by John Boch

When I find something that really works, instead of hiding it under a basket, I like to share the news.

In the past few years, I felt the effects of age and I’m not just talking about the hair loss. At first I chalked it up to a lack of sleep and stress of bringing twin premature babies home at age 51. But things just kept getting worse.

The pounds kept stacking up past 224, along with bouts of depression, mental fatigue, lack of energy and more. To add insult to injury, my 34” pants began unbuttoning themselves when I would bend over to pick things up.

I didn’t like it. So I saw my doctor.

My testosterone tested low (400ish), but not low enough that insurance would cover testosterone replacement therapy.  I’d have to be a woman who wanted to become a man to get it for free.

So I went private pay with Life Plus MD (offices in Bloomington and Peoria). I spent $300 for the initial consult, and then about $175/month for doctor access, testing and meds.

It’s hands-down the best money I’ve ever spent!  I took my first injection the week before Halloween in 2023.

The once-weekly injections brought my “T” up to about 1000-1200, or about what I had in my teenage years. In a matter of weeks, my mental fog and depression vanished. My strength grew while the pounds started to melt.  I slept (even) better and have a ton more energy and vitality.

Coupled with smarter eating and time at the gym with a trainer, the results speak for themselves. I’ve lost 40+ pounds, almost 6 inches around the waist, a pair of man boobs, and some serious GERD. I’ve gained a ton of muscle and even more strength. My body fat via Fit3D scans as of writing this is 12.24%, down from 21.07% in April and just shy of 30% in the early fall of 2023.

TRT has proven a miracle treatment for me. Today I can lift my kiddos with ease and I climb rock walls like I’m Spiderman.

I admit to some downsides. I had to buy all new pants (size 32 for first time since college). I’m two belt sizes smaller (at $75+ each). Holsters wear differently and are now less comfortable.

The biggest unwelcome side effects? I think about sex like I did at age 16. The sex thing may appeal to some spouses and/or girlfriends. Your mileage may vary.

Is this TRT for you? If you’re feeling or looking like an old, fat man prematurely, I strongly recommend looking into TRT.  Lacking energy?  Low sex drive?  Inability to lose weight or gain muscle?  Depression?  Look into getting on TRT.

Have you wondered how Sylvester Stallone (78 years old!), RFK Jr. (70) and so many other Hollywood types look so healthy and ripped in their older years? They might call it an “anti-aging protocol” but it’s really just TRT.

You’ve only got one body. Treat it well.

If your family doc is skeptical, visit a hormone replacement practice for an expert’s second opinion.

With proper testing and medical supervision, the risks are very low. What’s more, it comes with huge health-related upsidesHere’s one doc’s explanation of health-related benefits of TRT:

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a game-changer for men suffering from low testosterone levels, also known as hypogonadism. This condition can profoundly impact physical and emotional health, affecting energy levels, mood, muscle mass and sexual function. In recent years, TRT has been recognized for its remarkable health benefits, making it an increasingly popular treatment option for men looking to regain their vitality and well-being. In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into some of the vital health benefits of TRT.

1. Improved Energy Levels:

One of the most notable benefits of TRT is the restoration of energy levels. Men suffering from low testosterone levels often experience fatigue, lethargy and a general lack of motivation. TRT helps to reverse these symptoms, increasing energy and vitality and enabling men to tackle daily activities with renewed vigour.

2. Enhanced Mood:

Testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating mood and emotional well-being. Low testosterone levels have been associated with depression, irritability, and mood swings. With TRT, men often report improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression, enabling them to take a more positive view of life.

3. Increased Muscle Mass and Strength:

Testosterone is a vital hormone for muscle development and maintenance. Men with low testosterone levels may experience muscle loss and reduced strength. When combined with proper exercise and diet, TRT can help stimulate muscle growth and improve strength, contributing to a more robust and active lifestyle.

4. Better Bone Density:

Adequate testosterone levels are essential for maintaining healthy bone density. Low testosterone levels can reduce bone mass, making men more vulnerable to fractures and osteoporosis. TRT can help improve bone density, reduce the risk of bone-related problems and promote skeletal health.

5. Improved Cognitive Function:

Some studies have suggested that TRT can positively impact cognitive function. Memory, mental clarity, and concentration may improve with optimized testosterone levels. While further research is needed in this area, these potential cognitive benefits add to the overall benefits of TRT.

6. Enhanced Libido and Sexual Function:

Testosterone is a crucial hormone influencing sexual desire and performance in men. Men with low testosterone levels often experience decreased libido and sexual difficulties. TRT can rekindle the spark in the bedroom by increasing libido and improving erectile function, considerably boosting quality of life and intimate relationships.

7. Cardiovascular Health:

TRT can also have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that TRT can improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol. These improvements in lipid levels may help reduce the risk of heart problems.

8. Weight Management:

For men struggling with weight gain and obesity due to low testosterone levels, TRT can be a valuable tool for weight management. Testosterone helps to build lean muscle mass, increase the body’s metabolic rate and facilitate fat loss when combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

9. Insulin Sensitivity:

TRT has shown promising effects on insulin sensitivity. Improvements in insulin sensitivity may benefit men with diabetes or insulin resistance, potentially helping them to manage their blood sugar levels more effectively.

