question from a user
I’ve been feeling off for a while — low energy, no drive, gaining fat even though I eat clean and work out. I’m in my mid-30s and my doctor said my testosterone is 'low-normal' but not low enough for treatment. How do you know when it’s actually time to consider TRT and not just lifestyle changes? Kind of nervous about jumping into something long-term like this.
AlphaMD's Answer
A lot of guys in your situation feel stuck — the labs say you're "normal," but you don't feel like yourself. That "low-normal" range can be misleading because what’s technically normal doesn’t always mean optimal for you as an individual.
If you're eating clean, working out, sleeping decently, and still dealing with fatigue, low motivation, fat gain, and low libido, it's reasonable to look deeper. A quality provider will evaluate more than just total testosterone — things like free T, SHBG, estradiol, thyroid function, and your actual symptoms all matter.
TRT can be a long-term commitment, but for many men, it’s worth it because of how much better they feel. That said, there’s nothing wrong with being cautious. Some people explore natural approaches first — like optimizing sleep, reducing stress, or addressing possible nutrient deficiencies — and then reevaluate.
You don’t have to jump in right away, but you also don’t have to settle for feeling off just because your numbers technically fall within range.
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