Testosterone Replacement Therapy Has Supercharged My Libido

Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Benefits & Side Effects

The downsides to patches are that they are not cosmetically appealing and often cause skin irritations. In comparison with oral medications, topical patches may prove less toxic to the liver. However, these benefits were quite modest and went away with the discontinuation of TRT.

The degree of improvement varies, but most men experience enhanced mental clarity, improved mood, and increased motivation. One of the most notable benefits of TRT is bringing back your zest for life. In a year-long study, men receiving TRT experienced a marked reduction in fatigue compared to those who did not receive the therapy. Having an in-depth conversation with your healthcare provider before deciding on TRT is an important first step. Emergency medical attention is needed right away when serious side effects occur, and these include symptoms of a cardiovascular event. It is important for men interested in future fertility not to receive standard testostosterone replacement therapy since this can lead to low or no sperm count and infertility issues.

If you experience side effects while on TRT, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider before stopping the therapy or changing your dose on your own. Some side effects can be managed with simple adjustments, but others may require a more careful approach. Managing these side effects often involves adjusting the dosage under the guidance of a healthcare provider. In this section, we will explore common side effects of TRT, how they relate to dosage, and ways to minimize or avoid them through proper dosage adjustments. Other markers your doctor may monitor include your cholesterol levels and liver function. TRT can sometimes increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL), which might raise your risk for heart disease. Regular liver function tests help ensure that your liver is processing the testosterone correctly and isn’t being overworked.

There don’t seem to be any benefits for women as far as energy, mood, or bone health. Gradual absorption causes more stable testosterone levels in the blood. And a large randomized trial of testosterone, the T Trials, showed that men who received T had a greater improvement in mood than men who received a placebo. Muscles respond to testosterone, and starting T-therapy can increase muscle mass, says Dr. Morgentaler.

TESTOSTERONE THERAPY IS designed to reverse some of the effects of hypogonadism. But there aren’t many studies on the long-term effects of TRT (for example, over decades). These patches are convenient but can cause irritation or gum disease. But patches can cause skin rashes and may have to be applied more than once a day. Talk to your doctor to determine what causes low testosterone in men in their 30s‘s at the root of your erection problems. Talk to your doctor before you take any T supplements or medications.

It typically takes between three weeks to three months of treatment for blood tests to show improvements in biomarkers tied to chronic inflammation (2). While the potential benefits are promising, ongoing research will determine the full extent of TRT’s role in managing chronic inflammation. Results can vary based on your age and the dosage prescribed by your doctor, but the improved formation of your red blood cells will produce a noticeable effect after three months (2). Six months of testosterone replacement therapy treatment starts to decelerate bone breakdown, or resorption, giving new bone time to fortify (2). The stiffness you’ve been feeling in your tendons and ligaments also lessens dramatically. Men generally don’t know or appreciate the benefits of testosterone until it starts fading away. Research comparing men on TRT with those not on TRT found no association between testosterone treatment and increased risk of blood clots in men without preexisting blood conditions.

Congestive heart failure.Men with severe congestive heart failure should generally not take testosterone replacement, as it can worsen the condition. A nurse or technician may give you testosterone as a shot directly into a muscle. You’ll be shown which body parts you can use for the injection site, as they need to be rotated. Apply this patch by pushing it against your gums and to the left or right of your front teeth. Keep it in place by pushing on it from the outside of your mouth as well.

By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision that best supports your health. A normal range of testosterone for men is anywhere from 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). But not everyone has symptoms at the same testosterone levels. Others may not have symptoms until their level is at 150 or even 100. Testosterone levels are highest in men around age 17 and drop as they age, starting between ages 30 and 40.

We also go beyond the research, interviewing top experts in their fields to bring you the most informed insights. Every article is rigorously reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy. Keeping those levels stable helps lessen depression and anxiety,” says Kunsman. There are a lot of health benefits of testosterone, and advancements in TRT have provided men with a way to reclaim control of their bodies and their lives. 500 – 3000 units injected subcutaneously (underneath the skin) every other day.