Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age

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

That’s because testosterone activates the androgen receptors in muscle tissue to stimulate growth. You can stay on testosterone replacement therapy for as long as it’s benefiting your symptoms and not causing health issues. If you stop taking testosterone, your levels will return to baseline. Certain existing health conditions make it unsafe, like prostate cancer and heart failure. In 2014, the FDA ordered that a warning label must accompany TRT prescriptions, alerting men to the possibility that TRT increases the chances of heart attack and stroke. A study linked TRT to higher chances of venous thromboembolism, a potentially fatal type of blood clot. But some studies suggest that men who have been successfully treated for prostate cancer may be candidates for TRT as long as they are closely watched for signs of disease.

To stay healthy and safe, it’s important to understand the risks of improper dosing. Doctors often start with a typical dose, around 100 mg to 200 mg of testosterone, but this can vary based on blood test results and how your body responds. Injections give doctors control over the dosage and how much testosterone is entering your body, making it easier to adjust as needed. However, because levels can fluctuate, finding the right dose may take time. Despite a growing number of studies demonstrating no increase in prostate cancer incidence among men on TRT, it’s crucial to assess the prostate before starting. Once the therapy begins, regular monitoring for prostate issues is important.

As hormone levels fluctuate depending on activity levels, diet, and the time of day, doctors usually take two different blood samples before noon. Taking prescription testosterone helps restore the levels of this hormone in the blood, reversing the symptoms of low testosterone. People who take it may notice improvements in alertness, sexual function, energy, mood, and overall well-being. A condition called hypogonadism develops when your body can’t produce enough of that hormone. If symptoms of low testosterone are interfering with your quality of life, know that you don’t have to just grin and bear it. Together, you and your healthcare provider will weigh the risks and benefits of TRT to see if it could help. Your provider is there to support you in all aspects of your health.

Doctors also factor in any symptoms you’re having, like low libido, fatigue, or just feeling blah. Experts emphasize that oral testosterone can have negative effects on the liver. Using other methods, such as skin patches, gels, orally disintegrating tablets, or injections, provides testosterone directly to the blood. Testosterone levels increase during puberty and gradually decline after the age of about 40 years. This may cause reduced sex drive and erectile dysfunction in some men.

These lifestyle adjustments support testosterone therapy, promoting better outcomes and long-term wellness. The primary goal of TRT is to restore testosterone levels to a healthy range, helping men regain vitality and improve their overall quality of life. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a hormone therapy designed to increase testosterone levels in men with hypogonadism—a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a widely recognised and extensively researched treatment for low testosterone levels. Medical experts and numerous clinical studies have documented the benefits, as well as the potential risks. You need a prescription from your doctor to access testosterone. Taking the drug is often a lifelong commitment (unless the low T is caused by a medical illness), so you’ll need to be continually monitored by a doctor.

This is important because testosterone levels naturally vary from person to person, and several factors influence how much testosterone your body needs for optimal function. Each person absorbs and processes testosterone differently, which is why finding the right dosage is critical. Some people may develop side effects on a higher dose that others tolerate well.

Doctors will often check your testosterone levels about every three to six months during the first year of treatment. These checks are important because they allow the doctor to make any necessary changes to your dosage. Some people may need a higher or lower dose depending on how their body absorbs and uses the testosterone. While most are mild and manageable, others may require closer attention or adjustments to your treatment plan.

By managing your testosterone levels carefully, you can regain energy, increase muscle mass, improve your mood, and experience other benefits that come with balanced hormone levels. It’s not just about getting the numbers right—it’s about achieving a healthier, more balanced life overall. One of the key reasons it’s important to get the dosage right is to avoid the risks of taking too much or too little testosterone. If your dose is too high, you might experience side effects like mood swings, acne, or even more serious problems such as high blood pressure or liver issues.

After you begin treatment, you will likely see your doctor for follow-up appointments within a few weeks. These early check-ups are crucial because they allow the doctor to assess whether your testosterone levels are rising to the desired range. Your doctor will probably ask how you’re feeling and whether you’re experiencing any side effects, such as mood swings, tiredness, or changes in energy levels. Blood tests will also be conducted to measure your testosterone levels. One of the most important parts of TRT is making sure that the amount of good testosterone levels by age (orichmed.com) in the blood is neither too high nor too low. To do this, doctors will regularly check your testosterone levels through blood tests. These blood tests usually happen before the therapy begins and then every few months afterward.

Together, you and your healthcare provider will decide if TRT is right for you. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an option for men who have low testosterone levels due to male hypogonadism. TRT involves taking manufactured forms of testosterone to regulate your levels of this hormone. Low libido and erectile dysfunction, for example, have many contributing factors to rule out, including heart disease and psychological issues. Your doctor will measure your testosterone levels at the 3- and 6-month marks after treatment begins.