![TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (TRT) 5 530ea2 ff102d1c718e4a21b3f3480ec8a95f0dmv2](https://hemedicalclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/530ea2_ff102d1c718e4a21b3f3480ec8a95f0dmv2-300x300.webp)
TRT stands for testosterone replacement therapy, which is sometimes referred to as androgen replacement therapy. It’s most commonly used to treat low testosterone levels, which might arise as a result of ageing or a medical condition.
However, it’s becoming increasingly popular for non-medical purposes, such as:
increasing sexual performance
achieving high energy levels
muscle mass gain for bodybuilding
According to some research, TRT may be able to help you in achieving some of these objectives. There are, however, certain drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look at what happens to your testosterone levels as you age and what you may expect from TRT.
Why does testosterone decrease with age?
As you become older, your body produces less testosterone. The average male’s testosterone production drops by roughly 1% to 2% each year, according to an article in American Family Physician.
What are the signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency?
Other health problems, such as drug side effects, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and depression, might produce some of these signs and symptoms. Low testosterone levels may also be a result of other several illnesses. As a result, a blood test is required to diagnose a low testosterone level.
What are the Testosterone Replacement Therapy options?
If your doctor has diagnosed you with andropause, low testosterone, or testosterone deficiency, they will totally recommend testosterone replacement therapy to treat your problem. Injections and gels are among the two types of testosterone replacement therapy that works by raising the amount of circulating testosterone in your body.
According to the American College of Physicians, testosterone therapy can help people with hypogonadism or Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome restore sexual function and reverse the effects of low testosterone levels.
Some of the available forms of testosterone replacement therapies are:
Gels
Androgel comes in transparent testosterone gel sachets. When you apply the gel once a day, testosterone is absorbed straight through the skin.
Injections
Testosterone can also be injected straight into the muscles, but this requires medical supervision. Depending on the type and severity of your illnesses, it may be given every 2-3 weeks or months. The testosterone is progressively absorbed into the bloodstream by your body.
Oral pills
Testosterone pills are easy to use, painless, and convenient to take every day. Because testosterone is oil soluble, the pills must be taken with a meal that contains oils in order for the testosterone to be properly absorbed into the system.
Transdermal or skin patch
Androderm is a skin patch that is placed once a day to the arm or upper body.
Oral patch
Striant is a pill that attaches to the gums just above the incisors or front teeth. It is administered twice a day and delivers testosterone into the bloodstream continuously through the oral tissues.
TYPE OF TESTOSTERONE INJECTIONS
Testosterone Undecanoate (Nebido)
Testosterone Cypionate (Depo-Testosterone)
Depo-Testosterone is a brand-name medication for testosterone cypionate. Testosterone cypionate injectable solution is used for short to moderate term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.
Your medication may not work as effectively if you stop taking it suddenly or don’t take it at all. A specific amount of this drug must be present in your body at all times for it to act properly. If you don’t take this treatment as prescribed, you may still experience low testosterone symptoms.
Testosterone Undecanoate (Nebido)
Testosterone Enanthate (Sustanon)
What are the difference IN SU?
Testosterone cypionate and enanthate are commercial steroids used in bodybuilding for increased muscle weight.
Testosterone cypionate is an English steroid while enanthate is European. Both have the same functions and effects.
Testosterone when taken at large can cause numerous side effects, such as: gynecomastia, fat gain, reduced fat breakdown, loss of sex drive, testicular shrinkage, and water retention.
Water retention may lead to weakened blood vessels over a period of time because it increases the blood pressure.
As we age, the testosterone levels decrease leading to loss of muscle mass and strength, fat gain, and loss of sex drive. Thus, testosterone replacement is a good idea to replace testosterone loss especially for middle to old-age people.
Testosterone replacement improves the quality of life although caution must be observed when taken in larger amounts because of its side effects.
Few months after you start taking this medicine, your doctor will check your total testosterone level. They’ll monitor your testosterone levels once a year after that to make sure the medicine is effective. Depending on your testosterone levels, your doctor may change your dosage.
Your medication may not work as effectively if you stop taking it suddenly or don’t take it at all. A specific amount of this drug must be present in your body at all times for it to act properly. If you don’t take this treatment as prescribed, you may still experience low testosterone symptoms.
Do you have low libido, low energy, feeling moody / depressed?
As men ages, testosterone levels in the body will slowly decline. It is estimated that the decline of testosterone is at about approximately 1% per year past the age 30 or 40.
Once the levels of testosterone is lower than the normal range, this may be referred to as ‘hypogonadism’. In adult-onset hypogonadism, the body’s ability to produce normal amount of testosterone is limited.
Testosterone levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood. As you age, typically about 1% a year after age 30 or 40 your testosterone level gradually declines. For older men, it’s important to determine if a low testosterone level is due t normal aging or if it is due to a disease (hypogonadism).
Low level of testosterone could be due to a problem with the testicles or with the pituitary gland that controls the testicles.
There are many risk factors that may contribute to low testosterone, for example obesity or even diseases such as diabetes. Studies have shown that estimate close to 1 out of 3 overweight men have low testosterone, and obesity puts them at risk 5 times more than a normal weight man
If you have concerns about “Andropause” or that your testosterone levels may be low, this set of ten simple questions is a good place to start.
The Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) questionnaire is an easy way to answer questions about your sexual health and testosterone level.
1. Do you have a decrease in libido (sex drive)?
2. Do you have a lack of energy?
3. Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance?
4. Have you lost height?
5. Have you noticed a decreased “enjoyment of life?”
6. Are you sad and/or grumpy?
7. Are your erections less strong?
8. Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?
9. Are you falling asleep after dinner?
10. Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?
If you answer YES to 3 and more to the questions : You may have androgen deficiency (low Testosterone levels). We would recommend a Comprehensive Blood Test to identify if you have low testosterone