Does it ever get normal? When do you stop second guessing?

[tooth]

I will likely be starting trt next week, and have to admit I'm still a bit freaked out. I'm early 40's, and never taken any meds. The thought of having to take meds on a regular basis kind of pisses me off in an odd way. I'm also still in denial for some reason. So, when do you stop second guessing the whole thing? Also, does it ever get normal injecting yourself a couple times / week. The thought of having to do that forever is a major drag.

I've seen lots of threads with guys thinking about coming off, then a few posts down you always see the op saying, "what was I thinking". So, I'm definitely not the only one struggling with this.

 

[trtbaldguy]

It gets normal. Instantly? No. Took me over a year to accept it. I was happy with my results prior to that, but to accept the fact i'm on it for life took longer.

 

[Jimstigator]

Most people who try and get off never took the time to get on properly. I inject something or other daily, and have for 1.5 years now. First few weeks I thought about it - now its just automatic.

Annoying routine > Feeling castrated.

 

[killchill]

After a couple dozen injections it's just second nature , I actually look forward to my injection days. After a while you get better at Injecting and is completely painless just a little disconfort every once in a while when you pass thru a vein.

 

[Lenex]

great thread..

 

[Jimstigator]

My only fear is reliance on a medication. If the zombies ever come, and T is hard to come by, I want to be ready. As such - I may or may not hoard TRT and restart supplies just in case. I could live in hormonal comfort for a few years after the supply was cut.

 

[halfwit]

My only fear is reliance on a medication. If the zombies ever come, and T is hard to come by, I want to be ready. As such - I may or may not hoard TRT and restart supplies just in case. I could live in hormonal comfort for a few years after the supply was cut.

Oh, I have my pharmacy raiding plan set up and in my Z Day emergency pack.

OP: Most of the guys that I see try to restart and come off TRT do so because they've forgotten why they got on in the first place. Yes, constant upkeep can be a chore, but it takes just a few days of being hypogonadal again to realize that it's for the best.

 

[bigben66]

If it's a choice of heading back to those dark, low days where I lived with pain, embarrassment and lethargy - or jabbing my arse every now and again.
It takes me a millisecond to decide...

Now, where's my pharma test gone?

 

[Megatron28]

If you dont want to second guess the TRT decision, try an HPTA Restart. If it ever has a chance of working, it is now. At least you will then know you tried everything before going on TRT.

You would likely run hCG first for a while. And then switch over to Clomid and/or Nolva. You most likely would see improvement in your hormone levels while doing the restart. The true test is in what happens after your go off the meds -- does it stick.

There is low risk in trying this first. Then hop on TRT if it doesn't work.

Another option is AI Monotherapy.

 

[Southernfish]

Brother, this is life and in life, mens Testosterone production slows down over time. Being on TRT is not some downfall you hold but feeling like shit everyday because of low T and not doing anything about it sure is.

If you in fact need it I wouldnt even think about it for a second. Go for it. It can be life changing once everything is dialed in.

And to echo halfwit. If you do decide to go on TRT, dont ever get to a point where you feel good and think you can come off, trust me

 

[Mad- scientist]

I just started my TRT this week and was very hesitant about it and I really couldn't quite figure out why I felt that way. Then I started thinking to myself more about some of the side effects of low testosterone and I remembered anxiety is one of the side effects along with brain fog. So I realized there is a good chance I was just feeling anxiety from the effects of low testosterone. Obviously it is a big life decision to go on TRT but at the same time I think that the symptoms of low testosterone can make the decision to go on TRT a lot harder. Also like megatron said you might want to try a HPTA restart then you will know you tried everything possible and in my opinion that might give you some peace about making the decision.

 

[THE-DET-OAK]

TRT saved my life, I will never go back. Id say over 35-40 ish in age and its worth a 1 year trial one. Most doctors that specialize in TRT would most likely agree.

 

[trtbaldguy]

Same boat here, i will never go back as long as i have a choice. Quality of life is far better, i just have to think ahead on non normal weeks like when i go on vacation. That's the only real challenge. I have alarms set up on my smartphone to remind me to take my stuff but typically don't need them. Only real down side I've ever experienced is trying to get on the same page with my wife on frequency. I was so low on sex drive for so long that she had gotten used to it, and with my renewed vigor i needed it quite a bit more often. Thankfully she was up to the task once it was thoroughly communicated and it's never been better than it is now, and continues to get better. Why not quality and quantity i say.

