What is TRT a Complete Beginners Guide

A growing segment of the male population is grappling with testosterone deficiency, commonly known as “low T.” Studies indicate that, starting at age 30, men’s testosterone levels might drop by around 2% each year. Moreover, research highlights that nearly 38.7% of men aged 45 and above are affected by low T.
This trend has prompted an uptick in the number of healthcare providers, particularly endocrinologists, advocating for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) as an effective course of treatment. The healthcare community’s understanding of the critical role testosterone plays in men’s longevity and overall health is becoming increasingly refined thanks to ongoing research. Physicians specializing in men’s health are now more adept than ever at safely and efficiently administering prescribed testosterone through TRT.

But what exactly is testosterone replacement therapy? How does it operate? And what are the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with TRT?

This article delves into the details of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), giving you a succinct rundown on this form of hormone treatment. To deepen your understanding, we invite you to explore our Low T section or gain additional insights on our homepage.

WHAT IS TRT?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a unique type of hormone replacement therapy designed to restore healthy testosterone levels in someone who suffers from low T. TRT is actually quite similar to the use of insulin in type-I diabetics; the body is lacking endogenous production of a necessary hormone, so it needs to be “replaced” with an exogenous source.

In the case of TRT, this means using exogenous testosterone (generally prescribed as an injection) to bring testosterone levels back to a healthy range. Other forms of testosterone prescriptions exist as well, such as testosterone patches and testosterone creams (both of which are absorbed through the skin instead of being injected).

While the majority of males on TRT are over the age of 50, younger men are taking action into their own hands and having their testosterone levels checked these days. We strongly encourage this if you are experiencing symptoms of low T, which we will cover later in this article.

Testosterone was initially synthesized in 1935 and has been used in clinical applications ever since.3 Over the last decade, testosterone has become one of the most widely prescribed medications across the United States.1

Many factors are responsible for the rise of TRT and men being diagnosed with low T, particularly the growing population of males over 50 years of age. Scientists and physicians also have a better understanding of the pathophysiology of testosterone deficiency nowadays.

LOW T (TESTOSTERONE) SYMPTOMS

Men with low testosterone levels often experience a decline in their well-being and health, which can progressively impair their quality of life. As time goes on, these individuals may observe an increase in the severity of their symptoms, leading to a significant decrease in their daily motivation and desire to start the day.

Men may experience a range of indications if they have low testosterone levels, commonly referred to as “low T.” These symptoms can affect various aspects of health and well-being:

• A noticeable decrease in sexual desire and drive
• Challenges in achieving and maintaining an erection, known as erectile dysfunction
• Persistent fatigue, with energy levels that stay low throughout the day
• Reduction in muscle bulk and strength, making it difficult to retain tone
• An upward shift in body fat percentage
• Experiences of pervasive sadness or depression
• Noticeably smaller testicles, or changes in testicular size
• Difficulty maintaining focus and clear thinking, often described as “brain fog”
• Potential issues with fertility
• Episodes of hot flashes, which may disrupt regular body temperature regulation
• Diminished production of red blood cells leads to anemia
• Increased susceptibility to bone fractures or a general feeling of frailty due to weakened bones
• Hair thinning or loss, particularly of body hair
• The onset of sleep apnea or the exacerbation of existing sleep disorders

If you recognize one or several of these signs, you might want to evaluate your eligibility for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). However, an official diagnosis requires blood tests to confirm low testosterone levels.

At Gameday Men’s Health, our medical professionals are committed to assisting you throughout the process, from testing your testosterone levels to discussing potential TRT strategies.

How does TRT Works

Having addressed the query of what Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) entails, you might be curious about its mechanism. Simply put, TRT supplements your body with the necessary testosterone to function optimally. Testosterone, a critical androgen for both men and women, influences a plethora of biological functions that are essential to maintaining health and promoting longevity.

Consider the implications of deficient testosterone levels, commonly referred to as low T, which are linked to a heightened risk of developing health issues such as type-2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease, among other significant health challenges.

When levels of testosterone are deficient, it becomes a considerable challenge to both gain and preserve muscle mass. This is due to testosterone’s critical role as an anabolic hormone, which greatly influences the synthesis of muscle protein.

If your body isn’t producing an adequate amount of testosterone, your overall health could be at risk until the imbalance is addressed. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) aims to restore your testosterone levels to a healthy range. By doing so, it gradually aids in alleviating the symptoms associated with low testosterone levels.

Upon establishing a consistent dosage of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), many individuals experience a notable boost in their energy, overall vitality, and life satisfaction. Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize that TRT is not a quick fix; the tangible benefits may take 1-2 months to materialize for some users.

It’s crucial to undertake this treatment under the supervision of a certified physician with expertise in TRT, such as the team at Gameday Men’s Health. Given that testosterone is classified as a controlled substance in the United States and various other nations, a valid prescription is required for its lawful use.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRT?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) offers a diverse range of benefits for individuals experiencing low testosterone levels, and its effectiveness is contingent on allowing sufficient time for the testosterone to reestablish equilibrium within the body.
For those embarking on their TRT journey, it’s important to manage expectations. Immediate results should not be anticipated; while short-term improvements are possible, TRT is a gradual process that fosters long-term balance rather than serving as an instantaneous solution as some may perceive.
Although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is highly effective for men experiencing low testosterone and serves as a viable solution for managing this challenging hormonal disorder over the long term.

