My Testosterone Journey: From Bottom 2% to Top 3% in 5 Months

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor. This is my personal experience with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions.

At 35, I felt like I was running on fumes.

Low energy. Trouble losing weight despite eating clean and working out consistently. Brain fog. No motivation. I chalked it up to getting older, working too much, and living in rural Oklahoma where the pace of life is slower.

Then I got my testosterone tested. 326 ng/dL. For context, that’s bottom 2nd percentile for my age. Normal range is 300-1,000, but most guys my age are closer to 600-700. I was barely above “clinically low.”

That number explained a lot.

The Decision to Start TRT

I debated it for months. TRT isn’t something you start and stop — it’s a commitment. Once you start, your body stops producing testosterone naturally, so you’re on it for life (or until you go through a lengthy, unpleasant withdrawal process).

But the more I researched, the more it made sense. Low testosterone isn’t just about “low T” memes and gym bros. It affects:

Muscle mass and fat distribution (harder to build muscle, easier to gain fat)

Energy and motivation (chronic fatigue, lack of drive)

Mood and mental clarity (brain fog, irritability, depression)

Libido and sexual health (self-explanatory)

Bone density and long-term health (higher risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular issues)

I wasn’t trying to become a bodybuilder. I just wanted to feel normal again.

Why I Chose Maximus

After looking at local clinics (none nearby) and online options, I went with Maximus. They’re a telemedicine TRT clinic — everything happens online, and they ship medication to your door.

Here’s what sold me:

Convenience — Blood work at a local lab, virtual consults, meds delivered

Transparent pricing — $129/month, all-inclusive (meds, consults, lab work)

Doctor-supervised — Real endocrinologists, not just a prescription mill

Additional support — They include a supplement called “Building Blocks” (zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, etc.) to support overall hormone health

I used a referral link from a friend and saved $50 on my first month: maximustribe.com/invite/cJOvLgEY

The Protocol: 2x Weekly Injections

Maximus prescribed testosterone cypionate, self-injected subcutaneously (not intramuscular) twice per week.

Dosage: 100 mg per week, split into two 0.25 mL injections (Monday and Thursday).

Why twice per week? Smaller, more frequent doses keep testosterone levels stable and reduce side effects like mood swings or estrogen spikes.

Injection process:

Alcohol swab on injection site (belly or thigh)

Draw 0.25 mL into insulin syringe

Pinch skin, insert needle at 45-degree angle

Inject slowly, hold for 5 seconds, remove

Apply pressure, done in under 60 seconds

It’s painless. Easier than I expected. The needles are tiny (like diabetes insulin syringes), and subcutaneous injections don’t hurt.

The Results: 5 Months In

Before TRT (December 2025):

Testosterone: 326 ng/dL (bottom 2nd percentile)

Body fat: ~28%

Weight: 215 lbs

Energy: 4/10 on a good day

Mood: Irritable, low motivation

After 5 Months (May 2026):

Testosterone: 950 ng/dL (97th percentile)

Body fat: 14%

Weight: 195 lbs (20 lbs lost, but gained muscle, so probably 25+ lbs of fat lost)

Energy: 8/10 consistently

Mood: Stable, motivated, clear-headed

The difference is night and day.

What Changed

Fat Loss Accelerated — I was already eating clean and working out, but TRT made my body actually respond. Fat melted off, especially around the midsection.

Muscle Gain — I’m not trying to be a bodybuilder, but I’m noticeably more muscular. Shirts fit better. Strength is up across the board.

Energy Returned — I wake up feeling rested. I don’t crash at 2 PM. I can work all day and still hit the gym.

Mental Clarity — Brain fog is gone. I’m sharper, more focused, and more productive.

Mood Stability — Less irritable, more patient, better stress management.

The Downsides

TRT isn’t magic. There are tradeoffs:

Lifetime commitment — Once you start, stopping means withdrawal and possibly permanent suppression of natural production.

Injections forever — Twice a week, every week, for life. It’s part of my routine now.

Potential side effects — Acne (I had some in month 2, cleared up), hair loss (no issues for me), estrogen management (some guys need an AI, I don’t).

Cost — $129/month isn’t cheap, but for me, it’s worth it.

Who Should Consider TRT?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low T (low energy, weight gain, mood issues, low libido) and you’ve had blood work showing low testosterone, it’s worth talking to a doctor.

TRT isn’t for everyone. If your levels are normal, you won’t see benefits. But if you’re genuinely low, it can be life-changing.

Final Thoughts

Five months ago, I was dragging through life. Now I feel like I’m in my 20s again (minus the questionable decisions).

If you’re on the fence, get your levels tested. It’s a simple blood test. If you’re low, explore your options. TRT worked for me, and I wish I’d started sooner.

Maximus referral link (save $50): maximustribe.com/invite/cJOvLgEY

Questions? Drop a comment below. I’m happy to share more about my experience.