What Is TRT? Testosterone Replacement Therapy Explained

What Is TRT? Testosterone Replacement Therapy Explained

As we age, our hormone levels drop. This could be because of stress, trauma, illnesses, or just a natural consequence of aging. Whatever the reason, hormonal imbalances can be an uncomfortable experience, which is why millions of people use bioidentical replacement therapy to restore their hormones to normal levels.

For men, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a viable option to help maintain muscle health and bone density while improving sexual drive and function. However, it usually isn’t the first course of action doctors recommend to help improve low testosterone (T) levels.

To fully understand what you can expect from testosterone replacement therapy, we first need to learn what testosterone does to the body and the symptoms of low T.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that plays an important role in both men and women. However, it is mostly known as the male sex hormone.

In men, this hormone is produced in the testes. It’s responsible for the development of a man’s sexual characteristics, such as a deeper voice, the growth of facial and body hair, and increased muscle mass and bone density.

Women can also produce testosterone in smaller amounts in their ovaries and adrenal glands. They can benefit from testosterone because it helps maintain bone density, improve muscle strength, and contribute to sexual function and reproductive health.

As far as physiological processes, testosterone affects the production of red blood cells while also having an effect on mood and energy levels.

Why Do T Levels Decrease With Age?

“Male menopause” is a term often used to describe how T levels naturally decline with age. In fact, according to one study, the average adult male’s testosterone production decreases by 1% to 2% every year. This means that T levels drop gradually as a person ages rather than experiencing a sudden decrease.

While it’s not a cause of concern for many, abnormally low levels could lead to a condition known as hypogonadism, known as decreased activity of the gonads.

Signs of Low Testosterone

As testosterone levels decline gradually, it might not be easy to pinpoint whether the symptoms are a direct result of age or sudden hormonal changes.

So, if you suspect that you might have abnormally low testosterone, you should consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

However, there are some symptoms you could watch out for:

• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased energy levels
• Loss of muscle mass or strength
• Increased body weight
• Mood changes
• Decreased bone density
• Abrupt changes in sleep patterns

If you’re an older adult experiencing any of these symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy could help you restore hormone levels and improve symptoms.

What Are the Benefits of TRT?

Just like developing a skincare routine, TRT can help men feel healthier and more confident about themselves if they’re willing to put in the work. While the benefits can vary depending on the person, some of the potential benefits include:

• Increased libido, sexual function, and satisfaction
• Improved mood and mental well-being
• Enhanced muscle mass and bone density
• Improved energy levels
• Prevent erectile dysfunction

How Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Administered?

There are multiple ways to administer TRT, but the method usually depends on a person’s medical needs and their lifestyle. Some administration methods might have to be done daily, while others are only required on a monthly basis.

Oral Medication

This is a lesser-known method of administering TRT because it’s more expensive and somewhat impractical.

One of the reasons why it’s not as highly recommended as other treatment methods is that TRT drug tablets have the potential to cause hypertension or stroke. Some long-term effects also state that tablets may potentially cause liver damage.

Transdermal Patches

Also known as topical patches, this form of testosterone replacement therapy involves using gels, patches, and creams that are absorbed by the body.

However, if you’re using this TRT method, you need to be careful and avoid skin-to-skin contact with others for at least six hours after application. The transference of the testosterone replacement therapy gel may be hazardous to pregnant women and children.

Injections

This is the most common and affordable form of TRT.

You can receive an injection every one to two weeks for short-term solutions or have a shot administered regularly if you’d like to have long-term treatments.

Intranasal

This is a method of administering TRT gel on the inside of the nasal cavity. A person using this method would have to do this three times a day with six to eight hour-intervals in between.

The Risks of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

While TRT is an effective form of alleviating symptoms of low T levels, it’s crucial to ensure you suffer from low testosterone and not any other health condition.

If you have the following conditions, TRT might worsen your symptoms:

• Severe sleep apnea
• Lower urinary tract symptoms or infections, which are usually associated with an enlarged prostate
• Severe congestive heart failure
• Abnormal levels of red blood cells

Also, testosterone replacement therapy for men is not advised if the goal is to treat low T levels naturally caused by normal aging very late in life.

Improve Your Quality of Life With TRT

So what is TRT? Well, as you’ve learned, testosterone replacement therapy could be right for you if you think you’re healthy but haven’t been feeling your best.

APT Medical Aesthetics provides full-spectrum medical aesthetic services that help clients find the best course of action for their hormone-related health conditions. Our team of experts will discuss your options thoroughly to ensure you get the treatment that’s right for you.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our testosterone replacement therapy.