The average testosterone value in healthy adult males is between 300 to 1000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Testosterone levels start to fluctuate once you hit the age of 30.
When that happens, it’s easy to think testosterone replacement therapy is a good option. And while it might be, testosterone therapy also has some risks.
But how do you know if testosterone therapy is right for you? Is testosterone replacement therapy safe?
We’ll go through everything you need to know below. So keep reading to learn more!
What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The procedure treats male hypogonadism, a condition caused by low levels of the male hormone testosterone. TRT also restores testosterone concentrations to normal levels.
The most common forms of TRT are injectables, patches, gels, and implants. TRT helps the body produce this male hormone. These hormones help with the development of muscles and bones, sperm production, and sexual function.
Different Kinds of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
TRT can come in various forms, such as pills, patches, gels, and injections. To learn more about them, you can click for low T treatment here or read below for a detailed breakdown:
Pills
TRT pills are a type of prescription TRT for men with low testosterone levels. People take these pills orally, usually once a day. They are typically composed of either testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate.
The pills increase testosterone levels in the body. They can help with many symptoms associated with low testosterone. This includes low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass.
Doctors can prescribe TRT pills alone or in combination with topical treatments, injections, or patches. It all depends on the severity of the condition.
Patches
Patches are a popular form of therapy since they are easy, convenient, and transdermal methods. People apply them directly to the skin. And it provides the patient with quick absorption and delivery of hormones into their body.
Depending on the product, some patches need replacement twice a week, and some only once a week. Typical areas for application are the abdomen, shoulders, arms, back, and back of thighs.
Patches should be dry and not show through clothing, so they are strategically placed depending on the patient’s needs. They are easy to apply and require less frequent maintenance. So this makes them more convenient for people who don’t want to deal with frequent injections or creams.
Gels
Gels are one of the main forms of TRT. People administer this therapy to the skin where it releases testosterone into the bloodstream. Gels come in tubes, bottles, or pens and are applied daily to the shoulders, upper arms, thighs, or sometimes even to the abdomen.
The gel form is for long-term testosterone therapy since the application is often done only once per day. It is also beneficial for those taking blood thinners as it reduces the risk of health issues.
Injections
Injections are perhaps the most common form of delivery for TRT. This is because injections give hormones a direct entrance into the muscle. Clients can choose between two types of injections: intramuscular injections or subcutaneous injections.
Intramuscular injections involve positioning the needle deep into the muscle. So the muscle absorbs the hormone faster. This type of therapy is often recommended for those who need a larger dosage of testosterone.
Subcutaneous injections, on the other hand, involve administering a smaller dosage of the hormone below the skin. This is generally recommended for those who need smaller dosages of testosterone.
The Benefits
TRT offers many health benefits physically, psychologically, and sexually.
Physically, TRT increases muscle mass and decreases fat levels. So people tend to gain a healthier physique. It can also help regulate blood pressure levels and decrease certain risk factors related to heart health.
Psychologically, TRT helps improve cognitive function, mood, and energy levels. For example, TRT may give men a greater sense of motivation, allowing them to take on new challenges in life.
On the sexual front, TRT can increase the amount of testosterone in the body. This leads to an improved libido and sexual performance.
The Risks
While TRT has been found to have many positive benefits, it also carries some concerns and potential health risks. This is especially for those with heart disease, stroke, sleep disorders, and prostate cancer.
One noted risk of TRT is that it can lead to an increase in risk factors for prostate cancer. This is because TRT alters cells of the prostate in ways that are like “natural” aging, potentially deteriorating it over time.
TRT can also increase the size of the prostate, leading to potentially painful and uncomfortable symptoms. There might even be an increase in the risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Other risks include infertility, hair loss, liver toxicity, sleep apnea, and cardiovascular issues. Therefore, you should carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding to undergo TRT.
Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Safe for You?
Testosterone therapy is relatively safe when administered by a qualified medical professional. However, as with most medical procedures, it has potential risks and side effects. For more information, you should contact the professionals at a clinic like Male Excel for TRT advice and get more detailed information before you make a decision on what you’re comfortable doing.
So it is important to thoroughly research before determining if this form of therapy is right for you. You should also understand the long-term effects of the therapy. This is because there is limited evidence available on the long-term safety of such treatment.
You should also discuss your health history and current lifestyle with your healthcare provider. This will help determine whether this treatment is suitable for you. But ultimately, the decision to pursue TRT rests with you.
Take Your Time in Making a Decision
Is testosterone replacement therapy safe? Well, it is safe when done in moderation and with the guidance of a licensed doctor. But it may not be the right choice for everyone, as there are potential side effects and risks.
It is important to do your research responsibly, ask the right questions, and speak to the right people. The decision should always be yours. And it should be made with consideration to your circumstances and state of health.
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