ENHANCED ME.  TWO YEARS ON TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy)

Over the last two years I’ve been taking TRT, or Testosterone Replacement Therapy.  I’ll  cut to the chase and let everyone know “YES, I’ve seen a difference in my body in those two years.”  But it has come with a price and that is hard work and a back or shoulder pimple maybe once a month.  Other than that I have no side effects.  I continue to get my blood work down every six months to make sure everything is healthy.  I’ve had my yearly physicals and I have a clean bill of heath and yes my primary doctor knows that I’m doing TRT and he isn’t completely sold on the idea.  But this is the doctor who looks a my BMI every year and thinks I need to watch my weight.  Oh I’m 55 years old, 5’8” and 170 pounds so I’m not fat.  

Over the years I’ve chased the illusive magical over the counter pills and nothing worked.  Test boosters that you can find at your local nutrition center or online are such quakery.  Spoiler Alert – pills sold online are useless and usually contain such a small amount of the product they claim will boost your testosterone.  They don’t they just empty your bank account.  I think I’ve tried everything that I’ve seen on Bodybuilding Dot Come and on many of a Youtuber.  Some of these pills cost almost as much if not more then a month supply of TRT.

I started TRT in May of 2023 after two months of internet scrolling and looking for not only for a company I felt wasn’t a scam but was what I considered a reasonable price.  Be careful when researching as many of these online plan services has hidden fees.  Most of the hidden fees are bloodwork fees which is important but look first before you jump.

I use a company which charges me $200 for TRT Gel and then $50 for tadalafil and covers my blood work every six months.  So for $250 a month I get my testosterone gel and generic daily cialis plus every six month bloodwork with a follow up teledoc appointment.  I found prices lower online but that didn’t include blood work.  

Why Gel?  I was too afraid to inject myself every month. It was easier on the pocketbook as the gel was $200 a month but the injection was $400 for two months.  Easier to see $200 go out of the bank account even though it’s the same price it is the psychological hit to the bank account that counts.  

So after two years you might be asking Did It Work?  Well let’s look at the numbers:

MY LEVELS

May 6, 2023 – 268 ng/dL

August 18, 2023 – 1120 ng/dL

March 6, 2024 – 969 ng/dL

September 26, 2024 – 710 ng/dL

March 11, 2025 – 821 ng/dL

August 6, 2025 – 575 ng/dL

Okay you got numbers but what do they mean.  Well I will let CHAT GPI explain:

Looking at your TRT timeline, there’s a clear story in the numbers:

• May 6, 2023 – 268 ng/dL: Very low, typical of pre-treatment or ineffective absorption.

• Aug 18, 2023 – 1120 ng/dL: Strong initial response to the gel—possibly from finding the right application technique or dose, and maybe still in the “boost” phase.

• Mar 6, 2024 – 969 ng/dL: Still high but starting to settle.

• Sep 26, 2024 – 710 ng/dL: Noticeable drop—could be due to seasonal skin absorption changes, inconsistent application, or body adapting.

• Mar 11, 2025 – 821 ng/dL: Rebound upward—maybe application was more consistent or environmental factors shifted.

• Aug 6, 2025 – 575 ng/dL: Significant dip again—gel absorption in summer can be tricky with sweating, swimming, or more frequent showers.

Gels can cause more fluctuation than injections because:

• Skin absorption varies with temperature, humidity, and skin condition.

• Application site consistency matters (different skin thickness = different uptake).

• Showering, swimming, or sweating too soon after applying reduces absorption.

• Hormone metabolism changes over time—your dose that once put you at 1100 may now barely keep you at mid-range.

If your goal is a steady mid-to-upper physiological range (e.g., 700–900), your provider might look at:

• Adjusting dose or application sites (inner thighs, shoulders, upper arms)

• Splitting into 2 smaller daily applications for steadier levels

• Checking SHBG, free testosterone, and estradiol to see the bigger hormone picture

• Possibly switching to injections if stability is a priority

So that is the numbers but how do I feel and look?  I feel so much better and although I’ve always been like an energizer bunny I feel I have the energy over more sustained periods.  I’m definitely getting stronger.  My lifts at the gym keep getting better and better.  I journal all of my workouts and each time I either go up in weight or do more reps.  JUST MORE THAN LAST TIME.  

