Welcome to Testosterone HQ—Men’s Health‘s guide to the exciting, complicated, and revolutionary world of testosterone. For everything you need to know about T, click here.
MAYBE YOU’RE FEELING a bit off.
Your testosterone numbers are on the low side, and now you’re shlepping around with the side effects. Your mood has been low, you’re feeling fatigued, and maybe you’ve put on a little weight. You might even have a low libido. Your doctor suggests considering testosterone to boost your numbers.
Which makes you wonder: How would it make you feel? What do the side effects look like? Are the benefits real, or just hype? Is it normal for younger men to need testosterone?
The world of testosterone can feeling daunting; the hormone has been blamed, shamed, embraced and exalted, and there are reasons for all of it (discover more about hopping on the T-train here). Find out more about what experts are saying about all aspects of testosterone here. And check out what real guys taking T have to say. We talked to men under age 50 about their experience with trying testosterone replacement therapy for the first time. Here’s what they had to say:
“I felt the changes almost instantly”
Santos Trujillo, 49
In my early 40s, before I left the Navy SEALs, I noticed major changes, including memory issues and being tired. I was told my testosterone numbers—low 200’s—were still good. Another doctor found my triglycerides were over 1,000. I made a decision to get my life under control, and T was a part of that. I take two small doses every week, some supplements, and DHEA. I felt the changes almost instantly. Social changes were the biggest—I felt less cranky and more helpful with others. My goal is to look for ways to naturally do the things I’m replacing with drugs, but for now, this is the next best thing and my life is back on track.
“It took a while to find someone to help since I’m young”
Corey Menzinger, 29
When I was 23, I had pretty bad depression. After I’d done a couple years of serious weightlifting, I checked my T. The doctor said my numbers—about 320—were normal. In doing my own research, I found that they were roughly the levels of a 70-year-old. Finding a doctor to help you when you’re that young is challenging. I finally found somebody, but he picked up his practice and left. A year ago, I came across Primebody, where I now get everything—100mg of testosterone cypionate, plus 1mg of Arimidex [lowers estrogen] and 50mg of clomiphene [Clomid]—delivered to my door. My body composition and muscular mass have gotten better, but most importantly, I don’t get anxious over things that would have really hampered my day before.
“The injections were the scariest part”
JP Piol, 41
I started to gain weight as I got older, I felt like I had depression, and my sex drive was dwindling. About four years ago, my doctor said my levels were fairly low but that there was nothing he would do right then. Last year, I heard about Opt Health and had my levels tested. I qualified for testosterone-replacement therapy because my level was 194. The injections were the scariest part, but I decided to try it because it could be a game changer. I used to work out twice a day. Now I do one workout and put on even more muscle than before. Instead of spending all this time at the gym, I can go out and enjoy life.
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2022 issue of Men’s Health.
Maddie Bender is a science journalist whose work has appeared in Scientific American, VICE, CNN, and other outlets.
Cori Ritchey, NASM-CPT is an Associate Health & Fitness Editor at Men’s Health and a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. You can find more of her work in HealthCentral, Livestrong, Self, and others.
Comments are closed.