Testosterone Replacement Therapy – Why I hate Social Media

I had a troubling conversation with a friend in his 30s recently at a men’s gathering at church. I am 67 and in good shape for my age. People seem to think that I’m cut and toned and often comment on my arms. I don’t say this to brag. To be honest, I find it somewhat ironic because at 5’6″ I was never considered that when I was younger.

The Conversation

The conversation unfolded something like this.

  • Friend: If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?
  • Me: 67 in September
  • Friend: What?? Wow. You’re in really good shape, so you do TRT… right?
  • Me: TRT???
  • Friend: Yeah… you know.
  • Me: Ohhhhhh (He was referring to Testosterone Replacement Therapy)…. um no. I just take vitamins, and supplement with protein drinks and some creatine.
  • Friend: So how do you stay buffed?
  • Me: Ummm (again)… nutrition and working out. I’m even gaining some muscle lately as I changed my workouts and increased my protein.
  • Friend: At 67, you’re able to gain muscle?
  • Me: (Shrugging my shoulders)… Um (again!)… yeah.

My friend, who is in his 30s, fit, handsome, lean and athletic, then began to tell me how young men are trying to get access to testosterone so that they can gain muscle, look good and I guess perform better… if you know what I mean.

My Reaction

I was a bit shocked to hear it from someone I knew. It also was a wake up call because I began to realize how prevalent this probably is. He went on to tell me of a friend of his who got access to testosterone (probably illegal) and then got off it. Then, when his testosterone levels dropped through floor (which was now very low as a reaction to getting off the original testosterone injections) he went to the doctor who tested his testosterone and then prescribed him TRT to get his testosterone levels back to normal. BUT – his friend didn’t tell his doctor the whole story, so the doctor has him mistakenly on TRT. Just what his friend wanted!

I know trying to look good has been around forever. But… I think social media has taken this to a whole other level. Social media has put so much pressure on men and women to look fantastic, that people are looking for any way to cheat the system. All we see are the beautiful people out there, all jacked up and perfect. They all seem to have the perfect life and the perfect bodies.

So…. what about Testosterone? Does it really help? I actually blogged on this before and you can follow this link for more information.

The Bottom Line

Here is what you need to know

  • Less than 20% of men have clinically low testosterone levels. Most of these are older. The percentage of young men with clinically low levels is small. Meaning YOU are likely fine. If in doubt, have your PCP test it.
  • Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a valid form of therapy… for some… if you have clinically low testosterone. Discuss this with your health care provider
  • If your testosterone levels are normal (which it probably is), you will likely not benefit from TRT.
  • There are a ton of other ways to look great, without taking testosterone or steroids. The best way… workout hard, eat the right foods in the right amount, get enough rest. Pretty simple.

All the best!

John

 

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