Is testosterone replacement therapy right for you?
Low testosterone, often known as low-T, may cause a variety of symptoms in men, including a lack of libido, waning energy, mood swings, and erectile dysfunction. There are other possible causes for similar symptoms (multi-factorial).
Low-T symptoms are being studied as part of ongoing research. As a result, not everyone is a good candidate for the many drugs available to treat low T.
Definition of Low-T:
Testosterone, the male sex hormone, aids in the development of masculine characteristics such as body and facial hair, a deeper voice, and increased muscular mass in males throughout puberty. Men also require testosterone to produce sperm.
Hypogonadism, or low-T, is a condition in which a man does not produce enough testosterone in his body. The hormone’s levels often drop as we become older. Nearly half of males over 45 have low t clinic testosterone levels.
About 2 out of every 10 males over 60, 3 out of every 10 men over 70, and 3 out of every 10 men over 80 years old are affected by the condition. Men with diabetes and obesity are more likely to have low testosterone than men who are otherwise healthy.
Seeing a doctor to rule out anything else other than low-T is critical if you suspect you have it. Other health issues might cause many of the symptoms of low-T. As an example, a person’s energy and mood may be affected by a range of other health issues, not only low testosterone. Testosterone levels are measured by a medical history review, a physical exam, and blood tests.
Treatment of Low TRT
Testosterone Replacement Therapy may be an option for you if your low-T symptoms are causing you concern (TRT).
Long-acting pellets inserted under the skin or patches are only some of the various ways that TRT may be administered. Skin gel is another option. The patient and his doctor will work together to choose the best course of action for him.
Skin gels are used by around 70% of males undergoing treatment for low T. After a shower, it is applied to the shoulders or upper arms.
Some doctors advise men with children to use extra caution with this product to avoid accidental contact with the gel, which may be picked up on their skin or on unclean clothing or towels. TRT gel should be avoided by pregnant women as well.
TRT is a long-term therapy option. Your testosterone levels will decrease if you stop taking it. Some low-T guys choose not to get treatment. Their sexual urge and physique might alter, or they could discover a new approach to improve their energy.
When is TRT Not Appropriate?
It is advised by doctors not to use testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men with untreated cardiac issues, obstructive sleep apnea, or high red blood cell counts. For the same reason, men with prostate or breast cancer should take TRT with caution.
TRT may reduce sperm count and fertility, thus it’s best avoided by men who want to have a family in the future. To find out where to get testosterone, make sure to research your way out.
Taking TRT for non-medical purposes, such as bodybuilding, age prevention, or performance enhancing, is not recommended. TRT will not benefit men with normal testosterone levels.
According to him, it’s harmful for guys to acquire testosterone-boosting supplements at the gym or online. Those items are unregulated, so you don’t know what’s in them.
TRT Adverse Reactions
- In addition to acne, TRT may cause breast enlargement or pain.
- Smaller testicles due to an increased red blood cell concentration
- enlarged prostate and infertility
Blood tests for testosterone levels, prostate difficulties, and red blood cell count will be done on a regular basis if you are doing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Effects Over Time
Long-term usage of TRT hasn’t been well explored. TRT may increase the risk of heart attack in males, according to many studies. TRT has also been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease in several studies.
Some 44,000 men with low testosterone levels were studied in recent research and showed that those who utilized testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to address their symptoms had a 33% decreased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Doctors say more study is needed on the long-term health effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on heart disease and prostate cancer risk.
While many men report improved energy and sex desire as a result of TRT, there are still many unanswered questions. Using testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) without the supervision of a doctor who is acquainted with the treatment of testosterone deficiency may be dangerous.
Supplementary information
After the peak in adolescence and early adulthood, testosterone levels begin to decrease. If your testosterone levels are too low, it might be because of an issue with your testicles or your pituitary gland (located in the brain).
Low testosterone levels in elderly men may be a typical part of the aging process. “Hypogonadism of age” is the term for this condition. When determining whether testosterone deficiency should be addressed, a health care physician may assist.
Testosterone treatment has both advantages and drawbacks, and each person’s unique health status must be taken into consideration.
Low testosterone may cause the following symptoms in men:
- Problems with erection due to lack of sex
- a lack of rest
- exercise-induced bone deterioration
- sad mood resulting in a lack of energy
Other variables such as drug side effects, thyroid issues, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or depression might cause some of these symptoms. A low testosterone level can only be detected by a blood test.
Injections, patches, tablets, pellets, and gels are all forms of testosterone that may be prescribed by a doctor. Increases in energy, sex desire, sleep quality, and muscle growth are not uncommon in men who are on testosterone replacement treatment (TR).
- Good health practices, such as a nutritious diet and enough sleep, may naturally raise testosterone levels in men.
- regular physical activity
- management of stress
Talk to your doctor if you believe you may be suffering from low testosterone levels, or if you’d want to learn more about testosterone replacement treatment.