Are you or someone you love battling with the natural consequences of growing older? If so, you don’t have to keep suffering. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an increasingly common medical treatment designed to help men handle the negative impacts and effects of aging. Testosterone levels naturally drop with age, affecting as many as 1 in 4 men over 30. Typically, T levels reduce in men by about 1% a year.

This hormone, produced in the testes, is essential to male functioning, as it affects everything from bone density to libido, hair health, muscle strength, mood, and more. When testosterone levels are low, also known as hypogonadism, men can experience fatigue, depression, poor sleep, and decreased self-confidence, among other things. All of this can greatly impact your daily life and well-being, and it’s even been potentially linked to shorter lifespans in men.

Fortunately, there’s a treatment that can help: TRT.

What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

Testosterone replacement therapy is a way of rebuilding low T levels through external medications. It’s a fairly simple treatment, but it’s quite effective at bringing hormone levels back into a more healthy range.

TRT comes in a variety of forms that can be tailored to your preferences, such as pills, injections, patches, or creams. All of them work by artificially delivering testosterone to your body, similar to how people with Type 1 diabetes use insulin injections.

The exact dosage and formulation of TRT will be determined by your healthcare provider based on your specific needs and symptoms.

Who Should Try TRT

No two people are quite the same, so it’s important to remember that both hypogonadism and TRT will affect everyone differently. As such, what works well for one person may not work for another.

To be approved for a TRT treatment plan, you’ll need to undergo some blood testing to confirm that your T levels are not where they should be. Hypogonadism is generally diagnosed when T levels drop below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl), as defined by the American Urological Association.

Hypogonadism can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most prevalent is aging, but T levels may also drop as a result of testicular cancer, injuries to the testicles, obesity, genetics, chemotherapy, and even certain foods. If you think you may have low T levels, check for some of the following symptoms:

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

TRT usually isn’t recommended for aging unless the symptoms of it begin to significantly impact your life. If you are growing older but still feel healthy, it may not be for you. However, if you’re over 30 and find yourself chronically depressed, tired, or weak, it may be a good idea to get your hormone levels examined to see if TRT can help.

Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Since good testosterone levels are such a vital and necessary part of male functioning, there is a wide variety of ways that testosterone replacement therapy has many potential benefits on your life and health.

Improved Energy Levels

One of the quickest impacts on health after starting TRT is a strong boost in energy and vitality. Many men start to sleep better within just a few weeks, leading to them feeling more rested at the start of each day. They experience less fatigue, lethargy, and overall exhaustion.

Better Moods and Brain Function

Mental health impacts like depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings are common indicators of low testosterone. Taking TRT can directly help with this, however, by helping with emotional regulation. Studies have found a correlation between TRT and mental wellness, demonstrating its benefits in reducing symptoms of depression.

TRT doesn’t just help with mood, though — it can also assist in boosting cognitive function and brain health. Areas like memory, mental performance, and concentration have been shown to improve in some studies after starting a TRT regimen.

Higher Libido and Sexual Wellness

One of the most noticeable ways that low T affects men is through decreased libido and sex drive, as testosterone is a crucial hormone in regulating sexual desire. When levels are low, it may also cause other related issues like erectile dysfunction. By restoring testosterone to higher levels through TRT, many men find they have a renewed sense of sexual desire and improvement in sexual function.

Improved Overall Physical Health

There are a myriad of ways that TRT can boost physical health. It helps with muscle mass, bone mineral density, and heart and cardiovascular health. It also helps reduce fat mass and can prevent or treat anemia. Additionally, men with diabetes sometimes notice improvements in their insulin resistance. As a result, men on TRT feel stronger, have better workout results, and may live longer to boot.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

As with any pharmaceutical medication, there is some potential risk of negative side effects when on testosterone replacement therapy. Fortunately, these are often minimal and sometimes go away on their own. If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor to determine whether your TRT regimen needs to be adjusted or discontinued.

The most common side effects of TRT include:

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

There are also a few long-term effects that may occur, such as decreased sperm counts or a higher risk of blood clots.

Final Thoughts

Testosterone replacement therapy has many promising benefits for men struggling with the natural decline in testosterone that comes with age. While TRT has been shown to improve energy levels, mood, libido, and overall physical health, it’s important to approach treatment under medical supervision due to the potential risks and side effects.

If you suspect low testosterone is affecting your quality of life, consider discussing TRT with one of our doctors to determine if it’s the right choice for you.