Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Supervised treatment helps catch potential side effects early, adjust the dosage if needed, and keep the therapy effective and balanced. Testosterone levels are not the only thing doctors look at when monitoring your TRT dosage. There are other health markers that need to be checked regularly, as TRT can affect many parts of your body. TRT can increase the production of red blood cells, which can thicken your blood and raise your risk of blood clots.

The patch continuously releases testosterone into the blood through the oral tissues. Replace it after 12 hours, switching to the other side of your mouth. This is a skin patch worn on the arm, upper body, or another place where you’re not likely to sweat or apply pressure (like lie on it).

She gave me about eight other medications too—an estrogen blocker, a diuretic, fenofibrate, finasteride, something for my thyroid. I researched everything she gave me and promptly threw most of it away. Half of it was snake oil, but the other half made me feel awesome.

As hormone levels fluctuate depending on activity levels, diet, and the time of day, doctors usually take two different blood samples before noon. Taking prescription testosterone helps restore the levels of this hormone in the blood, reversing the symptoms of low testosterone. People who take it may notice improvements in alertness, sexual function, energy, mood, and overall well-being. A condition called hypogonadism develops when your body can’t produce enough of that hormone. If symptoms of low testosterone are interfering with your quality of life, know that you don’t have to just grin and bear it. Together, you and your healthcare provider will weigh the risks and benefits of TRT to see if it could help. Your provider is there to support you in all aspects of your health.

Testosterone levels play a critical role in determining the starting dose for TRT. The goal of therapy is to raise testosterone levels to a normal, healthy range. Typically, normal subq testosterone injection sites levels range between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for men. Before starting TRT, a doctor will order a blood test to measure testosterone levels. Based on the results, the doctor will decide how much testosterone is needed to bring the levels back to normal.

What you eat can also have a significant effect on your TRT dosage. A balanced diet that is rich in nutrients helps your body function properly, which includes the absorption and effectiveness of testosterone. Certain nutrients, such as zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D, are especially important for testosterone production. On the other hand, those who do not engage in regular exercise may need a different approach to TRT. A sedentary lifestyle, where someone does little or no physical activity, can lead to muscle loss, weight gain, and fatigue. In these cases, TRT can help, but it may take longer to notice improvements.

When you suffer from hypogonadism (low T), red blood cell production can slow to a crawl and even lead to anemia. When you’re hypogonadal, your sensitivity to insulin can be compromised, your blood sugar levels can spike, and you have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes (7). This medication works by increasing the body’s own testosterone production. It is also used to improve semen quality for fertility in some men. The advantages of this therapy include convenience and decreased frequency of dosing. As this requires a short office procedure, there are risks including bleeding, infection, and pellet extrusion in less than 1% of cases. Weight gain is a common struggle for women with PCOS—but it’s not just about calories.

They also serve as your body’s personal energy storage warehouse and help promote the signaling of electrical impulses throughout your brain. As that happens, those bouts of fatigue you’ve been fighting will lessen, and your blood pressure should stabilize closer to within the normal range. TRT, fortunately, gets your red blood cell count back into the flow of things. Testosterone plays a major role in cognitive performance, including memory, concentration, and reasoning. When your levels of testosterone are low, your mental function can suffer. But usually, you’ll start feeling better psychologically within three to four weeks of starting treatment (2).

Once you start, your body may reduce or cease its natural testosterone production, making it challenging to stop therapy without experiencing low testosterone symptoms again. Men are encouraged to seek medical advice and ask their doctors for advice on the effectiveness o testosterone replacement therapy in their particular situation. It can also be given to replace testosterone levels that have fallen as a result of an orchiectomy (removal of one or both testicles). Some studies have found a link between TRT and higher blood pressure, while others have seen no effect or a link to lowered blood pressure. The effect on your blood pressure may depend on your own health, whether you have any heart disease or high blood pressure, and how much testosterone you take.

To stay healthy and safe, it’s important to understand the risks of improper dosing. Doctors often start with a typical dose, around 100 mg to 200 mg of testosterone, but this can vary based on blood test results and how your body responds. Injections give doctors control over the dosage and how much testosterone is entering your body, making it easier to adjust as needed. However, because levels can fluctuate, finding the right dose may take time. Despite a growing number of studies demonstrating no increase in prostate cancer incidence among men on TRT, it’s crucial to assess the prostate before starting. Once the therapy begins, regular monitoring for prostate issues is important.