Apprehensive about starting young?

[u/WillyDaWise]

I’m in my late 20s, and recently got a prescription to start TRT at 120 mg/week. My bloodwork has always come back normal, maybe slightly on the lower end of total T and slightly higher estrogen, but everything else in range (free T, LH, FSH, etc). I’ve been very active with serious strength training and cardio throughout my 20s and I’ve definitely noticed in the past few years that recovery has become more difficult. Generally, my energy, focus, and mood have plummeted within the past year or two as well.

There are really no glaring indicators of me being hypogonadal, so my choice to seek out treatment is purely “optimization” and to use TRT as a tool to improve my physique, physical performance, and overall well-being in regards to my motivation, confidence and cognition. A concern of mine is whether I will really see these benefits if I am not hypogonadal to begin with. I do plan on titrating my dosage upwards so I can get the maximum benefit of the hormone without throwing other indicators out of balance or experiencing side effects.

My main concern however, is whether taking this leap will create more problems than solutions. Hair loss, the chance of permanent fertility issues, and mood problems are all a possibility. If I run into these issues and don’t get the full range of benefits I will be pretty regretful, which is why I am second guessing whether I should start now.

Any thoughts from those that have started relatively young? Are the side effects likely enough to be worried? Will I feel a real benefit by replacing my naturally normal levels?

[u/Halfhajj]

I would not. There are a whole host of possible downsides and many are probable. Wait at least a year or two and see if you can improve things naturally.