What is testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy, also known as TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), is a treatment that helps raise low testosterone levels in men back to normal. It can be given as an injection, gel, patch, or pellet placed under the skin.
The goal of testosterone therapy is to help relieve symptoms that occur with low T such as:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased energy and fatigue
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increased body fat
- Mood changes or irritability
Who is a candidate for testosterone therapy?
Men who have low testosterone levels combined with symptoms may be candidates for TRT. Causes of low testosterone can include:
- Aging
- Injury or infection of the testes
- Chemotherapy or radiation
- Obesity
- Sleep apnea
- Pituitary disorders
A simple blood test can check a man's testosterone levels.
What are the benefits?
When used properly and under a doctor's supervision, testosterone therapy can:
- Improve energy, mood, and concentration
- Increase bone density
- Boost sex drive and performance
- Build lean muscle mass while reducing fat
- Support heart health and metabolism
Many men report feeling 10-15 years younger after starting testosterone treatment!
What are the risks or side effects?
Potential risks include:
- Acne or oily skin
- Breast enlargement
- Sleep apnea worsening
- Prostate issues (frequent urination/urgency)
- Limiting fertility
- Increased red blood cell count
That's why it's key to have bloodwork done intermittently to monitor health on TRT.
I tried to provide an informative overview of testosterone replacement therapy in this answer. Let me know if you have any other questions!