TRT for Men

Low Testosterone often derails a man’s plans for the future, causing a decline in energy, bone density, red blood cell production, sex drive, and quality of life. Rather than enjoying their golden years, many males find themselves facing issues such as osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia when they should be out having fun. The use of testosterone replacement therapy for men is restoring hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Male testosterone replacement therapy restores to the body what time, injury, illness, or other situations may have taken away.

Testosterone is a critical hormone for males. Not only does it support sexual desire and functions, but testosterone is also essential for the bones, blood cells, metabolism, brain, heart health, and muscles. The use of testosterone replacement therapy for men helps to provide the body with an additional supply of testosterone to make up for what it no longer produces.

Production of Testosterone In Older Males

The majority of a male’s supply of testosterone comes from his testes. A small amount is also synthesized in the adrenal glands and a lesser degree in the brain. The need for testosterone replacement therapy for men often arises due to the natural decline in testosterone production that starts in a male’s mid to late-twenties. Testosterone levels typically reduce between one and two percent each year. Those men who are on the extreme end of the decrease may have forty percent less testosterone in their bloodstream by age forty-five. That can create serious quality of life problems.

As testosterone production declines for older males, it affects the following functions:

• Sleep – due to higher contrasting levels of the hormone cortisol that increase when testosterone declines
• Energy – caused by lack of sleep and poor metabolism
• Metabolic – because testosterone helps regulate metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and glucose uptake, weight gain and high blood sugar are possible
• Brain – androgen receptors (AR) in the brain support learning, attention, processing, and memory
• Emotions – AR in the brain also require testosterone to maintain a healthy emotional state while reducing depression, stress, and anxiety
• Heart – testosterone helps to keep cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure levels in balance to maintain healthy arteries and heart functions
• Structural Integrity – testosterone keeps the muscles and bones strong
• Fertility – testosterone (only testicular produced) helps maintain sperm cell maturation
• Sexual Functions – testosterone is crucial for sex drive, fantasies, arousal, performance, and pleasure

Possible Negative Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Males

No medical treatment of any kind, including over-the-counter preparations, is without risk. Although testosterone has over eighty years of safety behind its use, raising testosterone levels too high can lead to problems.

Here are some concerns and possible negative effects of testosterone replacement therapy for men:

• Testosterone injections can cause injection site irritation, redness, or swelling (short-term effects)
• Transdermal testosterone can result in rashes, allergic reactions, hives, skin irritation, and cross-contamination risks to others
• Transbuccal testosterone may cause bitter taste, gum sensitivity, and oral or tooth pain
• Implantable testosterone pellets may lead to adverse reactions and difficult removal, pellets exiting the skin and creating the need for multiple treatments
• Nasal gel may cause congestion or irritation
• Illegal use or abuse (too high a dosage) can result in side effects such as:
  • Gynecomastia (breast enlargement)
  • Headaches
  • Oily skin
  • Adult acne
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Risky actions
  • Worsening of sleep apnea
  • Depression
  • Stroke or heart attack
  • Elevated red blood cell count (polycythemia)

Advantages of TRT In Men

The disadvantages of testosterone replacement therapy for men are typically far outweighed by the benefits for those diagnosed with hypogonadism. Low T can significantly reduce a man’s quality of life. TRT brings the following positive benefits:

• Increased energy, stamina, and vitality
• Better sleep
• Happier mood – less depression and stress
• Improved sex drive and performance
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Enhanced brain functions, memory, and focus
• Stronger bones and muscles
• Better metabolism, insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and weight loss
• Improved red blood cell production and better circulation
• Increased cardiac capacity for exercise

Prescription Details of TRT for Men

The following information provides crucial prescription details of testosterone replacement therapy for men:

Cases and Conditions for TRT Prescription in Men

Any of the following conditions or causes may lead to low testosterone and the need for a TRT prescription:

• Adult-onset hypogonadism due to naturally declining testosterone production
• Testicular tumor or injury
• Traumatic brain injury
• Tumor of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
• Treatment of the above tumors via surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy
• Prostate cancer treatment
• Congenital conditions such as Klinefelter or Noonan syndromes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Obesity
• Inflammation in the body
• Metabolic syndrome
• Alcohol, smoking, or other substance abuse
• Certain types of autoimmune disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Terms and Stages of Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Males

The initial term of TRT is often a period of six months – although that may differ based on individual needs. During the initial stage of testosterone replacement therapy, the goal is to increase total serum testosterone levels to between 550 and 650 ng/dL. Most men will start to notice some improvement within the first two weeks of treatment onset, with significant changes appearing by the end of three months. A review of testosterone levels and discussion of treatment continuation typically occurs at the six-month mark.

What Doctor Prescribes Testosterone Replacement Therapy

The endocrine system produces the body’s many hormones. Hormone specialists (endocrinologists) are the best doctors to treat low testosterone levels.

How Much Does TRT Cost for Males?

The testosterone therapy price varies considerably depending on the type of treatment selected. Our doctors recommend testosterone cypionate injections – the lowest costing form of TRT and the most effective. The average cost depending on the brand chosen, is under $200 per month. Other types of testosterone can go as high as nearly $1,000 per month.

Are Testosterone Injections In Males More Effective?

Studies have shown that testosterone injections are the most effective form of treating male hypogonadism. The testosterone medication is best absorbed into the bloodstream upon injection into the muscle. Men who use testosterone cypionate injections report the fastest results.

FAQ About TRT for Men:

The following questions and answers provide additional facts about testosterone replacement therapy for men:

Can TRT Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Testosterone therapy often helps improve erectile functions – it does not cause ED.

Can TRT Lead To Gynecomastia?

Some men may experience enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia) in the early stages of TRT, as their bodies are getting used to the higher levels of testosterone. Individuals who use testosterone illegally or in too high a dosage may experience long-lasting gynecomastia.

Is It Safe To Use TRT After Prostate Cancer?

Yes, studies have shown no correlation between testosterone replacement and any increase in the return of prostate cancer (PCa). Men who have been treated for PCa often suffer from the symptoms of Low T and can benefit significantly from testosterone therapy.

Does TRT Cause Infertility In Men?

Testosterone replacement provides the body with increased amounts of testosterone, which can cause the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to decrease signals to the testes to produce testosterone. When that happens, a man may experience infertility.

Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy Lower Sperm Count?

A low sperm count is possible with TRT due to the lack of natural testosterone production in the testes. Only testosterone locally produced can influence the maturation of sperm cells. Doctors often prescribe HCG or clomiphene to men who are trying to conceive if they have low testosterone levels.

Is It Possible That TRT Lead To Kidney Disease?

Testosterone therapy prescribed by a doctor does not lead to kidney disease. If anything, TRT has been shown to possibly delay chronic kidney disease progression and lower mortality and morbidity risks.