💉 Thoughts on TRT

8 minute read

• Testosterone: The good, the bad & the Ugly.

• My levels, protocol and off cycle plan.

• Know your numbers [260 is not ok]

• A replacement for testosterone replacement [that actually works].

Nailed it.

Testosterone: The good, the bad & the Ugly.

This article is about Testosterone.

You know it when you see it.

You know it when you feel it.

And you will definitely notice it when it’s gone.

Testosterone is not merely a hormone; it's the lifeblood of male vitality.

From physical prowess to mental agility, and sexual health, testosterone is the cornerstone of what it means to be a man at his peak.

It’s been on a steady decline for the last 100 years and I believe is a contributing factor to the reason we see so many “Soy Boy’s” — but also men aren’t educated on their own hormones and have just accepted a slow decline in vitality, as if its a part of aging they have no control over.

Personally, I love testosterone.

If you’ve been following my content for any amount of time you know I’m pretty open about my use of injectable testosterone.

You need to do your own research, so don’t let me sway you, but I think if you’re over 35, are disciplined with your diet and exercise program and have exhausted all the natural hacks [sleep, ice bath and lower stress] a TRT protocol might do you wonders.

You’ll have the energy, libido, drive and focus that you did in your 20’s with the wisdom of a 40 year old — and with the right dosage, your recovery, sleep and mood should also improve which is pretty amazing if you’re into squeezing all the juice out of life like I am.

It is the fountain of youth.

I’ve been using a prescriptive dose for the last 6 years and I swear by it.

*Exact Protocol At the Bottom of the Letter.

But, it does come at a cost — which you need to know before going into it.

Injectable testosterone has many known side effects:

• Hair loss or thinning

• Infertility

• Acne

• Mood Imbalance

• … and dependency.

Hair loss or thinning is a non-issue with advances in hair replacement, DHT blockers or a simple attitude of I just don’t care — and I think the dosage, genetic make up and surrounding PCT [post cycle therapy] play a bigger role in mitigating symptoms — but like I said you need to research for yourself.

In my opinion and experience the benefits far outweigh the side effects.

Side Note: the whole “roid rage” is a fallacy.

If you’re an asshole you’re an asshole on testosterone or not.

Testosterone does amplify aggression [drive] and dampen sensitivity so if you have emotional work to do — do that first.

But there are two side effects that I have dealt with that are less than savory…

The last two on the list, mood imbalance and dependency.

On cycle I feel great.

My mood is stable, I’m relatively optimistic and I’m focused.

I sleep great, I recover well, I have drive, energy and motivation to get tasks done — I am more patient and I have a significantly higher threshold for discomfort.

At .6 -.9cc per week [less than the average prescribed dose] I feel the most emotionally grounded and mentally stable.

I feel equipped and confident to take on my problems [and other peoples] and have a high level of resilience and grit.

I’m at my best.

The downside is I know that without testosterone injections these benefits quickly fade…

And this is the part nobody really talks about that is depressive, distracted and dependent.

What happens when the TESTOSTERONE goes away?

Remember old man Wolverine in the final chapter Logan when he injects the green serum?

The glory and gory Wolverine that we grew up with charges fearlessly into battle with a renewed spirit, embodying the undiminished ferocity of the Wolverine… [this is one of my favorite movies btw]

But, eventually the juice fades and we’re faced with the stark reality that even though inside lies the spirit of a savage, the mightiest warriors are not immune to the tolls of time.

Spoiler alert: If you haven’t seen the movie he dies in the end.

Injectable Testosterone Create Dependency

Every 6-8 months I come off TRT for 4-5 months to recheck my baseline, look under the hood [emotions] and allow my body to reset to “natural” levels.

When you take an exogenous form of testosterone it shuts down your bodies natural ability to produce it, so if you want to keep feeling like Wolverine you gotta keep sticking yourself — it also impacts your fertility, and while there are plenty of protocols [clomid & HCG] that promote fertility its still highly advised to plan periodic resets.

Aside from the physical, there is a mental and emotional component of usage that I see many men overlook.

It’s go juice.

Liquid drive.

Gas no brake.

Which is awesome — but since T influences your mood and emotions it’s also important to make sure you’re actually charging in the direction you want.

[Pro Tip: If you’re going to get on cycle — plan to get off periodically]

While I love TRT personally, I don’t want to be known for pushing something that creates lifelong dependence — and If I would have been more aware of the symptoms and long term effect a decade ago I don’t know that I would have made the same decision.

That being said you don’t have to settle for Low T just because you’re getting older.

There is a solution that doesn’t require lifelong dependence and it works.

The First Step: Know your Numbers.

Most men don’t know where their testosterone levels are at.

Your testosterone levels are like your credit score.

The higher the number — the more energy you’ll have.

Every business owner knows his credit score — but few men know their testosterone levels.

Knowing your numbers, gives you a baseline for making informed lifestyle changes.

Whether its getting on TRT, changing a nutrition plan or adjusting an exercise style — you need to know your numbers.

Previously to get these numbers you’d have to have your GP order a blood panel, draw the blood and wait for results — then interrupt them.

Or visit a Men’s TRT clinic and be sold on product that you’d be on for life.

