What is Testosterone Therapy?
Testosterone therapy, also known as TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), is a treatment used to raise low testosterone levels in men back to normal. It can be given in different forms like injections, gels, patches, or pellets placed under the skin.
The goal of testosterone treatment is to help relieve symptoms that occur with low T such as:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased energy and endurance
- Loss of muscle mass
- Weight gain
- Mood changes like depression
Who is a Candidate for Testosterone Therapy?
Men who have low testosterone caused by one of these health issues may benefit from TRT:
- Primary hypogonadism - Testes do not work due to inherited conditions, infection, trauma, etc.
- Secondary hypogonadism - Pituitary gland problem.
- Testosterone deficiency due to age - Levels drop about 1% per year after 30.
Doctors will run blood tests to diagnose low T and determine if supplementation is needed.
What are the Benefits?
When used properly and under medical supervision, testosterone therapy offers several advantages:
- Relieves low T symptoms
- Improves sex drive, erections
- Builds energy, muscle mass
- Enhances mood and mental clarity
- May increase bone strength
What are the Risks?
Potential side effects include acne, swelling in legs/feet, gynecomastia (breast growth), shrinking testicles, infertility. More serious risks involve the heart and prostate:
- Blood counts - TRT increases red blood cells that thicken blood and raise clot risks
- Cardiovascular - Increased plaque buildup in arteries may raise chances of heart attack
- Prostate - May spur growth of prostate cancer cells
To mitigate risks, therapy is tailored to the smallest dose that relieves deficiency symptoms under doctor supervision with regular checkups and lab testing.
I hope this gives a helpful overview of what testosterone replacement therapy entails!