The aging process in men, not surprisingly, comes with a wide variety of physical changes. You see a loss in muscle mass, potential weight gain, bone density decrease, and an increased risk for heart disease.
You can chalk up many of these changes to the approximately 2-3 percent testosterone drop you experience every year. This drop, and the accompanying changes, usually fall in the normal range.
In some cases, though, testosterone levels drop below the accepted normal range. It’s commonly referred to as low T.
One possible treatment for low T is TRT therapy or testosterone replacement therapy. Curious about what it is and how it works? Keep reading for a quick breakdown.
What Is TRT Therapy?
In practical terms, testosterone replacement therapy is exactly what it sounds like. A doctor prescribes testosterone to you as the treatment for your unusually low testosterone levels. The ultimate goal is for the treatment to restore your testosterone levels to a normal level.
Benefits of Testosterone Therapy
Low testosterone levels come with a wide variety of possible symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms include:
- Low energy
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Bone loss
- Weight gain
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sex drive
Testosterone therapy can help alleviate some or even all of these symptoms.
TRT Risks
TRT does provide benefits, but it’s not a risk-free treatment. Some potential risks include:
- Blood clots
- Higher risk of stroke
- Higher risk of heart attack
- Possible infertility
There is also the potential for your testosterone levels to get too high. There are symptoms of too much testosterone in men, such as:
- Anger
- Poor judgment
- Mood swings
- Risky behavior
- Increased estrogen levels
If you or someone close to you notices these kinds of changes, speak with your doctor immediately. It may mean that your dose is off and requires adjustment.
How Does TRT Work?
There is no single approach to administering the testosterone supplement. Rather, there are a number of options that you’ll discuss with your doctor. Each approach has its pros and cons.
One of the more common options is a patch. You simply apply the patch to your skin, although it can take more than one patch per day. You may also see irritation at the patch site.
You can also get gels that just rub into your skin. You can’t let others come into contact with the application site or you risk unintentional transfer of the gel.
Injections are another option, but they provide uneven results as your testosterone levels fluctuate.
TRT Therapy and You
TRT therapy might sound like a fix for many of the problems associated with male aging, but it’s not a cure-all. The treatment is meant for those with abnormally low testosterone levels, not for those who are experiencing a normal decline in testosterone from aging.
If you have abnormally low testosterone, though, treatments like patches, gels, and injections can help restore your muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive.
Looking for more health-related information and tips? Check out the post in our Health & Wellness section.
