As men age, it’s not uncommon for them to start battling with low testosterone. This affliction affects roughly 1 in 4 men over the age of 30, which grows with age — one study found that more than 50% of men over 80 have low testosterone levels. The amount of men experiencing low testosterone also appears to be growing with each generation, particularly among young adults. On average, testosterone levels drop about 1% a year after age your 30s.

The testes’ function determines testosterone, a male hormone that helps regulate bone and muscle strength, sexual function and libido, fat distribution, red blood cell production, hair, and moods. As such, testosterone levels need to remain consistent to ensure full-body wellness.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been around for decades, but it’s starting to gain popularity as more men struggle with low testosterone. If you’re interested in seeking this treatment, be sure to learn about all potential risks and benefits to determine whether or not it may be right for you.

Common Causes and Signs of Low Testosterone

While it’s normal for testosterone levels to lower with age, there are a few reasons why some men may experience bigger drops than others. Several medical terms, including testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism, are also used to refer to low testosterone.

Some of the most common reasons for low testosterone are:

• Medical treatments: Medical procedures like chemotherapy have side effects that can include low testosterone.
• Injuries or cancer: Damage to the testicles, undescended testicles, or testicular cancer can affect testosterone levels.
• Obesity: Although testosterone levels decrease with age, being overweight can cause imbalances even in younger men.
• Genetics: Some hereditary conditions, such as Kallman syndrome, can cause low testosterone.
• Hormone disorders: Pituitary gland disease, tuberculosis, HIV, and more can all cause low testosterone levels.
• Food: Certain foods, such as mint, soy products, bread, poor-quality meat, and alcohol have all been linked to lowered testosterone.

It can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of low testosterone, particularly if a male patient isn’t presenting with many symptoms. However, it can be vital for medical professionals to determine whether it’s normal aging or a sign of another issue to prevent health issues from worsening gradually.

Some men don’t experience significant problems associated with low testosterone, but other people do. A few of the most common indicators of low testosterone levels include:

• erectile dysfunction (ED)
• lowered libido
• hair loss
• swollen breasts
• insomnia or fatigue
• depression
• weight gain
• acne
• difficulty concentrating

If you experience three or more of the above symptoms, it may be a good idea to get tested for low T.

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment that can help men with hypogonadism regain more normal functioning. It’s not often recommended as a solution to regular aging unless it becomes a hindrance to daily life and wellness, but some older men do find that it helps promote youth and vitality.

TRT is fairly simple; it works by using exogenous (external) sources of testosterone to bring T levels back to a normal, healthy range. It can come in the form of an injection, patch, pill, cream, gel, or implantable pellets.

While TRT is a great recovery option for many men, it’s not ideal for everyone. Read on to learn more about how TRT may or may not be able to help you with the effects of aging.

Benefits of TRT

Before starting a TRT regimen, it’s important to understand all of the potential benefits and side effects associated with this treatment.

Everyone reacts to this treatment differently, so be sure to monitor your daily mood, energy levels, and other health indicators to track changes over time. It can take up to six months to fully feel the effects of TRT, but many men report improvements much sooner.

If TRT is effective, you should notice an increase in energy, libido, and mood. It can gradually help rebuild muscle mass and bone density as well as improve cognitive function, heart health, memory, and hair growth. Overall, TRT has the ability to help men feel like their younger, healthier, and more confident selves.

Potential Risks of TRT

Although TRT is an excellent resource that has helped many men recover from the effects of low testosterone, it still comes with some risks and side effects that you should be aware of.

If you have preexisting conditions including prostate cancer, sleep apnea, or heart failure, it’s recommended to avoid TRT as it can worsen these ailments. Additionally, many healthcare professionals recommend screening for prostate cancer before starting TRT since it may lead to a growth in existing cancer cells.

TRT is also associated with some side effects. Many of these are merely an annoyance, but you should discuss them with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice changes after starting treatment. Side effects of TRT include:

• rashes or itching
• increased acne
• breast or ankle swelling
• testicle shrinkage
• sleep apnea
• mood swings
• painful erections

If you use TRT over an extended period of time, it may contribute to long-term side effects like decreased sperm counts or an increased risk of blood clots and cardiovascular issues.

Getting Testosterone Replacement Therapy: The Next Steps

If you’re interested in trying TRT for hypogonadism, VeriNew can help. Our doctors can help you determine whether or not it may be an effective treatment based on your symptoms and health needs. To find out more, simply book an appointment today!