Testosterone therapy, also known as testosterone replacement therapy or TRT, is a treatment that aims to raise low testosterone levels in men back to normal. Testosterone is an important male sex hormone that plays a role in sex drive, muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, and more.
As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline about 1% per year after age 30. However, some men experience a more severe drop in testosterone due to medical conditions or other factors. Low testosterone can cause symptoms like low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and mood changes.
Testosterone therapy typically involves receiving doses of testosterone medication on an ongoing basis, with the goal of getting testosterone levels into a healthy range. This is achieved through transdermal testosterone patches, testosterone injections, or testosterone gels that are applied to the skin daily.
Potential benefits of normalizing testosterone through therapy may include:
However, testosterone therapy also comes with risks if not properly monitored by a doctor. Potential side effects can include acne, breast enlargement, testicular atrophy, and polycythemia (increased red blood cell production). It’s also unclear if TRT increases risk of prostate cancer over the long term.
Overall, testosterone replacement is an option for men with clinically low testosterone to help relieve low T symptoms. But given the potential risks, therapy should only be undertaken with medical guidance after a full health evaluation.
If you think you may be a candidate for testosterone therapy, consider making an appointment with the hormone specialists at Prime Hormone Solutions. Their board-certified physicians specialize in precision testosterone optimization protocols personalized to your unique health profile. Prime Hormone Solutions utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and cutting-edge treatments including testosterone injections, gels, and patches to help men look, feel and perform their best while minimizing risks. Contact Prime Hormone Solutions today for a consultation to find out if TRT could be right for you.