I Almost Lost My Job Because of Low Testosterone

I was halfway through my patrolling shift when my manager called. I assumed he was about to offer me a promotion from deputy to supervisor at the police department where I worked. It was the logical next step for someone with my experience. Instead, he told me my job was at risk. 

“You need to shape up. Your performance isn’t cutting it,” he said. 

I was devastated, but he made a good point. I hadn’t been fulfilling my duties to the best of my ability. What he didn’t know? I was struggling with an unshakable energy problem that cropped up in my late twenties, shortly after finishing my 10-year military service. In the past year, my energy levels took a further dip, impacting my work performance.

I wasn’t waking up feeling well-rested. Regrettably, I realize now that my lack of energy negatively affected how I approached certain cases. 

One time, I took a statement and opened an investigation for a break-in. Then it hit a snag. Instead of doggedly chasing down new leads like I once would have, I gave up and told them to just file an insurance claim.

I also wasn’t being a good team player for my colleagues. With my energy running on fumes, I was often irritable. I snapped at other deputies when they asked me for help with their cases.

After work, I had zero energy for social interaction. I took naps instead of accepting invitations to department barbecues. I isolated myself and put up walls when my coworkers tried to get to know me better. 

“If you’re going to have this attitude then you can leave,” my supervisor continued. “You can get out of law enforcement.”

After that eye-opening conversation, I headed to the gym to blow off steam. I ran into one of my workout buddies, a shredded, 60-year-old who seemed to have endless energy. He noticed something was up with me and asked what was wrong. 

“You should get your testosterone checked,” he told me. I laughed it off because I was only 33 years old. I thought low T was an old guy problem. But my buddy insisted my testosterone levels could be the cause of my persistent fatigue and resulting bad attitude.

He told me that when an at-home hormone assessment from Hone revealed his levels were low, starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) helped with his symptoms. I decided to go outside my comfort zone and order the test to see if he was onto something. 

I couldn’t believe my results: My total testosterone was just 178 ng/dL—that’s low, even for a man twice my age. No wonder the middle-aged men at the gym were running circles around me. 

I was confused and asked my doctor why my testosterone was so low.

He asked me about my medical history. I mentioned I had done a couple of rounds of anabolic steroids in my early twenties to bulk up. He explained steroid use and the experiences I’d had in combat were both major contributors to low testosterone.

He then prescribed testosterone injections. Shortly after, I had more energy than I could ever remember. Within a month, my testosterone was up to 500 ng/dL, which is in the normal range for a guy my age. 

At work, I poured myself into my cases and had spare energy to help out other deputies with their work. They didn’t even have to ask me, I offered. I became chattier at the station, too. With my social battery feeling charged, I went to one of the department’s barbecues. 

I’ve been on TRT for a year now, and my work performance has improved immensely. My investigations have become incredibly thorough—nothing slips past me anymore. When I respond to a call, I take as much time as needed to get detailed statements from witnesses and victims. I pursue my cases relentlessly, striving to make timely arrests to keep my community safe.

The best part? I’ve had several positive performance reviews since starting treatment. My supervisor recently told me a second chance at a promotion is within reach. 

Fast, Easy, Affordable

Hone’s at-home testosterone assessment is the simplest way to uncover whether your levels are low. If you qualify for treatment, TRT can be sent right to your door.

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