I Thought I Was Crushing 50—Turns Out, I Wasn't Even Close
Myths vs. Facts: The Truth About Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
A couple of years ago, I hit 50—a milestone for most, but for me, a turning point in how I thought about my health. Despite working out 5-6 days a week, eating healthy 80-90% of the time, and feeling good overall, I noticed things weren’t quite the same. Fat gain, muscle loss, and slower recovery crept in, even though my routine hadn’t changed. At 50, I got my testosterone levels tested, and while I was at 421—low but still in the “normal” range—I decided to wait another year. I convinced myself I was fine.
Looking back, I wish I hadn’t waited. I had concerns that held me back: the myths around testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), wondering if it was really necessary, and not wanting to believe my health needed that kind of intervention. But after another year passed, I realized I wasn’t improving. I had spent a year dealing with seven fevers and colds (I know this because I track everything with my Oura ring) between the ages of 50 and 51. My body was telling me something needed to change, so I finally made the decision to optimize my testosterone.
Why did I write this blog? Because I want to address the concerns that kept me from acting sooner. I wish I hadn’t waited another year to make this change, and I don’t want others to delay their health decisions because of the same doubts I had.
Eight weeks into TRT, everything changed. My recovery was off the charts. Example: I hiked the tallest mountain in Utah—26 miles, up to 13,000 feet—and I barely felt sore afterward. Fat loss was noticeable, muscle started coming back, and my energy soared. My focus sharpened, productivity skyrocketed, and my sleep improved. What blew me away the most was my immune system—after dealing with all those fevers and colds in my 50th year, I didn’t have a single one from 51 to 52.
Beyond the physical changes, my libido and performance improved, and it truly felt like I had rewound the clock. I share this not just to celebrate the results but to help others understand the power of optimizing your health. Don’t settle for “normal” when you could feel amazing.
Myth 1: TRT is Dangerous
Fact: Testosterone replacement therapy, when administered under medical supervision, is safe. Regular blood tests ensure your levels stay within optimal ranges, and health markers like red blood cell count and liver function are monitored. The risks are often exaggerated, especially when compared to the risks of low testosterone, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline.
Myth 2: TRT Will Give You ‘Roid Rage’
Fact: There’s a huge difference between therapeutic TRT and the abuse of anabolic steroids. TRT aims to bring your testosterone levels back to where they should be—not beyond. This isn’t about bulking up in unnatural ways; it’s about achieving healthy levels that optimize your body’s natural functions. In fact, most men on TRT report better mood stability and reduced irritability.
Myth 3: TRT is Only for Older Men with Low Libido
Fact: While testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can certainly improve sexual function, its benefits go far beyond that. TRT has been shown to enhance muscle mass, promote fat loss, boost energy levels, improve sleep quality, and sharpen mental clarity. Many men begin TRT not just for sexual health, but to combat fatigue, cognitive decline, and changes in body composition. Surprisingly, even younger men in their 20s and 30s are experiencing low testosterone levels, and nearly 40% of men over 40 have been found to have low testosterone. This makes TRT relevant for a much broader audience than commonly believed.
Myth 4: If You’re in the “Normal Range,” You Don’t Need TRT
Fact: The "normal range" for testosterone is wide—around 300 to 1,000 ng/dL—and what’s normal for one man may not be optimal for another. Even within that range, you could experience symptoms of low testosterone, like poor recovery, mood swings, and fat gain. TRT is about optimizing your levels, not just staying within a broad average.
Myth 5: TRT Will Cause Prostate Cancer
Fact: There’s no evidence that TRT causes prostate cancer. In fact, recent studies suggest there’s no direct link between TRT and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Of course, it’s important to monitor prostate health as you age, but TRT alone isn’t the villain it’s made out to be.
The Bottom Line
The more research that comes out, the more we’re learning about the benefits of TRT. It’s not just about feeling younger—it’s about optimizing your health. For me, the shift was profound, and it’s something I wish I had explored earlier. Whether you’re approaching 50 or already there, don’t just settle for “normal.” You deserve to feel your best.
