”).
I can see a time when I might feel the way and try TRT. For now, I’m not convinced I’m ready yet.
If I do try it, I’ll be sure not to keep it a secret.