Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), also known as testosterone treatments, is a treatment that helps raise low testosterone levels caused by hypogonadism or andropause. TRT involves replacing testosterone via injections, gels, patches, or pellets to help relieve symptoms of low testosterone.
When administered properly and under medical supervision, testosterone replacement therapy produces increased energy, improved sexual function, gains in muscle mass, decreased body fat, and an enhanced sense of well-being. Along with lifestyle changes, TRT allows men to feel healthy and vibrant again.
Low testosterone, also called hypogonadism or andropause, is surprisingly common in men over 30. The following are common signs and symptoms:
These symptoms often develop gradually over time and can significantly impact quality of life. Therefore, paying attention to such signs and having your testosterone levels checked is important.
Below is a summary of the major signs and symptoms of low testosterone:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Fatigue | Lack of energy, tiring more easily |
| Low libido | Reduced sexual desire |
| Erectile dysfunction | Trouble achieving/maintaining erections |
| Reduced muscle mass | Noticeable loss of muscle, especially in arms and legs |
| Increased body fat | Gain fat, especially abdominal fat |
| Mood changes | Increased irritability, depression or sadness |
Table 1. Major signs and symptoms of low testosterone
These symptoms can significantly impact men's mental health and day-to-day life when left untreated. The good news is that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help relieve these symptoms when properly administered under a doctor's care.
The Endocrine Society clinical guidelines recommend testosterone therapy for adult men with low total testosterone levels accompanied by symptoms of low testosterone. Therefore, TRT is primarily indicated for men with signs/symptoms of low testosterone along with testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL on two separate mornings.
Some examples of men who may benefit from TRT include:
Keep in mind treatment is customized to each patient. A thorough workup and monitoring of health markers are part of responsible testosterone replacement.
It's vital to have properly diagnosed low testosterone before considering therapy. Simply having a low lab value alone isn't enough. A man's free testosterone, symptoms, and overall health status should enable physicians to determine if TRT is appropriate.
When properly administered according to treatment guidelines, testosterone replacement therapy produces life-changing results for hypogonadal men. The wide-ranging benefits of TRT include:
In one landmark study looking at the benefits of testosterone therapy, over 75% of men displayed significant improvement in symptoms with TRT. Multiple meta-analyses also confirm TRT effectively mitigates symptoms of low testosterone while improving overall quality of life.
When performed correctly, testosterone replacement therapy delivers life-changing results - allowing men to reclaim their health, strength, and vitality.
There are several delivery methods to effectively restore testosterone levels via TRT:
Testosterone injections involve injecting testosterone directly into the muscle. This allows the testosterone to be directly absorbed into the bloodstream. Injections are a common and cost-effective form of treatment that allows stable testosterone levels.
Transdermal testosterone gels are applied directly onto the skin. The testosterone is then absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream over 24 hours. Gels must be correctly administered to avoid transferring testosterone to partners or children.
Testosterone patches work similarly to gels, but instead of direct gel application, an adhesive patch is worn on the skin allowing testosterone absorption into the bloodstream. Patches are convenient, though some men have skin reactions.
Testosterone pellets are very small capsules implanted under the skin which release testosterone over 3-6 months. This longer-acting method maintains stable long-term testosterone levels. Pellets do require minor surgical implantation.
Below is a comparison of the major TRT delivery methods:
| Form | Pros | Cons | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injections | Very effective, low cost | Needles, fluctuations in levels | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Gels | Easy to apply, daily option | Skin transfer risk, skin irritation | Daily |
| Patches | Convenient, transdermal absorption | Can cause skin reaction | Changed daily/weekly |
| Pellets | Steady state levels, only twice yearly | Minor surgery for implantation | Every 3-6 months |
Table 2. Pros and cons of different testosterone replacement options
The best delivery method depends on the patient's lifestyle, preferences, and typical testosterone level patterns. Our experienced physicians help patients decide which option is right for their needs.
If low testosterone is impacting life quality, timely treatment is key. Without treatment, symptoms progressively worsen over 5-10 years. These worsening symptoms further impact men's mental health, motivation, strength, body composition, and libido.
Studies reveal hypogonadal men have higher rates of depression, obesity, and mortality. They also demonstrate significantly impaired psychological health and physical function.
Therefore, seeking timely treatment preserves vitality and longevity. With treatment guided by our expert physicians, most men enjoy restored energy and health within 3-6 months along with long-lasting benefits over years. Through patient-centered care, our goal is helping patients thrive for years to come.
Below outlines deteriorating health without treatment:
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Figure 1. Gradual progression of low testosterone symptoms over 5-10 years without treatment. Infographic credit: Mo Rezaei, Visuals Simple Health Infographics Set 02-10.
Along with worsening symptoms, studies show increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and neurocognitive decline when hypogonadism is left untreated over years.
Therefore, seeking timely testosterone replacement preserves health, motivation, and vitality - enabling men to thrive socially and physically. Through comprehensive treatment plans, we aim to restore wellness so patients can fully participate in life's joys.
At Rejuvenate Clinic, we understand the life-changing difference optimal hormone balance makes, along with the devastation improperly treated hormone disorders can cause.
Our experts specialize in natural hormone restoration - getting to the root cause with comprehensive testing and completely personalized care. We develop tailored treatment plans involving medications, nutrition plans, and lifestyle changes for whole-person care.
What makes Rejuvenate Clinic your trusted hormone health partner:
Our board-certified practitioners specialize exclusively in hormone balance, having restored health in over 5000 patients. We stay current on the latest advancements in testing and therapies.
We develop fully personalized treatment plans grounded in medical evidence and clinical experience. Our doctors put quality time into understanding patients' needs and goals.
We ease the treatment journey with streamlined blood draws, flexibility in scheduling, and dedicated patient advocates assisting each step of the way.
Rest assured, you're in excellent hands with our caring, seasoned experts guiding your hormone health transformation.
"I was shocked when my doctor said my fatigue, weight gain, and declining mental focus were due to low testosterone. When he suggested testosterone replacement therapy, I had doubts at first but figured I had nothing to lose. I trusted his medical judgment to guide me.Within a month of starting therapy, my energy and motivation were through the roof. My mood became positive and upbeat. My wife commented how I became a "new man" once again. After 3 months, I dropped 15 pounds while gaining strength and muscle I hadn't had in 15 years. I look and feel better at 52 than I ever did in my 30s!
I tell all my friends with low energy to get their hormones tested. Optimizing hormones literally transforms lives - just like it did mine. I feel forever grateful for getting proper treatment when I did."
- John S., Age 52
John's story of revitalized health echoes that of many of our patients. We feel honored to restore vitality at any age through expert, evidence-based care.
In summary, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) safely and effectively treats low testosterone (hypogonadism) in men. When properly medically supervised, TRT alleviates distressing symptoms, thereby enhancing energy, sex drive, body composition, mood, and vitality.
If you suffer from fatigue, weight gain, low libido or depressed moods, we recommend having your testosterone checked. Our caring medical team can diagnose whether hormone issues are impacting your well-being and map an optimal treatment plan if appropriate.
We invite you to book a consultation to explore if testosterone therapy is right for you. Here at Rejuvenate Clinic, patient-centered care focused on restoring health comes first. Please contact us to start your hormone health transformation journey.
