Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Benefits & Side Effects

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Department of Urology

Your healthcare provider will gradually increase the dose, while monitoring improvements in your symptoms and for side effects [1-8]. It is important to note that TRT should not be taken by people with normal testosterone levels or those seeking to enhance athletic performance or muscle mass beyond normal levels. The therapy is specifically designed for those with hypogonadism who meet the eligibility criteria and have been thoroughly evaluated for potential risks and benefits. When you start testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), your dosage will likely need adjustments over time. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and different people need different amounts of testosterone to maintain healthy levels. The process of monitoring your dosage is crucial to making sure your therapy is effective and safe in the long run. Below are the main ways doctors monitor and manage TRT dosage over time.

Its effects can vary depending on individual health conditions. Careful monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider are crucial for older men and those with pre-existing heart issues. Doctors may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy to treat low testosterone levels.

This medication works by increasing the body’s production of testosterone. It is used in various regimens to preserve testicular volume, preserve fertility, and re-stimulate the testicles after periods of testosterone administration. Hormonal imbalances can affect everything from mood to metabolism. Learn how to recognize 8 key symptoms and what steps to take for lasting relief.

Patches are designed to release a consistent dose, but they can sometimes cause skin irritation. Dosage is usually determined by the size of the patch, and most men start with a 4 mg or 8 mg patch. Doctors may change the size of the patch or how often you apply it based on how well it works for you. Patches are a good option for people who want an easy, daily TRT routine, but they can be less flexible when it comes to adjusting doses compared to injections or gels.

A doctor will recommend a dosage ranging from 225–396 mg, and a person will typically take oral testosterone tablets twice daily. As for the risk of prostate cancer, the link to prostate cancer is fuzzy. Because there are androgen receptors in the prostate, testosterone can make it grow. So if you already have an enlarged prostate that makes it difficult to urinate, testosterone could exacerbate the issue, says Dr. Tamler. However, there isn’t evidence to suggest that T actually causes prostate cancer. One thing to worry about if you’re going the topical testosterone therapy route is transference, especially to female partners or children, Dr. Patel says. Testosterone from gels or creams can be spread from skin-to-skin contact or from your clothing and absorbed by someone else.

But watching over these levels is another reason you should be under a doctor’s care when taking testosterone. Regaining a healthy sex drive is one of the biggest benefits of testosterone replacement therapy, he says. T-therapy can possibly make your erections more satisfying, too.

TRT is traditionally used to treat hypogonadism, which occurs when your testes (also called gonads) don’t produce enough testosterone. According to an article in American Family Physician, the average male’s T production goes down by about 1 to 2 percent each year. Hone-affiliated medical practices are independently owned and operated by licensed physicians who provide services using the Hone telehealth platform. For more information about the relationship between Hone and the medical practices, click here. As long as you follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor, you’ll stay ahead of the problem. You must understand going into the process that the journey to self-improvement is not a sprint, but a marathon.

Regular follow-ups with a hormone specialist ensure that TRT remains safe, effective, and aligned with the individual’s health goals. These therapies can support mental health and enhance the overall effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a treatment option for men experiencing low testosterone levels. This method involves pellets that are placed under the skin every three to six months. Once they are administered, the pellets require the least amount of maintenance and a high level of continuous steady dosing. However, they do require minor surgery each time a new dosage is due.

Your healthcare provider will recommend regular testing to make sure TRT isn’t hurting your health. But it’s important to remember that TRT comes with potential risks and side effects. Eisenberg says that studies of TRT’s benefits and risks have had mixed results and provide limited answers.

Getting the dosage right is not just about fixing symptoms; it’s about maintaining overall health. Testosterone plays a significant role in cardiovascular health, bone density, and mental clarity. Keeping testosterone levels in check is important for long-term well-being, and the right dosage helps ensure that TRT benefits the body without causing harm. Incorrect doses can lead to problems like high red blood cell counts, which increases the risk of blood clots, or low HDL cholesterol, which is important for heart health. In conclusion, finding the right dosage for TRT requires collaboration between you and your healthcare provider.