The immediate advantages of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can manifest as:

The short-term benefits of TRT may include:

1. An increased sexual desire and drive.
2. Enhanced quality of erections.
3. A boost in energy levels and sharper cognitive abilities.
4. Greater overall vitality, motivation, and a surge in confidence during daily activities.
5. Better regulation of appetite.
6. Significant enhancement in the quality of sleep.

Following a persistent regimen of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for several months, patients commonly report a variety of improvements, including:

1. Accelerated muscle development when consistently paired with dedicated weight training.
2. Quicker recuperation periods post-exercise.
3. A noticeable thickening in facial hair growth.
4. Strengthened bone density and enhanced joint function.
5. A significant boost in red blood cell production.
6. An overall enhancement in immune system efficacy.

Keep in mind that Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is tailored to the individual needs and responses of each person. Quick results should not be the expected norm, as the benefits of TRT are realized over a more extended period. It’s crucial to focus on the long-term health impacts rather than seeking an immediate solution.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF TRT?

Like most prescription drugs, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may have side effects after sustained use. Fortunately, side effects tend to be minimal because TRT aims to maintain testosterone levels within a normal range. Should testosterone levels become elevated during TRT, your healthcare provider will make necessary dosage adjustments.

Despite common misconceptions, testosterone has an often undeserved negative reputation. The belief that it causes severe side effects or aggressive behavior—sometimes referred to as “roid rage”—is unfounded when administered in therapeutic doses, such as those used in TRT. However, it’s important to note that taking testosterone in excessive amounts for body enhancement purposes can significantly increase the risk of adverse effects, including, but not limited to, gynecomastia, infertility, and hypertension.

Contrarily, the potential adverse effects associated with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) are quite minimal. It is observable that some individuals might experience an increase in skin oiliness, enhanced growth of body hair, particularly on the back and chest, as well as a reduction in testicular size after undergoing TRT for a duration. It’s important to note, however, that these side effects are generally manageable and may even diminish over time as the body acclimates to the therapy.

Why do testicles shrink during testosterone therapy? Our body’s hormonal balance operates on a finely tuned feedback loop, specifically the HPG axis, involving the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the gonads (testes). Normally, the pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone (LH) that signals the testes to produce testosterone, maintaining levels within a normal range.

However, introducing external testosterone disrupts this axis, as the body receives a signal that it has sufficient testosterone through an outside source, known as exogenous testosterone. This in turn leads to a decreased production of LH and consequently a reduction in natural testosterone synthesis by the testes. With the body’s testosterone production diminished, the testicles can atrophy, leading to a decrease in size. This process, often a side effect of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), is a direct consequence of the body’s self-regulating mechanism responding to the artificial supplementation of hormones.

As a consequence of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), there is a possibility that testicular size may decrease due to the reduced production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and, consequently, testosterone in the testes. This could also lead to lower sperm counts, presenting challenges for those desiring to start a family.

Fortunately, effective strategies exist to mitigate these adverse effects. Regular hygiene practices, including daily bathing and grooming combined with appropriate skin care products, can help manage potential skin-related issues like acne or increased body hair. Introducing human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) – a substance that mimics LH – into the TRT regimen has been known to support the preservation of fertility and testicular dimensions.

However, it’s crucial to remember that any modifications to your TRT plan or changes in medication should be undertaken only after thorough consultation with a healthcare provider.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF TRT?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is recognized as a secure and beneficial hormonal therapy, often employed in the treatment of men experiencing low testosterone levels. In instances where the body does not generate adequate amounts of testosterone, TRT is capable of replenishing these levels to a normal, healthy range.

Should the signs highlighted in this discussion indicate the possibility of low testosterone levels, it’s crucial to proceed with a medical evaluation, which typically includes a blood test. Testosterone is a pivotal hormone, primarily in men. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) has consistently proven transformative for individuals experiencing low testosterone, offering significant enhancements in their quality of life.

For a comprehensive understanding of TRT and to set clear expectations, we invite you to peruse our extensive resource, “The Man’s Guide to TRT.”

REFERENCES

1. McBride, J. A., Carson III, C. C., & Coward, R. M. (2016). Testosterone deficiency in the aging male. Therapeutic advances in urology, 8(1), 47-60.
2. Mulligan, T., Frick, M. F., Zuraw, Q. C., Stemhagen, A., & McWhirter, C. (2006). Prevalence of hypogonadism in males aged at least 45 years: the HIM study. International journal of clinical practice, 60(7), 762-769.
3. Hoberman, J. M., & Yesalis, C. E. (1995). The history of synthetic testosterone. Scientific American, 272(2), 76-81.
4. Seal, L. J. (2009). Testosterone replacement therapy. Medicine, 37(9), 445-449.
5. Brodsky, I. G., Balagopal, P., & Nair, K. S. (1996). Effects of testosterone replacement on muscle mass and muscle protein synthesis in hypogonadal men–a clinical research center study. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 81(10), 3469-3475.
6. Dohle, G. R., Smit, M., & Weber, R. F. A. (2003). Androgens and male fertility. World journal of urology, 21(5), 341-345.