Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment for men who have low testosterone levels or “low normal” testosterone levels but symptoms of low testosterone. Testosterone is a hormone produced in the testicles that plays an important role in many bodily functions, including sex drive, muscle mass, bone density, and mood. A recent study on a large sample of American men found that the average testosterone level has been dropping by as much as 1 percent per year. While testosterone levels lower naturally with age, this study found that a 65-year-old man in 1987 had about 17 percent more testosterone than a 65- year-old man in 2004. It is believed this is due to environmental influences such as exposure to chemicals such as plastics, poor diet, increased obesity, metabolic syndrome and lifestyle influences such as lack of quality sleep and high stress.
Common symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Low sex drive: This is one of the most common symptoms of low testosterone. Men with low testosterone may have a decreased interest in sex or find it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
- Erectile dysfunction (ED): ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It can be caused by a number of factors, including low testosterone.
- Fatigue: Men with low testosterone may feel tired and sluggish all the time, even after getting a good night’s sleep.
- Loss of muscle mass: Testosterone helps to build and maintain muscle mass. Men with low testosterone may experience a decrease in muscle mass and strength.
- Increased body fat: Low testosterone can lead to an increase in body fat, especially around the middle.
- Mood swings and irritability: Men with low testosterone may experience mood swings, irritability, and depression.
- Trouble concentrating: Low testosterone can also lead to problems with concentration and memory.
- Sleep problems: Men with low testosterone may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Loss of body hair: Testosterone is responsible for the growth of body hair, including facial hair, chest hair, and pubic hair. Men with low testosterone may notice a loss of body hair.
- Gynecomastia: This is a condition that causes the breasts to enlarge in men. It can be caused by a number of factors, including low testosterone.
Testosterone Supplementation can result in:
- Improved Sexual Function: This is a common reason men seek TRT. It can increase sex drive (libido) and improve erectile function by making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection.
- Increased Energy Levels: Many men with low testosterone report feeling fatigued and sluggish. TRT may help by boosting energy levels and reducing fatigue.
- Improved Mood: Low testosterone can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and even depression. TRT may help improve mood and overall well-being.
- Muscle Mass and Strength: Testosterone plays a role in building and maintaining muscle mass. TRT, combined with exercise, can help increase muscle mass and strength.
- Bone Density: Testosterone helps maintain bone density. TRT may help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Important things to consider:
- Benefits may vary: Not all men experience the same benefits from TRT. It depends on individual factors and the severity of testosterone deficiency.
- Not a magic bullet: TRT won’t turn back the clock or make you superhuman. It aims to restore testosterone levels to a normal range and address symptoms caused by deficiency.
- Lifestyle changes are key: A healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise can significantly improve many symptoms associated with low testosterone. TRT should be seen as a supplement, not a replacement for healthy habits.
What to expect during your visit:
At Renew You, we based out treatment on patient symptoms and we use lab values as a guide. At your consultation we will review the potential side effects of testosterone supplementation and will discuss your past medical history to determine if you are a candidate for therapy. We will then order a hormone blood panel to determine whether or not you would benefit from supplementation.
If you are a candidate, you can expect to receive an IM injection weekly in the clinic and we will closely monitor your symptoms. We will then repeat bloodwork after 12 weeks of therapy then every 6 months if therapy is continued.