Back in 2020, researcher Matt Kaeberlein started to question whether his testosterone levels were low. Now in his mid-50s, he noticed familiar signs: fatigue, a noticeable drop in libido, and an inability to alter his body composition despite regular strength training and maintaining a balanced diet.
“You put in all this effort, but you don’t see the fat loss or muscle gain,” Kaeberlein shared. He consulted a doctor that year for a testosterone test, but the process to find a suitable treatment was more complex, involving additional tests and a bit of experimentation with medications. Currently, as the CEO of Optispan, a healthcare technology firm dedicated to increasing access to longevity and healthcare practices, Kaeberlein feels that his professional background facilitated his journey with low testosterone.
He pointed out that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can carry a stigma. “People often think being natural is superior, which isn’t something I necessarily agree with,” he mentioned. From his perspective, TRT can hold as much importance for middle-aged individuals as consuming a diet rich in protein or staying physically active, especially since testosterone tends to decline in the 30s and significant symptoms appear later.
However, he also noted an alarming trend. “A lot of young men in their 20s and 30s are rushing to get testosterone boosters without needing them,” a situation that harkens back to rampant steroid use decades ago, contributing to the negative perceptions around TRT.
You Can Have Low Testosterone and Still Show ‘Normal’ Levels
Initially, when he suspected low testosterone, Kaeberlein visited his primary care physician. The standard blood test he received measured overall testosterone but didn’t target active hormone levels directly. As a result, when his levels came back as “low-normal,” the doctor told him he was fine and didn’t need treatment.
As Kaeberlein delved deeper into the healthcare world, he encountered alternative testing methods. A friend experiencing similar issues suggested an online platform for specialized blood testing without needing a doctor’s visit. He opted for a “free testosterone” test that looked at more precise hormones than the overall testosterone measurement. The results revealed “primary hypogonadism,” indicating that while his pituitary gland was signaling for testosterone production, his testes weren’t capable of producing it.
Subsequently, he sought another doctor with expertise in testosterone therapy to establish a treatment plan.
‘Natural’ Supplements Probably Won’t Work
Once he confirmed his low testosterone levels, Kaeberlein faced a choice: he wasn’t keen on self-injecting. “It’s not that I have a needle phobia, but I wasn’t thrilled about the idea,” he noted. He explored so-called natural supplements purported to increase testosterone, but they proved ineffective.
He then tried Jatenzo, a oral testosterone medication that had some positive effects but also came with side effects. Ultimately, after some encouragement from his doctor, he learned to inject himself weekly, which has produced successful results thus far.
“Getting comfortable with testosterone took some time,” he reflected, mentioning the ongoing stigma around it. “But I believe there shouldn’t be any stigma.”
Know Where You Stand on Having Kids
Administering synthetic testosterone hormone signals the male pituitary gland to halt the hormones responsible for sperm production. This could lead to infertility, as Kaeberlein explained, warning that while it’s possible to pause TRT and eventually regain sperm production, it could take a significant amount of time and may not fully return for everyone.
“For me, it wasn’t a concern since we were finished having kids,” he noted. Yet, for younger men, the implications of TRT on fertility often remain overlooked.
TRT Should Be the Missing Piece to an Already Healthy Lifestyle
After beginning his injections, Kaeberlein experienced “an amazing improvement” in his body composition, energy, and libido. He also undertook substantial lifestyle adjustments during the same timeframe, including reducing alcohol intake and adhering more closely to an exercise schedule, and he believes TRT magnified the benefits of these changes.
“I think a lot of people can relate to feeling like they’re putting in a ton of effort but missing one piece of the puzzle,” he expressed. While testosterone may help boost lean muscle mass, it’s not a standalone solution for getting stronger or fitter. “If men desire greater muscle mass and strength, testosterone alone isn’t the answer. It requires a refined focus on exercise and nutrition.”
