I'm 60 now, so younger than you, but still not a spring chicken. My testosterone is 1.2 (thats "one point two", not "twelve") after over 3 years on Firmagon then Orgovyx.
I found that most of my strength and energy came back even without testosterone. Physiotherapy exercises every morning to strengthen specific muscles, resistance exercises on the weight bench 3x/week to increase bone density and overall muscle mass, lots of walking, and "natural" exercise like snow clearing, gardening, and yard work all contributed.
That's just to say that while testosterone can help a lot, it's not the *only* path back to more strength and energy. If you end up deciding not to take the testosterone supplements, a few appointments with a good physiotherapist to set up a rehab programme for strengthening muscles that have atrophied could be life changing.
Absolutely! I am still amazed at my ability to lift the same as before ADT - not that it was so much 😂- but I did hear horror stories about muscle wasting, swollen bellies and incredible fatigue.
But you and many others on this board pounded it into my head that you have to lift, move your ass aerobically and not slow down as much as your body wants you to.
I’ve always exercised so it was no biggie for me just to knuckle down and push just a bit more. The results have made me very happy…