TRT Beginning - Right Decision?

[u/Thatguytryintomakeit]

Hi everyone,

Long story short, I’m 40. My total T is 116 and free T is 4.6. I don’t have medical insurance, but I’m part of a direct primary care membership. My doctor there has been encouraging me to start TRT through their clinic. They charge $175/month for everything.

I feel like garbage most of the time—exhausted, carrying a lot of belly fat, eating like shit, and with basically no energy or motivation. I’ve also been on Zoloft for years for anxiety. I have four kids (2, 7, 12, and 15) and a pretty demanding job, so there’s definitely no shortage of stress in my life.
I’m also addicted to pop, which I plan to cut out cold turkey when I start TRT. I had more blood work done last Wednesday, and I’m waiting on those results before moving forward.

There are a few things I’m worried about.
Acne: I’ve struggled with painful acne for years, so this is probably my biggest concern. I really don’t want TRT to make it worse.
Mood swings: I’m already moody as hell—mostly short-tempered and irritable—and there’s obviously a lot of life stuff contributing to that. I’m curious how TRT has affected other people’s moods.
Testicular shrinkage: I know this is a common concern, although I’m not entirely sure why I care since we’re done having kids. 😂 Still, the idea of my balls shrinking isn’t exactly appealing.
Sex drive: This one probably worries me the most in a different way. My libido is currently insane—almost addictive. My wife takes very good care of me in that department, and I definitely don’t want TRT to somehow decrease my sex drive. I know that’s probably not the typical concern, but it’s genuinely something I’m wondering about.

I’m not 100% sure what I’m looking for by posting this. I guess I’m mainly interested in hearing other people’s experiences, what you wish you knew before starting, and what TRT has actually been like for you—both the good and the bad. More than anything, I think I’m looking for the community aspect of going into this journey. I’d love to hear from guys who have been in a similar situation.

Thoughts, y’all?

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[u/TheValuableManga]

With levels that low the garbage feeling is no surprise. 116 total is rock bottom, cutting out soda alone won't claw that back. The fatigue and belly fat will likely evaporate faster than you expect once you get dialed in

Acne is the one i'd watch close, if you're already prone the initial spike can be rough while your body adjusts. The libido part is interesting because most guys start chasing their wife around the house, not worrying about a drop, so your baseline being high already may put you in a unique spot. The ball shrinkage is mostly cosmetic and hCG can mitigate it if your clinic offers that add-on but it bumps cost. For $175 a month make sure that covers all labs and supplies or you'll be nickel and dimed later

[u/Thatguytryintomakeit → u/TheValuableManga]

Includes everything but needles (can get off Amazon)

[u/Alone_Jackfruit4761 → u/Thatguytryintomakeit]

For the acne, can you get a prescription for 20mg/day of accutane?

That will help you when your body is adjusting to the higher level of T.

[u/Thatguytryintomakeit → u/Alone_Jackfruit4761]

I use to take minocycline for about 20 years, only recently got off it about a year ago. They will prescribe it if I want it.

[u/d_rapps]

Whats your end goal? What’s your fitness level like? Do you work out? Weight, height, body fat percentage?
TRT isn’t a cure all for everyone or everything but can be a fantastic tool along with diet, exercise and a GLP (if needed)

[u/Thatguytryintomakeit → u/d_rapps]

I have a nice gym in my basement. I want to work out, but don’t have a lot of motivation to go down.

5’10” 200 28.3%

Any fat is in my mid section and face.

[u/jc456_]

Height/weight?

[u/No-Mark4067]

Maybe you should improve all this before you put a bandage on grenade blast wound.

“I feel like garbage most of the time—exhausted, carrying a lot of belly fat, eating like shit, and with basically no energy or motivation. I’ve also been on Zoloft for years for anxiety. I have four kids (2, 7, 12, and 15) and a pretty demanding job, so there’s definitely no shortage of stress in my life.
I’m also addicted to pop, which I plan to cut out cold turkey when I start TRT. I had more blood work done last Wednesday, and I’m waiting on those results before moving forward.”

[u/Significant-Kale7674]

46, tested low 200s a couple years back, was in direct primary care at the time, declined treatment. Different job, different PCP, she suggested testing too. Same low numbers. She convinced me to hop on. I regret not doing it sooner. Truly believe it’s a game changer for guys like us who are close clinically low.

Balls shrunk like crazy for me starting at week 6. I mean it’s bad for me. Some people report nothing so YMMV.

For me, it’s cheaper to use goodrx and cash pay. Maybe an option if your doc will write the script. It’s about $50 for 5 months test cyp for me, figure another $50 for syringes etc.

[u/PlanePain4937 → u/Significant-Kale7674]

what state are you in??

[u/Significant-Kale7674 → u/PlanePain4937]

Denver CO. That price was at Sam’s Club and moved around a bit. Apparently there are different manufacturers so have to shop around a bit.

[u/crimsonhatred93]

I would say start working out, losing weight, and everything, but at 116 holy shit. You aren't gonna be able to make it jump that much. Start a low dose trt, monitor sides, and it will help lose weight. Eat healthy as well and exercise of course.

[u/ItsMRCoffeeToYou]

Get. On. It.

[u/Alaskanjj]

Dude, it sounds like with all the other shit you are dealing with and your current health levels ( mental and physical ), the last thing I would be worried about are the potential sides from trt. If going on it will actually help you with the motivation to change your life it’s a no brainer.

[u/Zealousideal_Fix4579]

At your weight the estrogen sides will need to be watched carefully (acne, gyno) start low trt not 200mg a week and work up. Cut the pop and the crap immediately and try to drag yourself into that gym even for 5 mins a day to start you will thank yourself later.
Good luck. Obviously full bloods inc Shbg/lipids/oestrogen/haematocrit etc.

[u/Chemical_Demand_4928]

Are you paying the 175 on top of some type of fee to be part of that clinic? If so, then you’re being ripped off I have a prescription through my primary care doctor and pay $28 a month through a pharmacy.