How Journaling Helped Me Track My TRT Progress
By Steve
When I first started TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) back in 2021, I was a bit of a mess. My energy levels were all over the place, my mood swings were like a rollercoaster, and I couldn’t tell if the changes I was feeling were from the TRT or just life being life. That’s when I decided to start journaling. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.
Why Journaling?
I’ve always been a bit of a scatterbrain. If I don’t write something down, it’s gone. Poof. Lost in the ether. So, when I started TRT, I knew I needed a way to keep track of how I was feeling, both physically and mentally. Journaling gave me that structure. It’s like having a conversation with myself, but without the awkward silences.
What I Track
Mood: This is a big one. TRT can have a huge impact on your mood, and I wanted to make sure I wasn’t just imagining things. I rate my mood on a scale of 1 to 10 every day. It’s amazing how much more aware I’ve become of my emotional state.
Energy Levels: Some days I feel like I could run a marathon, and other days I can barely get off the couch. Tracking my energy levels has helped me see patterns and understand what might be causing those fluctuations.
Sleep: Sleep is crucial for recovery, especially when you’re on TRT. I note down how many hours I slept and the quality of that sleep. It’s been eye-opening to see how much better I feel after a good night’s rest.
Workouts: I’m not exactly a gym rat, but I do try to stay active. I jot down what exercises I did, how I felt during the workout, and any progress I’ve made. It’s motivating to look back and see how far I’ve come.
Side Effects: TRT isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. I’ve had my fair share of side effects, from acne to water retention. Keeping track of these has helped me manage them better and know when to tweak my dosage.
The Benefits
Journaling has given me a clearer picture of how TRT is affecting my body and mind. It’s helped me spot trends, like how my mood improves after a good workout or how my energy dips when I don’t get enough sleep. It’s also been a great way to communicate with my doctor. Instead of vague descriptions, I can show him exactly how I’ve been feeling over the past few months.
A Personal Touch
One of the best things about journaling is that it’s personal. It’s not just about tracking numbers; it’s about reflecting on your journey. I’ve written about the days when I felt on top of the world and the days when I wanted to curl up in a ball. It’s all part of the process.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on TRT or thinking about starting, I highly recommend keeping a journal. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a notebook and a pen will do. The important thing is to be consistent. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns and gain insights that you might have missed otherwise.
So, grab a notebook and start writing. Your future self will thank you.
If you found this post helpful, check out my other articles on managing anxiety with TRT and the benefits of HCG in TRT.