 

[Old Duffer]

The only thing more frustrating than having to start a med-4-life program is feeling like crap and no Dr. can come up with a treatment.

Getting old ain't for the weak ;-)
Was I pissed when I finally had to start wearing glasses? Sure! But I'm glad the technology exists.
Is my brother pissed that he now needs daily insulin? Absolutely! But he's pretty dang happy that treatment exists!

I've had to give up some activities I really, really loved as my body and mind have deteriorated. But that's life. Beats the alternative! (Feeding the worms)
Be flexible. Love life. Persevere.

 

[cybrsage]

I actually never had the desire to stop pinning. It all comes down to mindset. I know I have said this on the board so many times that people might be sick of hearing it, but I repeat it often for the new guys to read...so suck it up!

I view injecting testosterone because my body is broken and stopped making its own testosterone the same way I view a diabetic injecting insulin because their body is broken and stopped making its own insulin. Is a diabetic embarrassed by having to inject insulin? Nope. Does a diabetic decide they want to stop taking their insulin and live life without it again? Maybe...but only once and, if they do not die, they never do it again.

I wear glasses due to bad eyes (born with bad eyes), I have a slight speech impediment (fucking letter R - I hate you) and went through years of speech therapy to pronounce it correctly...only to lose the ability to do so when I am tired or upset (yes, I have to concentrate to say the letter R properly). I have a host of other things wrong about me. Low T is just one of many, but it is easily treatable so it is actually one of the least things I worry about.

If I could change one thing about myself and make it perfect, it would not be my Low T - it would be my vision.

 

[Kdads]

Been on TRT for 2 years and still fell this way. Have to remind myself how it used to be.

 

[halfwit]

I actually never had the desire to stop pinning. It all comes down to mindset. I know I have said this on the board so many times that people might be sick of hearing it, but I repeat it often for the new guys to read...so suck it up!

I view injecting testosterone because my body is broken and stopped making its own testosterone the same way I view a diabetic injecting insulin because their body is broken and stopped making its own insulin. Is a diabetic embarrassed by having to inject insulin? Nope. Does a diabetic decide they want to stop taking their insulin and live life without it again? Maybe...but only once and, if they do not die, they never do it again.

I wear glasses due to bad eyes (born with bad eyes), I have a slight speech impediment (fucking letter R - I hate you) and went through years of speech therapy to pronounce it correctly...only to lose the ability to do so when I am tired or upset (yes, I have to concentrate to say the letter R properly). I have a host of other things wrong about me. Low T is just one of many, but it is easily treatable so it is actually one of the least things I worry about.

If I could change one thing about myself and make it perfect, it would not be my Low T - it would be my vision.

As a myopic, diabetic, hypogonadal male - I find your analogy pretty spot on.

Luckily there's ketogenic diets for a break from the insulin and laser surgery for the eyes. I'll suck up the test shots and pin with a smile on my face.

Flied lice, you plick!

(Lethal Weapon quote)

 

[luckypaul]

I will likely be starting trt next week, and have to admit I'm still a bit freaked out. I'm early 40's, and never taken any meds. The thought of having to take meds on a regular basis kind of pisses me off in an odd way. I'm also still in denial for some reason. So, when do you stop second guessing the whole thing? Also, does it ever get normal injecting yourself a couple times / week. The thought of having to do that forever is a major drag.

I've seen lots of threads with guys thinking about coming off, then a few posts down you always see the op saying, "what was I thinking". So, I'm definitely not the only one struggling with this.

What is the problem? Do you have low t? If you need trt you will be pleased not pissed. I have been on trt for 8 years. No regrets. You will be on a leash though.

 

[Lenex]

Does anyone celebrate the anniversaries of going on trt? I mean if you really need it, it could be like you are reborn and a totally different man

 

[halfwit]

Does anyone celebrate the anniversaries of going on trt? I mean if you really need it, it could be like you are reborn and a totally different man

I used to, but I forgot what year it was lmao. I just know Sept marks the anniversary month now. I want to say 2010, but I stopped looking back, as I want to focus on what's in front of me now.