Conclusion:

Testosterone replacement therapy has demonstrated various health benefits for men with low testosterone levels. From increased energy and mood to improved muscle mass, bone density and sexual function, TRT can significantly improve a man’s overall well-being and quality of life. However, it is essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting hormone replacement therapy to obtain a personalized treatment plan that meets individual health needs and goals. With proper medical follow-up, TRT can be a powerful and transformative solution for men seeking to optimize their testosterone levels and regain vitality.

A healthier, stronger you will allow you to navigate life more confidently, with greater productivity, and live longer. It’ll also make you harder to kill if you tangle with a bad guy.

I recommend Life Plus MD in Central Illinois, but there are others. Watch out for ones that will try to gig you for huge fees (a more common issue in Chicagoland).

More on dieting / losing the weight

I trimmed my caloric intake, but I didn’t do anything radical – at first. Getting rid of fast food, soda, booze and candy jump started things, getting me down the first 30 pounds in four months – even with holiday feasting. I still, to this day, eat food I like, including burgers, pizza and even a donut now and then.

At the insistence of a personal trainer, I began tracking my dietary intake with the My Fitness Pal app on my phone. It proved hugely educational tracking calories as well as how much fat, carbs and protein consumed. That helped me shed more weight by killing off carbs more aggressively and not over-doing the fats.

Starting around my birthday back in October 2024, I decided to chase six-pack abs. Yes, sometimes I wonder if I’m crazy.

To get there, I’m becoming a little more careful on intake.  At the suggestion of my newest trainer, I’m now incorporating 20-30 minutes of cardio in the mix along with a whole lot of sit-ups and other abdominal exercises.  As of this writing, I’m at 178 pounds and roughly 12% body fat. I probably need to shed another 6-10 pounds to see those abs – so for now I will continue to lean out so long as I can maintain muscle strength.

Worth noting: I went to a bodybuilding competition recently and a third or more of the competition’s athletes age 40 and over didn’t have six-packs. Maybe I am foolish chasing this at close to 60.

Protein! Experts recommend keeping up protein intake to minimize muscle loss while shedding those excess pounds. Buy non-soy protein powder and use it to supplement dietary protein. Sam’s has RAW protein powder at a good price if you like chocolate flavor. Drink them in mornings, after workouts and in the evening – all three. Aim for at least .8 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight each day to minimize muscle loss during dieting.  I tried the .8 gram thing for a couple of months and lost some lean muscle mass despite vigorous workouts so I’ve gone back to 1 gram per day of protein.  Your mileage may vary.

Supplements?

The only other supplements I take are creatine and Vitamin D oil. I’ve tried a couple of pre- and intra-workout supplements (at about $50 each). Most are loaded with caffeine. Instead of spending $50 or more on those, I make my own with 1-2 tablespoons of honey for carbs (fuel) when I don’t get carbs during breakfast, along with a sugar-free drink mix packet for flavor and a couple pinches of “Lite Salt” for electrolytes.

You can easily spend a ton of cash on a myriad of supplements that don’t really make a difference. Why do you think there are scores of companies hawking the stuff? Save your cash – skip the snake oils and powders.

No, I’m not taking any Ozempic or other weigh loss drugs. However, I am working out five to six days a week for 90-120 minutes. I hire talented personal trainers which make all the difference in the world. They correct my weaknesses and make sure I’m working out safely to minimize risk of injury. They also help me with mobility and flexibility exercises. As an added bonus, the better ones can also coach you on your diet to eat healthier.

My latest personal trainer competed at the aforementioned body building competition in the women’s bikini division (and won 3rd, she’s not pictured above in case you’re wondering), so she’s got experience at weight management, nutrition, and strategies to reach those ultra-lean levels.  She’s been there, done that.  And she’s on track to get her master’s degree in May.  She’s been very helpful in my quest for those six-packs, as well as helping me work on posture, mobility, flexibility and strength.

Testosterone.

I inject 200-240mg of “T” each week. It’s pre-mixed Testosterone Cypionate and Testosterone Enthanate. I also take a 1mg tablet of Anastrazole, an estrogen antagonist. Excess testosterone will break down into estrogen in the body and too much estrogen is… not a good thing for men unless you want to grow boobs and cry watching the Hallmark Channel. I’ll pass.

Don’t be tempted to order the drugs online and foolishly cut the doctor and blood testing out of the equation. Medical supervision and periodic bloodwork tests will keep you from straying into dangerous waters.

Stick with your doc’s guidance and watch for the big warning signs like nipple sensitivity (suggesting you need to suppress your estrogen more) and headaches (your hemoglobin is too high).

Bottom line: it’s good to look and feel like a new man. I look and feel better now than anytime in my entire life. I only wish I’d known about this twenty years ago.

You too can share these benefits. It does require the expenditure of some time, effort and money, but I’m telling you, the payoff is priceless.

What are you waiting for? Get on this. You can thank me later.

 

NOTE:  Here’s more details on my earlier experiences with TRT, including one instance where I double dosed by mistake.  It’s worth the read and contains at least one video that discusses some of the risks of “freelancing” and dosing yourself well outside of TRT levels to crazy bodybuilding numbers.  If you want more background data on this treatment, go read it.

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