#036 - My TRT Journey Begins….follow along!
For the past few months, something hasn’t felt right. My energy levels, once a point of pride, seemed to evaporate by midday. My muscles constantly ached, my mind felt wrapped in fog, and even simple conversations became harder to follow. My wife would be mid-sentence, then suddenly asking, “What do you think?” and I’d realise I had no idea what she’d just said. Cue the blank stare and frantic mental scrambling.
Weekends were the worst. By mid-afternoon, when my five-year-old son wanted to play, I felt like I had nothing left in the tank. My “solution” became a cheeky afternoon beer to perk myself up. And to be fair, it worked. I literally told a friend, half joking and half serious, that I was a better, more fun dad after a beer. But deep down I knew that wasn’t a healthy way to approach life or parenting. Something had to change.
The Surprising Test Result
Around that time, I kept seeing adverts for TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) services. Out of curiosity more than concern, I wondered what my numbers might look like. I genuinely assumed they’d be fine. I’m fit, strong, I carry decent muscle, surely my testosterone levels would reflect that… right?
Wrong.
On a suggested healthy range of 12–30 nmol/L (with many experts considering anything under 15 low), mine came back at 6. Six. At first I didn’t know how to feel. But then, oddly enough, I felt relieved. At least there was an explanation for how off I’d been feeling. And while low testosterone doesn’t eliminate the possibility of other issues, it did give me a starting point, something to pursue.
Accepting the Unexpected
I’ve always prided myself on being one of the fittest and strongest people in most rooms, not every room, but most. So facing the reality that my hormones were tanking was a bit of a blow to the ego. But once I sat with it, I realised there was really only one option: do something about it. Not to get bigger, faster, or stronger, that’s not the mission here. I’m actually happy with my fitness and performance. This is about getting my life back. Being present. Having energy. Showing up for my family and my business.
A Second Test, a Clearer Picture
The next step was confirming the numbers. I ordered a more comprehensive blood kit, had a friend at the gym draw the sample, and sent it off. The second result came back at 11, better, but still low. Testosterone naturally peaks and troughs throughout the day, and based on my readings I’m hovering somewhere between 6 and 11. Not disastrous, but not where I want to be.
With that information in hand, I booked a proper consultation. The doctor walked me through everything, side effects, travel considerations, ongoing monitoring, and together we agreed on a six-month regimen. Part of the agreement is compulsory blood work every three months, which honestly gives me peace of mind. If I’m doing this, I’m doing it responsibly.
The Start of a New Chapter
So here I am. My first batch has arrived. I’m about to jump on a call with a nurse to go over how to administer the injections (there are oral and cream options too, but injections seemed the most suitable for me). It feels a bit surreal, but also exciting—like I’m finally taking a step toward feeling like myself again.
I’m not here to recommend TRT. I haven’t even started yet. But I will recommend this: get your blood work done. A basic test costs around £30, you can do it at home, and it can highlight issues you’d otherwise chalk up to “getting older” or “being tired.” Knowledge is power, cliché as that sounds.
I’ll keep you updated on my journey as it unfolds. And on top of that, Dr. Jack is currently putting together a full article explaining what TRT actually is, and when you should or shouldn’t consider it. Maybe I should have spoken to him first come to think of it.........Stay tuned.
Thank you
James Culmer-Shields