3 Important Facts You Should Know About Testosterone Replacement

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), also known as Androgen Replacement Therapy (ART) is a hormone therapy that replaces testosterone. This is usually used for men that have been diagnosed with hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough male hormone or sperm or both. Males can be born with it or they can develop it later on in life due to infection or injury. This condition can affect masculine growth and development and cause a low sex drive. 

Testosterone is a key hormone for men has it helps maintain:

• Bone density
• Facial and body hair
• Fat distribution
• Muscles mass and strength
• Sex drive
• Sperm production
• Red blood cell production

TRT can help to revise the effects of hypogonadism; it may not work the same for testosterone decline due to normal aging in otherwise healthy men. There are a few things you should consider before beginning testosterone replacement therapy.

3 Important Facts You Should Know

When starting any treatment or medication it is important to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Before beginning any such treatment do your research and consult with your physician. Here are three (3) important facts you should know about testosterone replacement:

1. Who is it TRT for?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy is for men with abnormally low t (testosterone). After running the test your doctor will confirm whether you have low t or hypogonadism. It is best for men with these conditions as it is meant to increase or return you to a normal testosterone level. For men that are experiencing low testosterone levels due to natural aging, TRT may not be right for you and can pose severe health risks. This is why it is important to have your testosterone levels tested carefully before committing to testosterone replacement. 

2. What are the Benefits?

There are a lot of benefits for men that have men diagnosed with low testosterone. Which include:

• Healthy heart and blood: testosterone helps in the production of red blood cells which are vital for the cardiovascular system. Improvement to your testosterone could reduce your risk for heart-related health issues and disease. 
• Stronger Bones: increasing your testosterone level can help with bone density as testosterone plays a major role in this. Bone density decreases with age and leading to things such as osteoporosis. Weak bones are also more fragile and unable to support the body and protect the organs. 
• Muscle development: testosterone is responsible for the development of lean muscle mass. Increasing muscle mass and decreasing body fat while controlling body weight can result in improved energy levels.  
• Brain health: According to research, men with higher testosterone levels have been shown to be less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. testosterone replacement therapy has also been shown to improve cognitive function and spatial memory. 
• Increased libido: having an increased testosterone level usually results in higher sexual activity as it is needed for libido and erectile function. 
• Mood Improvement: men with hypogonadism have seen improvement in mood, fatigue, and irritability previously associated with their hypogonadism.

It is important to do your research as with most things there are both benefits and risks. Some of the risks for men that don’t have hypogonadism and use TRT can include increased acne, increased urination, breast enlargement, decreased testicular size, and a decrease in sperm count. The benefits and risks breakdown of testosterone replacement therapy as seen on https://atlantamensclinic.com is a good guide to help you better understand what is involved. Knowing what you’re getting into is the first step when considering and treatment option. 

3. How do I take it?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy can be done in several ways. The method that works best for you should be done in consideration of your health, lifestyle, and consultation with a health professional. Some of the methods include:

• Patches
• Gels
• Buccal patch
• Injections
• Subcutaneous pellets

Each of these methods has its pros and cons. You should also be monitored while on the treatment. Checks are done at 3 and 6 months after which time your doctor will decide if your dosage needs to be adjusted and then you’ll have a checkup once a year. Doctors will examine your testosterone level as well as your red blood cell count. During this time you should be aware of adverse reactions and call 911 immediately. This is especially the case if you have shortness of breath, pain in your chest, blurred vision, and slurred speech.

There are benefits to TRT, if you’d like to know if it is for you remember to consult with your doctor. Your doctor will do a test to check your testosterone level. Depending on the results you may be recommended for TRT or other methods including natural remedies such as losing weight and increasing muscle mass.