Testosterone Replacement Therapy: A Real Patient Experience
Over time, some men stop producing hormones at a healthy level. This leads to symptoms that disrupt an active lifestyle, like persistent tiredness, loss of libido, and a feeling of disinterest in normal activities. Many men simply live with these symptoms, assuming they are just part of getting older—but if low testosterone is to blame, testosterone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help you regain energy, sleep better, and feel like yourself again.
Wondering if this treatment will get results for you? We asked one of our Joplin, Missouri patients—a 36 year-old husband and father —to answer questions about his experience after two months of hormone therapy with injections.
Where did you first hear about hormone therapy for men?
I first heard about hormone replacement therapy on a national sports radio show. There were quite a few retired athletes on there talking about the benefits of hormone therapy and how it kept them feeling young. They were talking about how it gave them drive and energy, and helped them stay in shape after retirement.
“I didn’t have the energy to even do things that I used to enjoy outside of work…I knew I needed to make some pretty big changes.”
I thought it sounded really neat. I didn’t think I’d ever have the opportunity to try it for myself. It seemed like it would be one of those ultra-expensive, only upper-class types of therapies that would be hard for a guy like me to ever get the opportunity to reap the benefits of.
What made you decide to try it yourself?
I’d fallen pretty far out of shape, I was feeling pretty sluggish and unmotivated all the time. I had also just taken a new position at work, and I was pretty stressed. And I’d even begun to feel maybe a little depressed. So, I didn’t have the energy to even do things that I used to enjoy outside of work anymore.
I knew I needed to make some pretty big changes. As soon as I realized there was a reputable place here in Joplin that could administer the treatment—and that it was something that I could afford—I decided to give hormone replacement therapy a try.
Were you skeptical at first? If so, why?
I was a little skeptical at first. I had gotten pretty far out of shape, and was pretty down on myself. I didn’t think there would be an easy road back to feeling like myself again. I also tried some testosterone pills in the past and couldn’t really tell the difference. All they really did was give me a stomachache.
What benefits have you experienced?
Since starting this therapy, I have noticed quite a few benefits. I’ve experienced a noticeable difference in my mental state and in my mood. I feel more energetic. I feel like I sleep better. And I’m much more well-rested when I wake up. The biggest thing is I have the drive again to want to do things outside of work. I feel joy in my hobbies again. And I find myself wanting to do projects around the house like I used to.
“The biggest surprise I’ve gotten out of this experience is my drastically improved mental state…..now I find myself setting goals again, and wanting to get up off the couch and do things.”
I also have noticed some slight weight loss. And obviously, there is an increase in my libido. I’ve also noticed that my stamina has increased quite a bit. And I’m just generally a happier person.
Have you experienced any side effects of testosterone therapy? Has anything surprised you?
Up to this point, I haven’t noticed any side effects at all. And the biggest surprise I’ve gotten out of this experience is my drastically improved mental state.
I think I was maybe on the cusp of depression before. So, you know, I was just feeling my age catching up to me. I was just struggling to find joy in things that I once loved. And I was too tired and worn out to do much of anything after work. And it took me most of the weekend to recoup.
“I looked at [hormone therapy] as an opportunity to invest back in myself and in my own well-being. It’s helped my mental state. It’s helped my physical state. I think it’s helped my relationship with my family and my wife.”
Now I find myself setting goals again, and wanting to get up off the couch and do things. I feel happy and have a lot more self-confidence.
How do you feel about administering the testosterone injections yourself?
I feel pretty good about the idea of administering my shots on my own. My wife has given me all of my shots up to this point, but I feel like I could easily do it myself. The process is really easy. I take a few pills every morning, and it’s just one shot a week. I don’t think it’s anything that would ever hinder me from traveling or being away from her. But, if she’s around, I’ll probably have her help me with it.
Has hormone therapy affected your appearance?
Hormone therapy has affected my appearance slightly. I’ve only been doing it for a couple of months now, but I can tell a slight difference in my midsection. And I have lost a few pounds. I do feel like I have a lot more energy and drive. I think most of the opportunity for my appearance to change lies in working out, and I feel like that’s something that I can accomplish at this point.
What advice would you give men who are on the fence about trying testosterone replacement therapy?
The only advice I would have for someone on the fence about trying hormone therapy or not would be to give it a try. What do you have to lose? I looked at it as an opportunity to invest back in myself and in my own well-being. It’s helped my mental state. It’s helped my physical state. I think it’s helped my relationship with my family and my wife. And at this point, I have absolutely no regrets.
Learn more about bioidentical hormone therapy for men in Joplin, MO and the four-state area
If you are interested in testosterone hormone therapy for increased drive and energy in the Joplin, Bella Vista, or northwest Arkansas area, Dr. Talon Maningas will be happy to meet with you in a one-on-one consultation. We will discuss your symptoms and goals, order lab tests to determine if testosterone loss is to blame, and discuss your options for replacing any lost hormones. Call our practice at 417.437.0303 or fill out our brief contact form to get started.