The past week has been focused on two activities: exercise and diet. In the realm of exercise, I have yet to start running. Instead, i have started a program of Pilates twice a week and cardo-bike and lifting three times a week. In general the fitness level is good and endurance very good. Strength, as I noted before, is clearly improved. In regard to diet, we are trying hard to avoid sugar and wheat of all kinds (gluten). We are also employing the principles of not mixing starches with meat and not mixing fruits with meals. As of this morning, I am down to 198 lbs. That is good, but I expect to start dropping a bit faster as my lean mass increases and the diet kicks in. The biggest BHRT issue I have is forgetting my pills when I go out to eat. Thank goodness my wife stocks inventory in her purse. Other than that. the routine is in place and not a bother in the least. My energy is very good. Perhaps next week I’ll venture out and see what it feels like to run.

This week I added physical activity such as lifting, cardio and pilates. I was, in all respects, surprised at my endurance. The pilates was difficult, but I managed to do everything; I have some lasting soreness in my calves. My initial lifting experience was quite surprising. My strength was normal, but the endurance improvement was noticeable. I got through all three sets at weights I usually only do two sets after an extended break. The lifting routine elicited some soreness, but not as much as I expected. I don’t see any radical physical changes or weight loss and that is a bit disappointing. Next week I add walking/running; that will be telling as my physical activity doubles.

I still feel good, so that is a retained positive. However, I don’t see any other changes so far. My sleep is generally good, but a few days ago I woke up at 3 AM and couldn’t get back to sleep. That was very odd. Testosterone application continues each morning. I am still rotating between forearms and left and right sides. It isn’t hard and is routine now. The more difficult routine is meals. My diet is a little difficult - no glutens and restricted sugar - but healthier is better and will be worth it, I suppose.

I started my third rotation of testosterone today. No negative side effects yet. The form at the doctor’s office includes about every scary side effect you can imagine, so I am being very attentive to how my body adapts to the hormones and nutrients. I have noticed a positive change in my bowel movements that may be due to the Probiotic as well as our determination to avoid gluten. I again experienced good energy today so I am looking forward to starting my workouts tomorrow.

Today is a good day, no new noticeable change. Good energy, alert and good mood. I filled up my two seven-day pill holders. Twice a day I take multi-vitamins and Omega-3 supplementation with breakfast and dinner.  In the morning I also take vitamin D and two pills to support adrenal function.  So far, the supplementation seems to be performing as expected but labs in a couple months will tell the tale.  I keep the pills in the kitchen where they are available at meals.   In general it is an easy process once the routine and the little things like pill holders are in place.  So far, all good.

Took my testosterone today on time, but went out to breakfast and didn’t remember to bring my other pills.  Took them at lunch.  Energy is good. I feel slimmer (perhaps less bloated / less gas), but I doubt there is any weight loss.  I’ll know in a couple days when I weigh myself.   I’m resisting weighting everyday to just let things happen naturally.  I won’t be surprised if there is some loss, but not disappointed if there is no loss.  I know that exercise is an important part of this process.   I also am not significantly changing my diet for the same reason I am not exercising: to see the effects of the treatment only during these initial days.

Applied testosterone to my forearms again.  I rotate my testosterone application sites from forearms to right side to left side. I don’t know if I should be using more than three sites, but for now this is what I am doing.  Today I felt good but had some stomach queasiness late in the day. I have good energy and feel ready to start working out, but I’m waiting until the start of Week Two so I can observe this process without the effects of exercise.  I live where workout equipment is readily available and running/walking routes are very near.  I’m getting psyched up.

Today I changed sides and put the testosterone cream on my left side.  It looks a bit clumsy to apply this way, but its easy and quick.  No anxiety or other negative side effects today.  Again, I noticed another drop in gas.  The Probiotic must work.  I only need to take the Probiotic for the first month.  There is a noticeable improvement improved sleep and I seem to be awakening later.  “Normally” I wake at 6:30 AM or earlier regardless of when I go to bed.  Now I seem to be getting some extra sleep and possibly better sleep.

I followed the same process as yesterday but put the testosterone on my side under my right arm and used the inside of the arm to rub in the cream.  The testosterone is kept in the bathroom where it is convenient for application after my shower.  I don’t touch the cream with my hands, so all the cream gets absorbed and none washed off my hands or transferred to other people.  No anxiety; it seems the shock of the testosterone was a Day One event only.  Today I experienced much less gas to a noticeable degree - perhaps one-third my previous gaseous state. 

I started my treatment today.  The first task is my morning shower followed by applying the testosterone cream.  I just squirt 1-cc of cream from the syringe on the inside of my forearm and use the other forearm to rub in the cream.  It takes about a minute for the cream to disappear for the most part.  I wear a tee shirt and a long sleeve shirt.  There was some noticeable anxiety mid day that I assume was the initial shock of the testosterone.  I also took my other pills as required twice a day. 

As a male in my 50’s, I have taken note of the incremental changes that have happened in my body.  In general, I am healthy.  Sure, there is some graying, but I’m talking about the impossibility of losing the layer of fat around my middle section and a general decline in physical strength and stamina. 

In my early 40’s the persistent gut fat was there despite significant exercise.  Now, 15 years later, there has been a 15lb increase in weight. When I exercise, I can get stronger, but not nearly as strong as in my younger years.  My endurance is down and my flexibility is also reduced.  A few months ago, I undertook a determined three-week period of increased exercise and reduced caloric intake.   I lost 7 pounds the first week and stopped losing; then GAINED back two pounds. 

I learned about BHRT and took the leap.  With BHRT I hope to fix any chemical shortcomings that age has created.  My chemical plant – my body – should behave better with the right mix of nutrients and hormones. 

My lab work was illuminating.  My biggest concern – diabetes – was ruled out as a problem now and in the near future.  However, my testosterone was way down, as was my vitamin D and Cortisol.  On the other hand, my triglycerides were elevated.  I also complained of “gas”.  So, my therapeutic regimen addresses those issues.