If you are getting older and feeling the effects of Low-T on your body – lower energy, decreased libido, less-effective workouts – then you’re not alone.
The fact is that once you’ve hit 40, your body will begin to naturally produce less Testosterone at a rate of 1-2% every year. By the time you’re 55, the testosterone levels in your body could be 1/3 lower than they were at your peak.
At this point, many men think they have no choice but to accept what ‘nature’ intended and live out the rest of their days in a gradual decline. Other men have chosen to fight and to try to stave off the symptoms of aging with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).
If you’re reading this blog, you’re likely in that second group, so here is a quick overview to help you understand TRT and how TRT works.
- TRT is An FDA-Approved Treatment
TRT is not something a guy at the gym sells you out of his locker. Testosterone Replacement Therapy is an FDA-approved method of treating men with Hypogonadism (often called “Low-T”). Your treatment is overseen by qualified medical professionals and administered using the latest clinical and safety protocols. At Texas Men’s Health Group, our Board-Certified Urologist and well-respected Men’s Health specialist, Dr. Zachareas reviews your medical history and lab results and has an initial 1-on-1 consultation with you to determine your needs.
Based on his assessment, we will work with you to create a customized treatment plan specifically designed to meet your needs and lifestyle.
- Identifying Candidates for TRT
Like any medical procedure, TRT isn’t right for everyone. Clinicians have developed a simple screening tool called “ADAM” (“Androgen Deficiency in Ageing Male”) to help them quickly determine if a man is a potential candidate for TRT.
Answer the following questions, “Yes” or “No.”
- Do you have a decrease in libido or sex drive?
- Do you have a lack of energy?
- Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance?
- Have you lost weight?
- Have you noticed a decreased “enjoyment of life”?
- Are you sad and/or grumpy?
- Are your erections less strong?
- Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?
- Are you falling asleep after dinner?
- Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?
If you answered “Yes” to questions #1 or #7, or any three other questions, you might be a good candidate for TRT. Before starting medical treatment, you will want to consult a qualified physician who can accurately diagnose your conditions and recommend treatment options.
3) What are Some of the Benefits of TRT?
TRT offers several benefits for men who are suffering from a variety of problems related to Low Testosterone. Some of those benefits include:
- Lower body fat
- Increased sex drive
- Improved ability to combat stress
- Better sleep
- Increased confidence
- Mood Improvement
- Increased muscle mass
Everyone’s individual results will differ, and you may experience one or several of these benefits depending on your condition, your health, and the dosage and treatment options you chose. Texas Men’s Health Group will work with you to help fine-tune your treatment regimen to get the best results.
4) How Do I Take TRT?
There are several methods of delivering TRT, which makes it easier for you to find one that works best for you and your lifestyle. There are advantages to each.
- Patches: Patches can be applied directly to the skin one or more times a day. They are clean and simple to use but may irritate sensitive skin.
- Gels: Gels and Nasal Gels are convenient topical gels that are rubbed onto your skin (or inside your nose.)
- Injections: Injections are one of the most popular forms of TRT. Injections can be given either in the muscle or in the fat deposits. Injections are usually taken once or twice a week in either the upper arm or butt. While this helps maximize the absorption and lifecycle rates of Testosterone, it is obviously not a great option for people who don’t like needles.
- Subcutaneous Pellets: Subcutaneous pellets are about the size of a grain of rice and are inserted under your skin. They continually provide medication and last from 3 to 6 months. These are simple and convenient and don’t require you to remember to take it daily. They do, however, require a physician to insert them, and there is still a low risk of potential side effects that come with any subcutaneous treatment.
The Texas Men’s Health Group clinical team will present the pros and cons of your treatment option and find the ideal form of treatment for you and your lifestyle.
5) Are There Other Options To Help Improve My Own Production Of Testosterone?
Yes, Texas Men’s Health Group offers two treatments that help your body to naturally produce more Testosterone. This is ideal if your body won’t tolerate Traditional TRT, or if you don’t fit the diagnosis for TRT.
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG): HGC can be used to stimulate your body to increase the production of your own Testosterone. This is an option that your doctor should be discussing with you, particularly if you are able to still produce ideal levels of Testosterone yourself.
- Clomid or Clomiphene Citrate: Clomid is another medication used to stimulate your body to increase your own Testosterone. If you are considering having children, this is a treatment option you will want to discuss with your primary medical provider.
6) How Fast Does TRT Work?
While results vary for everyone, clinicians have found that patients starting TRT can see improvements in their quality of life and an stronger libido within as little as three weeks. Longer treatments may to be required to reach your peak benefits. Improvement for specific symptoms, such as changes in erections/ejaculations or bone density, may require longer and ongoing treatment.
7) What Are The Possible Side Effects Of TRT?
Like any medication or treatment, there is a certain level of risk for side effects. Some of the possible side effects of testosterone therapy include:
- Increased acne
- Fluid retention
- Increased urination
- Breast enlargement
- Decreased testicular size
- Decreased sperm count
- Increased aggressive behaviors
- Possible increased risk for stroke
There are other potential side effects and your doctor should review them with you. As mentioned above, the type of TRT delivery method you chose may also have specific risks of side effects (such as skin irritation with patches, or injection site redness for injectable treatments.
8) People Who Should Not Use TRT
Testosterone Replacement Therapy is not recommended for men with existing breast or prostate cancer. Likewise, older men with sleep apnea may see an increase in their symptoms when undergoing TRT.
Texas Men’s Health Group is Your Source for TRT
If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms of Low-T mentioned above and feel like you could improve your health, mood, or quality of life through TRT, please call our office at 214-499-9158 or email: info@texastestosterone.com.
Our clinically-approved telemedicine protocol will make beginning your TRT treatment safe, convenient, and discreet with no office visits and your treatment sent directly to your home. We have contracted with leading lab providers LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics, and we will help you find a lab near your home or work to begin the process.