It used to be a pain in the ass.

Until now.

Earlier this year as I was planning my off cycle I connected with a friend who was launching a men’s health company called Vitality Rx.

They provide at home hormone testing for men and a customized non steroidal solutions for testosterone optimization.

Now, I’m a natural skeptic, I’ve ordered plenty of “magic pills” online and none of them work.

I needed data, empirical evidence and to test the process myself.

Results are below.

If you don’t know what you’re looking at here’s the brief…

Roughly 7 weeks apart a jump in total testosterone by 422 points… that’s impressive.

Free T more than doubled and all other markers stayed within healthy range.

I’m not just going to throw numbers at you — I also documented how I felt coming off TRT this last year.

See if you can identify with any of my symptoms…

July 1, 2023 — Stopped taking TRT.

• Used an HCG protocol for 6 Weeks as a post cycle recovery plan.

• Protocol: Cypionate blend at .3ml injected into alternating deltoid with insulin needle two to three times per week for 8 months with 4 months off. Total T average 1,100. With Regular hormone testing every 3 to 6 months.

August 14, 2023 — Off TRT for 5 weeks

• I feel like garbage, is this what normal feels like?

• Averaging 40 mins of deep sleep, huge drop from the 2 hours I’m used to. Drive and energy is dropped and I feel my muscle mass is also dropping… all the running isn’t helping either.

September 22nd, 2023 — I turned 40 years old yesterday…

• To celebrate I ran 40 miles, I don’t feel that terrible but definitely much less drive and energy. Big drop in focus and sex drive has plummeted.

October 2nd, 2023 — Mood is noticeably different, irritable and tired.

• Lots of output and less edge. Recovery has been crap and noticing an overall decline in productivity.

October 29th, 2023 — Never coming off test again.

• This will be home for another article but the question I’m swirling around in my head: [how testosterone influences all major masculine decisions].

November 7, 2023 — First at Home Test Kit with Vitality Rx

• Super easy process, slap it on the shoulder and send it off.

November 9, 2023 — Test Kit Results

• Testosterone Total: 261

• Free Test: 4.95

• Estradiol: 15.1

• LH: 3

• PSA: 1.4

No wonder I feel like shit, I have the testosterone levels of a battered housewife.

Accurate based on other formal testing I’ve had, I’d say within a 30-50point range.

November 16th, 2023 — Started Enclomphine + Vitality Rx Vitamin Stack

• Impressive packaging, lets see if this stuff works.

• Sublingual Vitamin B in AM

• Vitamin Stack

• 25mg Enclomphine Evening

November 24th, 2023 — one week on stack.

• Could be placebo but feeling better, sleep is moderately better, no significant change.

November 28th, 2023 - 90 minutes of deep sleep last night!

• First time in months… feeling good.

November 29th, 2023 - Training run my HR jumped higher than it should…

• Researched and possible linkage to increased testosterone and higher HR.

• Stopped taking enclomphine until post run.

December 2nd, 2023 - 100 Mile Ultramarathon - 27 hours. BOOM.

December 3rd, 2023 - Everything hurts…

• as it should I just ran 100 miles. Badass. back on enclomphine.

December 7th, 2023 — back in the gym.

• Feeling pretty good sore from the run, but ready for the next obstacle.

December 17th, 2023 — sleep has been great.

• Competed in a BJJ tournament yesterday, muscle is growing again, feeling more like myself.

December 22nd, 2023 — Focus is back.

• 4 hour deep work session that felt like flow. So good.

December 27th, 2023 — Second at Home Test Kit with Vitality Rx

December 30th, 2023 — Results

• Testosterone Total: 683

• Free Test: 13.41

• Estradiol: 24.9

• LH: 5.3

• PSA: 1.4

A bit shocked with the results — I definitely feel different, more motivated, driven and assertive without the edge I’ve felt in the past with traditional TRT.

I think we’re on to something.

The Vitality Rx Paradigm

At-home testosterone optimization that blends modern medicine with natural approaches. Their use of Enclomiphene, a game-changer in testosterone therapy, stimulates the body's own testosterone production without the downsides of conventional TRT.

Enclomiphene is a non-steroidal estrogen receptor antagonist that promotes the body's natural testosterone production. It increases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to enhanced release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn boost natural testosterone levels without shutting down testicular function.

In addition to this once per day oral capsule they prescribed sublingual B12 & and a custom stack of vitamins and minerals that I was deficient in.

While I don’t know that I’ll stop TRT forever — I do like knowing there is another option that isn’t as invasive or permanent and I love that I don’t have to go somewhere to get my bloodwork done.

====> If you’re a 30, 40 or 50 something and have considered getting on TRT get your at home test kit from Vitality Rx use code THEFITBEARD and save 25% off your order.

It’s non invasive and won’t create lifelong dependence — and you can stop anytime.

There has literally never been an easier way to know where your hormone levels are at and create a custom solution to increase testosterone without the detrimental effects of TRT.

Visit Vitality Rx and use coupon code THEFITBEARD and save 25% off your order.

Strength & Love,

E

Visit Vitality Rx and use code THEFITBEARD and save 25% of your first test kit.