What should I know about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
If you’re curious about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), you’re not alone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, low testosterone impacts nearly 40% of all men 45 and older.
In fact, as we age past the age of 30, we typically lose roughly 1% of our testosterone production every single year! For men with Low T, the impact can be very real, from fatigue and moodiness to diminished libido and erectile dysfunction.
For many men, the answer is testosterone replacement therapy, a process that can return your testosterone to a normal range.
Testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, is a widely used treatment that can boost your testosterone levels and enhance your confidence, mental health and virility. Treatment is as easy as applying topical creams or receiving injections. And according to a study in the Indiana Journal of Urology, the benefits of TRT include improved energy, strength and sex drive. This means that you can get back to feeling like your younger self again--at home, at work, and in the bedroom.
Before you consider TRT, you probably have a few questions. Find out what men like you are asking about testosterone replacement therapy…
Is testosterone replacement therapy a good idea?
If you’re experiencing the general range of symptoms associated with Low T, including fatigue, unwanted weight gain, declining strength and less sexual energy, you may want to ask your doctor to test you for low testosterone.
If testing shows that your testosterone levels are clinically low, your doctor may advise you to try TRT. This form of therapy—which in the case of Fountain TRT can be topically applied—raises testosterone levels and, as a result, can improve your strength, stamina, and state of mind. Simply stated, testosterone replacement therapy can replace your missing testosterone and bring you back up to a healthy, normal range. If the symptoms of Low T are dragging you down, TRT may be a good idea.
Can testosterone replacement therapy make me feel more energetic?
Many men say that they feel more energetic and more vital thanks to TRT.
According to the Mayo Clinic, testosterone therapy is proven to reverse the effects of hypogonadism, the condition which causes Low T. For men with low testosterone, TRT may restore feelings of energy and vitality. The Mayo Clinic also notes that many men report improved sexual function after testosterone replacement therapy.
How long should I stay on testosterone therapy?
You should talk to your doctor before deciding how long to stay on testosterone therapy. Every man is different.
The length of your therapy may depend on how well you respond to the treatment. Some men will start seeing benefits in as little as 3 to 6 weeks. Others may see positive effects over 3 to 6 months.
In most cases, as long as you continue to see positive benefits from your boosted testosterone levels, TRT will become a regular and ongoing part of your health and wellness regimen.
What do I need to know before taking testosterone?
The first thing you should know is whether or not you are an ideal candidate for this type of treatment.
Do you experience some of the symptoms of Low T? This can include:
- reduced energy
- diminished sex drive
- erectile dysfunction
- strength and muscle loss
- moodiness
- unwanted weight gain
If you’re living with some combination of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about getting tested to determine your testosterone levels.
You’ll also want to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and health history, as well as the treatment’s potential benefits and side effects, before you decide if TRT is the right move for you.
What are the negative side effects of testosterone therapy?
TRT is not advised for men with heart disease, prostate cancer, a higher susceptibility to blood clots, or for men who are trying to conceive a child.
This is because testosterone therapy can sometimes carry some short-term side effects including:
- skin reactions
- sleep apnea
- enlarged breasts
- diminished sperm count
- testicular atrophy
- benign prostate growth or growth of existing prostate cancers
- heightened risk of blood clotting
If you’re worried about side effects, the best move is always to speak with a doctor who specializes in men’s health so that you can make the most informed decision possible for your health.
What can I expect from testosterone replacement therapy?
At the risk of oversimplifying, expect to feel better! When your body is producing the right amount of testosterone, you won’t just feel stronger. You will genuinely be stronger. This is because TRT can:
- Raise your bone density
- Help you add lean muscle
- Improve your metabolic function.
Expect to feel a general improvement in your health and well-being, one that can have far-reaching effects from lowering your blood pressure to elevating your mood; from reducing your cholesterol to raising your sex drive.
Of course, you need to pair your TRT with healthy lifestyle decisions including diet and exercise. The good news is, TRT can help you summon the motivation to get back into the gym.
Is it true that TRT can make me smarter?
Ok. This one might seem like a bit of stretch. We won’t go so far as to tell you that TRT will make you smarter. But we can say that some men report boosted cognition as a result of TRT. This means men being treated with testosterone replacement therapy see improvements to their memory, focus, and mental acuity.
A 2016 study in the World Journal of Men’s Health actually showed that men who are struggling with diminished cognition as a result of Low T saw significant improvement in cognitive function after 8 months of TRT. So while we can’t promise that you’ll actually be smarter, there’s a good chance that you’ll feel smarter.
How can I get started with TRT?
If you’d like to learn more, take our free Low T assessment, and start your free evaluation for Fountain TRT (for qualifying patients), where you can get your testosterone levels checked and speak directly with a Fountain doctor through a video visit at no cost.