Testosterone Replacement Therapy: What You Need To Know

If you or someone you care about is experiencing low testosterone levels—a critical hormone that impacts energy, mood, physical strength, and sex drive—Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can be a feasible option. 

Restoring hormone levels to normal with TRT may greatly improve everyday life for persons who are suffering exhaustion, irritation, or a diminished desire for sex. 

Feeling physically better, more energized, and emotionally stable has helped many individuals get back into the things they love to do. In addition to improving general health, TRT may improve sleep quality. 

Recharging your body’s energy tank is the ultimate goal of TRT; it will help you feel more like yourself. You must, however, seek the advice of a medical expert before proceeding with this therapy.

In this article, we will talk about testosterone replacement therapy and the causes and benefits of TRT. Additionally, we will discuss the different types of TRT treatment and the possible side effects of TRT based on your health condition. 

What is TRT? 

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) also known as androgen replacement therapy is given to males facing low testosterone levels. As you age, naturally, your testicles produce less testosterone. 

Individuals taking TRT experience prominent changes in energy, sexual function, mood, and overall well-being. However, TRT is also taken for non-medical reasons. It helps in: 

• Improving sexual drive 
• Enhance energy levels 
• Build muscle mass 

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone has noticeable physical symptoms including: 

• Low energy level 
• Reduced sex drive 
• Hair loss 
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Decreased muscle mass 
• Trouble focusing 
• Low sperm count 
• Depression 

Causes of Low Testosterone 

Low testosterone is caused by many reasons listed below:  

• Aging 
• Testicles injury 
• Chemotherapy side effects 
• Unhealthy weight gain 
• Testicular cancer 
• The problem with pituitary glands 

Testosterone levels peak around age 17. Nevertheless, it begins to decline by 1% per year from ages 30 to 40. At the age of 70, men’s testosterone levels are 30% lower than their highest levels.

What Are the Benefits of TRT? 

TRT is effective in improving your overall quality of life. According to research done on TRT for sexual symptoms, it improves sexual function including: 

• Libido 
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Sexual satisfaction 

Testosterone replacement treatment enhances bone density, cognitive function, and attention span. 

What are the Types of Testosterone Treatments? 

TRT in males with hypogonadism as per medical health professionals. As per the American Urological Association, blood tests diagnose low testosterone levels. Below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl) is considered a low testosterone level.  In addition, other symptoms such as low energy mood swings, sexual dysfunction, and breast growth.  

Doctors do not recommend testosterone replacement therapy initially even for males with low testosterone symptoms. Usually, the doctor begins the treatment through medications. However, if the symptoms remain the same or get worse then TRT can be taken into consideration. 

1. Injectables 

Injectable testosterone is a common form of TRT. One option is a long-acting therapy that requires a shot every 10 weeks, while the other is a short-acting treatment that requires an injection every 1 or 2 weeks. Depending on the individual, the treatment’s frequency and dose could change.

Shots of long-acting testosterone are administered into the gluteal muscles, whereas injections of short-acting testosterone are administered under the skin or into the muscle. 

2. Topical 

Topical treatment is the application of gels and creams daily. The absorption stabilizes the testosterone level in the blood. Individuals taking topical treatment are advised to skip skin-to-skin contact with other people for at least 6 hours. It has a higher risk of transferring and is dangerous for kids and pregnant women.

3. Buccal Patches

This treatment involves placing a buccal patch above the upper teeth that releases testosterone for 12 hours. These patches are applied twice a day 12 hours apart. However, the side effects of using buccal patches or cheeks can cause headache, gum, and mouth irritation. 

4. Pellets or Testosterone Implants 

It is the process of implanting small plastic pellets under the skin. It goes into a person’s upper hip to the buttock and the pellets dissolve slowly in 3 to 6 month duration. 

Implantation is a minor surgical procedure. It is done by making small incisions in the fatty tissue. However, the dosage varies as per individual needs and requirements. 

4. Oral Testosterone 

It is a less common, more expensive, and less practical type of treatment.  Its long-term use can cause liver damage. 

Oral testosterone pills are usually taken twice a day at the amount recommended by a doctor, which may range from 225 to 396 mg.

5. Intranasal 

In this procedure, a nasal testosterone gel is applied inside the nose. It is applied thrice a day with a 6 to 8-hour interval. The side effects of intranasal include headaches, nosebleeds, runny nose, or nasal discomfort. 

Can TRT Get Worse After Treatment? 

Testosterone replacement therapy can get worse in certain situations: 

• Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH): TRT can make the BPH worse by growing the prostate in larger size with age. As a result, the urethra (tube carrying urine) squeezes giving a hard time in urinating.

• Prostate Cancer: Screening of prostate cancer is mandatory before opting for TRT. Because testosterone replacement therapy stimulates prostate cancer. Individuals with prostate cancer or elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) should avoid getting TRT.
• Sleep Apnea: It is difficult to detect but TRT causes a disturbed sleeping pattern. 

Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

There are potential risks and adverse effects associated with TRT. Physicians will only prescribe TRT after considering the patient’s other health issues and needs. A study done on TRT and the risk of getting cardiovascular shows that males who undergo TRT have a higher risk of getting cardiovascular diseases such as stroke. 

Other side effects of TRT include:

• Rashes and acne 
• Baldness in male 
• High blood pressure 
• Aggressive behavior 
• Sore breast 
• Priapism 
• Increase prostate size 
• Low sperm count 
• Testicular shrinkage  
• Liver dysfunction 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Is it a good idea to get testosterone replacement therapy?

It is not recommended to utilize testosterone therapy to address typical aging. If you are not suffering from a medical condition that is causing a decrease in your testosterone levels, your physician may recommend natural methods to increase testosterone, such as resistance exercise and weight loss.

2. What happens to your body when you start testosterone replacement therapy?

You can experience an increase in sex drive, less depression, and increased energy. Additionally, you may observe that you are gaining muscle mass and losing body fat.

3. Does TRT raise blood pressure?

Certain research has shown a correlation between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and increased blood pressure, but others have seen no impact or connection to reduced blood pressure. The impact on your blood pressure may depend upon your health status, the presence of any cardiovascular illness or hypertension, and the dosage of testosterone given.

Conclusion

To sum up, testosterone replacement therapy treatment is effective if you are facing low testosterone levels. However, these treatments are given keeping in consideration of your overall health. TRT results in better energy, mood, and sexual drive. It also improves your quality of life.