TRT: Uses, Side Effects, and Cost of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

The Pros and Cons of Testosterone Therapy

Yet the health benefits of testosterone therapy for age-related decline in testosterone aren’t clear. Considering testosterone therapy to help you feel younger and more vigorous as you age? Liver toxicity is a concern with certain forms of testosterone, such as oral testosterone undecanoate [36-37]. People with liver disease or those taking medications that affect liver function may require careful monitoring if they decide to take TRT. With continued testosterone replacement therapy, the effects of improving your bone density can last three years or longer before they plateau. Low testosterone levels can accelerate natural bone breakdown over bone formation which, left unchecked, can develop into osteopenia or, in more severe cases, osteoporosis. This medication works by reducing the conversion of testosterone to estrogen and can raise testosterone levels and reduce estrogen levels.

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.

Testosterone can increase oil production, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s important for healthy skin, so you may actually end up with a better complexion. While researchers aren’t exactly sure how exactly testosterone plays a role in energy yet, he says it’s believed it might affect your mitochondria, which produce energy within cells. The theory is that “testosterone turns them on, so they’re more productive in terms of creating the energy that the cells need.” Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is recommended to balance or boost the amount of testosterone in the body when the levels fall below 300 ng/dL. Your doctor should confirm within 6 months or so whether TRT has improved your symptoms.

Working with a doctor ensures that you’re prescribed testosterone only when you need it and that you’re taking the right dose. Then, they can work with you to make sure your testosterone levels respond appropriately. They like to recheck everything every six months to make sure you’re not having any negative side effects. Testosterone replacement therapy helps raise your low testosterone levels. If you are prescribed testosterone therapy, you’ll likely start to see some changes, big and small, pleasant and not-so-pleasant. You may not see them all, but if you do see them, they may not all appear right away, but there are several things to know about testosterone therapy.

Always follow your doctor’s recommendations and report any unusual symptoms. Proper dosage is key to maximizing the benefits of TRT while minimizing the risks. With the right approach, TRT can improve your overall health and well-being, but careful management is needed to avoid problems. You should be honest about how you feel, both physically and emotionally. This will help your doctor understand if the therapy is working or if adjustments are needed. Some patients may be hesitant to discuss problems they’re experiencing, but it’s important to remember that TRT is a process, and finding the right dose takes time. TRT what does low testosterone levels mean (genesismobile.it) not cause prostate cancer, but it may increase PSA levels and should be used with caution in men with a history of prostate conditions.

If your doctor suspects your testosterone levels are low, they’ll give you a blood test, probably first thing in the morning. You may need to have your blood taken more than once and at different times of the day, since testosterone levels change. Once your results come back, your doctor may order other tests to rule out other reasons for your low T levels.

The usual starting dose is 6 pumps daily (about the size of 2 quarters) applied to the thighs. It typically takes about 3 to 6 weeks for noticeable improvements after a dosage adjustment. However, it can take up to 6 months for the full benefits of TRT to be realized. If your dosage is too low, you may continue to experience low testosterone symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, or difficulty concentrating. Blood tests will help determine if an increase in dosage is necessary. On the other hand, people who follow a healthy diet that includes lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables may find that they need a different TRT dosage.

Close monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and other signs of prostate issues is essential [33-35]. Men with a history of prostate cancer or elevated PSA levels may not be candidates for TRT due to these potential risks. That’s why regular monitoring and collaboration with your healthcare provider are essential to ensure your treatment plan is optimizing your health without unintended risks. The typical starting dosage for TRT varies, but most doctors begin with 75 mg to 150 mg of testosterone per week, depending on the individual’s needs and health conditions. Sleep is one of the most important lifestyle factors that influence testosterone levels. Most of your body’s testosterone is produced while you sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep, or if your sleep quality is poor, your body may not be able to produce or absorb testosterone effectively.

Men who want to preserve fertility should discuss alternative options like hCG or clomiphene with their provider. In Canada, qualified TRT providers are equipped to guide you through every step—making sure your treatment is not only effective, but also safe, sustainable, and tailored to your needs. With consistent monitoring and a tailored approach, many side effects can be prevented or resolved quickly—keeping your treatment focused on the benefits, not the setbacks. TRT can improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and enhance sociability. Increased sociability and decreased anxiety are typically apparent within 3 weeks, with steady improvements as therapy continues.