How Addressing My “Low-T” Made Me a Better Dad
After getting married my wife and I tried to refrain from the “when-should-we-have-kids” talk. Sometimes it can be daunting to think about the financial ramifications, the exhaustion, and the stress and strain that it can put on a relationship.
Six years later, since “not having” those conversations, I’m the proud father of two boys, Colin (6) and Joel (4). Both have their own unique personalities and interests. Most days, as I’m sure you can relate, have a lot of highs and lows; more on the highs than lows, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less stressful.
Before Colin was born, I weighed a solid 175 pounds. Now this fluctuated a little bit here and there but stayed pretty consistent. After Colin was born, all of the late nights helping with bottles, and starting a new job, landed me with more stress and anxiety than I had experienced in my life. It didn’t help that my new place of work offered all of the free snacks and soda I could have.
Fast forward to Colin being a little over two and Joel being born and I was 210 pounds, stress levels still the same, and just tired all the time. I would always make fun of my brother-in-laws because they always contributed their weight gain to “Low-T” and I just kept thinking it’s because they were lazy, but sure enough it’s true. It happened to me.
After some talks with my wife, I went to the doctor to get my blood drawn. Diagnosis: low levels of testosterone.
Before I got a prescription, I wanted to try some over-the-counter supplements and I was able to find an amazing testosterone booster. I’m not one to be patient with any sort of diet or new regiment. When I was told it would be a minimum of 30 to 45 days, it made me so discouraged as I wanted results right away.
I had the energy to get on the ground and play with my kids more than ever before…
I kept with the daily regiment of that supplement and in about 60 days I started seeing results. My weight gain had turned into weight loss. I was getting better sleep. My workouts at the gym weren’t as exhausting even though I was working as hard as I usually would. My stress levels dropped drastically, which made my thoughts go from negative to positive. I felt like I was 21 again with all of the new found energy, and the stress level of someone that’s just starting college. It made being a father and a dad way more fun, as I had the energy to get on the ground and play with my kids more than ever before. My wife enjoyed it as I had little to no mood swings, and it feels like we’re on our honeymoon again.
My “Low-T” was a thing of the past, and now I enjoy this part of fatherhood instead of dreading it everyday.
If you’re feeling this way, I highly recommend getting tested yourself. It’s super quick, and can help out, not just yourself, but the loved ones you care about.