Do I regret starting TRT?

“Are you on steroids?”

It’s one of the most common things I hear online — and honestly, it’s one of my favorite “insults”. Why? Because I deserve it.

If you don’t follow me on socials, you might not realize how transparent I’ve been about being on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). I take 250mg of Testosterone Cypionate per week, prescribed and monitored by my doctor.

Let me be clear — if you’re considering TRT, it’s not something to take lightly or jump into without proper medical oversight.

I prioritize my health by regularly getting bloodwork done. I also schedule annual echocardiograms along with VO2 max testing, and recently completed an executive health scan that was an even deeper dive than I’ve previously had into my complete health. Staying on top of these things isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Am I glad I started TRT? Without a doubt it’s been a positive experience for me.

That said, TRT isn’t for everyone. One of the biggest trade-offs I faced was infertility. When I began this journey, having kids wasn’t something I envisioned in my future, so it didn’t feel like a sacrifice at the time. But it’s a consequence that’s important to recognize and weigh carefully.

Fortunately, I did have banked sperm, however, this resulted in us having to go through IVF. Which, in fairness, can really be a lot on your partner. Also, I’m likely going to need a hair transplant at some point. I’m thinking about doing it in the winter of 2026. It definitely thinned my hair and despite spending roughly $10k on laser hair removal, my back shoulders need constant grooming to keep the hair off.

I’m not a doctor, and I won’t pretend to play one on Instagram. I firmly believe with years of research that TRT is perfectly healthy when monitored appropriately. (Lincoff, A Michael et al. “Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy.” The New England journal of medicine vol. 389,2 (2023): 107-117. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2215025)

This is purely my experience, and if TRT is something you’re curious about, it’s a conversation that needs to happen with your healthcare provider.

#shorts #getlabs #labwork #metabolicpanels #hormonepanels #hormones #trt #testosterone #testosteronereplacementtherapy #lowtestosterone #bloodwork #menshealth #muscle #musclemass #musclebuilding #performancecoach #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitfam #nycfitness

Eileen Pallotta

Coach

"Habits make history."

Eileen is responsible for guiding clients through personalized coaching that delivers life-changing results through consistency, strategy, and accountability. She manages client progress, provides tailored nutrition guidance, and offers ongoing support and education to ensure every individual feels empowered, understood, and set up for long-term success.

When she’s not coaching clients, you’ll find Eileen throwing weights around in the garage or chasing step goals trying to keep pace with her husband and four kids… most often on the sidelines of various sports fields.

Specialities:

  • BA Journalism and International Business
  • 15+ years Fitness and Nutrition Coach
  • Precision Nutrition Level 1
  • Certified CrossFit Trainer
  • Certified CrossFit Level 3 Trainer
  • CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Level 2 Certification
  • CrossFit Kids Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Nutrition Certification
  • CrossFit Movement and Mobility Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Goal Setting Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Olympic Lifting Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Gymnastics Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Strongman Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Running Certification
  • CrossFit Lesson Planning Certification
  • CrossFit Scaling Certification
  • CPR and AED Certified

Elise Ladaw

Director of Coaching

“Science is Stronger”

Elise’s primary role as Director of Coaching is to ensure that the coaching business runs smoothly and is driven by science based principles concerning nutrition and exercise science. Her goal is to continually work to enhance the overall client experience, educate the clientele, monitor key performance indicators related to the coaching services, and foster a company culture of continuous learning among coaching staff.

When Elise is not helping the company with all things coaching she is either in the gym lifting weights or taking long walks through the grocery store finding new tasty and macro friendly nutrition products.


Specialities:

  • BAS Food Science 
  • NQ NPC Figure Competitor 
  • ACE CPT 
  • J3 University

Michelle Freedman

Chief of Operations

“Practice not perfection”

Michelle holds a crucial position in supervising the daily operations, aiming for operational efficiency, fostering growth, and contributing to the achievement of the organization’s strategic objectives. Beyond providing structure, Michelle is actively involved in coaching and managing social media activities.

Away from refining policies and operations at Jake Zemer, LLC, you’ll discover Michelle outdoors, often barefoot with her kettlebells, engaging in adventures alongside her husband, two children, and two bulldogs.

Specialities:

  • BFA Graphic Design 
  • 10 years Corporate Fitness Management 
  • ACE CPT & GFI 
  • ACE Nutrition Specialist 
  • Kettlebell Master Instructor 
  • FMS I & II
  • USA Weightlifting 
  • Pre/Post Natal Certified  
  • TRX 
  • Schwinn & Maddog Cycling