It’s been a month since I started working with a TRT practitioner, and let me tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster. Between the freezing December weather here in Ireland and the chaos of the holidays, tracking my progress has been both a challenge and a revelation.

The First Steps

When I first walked into the clinic, I was a bit nervous. I mean, who wouldn’t be? You’re handing over your health to someone else, hoping they know what they’re doing. But my practitioner, let’s call him Dr. O’Connor, was a straight shooter. No nonsense, just facts. He explained the process, the potential side effects, and what I could expect in the first few weeks.

It’s a chilly November morning here in Ireland, and as I sit with my cup of tea, I can’t help but reflect on the journey I’ve been on with TRT. The rain’s lashing against the window, and the kids are already arguing over who gets to use the iPad first. Ah, the joys of parenthood! But today, I want to take you back to where it all began—my early days on TRT.

It’s a crisp September morning here in Ireland, and the weather’s been as unpredictable as ever. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s lashing rain—classic Irish summer, eh? But you know what’s not unpredictable? The way I’ve been feeling since I started TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy). It’s been a game-changer, and today, I want to share why I decided to invest in my health with TRT.

When I started TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) a couple of years ago, I expected changes in my energy levels, mood, and maybe even my gym performance. What I didn’t anticipate was how it would completely shift my relationship with food. It’s been a wild ride, and I’m here to share how TRT has transformed the way I eat, think about food, and even how I cook for my family here in Ireland.

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since I started TRT. Time flies when you’re not constantly feeling like a bag of spuds dragged through a hedge backwards. For those of you who’ve been following my journey, you’ll know it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows, but it’s been worth every step. Here’s what I’ve learned in my first year of TRT.

The Good

Let’s start with the positives, because who doesn’t love a bit of good news? The most noticeable change has been my energy levels. Before TRT, I was constantly knackered. I’d wake up feeling like I’d been hit by a bus, and by midday, I was ready for a nap. Now, I’m up at the crack of dawn, ready to take on the day. It’s like someone flipped a switch in my brain.

The Journey So Far

When I started TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) a couple of years ago, I was hopeful but also a bit skeptical. At 41, I was feeling the weight of low energy, mood swings, and a general lack of motivation. My doctor suggested TRT, and after some research, I decided to give it a go. Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say it’s been a game-changer. But like any journey, it hasn’t been without its bumps.

Ah, fasting. It’s one of those things that sounds like torture until you actually give it a go. I remember the first time I tried intermittent fasting—Jenny thought I’d lost the plot entirely. ‘You’re skipping breakfast? Are you mad?’ she asked, as if I’d just announced I was joining the circus. But here’s the thing: fasting isn’t just some fad diet. When done right, it can be a game-changer for your health, especially if you’re on TRT like me.

When I started TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) back in 2022, I knew it would change my life. What I didn’t expect was how much it would change my diet. Sure, I’d read about the importance of nutrition for testosterone levels, but I didn’t realise how much my eating habits would shift once my hormones were balanced. Let me take you through the journey—because, let’s face it, food is life, especially when you’re Irish.

Moving to a new city is always a bit of a whirlwind, especially when you’re juggling family life, work, and, in my case, TRT. When Jenny and I decided to move to Dublin last year, one of the first things on my mind was finding a new TRT practitioner. It’s not exactly the kind of thing you can put off, especially when you’re on a weekly regimen like me (125mg Sustanon plus HCG, for those keeping score).

When I first started my TRT journey, I was as green as the fields of Kerry in spring. I thought I had it all figured out—just take the testosterone, and everything would fall into place. Boy, was I wrong. Looking back, I can see the mistakes I made, and I want to share them with you so you can avoid the same pitfalls.

1. Not Doing Enough Research

I’ll admit it—I didn’t do nearly enough research before starting TRT. I was so focused on the potential benefits that I didn’t fully understand the risks or the commitment involved. I didn’t know about the importance of regular blood tests or how to interpret them. I was flying blind, and it showed.

Let’s be honest, lads—when it comes to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), there’s a lot of shite out there. Between dodgy online forums, self-proclaimed “experts,” and the occasional lad at the pub who swears he knows everything about hormones, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. But here’s the thing: TRT isn’t something you want to mess around with. It’s not like trying a new protein powder or switching up your gym routine. This is your health we’re talking about, and it deserves proper, trustworthy medical guidance.

What is TRT? Initial Research During Lockdown

It was early April 2020, and Ireland was deep into its first COVID-19 lockdown. The weather was as unpredictable as ever—one day it was sunny, the next it was lashing rain. I remember sitting in my home office, staring at the rain pelting against the window, and thinking, What the hell am I going to do with all this time?

For context, I’m Steve, a 41-year-old Irishman living in Dublin with my wife Jenny and our two kids, Sarah and Adam. Like many others, I was struggling with the sudden shift to working from home, homeschooling the kids, and trying to keep my sanity intact. But amidst the chaos, I found myself diving headfirst into something I’d been curious about for a while: Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).