For example from this week’s workouts:

Cable Lat Pulldown (22”) at 176 lbs at 94.62% 1RM / PR x Reps 5 / 5 / 5 / 4 / 4

2 min rest between sets

(186 PR/1RM)

(Last Time 176 x 4 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4)

(Prior Time 172.5 x 4 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 3)

(Prior Time 170 x 4 / 3 / 4 / 4 / 5)

Seated Cable Row at 183.5 lbs at 91.75% 1RM / PR x Reps 5 / 5 / 5 / 4

2 min rest between sets

(200)

(Last Time 181 x 5 / 5 / 5 / 5)

(Prior Time 178.5 x 6 / 6 / 6 / 5)

(Prior Time 176 x 7 / 7 / 5 / 5)

Standing Curlbar Curls w/ Armblaster (PR 60 lbs) at 65 lbs at 100% 1RM / PR x Reps 5 / 5 / 5 / 4 / 4/ 4

2 min rest between sets

(32.5 lbs on each side)

(Last Time 65 x 4 / 5 / 5 / 4 / 3)

(Prior Time 60 x 6 / 6 / 5 / 5 / 5)

(Prior Time 60 x 5 / 5 / 5 / 5 / 4)

So just in four workouts I’ve either increased my reps or my weights.  But let’s compare all this to 2023.  Now keep in mind I wasn’t as good keeping track of my workouts:

BB CHEST PRESS –  I was doing reps at 115 which was at 79.31% of my PR which was about 145.  FYI my current PR is now 180.  I’m slowly getting better.  

LAT PULLDOWN – It looks about April of 2023 I had a PR of 150.  Once again small increases over time.  

When it comes to my workouts I believe in the MORE THAN LAST TIME THEORY.  In which I keep track of my workouts and each time I try to do at lest one more of something each time.  It could be one more rep or adding weight.  Over time one rep a workout increase is lots more reps.  It’s like a game for me each time I workout.  What am I gonna beat this time?  It’s allowed me to pretty much do the same workout over and over for years.  It doesn’t get boring as I know I’m doing something more each time.  

I also do cycle between work loads in my workouts over time.  For example I’m working in my Endurance Phase right now before I go down to a Taper.  Some people do a Deload which is like a taper.  It’s important to have these cycles so the body doesn’t get stuck in a plateau.  

Programming My Workouts for the next few months:

STRENGTH – July 12th – August 24th

ENDURANCE -August 26th – September 4th

TAPER – September 6th – September 20th

I have my first swim meet on September 14th and then on the 21st.

ENDURANCE – September 23rd – September 25th

STRENGTH – September 27th – October 9th

Swim meet on October 12th so not much TAPER.

STRENGTH – October 14th – November 16th

Announcer for Running of the Squares 5k October 18th

10K runDISNEY October 25th

ENDURANCE – November 18th – NovemSober 23rd

TAPER – November 25th – December 4th

Swim meet either Dec 6 & 7 or Dec 13 & 14.

RUNNING MORE – Will be running more as I’m running a Half Marathon on March 1st.

Swim meet January 30, 2026-February 1, 2026.

So has TRT made a difference?  Maybe it’s all in my head but I know it’s not.  I’m stronger, I’m looking better and fit.  Hell I gotta say I’m looking better then ever and I’m getting fast again in the pool.  Now TRT is not going to make anyone into ARNOLD but with hard work it does work.  I’ve had no side effects and I am still under doctor supervision.  

I’ll check in again in about six months and keep checking in after.  

Medical notice and patient responsibility:  This information is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment plan.   TRT is only approved by the FDA for men with low testosterone caused by certain medical conditions, not for treating low testosterone due to aging alone.  The effectiveness of TRT can vary by individual. Patients should not expect specific results or view the therapy as a “fountain of youth”.  By pursuing TRT, patients acknowledge their responsibility to disclose their complete medical history and adhere to all instructions, dosages, and administration methods prescribed by their healthcare provider.