Initially it started because my wife asked for a divorce and I spiraled into a deep depression that killed my appetite for a few months. Then I had gynecomastia surgery and decided that if I was going to spend over $10k on surgery I might as well make it worth it and look good. I wanted to be able to take my shirt off for the first time in mu life without feeling self conscious. (Spoiler alert: being that skinny in the second picture didn’t give me that confidence).

It all just boiled down to eating in a deficit and drinking at least a gallon of water a day. I didn’t do much exercising between pic 1 and 2, hence why I was skinny looking with little muscle definition.

They told me about testicular atrophy and infertility, but I decided at 24 that I didn’t want children and got a vasectomy so it wasn’t really a concern for me.

Lmao thank you, I appreciate it! I got prescribed and started taking 100 mg of TRT 5 weeks ago after getting tested and having 227 ng/dL total testosterone. I think it helps make my muscles look fuller from the water retention. I get tested in another 5 weeks and my doctor may adjust my dose. Idk if 5 weeks is truly enough time to make a visible difference, but I thought I’d be upfront about it!

Thank you, I appreciate it! I have no reason to hide anything. I started taking doctor prescribed TRT 100mg/week about 5 weeks ago after getting tested and having 227 ng/dL total Testosterone. I think it’s helped make my muscles appear fuller due to water retention, but with this being a true TRT dose and not a “blast” I don’t necessarily think it’s adding obscene amounts of muscle. I get my next blood test taken in another 5 weeks and my doctor may adjust my dose.

Oh gosh no, this is definitely with a pump and good gym lighting. I know that may be a little deceiving, I’m sorry.

It fluctuates a little bit daily but I aim to stay under 2200 calories and hit at least 160g protein. I try to keep carbs under 200g.

Right now it’s just a 4 day upper/lower split that I do at planet fitness, so mostly machines and dumbbells. I would like to join a dedicated bodybuilding gym one day once I can justify the cost.

Correct, I’m only taking it to be within the “normal” reference range. If it is too high, my doctor will lower my dose. This is something that I currently plan on taking for the rest of my life. I know that I’m not completely saturated yet, but I’m already feeling much better than before. Better sleep, better mood, lower anxiety, and (maybe TMI) I can finally get and maintain an erection again. My libido is back and in full swing.

I will say that the day before my injection (I inject twice a week), I feel “low”. Not nearly as bad as before I was taking it though. My doctor may have me inject smaller doses more frequently throughout the week to combat that. It takes awhile to get dialed in apparently, but once you find what works for you you’re golden.

I’m not sure yet, I get my blood taken again in 5 more weeks. I’m just worried about my estrogen being too high tbh. I had gynecomastia from puberty and had surgery to correct it last year. The last thing I want is for it to come back.